Kanagawa is home to some of the most famous and unique shopping locations in the world. Whether you are into shopping, food or Japanese culture experiences, you will find what you are looking for with a tour through Kanagawa's famous shotengai neighborhoods. Listed below and shown in the photos are several of the shopping districts and towns I have personally experienced. There are even organized tours available that allow visitors to cover multiple shopping districts in one or two days.
Yokohama Chinatown
With over 150 years of history and more than 500 restaurants and shops Yokohama hosts one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. Walk the streets and view temples, tourist shops, and more. Eat in one of many restaurants or enjoy buying something from a street vendor and eating as you walk along. Within walking distance of Ishikawa-cho Station on the JR Negishi Line and Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minato Mirai Line.
Kofukuji Matsubara Shopping District (Yokohama)
An outdoor shopping area with goods so reasonably priced that the place is dubbed "Yokohama's Ameyoko". There are multiple shops of the same type, with several fish and meat vendors so you can compare prices easily. The shop barkers are quite energetic and you can often watch displays of tuna cutting and other preparations as you shop. 5 minutes from Tennocho Station, on the Sotetsu Line.
Rokkakubashi Shopping District
A traditional shopping neighborhood based on the covered arcade style of the Showa period (1926-1989). There is a strong emphasis on neighbor and community relationships and several events involving local students and volunteer groups. Events include wrestling exhibitions, music festivals and dance competitions.
There are various kinds of shops crowded close to one another including grocery shops, clothing stores, ceramics shops, and souvenir stores. There is also a public bath house and several cafes and places to buy street food along the way. Get off at Hakuraku Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, join the road on the west side of the station (Old Tsunashima-kaido Street) and head south, and you will arrive at Rokkakubashi Shopping Mall.
Fujisawa City
Fujisawa City is a tourist town near Shonan Beach and Enoshima, one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the area. With a rich cultural history there are numerous locations to fully immerse yourselves in activities such as calligraphy and origami. Located nearby the sea, fish markets and sushi restaurants are also quite popular. One shop in particular, Satsumaya, has a master sushi chef teach groups how to prepare and create your own sushi. Once you are complete, you can eat everything you made!
Shukuhama-dori Shopping District
This is a relatively unknown area for tourists, but certainly worth a visit. Located right on the harbor visitors can watch the fisherman come in from their catch and see them work. Our group saw a boat that brought in fresh sea urchins and prepared them right in front of us. Fresh seafood and dried fish both are abundant in the area. Most of the shops will grill the fish or meats right in front of you so you can taste before you buy. Also, don't miss out on the famous sake shops in the area. There are plenty of varieties to choose from and the sake goes along perfectly with the dried fish and grilled meats.
Odawara City
Odawara is located in the west of Kanagawa on the way to Hakone. There are several shopping malls and streets located right by the station. Down many of these streets you will find novelty shops and places to buy souvenirs. The kamaboko (fish cakes) and umeboshi are especially famous in the area and make a great gift.
