Approx. 1 Hour from Tokyo! 9 Popular Tourist Spots in Green, Scenic Sagamihara

If you are visiting Sagamihara City for sightseeing, summer is especially recommended, as four of the city’s five major sightseeing events, known for their history and tradition, are held during this season.
From July to August, the Kamimizo Summer Festival, Sagamiko Lake Fireworks Festival, Hashimoto Tanabata Festival, and Sagamihara Summer Fireworks Festival are held in that order, drawing large crowds every year.
All of them are beloved local seasonal traditions, and the magical sights and sounds that light up the summer night sky are well worth experiencing.
You can also enjoy a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, making it a great place to create special memories.

Sagamihara City is served by three railway lines, JR, Odakyu, and Keio, and various bus routes cover almost the entire city.
Because of this, both travel to and from urban areas and getting around within the city are very convenient.
Here, we will introduce how to get to Sagamihara City and the travel time from Shinjuku Station and Yokohama Station, which offer especially good access.

As mentioned above, Sagamihara City has a well-developed transportation network and offers excellent convenience.
You can reach most major tourist spots by train and bus, so sightseeing should be smooth and stress-free.
However, there are quite a few bus types, so be careful not to get on at the wrong stop or take the wrong route.
If you have a lot of luggage or are in a hurry, taking a taxi is also recommended as a more efficient way to get around.

This is a multi-purpose leisure facility with an amusement park featuring a variety of attractions, including the giant climbing attraction Muscle Monster and thrilling rides, all set on lush grounds, as well as barbecue and camping activities.
From winter to spring, the Sagamiko Illumillion, one of the largest illumination events in the Kanto region, is held here, creating a dramatic night to remember.

Lake Sagami is an artificial lake in northwestern Kanagawa Prefecture created through dam construction.
It was formed by the Sagami Dam, completed in 1947.
It was Japan’s first postwar dam lake and also the first artificial body of water to be given the name “lake.” Sightseeing boats, rowboats, and pedal boats are available.

Lake Tsukui is an artificial lake in northwestern Kanagawa Prefecture created through dam construction.
It was formed by Shiroyama Dam, completed in 1965 after Sagami Dam, to secure water resources in response to population growth.
The surrounding area includes Tsukuiko Shiroyama Park, and Shiroyama, the ruins of the Sengoku-period mountain castle Tsukui Castle, has become a notable sightseeing spot, also known for its flowers.

This facility stands in an area that once prospered as a post town for pilgrims visiting Oyama and is also known as a scenic spot along the Sagami River.
In front of the building is a waterway drawn from the river, making the structure appear to float on the water and giving it a beautiful setting.
Inside, there is a 40-meter-long tank with fish representing the river from upstream to downstream, along with outdoor exhibits recreating waterside environments and observation tanks for small creatures, offering plenty to see.

Sagamihara Asamizo Park in Minami Ward, Sagamihara City, is an open and spacious urban park packed with things to see and do.
Its Approx. 26.1-hectare grounds are filled with facilities such as field athletics, grassy open spaces, and large flower beds, making it a fun place for both adults and children.
Another feature is that, aside from some activities, you can generally enjoy the park for free.
One highlight you should not miss is the 55-meter-tall observation tower, Green Tower Sagamihara.
Take the elevator up to the observation room and a sweeping view of Sagamihara opens up before you.
The glass-walled 360-degree design also lets you enjoy the scenery from every angle.
The Fureai Animal Plaza, home to around 40 kinds of small animals and birds, is especially popular with children.
In addition to interacting with guinea pigs and sheep, children can also enjoy pony rides for a fee.

Kanagawa Prefectural Sagamihara Park is a comprehensive park where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and greenery across its vast Approx. 260,000-square-meter grounds.
Within the park are distinctive areas such as Minazuki-en, where around 20,000 iris plants of about 120 varieties bloom in June, and Fountain Plaza, where an elegant French-style garden spreads out amid a space lined with giant metasequoia trees, making the park full of things to see.

Located in Aikawa Town, Aiko District, next to Sagamihara City, Hattori Farm is a family-friendly leisure farm and one of the largest in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Across its vast grounds, where green pasture stands out against the blue sky, peaceful scenery that makes you forget the city fills your view.
With cherry blossoms in spring, mountains in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter, you can feel the changing seasons in nature, making it a great photo spot for memorable pictures.
About 10 kinds of animals live here comfortably, including around 50 dairy cows, horses, rabbits, and mini pigs, and there are plenty of interactive experiences such as milking, horseback riding, and feeding.
Another highlight is the authentic farm food.
You can enjoy excellent treats such as premium sausages made by a craftsman trained in Germany and rich soft-serve ice cream made only with fresh milk from the farm.
Free admission and free parking are also welcome perks.

Shiroyama Lake is an artificial lake formed by Honzawa Dam in Midori Ward, Sagamihara City, known for its rich nature and beautiful scenery.
The area is surrounded by water and greenery to such an extent that it has been selected as one of Kanagawa’s 50 Best Birdwatching Sites and one of Kanagawa’s 50 Best Parks.
The beautifully reflective water surface enhances the beauty of Shiroyama Lake, and the views from near the summit and along the lakeshore are especially impressive.
On clear days, the skyline includes not only the cityscape of Sagamihara but also views such as Tokyo Skytree and Yokohama Landmark Tower on the horizon.
The surrounding area also has well-maintained walking trails, making it a perfect spot for hiking while enjoying seasonal scenery and for birdwatching to observe a wide variety of wild birds.
Driving around in a rental car is also recommended for a refreshing experience.

This unique spot inside the Used Tire Market Sagamihara Store, a used tire shop in Sagamihara City, features rows of vending machines that were active in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the collection has grown to more than 100 machines, making it museum-level in scale.
Especially popular are the types that heat food such as udon, hamburgers, and curry after you put in money, then dispense it piping hot. Nostalgic for those who remember the past and fresh for younger visitors, this style has become a hot topic, and on weekends many people come to enjoy what is known as a sacred place for retro vending machines.