1008 July 19-Aug 1, 2013 - Metropolis

Feature
The prefecture is more than just
Yokohama and surf breaks
By Larry Knipfing, Todd Wojnowski and Tomoko Kamishima
When Commodore Matthew Perry sailed into
Tokyo Bay in 1854, all of Japan would change
forever. Perry conducted most of his official
business in Kanagawa, placing the prefecture at the
heart of Japan’s new age of creativity and openness to
this day. Starting in its easternmost city, Kawasaki, and
heading west, here are some highlights.
The Kawasaki Horse Track (Keiba) is a wild
ride if you’re betting on the fillies. But for nongamblers
and those spending winnings or
drowning sorrows alike, the course is extremely proud
of the food on offer. The track’s leading jockeys can be
seen on the website introducing their favorite on-track
snacks, including soba, gyoza, ramen, yakisoba, and
curry. The Kawasaki track may be Japan’s smallest, but
that only brings the crowd closer to the action. So close,
in fact, that you feel like you could reach out and touch
the horses as they gallop past. Easy to reach, a day at the
races is a sure bet. Entry ¥100 or free if you print out the
ticket from their website. Getting there: Minatomachi
station on the Keikyu Daishi line is just across the street.
Or use the free shuttle bus service from pole #21 at JR
Kawasaki station. 1-5-1 Fujimi Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki.
www.kawasaki-keiba.jp. JapanTourist entry:
http://meturl.com/jtkawakeiba
Hakone Open Air Museum
While much of Yokohama’s Chinatown
activities revolve around eating, eating
and more eating—and maybe a little shopping—there
is actually a febrile world of activity
bubbling away beneath your first impression. To
attain spiritual wellbeing before starting in on the
dumplings and noodles, show up early Saturday
mornings for Tai chi at Ma Zhu Miao Temple
(“Masobyo”). An instructor will guide you through the
motions of the ancient Chinese martial art widely
practiced for its meditative and health benefits. The
free one-hour class starts at 9am with sign-ups at
8:30am. Getting there: Motomachi Chukagai station
on the Minato Mirai (Tokyu Toyoko) line.
Kawasaki Horse Track
SHINYA OTA/WEEKEND WALKS IN YOKOHAMA
PHOTO BY TOMOKO KAMISHIMA
Hakone Open Air Museum
Tai chi at Ma Zhu Miao Temple
Just past the ancient city of Kamakura
lies the beautiful seaside town and island
of Enoshima. Appreciate the landscape
and listen to the rolling waves from the Enospa hot
spring. The upscale complex allows men and women to
bathe together (with swimming costumes) in pools
indoors, outdoors, and in grotto-like caves. There are
also saunas, whirlpool and massage facilities to enjoy,
as well as a Southeast Asia-themed spa. Book your table
at the Italian restaurant in time for a spectacular sunset
over the bay and Mt. Fuji. All day pass: ¥2,650
(adults)/¥1,200 (elem)/free (below elem). Getting
there: A short walk from Enoshima station (Enoden
line, Shonan Monorail, Odakyu line). 2-1-6 Enoshima,
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