Japan 2019: See the splendour of Kanagawa between matches  AT THE Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup, Yokohama will host some of the most exhilarating clashes in the competition – including the final. However, if you plan to visit Japan’s second city to take in the action, do yourself a favour and build in time to see some of what else the Kanagawa region has to offer. Be prepared, because a short trip from Yokohama lie two incredible, but completely different spots: Hakone and Kamakura. If you are heading to these places, make sure you bring your camera, and if you don’t find enlightenment, at the very least you’ll find relaxation. WHERE IS IT? If you head south west, following the natural coastal curve of the Honshu island, you will get to Hakone, home of the region’s volcanic hot springs and spas. An hour and a half should see you get there, starting your journey from Shin-Yokohama station (near the International Stadium) or if you want a bit of history, you can take the Romancecar via the Odakyu line – this is a carriage famous for taking honeymooners to the famous resort town. Related: All you can see, do and eat in Yokohama For something completely different, though, you can head to Kamakura, a spiritual haven. It is a hotbed of temples, shrines and religious sites and sights. Kamakura was an old Shogun capital, picked because of it’s religious significance. The town can be reached from Yokohama by taking a train form Hodogaya station. WHAT TO DO AND SEE? Hakone is all about the onsen – the natural hot baths. At a number of spa hotels, you can find these relaxing getaways where you can soak in relative tranquility. However, be prepared. You are expected to bathe nude. It is considered rude if you do not wash extensively before taking to the pools, if you wear any clothing and if you take a towel into the baths. There will be separate, closed off pools for men and women so you are not bathing together. There is plenty else to do in Hakone. If you plan ahead, you can hire the services of geishas for a gathering, thanks to Hakone Yumoto. But there’s a lot outdoors too. You can visit the Open Air Museum, with a plethora of sculptures and a Picasso Exhibition hall (with two stories of art from the legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.) You can also visit nearby Gora Park, where you can take in the views or even visit the Crafthouse and take part in a bit of glassblowing. A must-see would be the Owakudani, an active volcano which you can see billowing out steam from its vents as you ascent via the Ropeway cable cars. Once you go down the other side you can also soak up spectacular views of Mt Fuji, before heading out for a cruise across the picturesque Lake Ashi. What about Kamakura, though? Well things here take a more spiritual path. Undoubtedly the … Continue reading Japan 2019: See the splendour of Kanagawa between Rugby World Cup matches