Things To Do
in Nakai
Nakai is a small, quiet town in Kanagawa Prefecture known for its farming landscapes, low-rise neighborhoods and proximity to the Tanzawa and Hakone foothills. The town offers a relaxed pace of life with rice paddies, local shrines and seasonal festivals that highlight community traditions. It’s an excellent base for day trips to nearby hot-spring areas, mountain hikes and coastal attractions along Sagami Bay.
Visitors come for nature, simple local food and an authentic look at rural Japanese life not far from larger urban centers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Hozanji Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. Engage in a meditation session, allowing the tranquility of the temple grounds to infuse your morning with peace. Don't forget to take a walk around the gardens, where the vibrant colors of the flowers provide a stunning backdrop.
After lunch at a local eatery, head to the nearby Muroo Temple, famous for its ancient artifacts and rich history. Join a guided tour to learn about the significance of the temple in Japanese culture and its role in the community. Spend some time sketching the temple's picturesque surroundings.
As the sun sets, visit the Nakai waterfront for breathtaking views over the water. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade, inhaling the salty sea air while the sky transforms into a palette of warm hues. Cap off the evening at a nearby izakaya, savoring traditional Japanese dishes accompanied by local sake.
Rise early to hike the scenic trails of the Nakai mountains, where the crisp air invigorates your spirit. Keep an eye out for native wildlife as you traverse the lush landscapes dotted with vibrant flora. Reach a lookout point just in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the horizon.
After your hike, enjoy a packed picnic lunch at one of the designated resting areas, soaking in the surrounding beauty. Spend the afternoon rock climbing or exploring the hidden waterfalls that sprinkle the mountainside. Capture the spectacular views on your camera to cherish these moments.
As twilight approaches, settle down at a traditional ryokan, welcoming the evening with a hot bath sourced from natural hot springs. Indulge in a multi-course kaiseki dinner, where each dish is an artful presentation. Share stories with fellow travelers under a starlit sky, encapsulating the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $1.50-3 |
| 🚆One-way train to nearby city | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful rural atmosphere and authentic local culture
- Close access to nature, hiking and hot-spring day trips
- Fresh seasonal produce and simple homestyle cuisine
- Easy day-trip connections to larger tourist areas (Hakone, coast)
- Limited nightlife and few entertainment options after dark
- Fewer English services and limited public transport late at night
- Smaller selection of restaurants and specialty shops compared with cities
- Some attractions require a car or multiple transfers to reach
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you (very much)
- "すみません" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "おいしい！" - Delicious!
- "お願いします" - Please (requesting)
Places to Visit in Nakai
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive rice paddies reflect the sky in spring and summer—ideal for sunrise shots, seasonal reflections and rural landscape compositions.
Low-rise streets, wooden storefronts and local shrines offer intimate street photography opportunities capturing everyday life.
Low mountain ridgelines and viewpoints on the approach to the Tanzawa/Hakone area provide panoramic views, especially beautiful in autumn foliage and winter clarity.
Festival days bring lanterns, floats and crowds—vibrant cultural scenes for dynamic photos (check festival dates before visiting).
Food in Nakai
Nakai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Handmade or locally prepared buckwheat soba and thick udon noodles served hot in winter and chilled in summer; look for family-run shops near the town center.
Must-Try!
Fresh-caught fish from nearby coastal towns prepared simply (salt-grilled, simmered or as sashimi) available at local eateries and markets.
Crisp tempura paired with rice, miso soup and pickles in teishoku (set meal) format—common in local lunch spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekend or weekday stalls offering seasonal vegetables, rice, homemade pickles and occasionally local sweets—ideal for tasting fresh, home-produced items.
When festivals occur, expect takoyaki, yakisoba, yakitori and sweet treats—great for sampling popular Japanese street food in a festive atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing, polite language and modest dress are appreciated. Be quiet and considerate on trains and in public spaces.
Remove shoes when entering homes, some traditional accommodations and certain restaurants; look for genkan (entryway) or slippers provided.
Line up for trains and services and be punctual for appointments; schedules are adhered to closely.
When visiting shrines or temples, follow local practices—bow, wash hands if there is a purification basin, and be respectful during rituals and photography restrictions.
Safety
Tipping in Nakai
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; good service is included in the price. A polite thank-you (arigatou gozaimasu) is the norm.
Cash (yen) remains important in small towns and markets—bring enough for small purchases. Credit/debit cards are increasingly accepted at restaurants and shops but not universally; rechargeable IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) are convenient for trains and buses in the region.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms (sakura) and early flowers brighten parks and riverbanks; mild temperatures make it a pleasant time for walking and outdoor photography. Expect local planting activity in fields and weekend festivities.
Warm, humid weather with green rice paddies and occasional afternoon thunderstorms; this is festival season for many towns but also the rainy season (tsuyu) in early summer—carry an umbrella and be prepared for humidity.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in nearby hills make it ideal for hiking and scenic drives; harvest season brings fresh produce to markets and local food events.
Cool to cold and generally dry with clear skies; low snow in the town itself but possible snow in higher nearby peaks—heating is standard indoors and winter light is good for photography.
Nakai at Night
Hiking in Nakai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails leading into the Tanzawa mountains offering routes for day hikes and viewpoint climbs with autumn foliage and spring greenery.
Well-known local mountain with pilgrimage routes and scenic views; options range from easier hikes to more strenuous climbs, and it’s accessible as a day trip from the town.
Trails in the broader Hakone area provide volcanic landscapes, forested paths and coastal-plus-mountain panoramas—combine with hot-spring visits for a full day outing.
Airports
How to reach Nakai by plane.
The closest major international airport with frequent domestic and international flights. Approximately 1–1.5 hours by train or car to the Kanagawa region depending on connections—convenient for short transfers.
Major international hub serving long-haul flights; farther away (around 2–3 hours by train/car), but offers many international connections.
Smaller regional airports serving parts of central Japan and domestic routes; accessible by a longer drive or train ride and useful for certain regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established households engaged in agriculture and local commerce, contributing to community traditions and markets.
Residents who commute to larger nearby cities for work—these families balance rural living with urban employment.
As with many rural parts of Japan, a relatively high proportion of older adults live in the area, supporting strong community ties but fewer young residents in some neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High-school and community baseball is popular across Kanagawa; weekend games and school tournaments attract local interest.
Soccer is widely played at youth and amateur levels, with regional clubs and community teams active in the area.
Walking, hiking and trail-running are common recreational activities given the nearby hills and mountain trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nakai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in small-town eateries; try vegetable tempura, soba without dashi (ask for kombu/soy-based broth), salads and egg or tofu dishes. Learning key phrases and carrying a translation card describing dietary needs helps; larger supermarkets and nearby cities offer more variety.
Vegan dining can be challenging because traditional broths often use fish stock. Bring snacks, use convenience stores for basics, and seek out vegan-friendly cafés in larger nearby towns or plan day trips for more options.
Soy sauce and many sauces contain wheat; rice-based dishes are safer but confirm ingredients. Bring gluten-free essentials if you have severe intolerance.