Manazuru

📍Manazuru Google Maps

Manazuru is a charming small peninsula town situated in western Kanagawa Prefecture, extending into Sagami Bay. It is renowned for its unique shape resembling a crane with its wings outstretched, making it a popular destination for aquatic activities such as fishing and diving. Visitors can relish the picturesque bay views surrounded by unspoiled forests.

The area offers various attractions, including the Kibune Festival, held in July at Kibune Shrine, and the three peculiar stones located at the tip of the peninsula, called Mitsuishi. Additionally, the forest at the end of the peninsula, commonly known as 'Orin,' is diligently preserved as a 'fish-guarding forest' and a 'fish-nurturing forest.'

To reach Manazuru, travelers can take a train from Tokyo Station to Manazuru Station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Moreover, this peninsula is a volcanic plateau, and at the tip of Cape Manazuru, visitors can witness the first sunrise of the new year, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Kibune Shrine is another popular landmark in Manazuru, believed to have been erected in 889. The shrine is famous for the Kibune Festival, held annually on 27 and 28 July, designated as a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset and is one of the three most significant boat festivals in Japan.