Fujisawa, Japan
Region: Kanagawa
Geographic Coordinates: 35.350000, 139.467000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 436744
Language: Japanese
Fujisawa is a stunning city located in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan. It boasts a population of around 430, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 69 square kilometers. The city is situated on the coast of Sagami Bay and is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains. One of Fujisawa’s most popular attractions is Enoshima Island, Which can be accessed via a bridge from the mainland. This small island offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days and features several shrines, Temples, Gardens, And beaches to explore.
Visitors can also indulge in delicious seafood at one of the many restaurants or engage in various water sports such as surfing, Windsurfing, Kayaking or paddleboarding. Another must-see attraction in Fujisawa is Kamakura City which was once Japan’s political capital during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The city has numerous historical sites including ancient temples such as Hasedera Temple – home to a giant statue of Kannon Bodhisattva – and Kotokuin Temple where visitors can see the famous Great Buddha statue.
Fujisawa also boasts some fantastic museums such as Shonan Museum showcasing contemporary art from both local and international artists; Tsujido Seaside Park displaying marine life exhibits; Fujisawa City Art Space exhibiting works by local artists; and Ryukoji Temple Museum featuring artifacts from ancient times. For those interested in shopping, There are plenty of options available in Fujisawa. One popular destination for shoppers is Shonan Mall which houses over 200 stores selling everything from fashion items to electronics.
Another great place to shop is Komachi-dori Street which has been designated as one of Japan’s top shopping streets with its many souvenir shops selling traditional Japanese crafts like pottery or lacquerware. Foodies will love exploring Fujisawa’s culinary scene with its wide range of dishes that reflect the city’s coastal location. Some must-try dishes include Kamakura-style shirasu-don (rice bowl topped with baby sardines), Shonan-style ramen, And Fujisawa’s famous fish cakes known as kamaboko. There are also many other local delicacies to be enjoyed such as fresh seafood, Soba noodles, And traditional Japanese sweets.
Fujisawa is easily accessible from Tokyo by train taking only 50 minutes on the JR Tokaido Line. The city is also well-connected to other popular destinations in the region such as Yokohama and Hakone making it an ideal base for exploring Kanagawa Prefecture. With its stunning natural beauty, Rich cultural heritage, Delicious cuisine and excellent transport links – Fujisawa is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.
- Enoshima Island is a small island located just off the coast of Fujisawa that is famous for its shrines, temples, and scenic views.
- Kamakura is a historic city located nearby Fujisawa that is known for its many temples and shrines, including the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
- Shonan Beach is a popular beach area in Fujisawa that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
- Tsujido Beach is another popular beach area in Fujisawa known for its clear waters and sandy shores.
- Enoshima Aquarium is a large aquarium located on Enoshima Island that features a variety of marine life from around the world.
- Kugenuma Beach is a quiet beach area in Fujisawa that is popular among surfers due to its consistent waves.
- Katase Higashihama Beach Park is an expansive park near Shonan Beach that features walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Ryukoji Temple is a historic temple located in Fujisawa that dates back to the 14th century.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: One of the most important shrines in Kamakura which was founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo who established the first samurai government here in 1192 AD
- Kamakuragu Shrine: A small shrine dedicated to Minamoto no Yoritomo’s wife which has a beautiful garden with cherry blossom trees
- Electronics: Fujisawa is home to several electronics companies such as Sony, Toshiba, and NEC.
- Pharmaceuticals: Many pharmaceutical companies have their headquarters or research facilities in Fujisawa including Eisai Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Astellas Pharma Inc.
- Automotive: The automotive industry is also present in Fujisawa with companies like Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. having a manufacturing plant in the city.
- Retail: There are several shopping malls and department stores located in Fujisawa including Aeon Mall Fujisawa Shonan, Parco Fujisawa, and Isetan.
- Tourism: Due to its proximity to the coast, there are many tourist attractions in Fujisawa such as Enoshima Island which draws visitors from all over Japan.
- Education: Several universities have campuses located in or near Fujisawa including Keio University’s Shonan-Fujisaw Campus and Tokai University’s Shonan Campus.
- Food processing: There are several food processing plants located throughout the city such as Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.’s Shinshu Factory which produces instant noodles.
- Construction materials: Companies like Taiheiyo Cement Corporation have their factories situated here producing cement products among others.
- Enoshima Shrine is a well-known Shinto shrine situated on the picturesque island of Enoshima, which is located in Fujisawa.
- Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine is another famous Shinto shrine that can be found in Kamakura, a city within Fujisawa.
- Minamoto no Yoritomo was the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate and also the founder of Kamakura.
- The Hojo clan was an influential samurai clan that governed over the Kamakura shogunate for more than a century.
- The Yokohama Port Opening Ceremony took place in 1859 and marked a significant turning point in Japan’s modernization process as it opened up foreign trade through Yokohama port.
- The Great Kanto Earthquake occurred in 1923 and caused widespread devastation throughout Tokyo and surrounding areas, including Fujisawa.
- Hayao Miyazaki is a renowned Japanese animator who co-founded Studio Ghibli and grew up in nearby Zushi City, which is close to Fujisawa.
- The Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Modern Art can be found in Hayama, a town within Fujisawa, and features works by prominent Japanese artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami.
- Shonan Bellmare Football Club is a professional football club based in Hiratsuka City within Fujisawa that has been competing at the highest level of Japanese football since its establishment back in 1972.
- The Tokaido Road was an important transportation route during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868) connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto passing through several cities along Kanagawa prefecture’s coast including Fujisawa.
- Enoshima Island is a small yet stunning island that boasts a beautiful shrine, gardens, and sea caves.
- The Shonan Museum of Art is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
- Fujisawa City Art Space serves as an art center that regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, and events for artists and enthusiasts alike.
- Tsujido Seaside Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the beach along with playgrounds and sports facilities such as tennis courts.
- The Kamakura Great Buddha stands tall in the nearby city of Kamakura, attracting visitors from all over the world with its grandeur.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a historic shrine located in Kamakura that dates back centuries to the 12th century.
- Meigetsu-in Temple is known for its serene atmosphere and stunning garden which becomes especially beautiful during autumn foliage season.
- The Enoshima Aquarium offers various marine life exhibits including dolphins and penguins making it an exciting destination for families with kids.
- Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History showcases the rich history and culture of Kanagawa Prefecture through interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.
- Kugenuma Kaihin Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping grounds, sports facilities like soccer fields or tennis courts along with BBQ areas perfect for picnics on the beach.
- Enoshima Tenno Festival is a traditional festival that takes place in July every year to honor the deity of Enoshima Shrine.
- Fujisawa Beach Party is an annual event held in August that includes live music, food, and fireworks.
- Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is a popular summer festival held in Hiratsuka City with colorful decorations and traditional performances.
- Kamakura Matsuri is a major festival held in Kamakura City featuring parades, traditional dances, and other cultural events.
- Fujisawa Fireworks Festival features a spectacular display of fireworks on the beach annually either in July or August.
- Oiso Summer Festival is another nearby summer festival with food stalls, music performances, and a parade of portable shrines.
- Sagami Bay Fireworks Festival stands as one of Japan’s largest fireworks displays held annually on the beach near Fujisawa City.
- Kanagawa International Film Festival showcases international films from around the world with screenings at various venues throughout Kanagawa prefecture including Fujisawa city itself every year as an annual event.
- Shonan Kamakura Ramen: A local specialty of ramen noodles served with soy sauce-based soup, pork, bamboo shoots, and seaweed. Popular restaurants serving this dish include Katsu-Ya and Ramen Nakamura.
- Sushi: Fujisawa has many sushi restaurants that serve fresh seafood caught from the nearby Sagami Bay. Some popular sushi places include Sushidokoro Kato and Sushiro.
- Yakitori: Grilled skewered chicken is a popular dish in Fujisawa, often served with sake or beer. Some recommended yakitori places are Torikichi and Yakitori no Tonton.
- Tempura: Deep-fried seafood or vegetables coated in a light batter is another local specialty, often served with dipping sauce or salt. Try Tenya for affordable tempura dishes.
- Izakaya: These Japanese-style pubs offer a variety of small dishes to share over drinks with friends or colleagues after work. Some recommended izakayas are Hana no Mai and Tsuruya Shoten.
- Shaved ice (kakigori): A refreshing summer dessert made of shaved ice topped with sweet syrup or condensed milk and fruit pieces like strawberries or mangoes can be found at Kakigoriya Shimizu.
- Oden: Oden is a traditional Japanese winter dish made by stewing various ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, konjac (devil’s tongue), fish cakes (kamaboko), tofu products etc., in dashi broth seasoned with soy sauce etc., it can be found at any convenience store as well as some restaurants like Matsuya.
- Enoshima Island is a small island situated off the coast of Fujisawa that offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, beach activities, and sightseeing.
- Tsujido Beach is a popular beach in Fujisawa that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
- Shonan Bellmare Stadium serves as the home stadium for the professional football team Shonan Bellmare and hosts regular matches throughout the year.
- Fujisawa City Greenery Park is a large park located in central Fujisawa that features walking trails, picnic areas, and various sports facilities.
- Kanagawa Prefectural Sagami River Park provides scenic views along the Sagami River in Fujisawa while also offering opportunities for fishing and boating.
- Kugenuma Kaihin Park is a seaside park with playgrounds, BBQ areas, and a skatepark.
- Kamakura Hiking Trail runs through Kamakura city from Kita-Kamakura station to Kamakura station with beautiful views along the way.
- Enoshima Aquarium boasts over 20K marine animals including dolphins and penguins among others making it one of its kinds.
- Enoshima Shrine has historic significance located on Enoshima Island.
- Enoshima Spa provides hot springs baths with ocean views at their spa facility.
