Nature, hiking, hot springs & culture — just 65 minutes from Tokyo
Hadano is a small city in western Kanagawa Prefecture, nestled between the Tanzawa mountain range and the Sagami plain. It is famous throughout Japan for its exceptionally pure spring water — one of Japan's 100 finest waters — and for the gentle hiking trails that wind through its forested hills.
With fewer foreign tourists than Kamakura or Hakone, Hadano offers an authentic glimpse of everyday Japanese life alongside stunning natural scenery. Cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in June, autumn foliage, and clear winter views of Mt. Fuji make it a rewarding destination year-round.
From mountain viewpoints to sacred shrines and peaceful lakes — Hadano's highlights in one glance.
✨ Cherry blossoms & panoramic views
A forested ridge stretching from Sengen-yama to Azuma-yama, famous for roughly 1 km of cherry trees that bloom in spring. On clear days the summit offers sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, Sagami Bay and the Tanzawa mountains.
✨ Best Mt. Fuji view in Hadano
At 243 m, Gongenyama offers one of the finest views of Mt. Fuji in the Hadano area. The hilltop observation deck is an ideal rest stop on the Koboyama Hiking Trail.
✨ Earthquake-born lake & fishing
A quiet lake formed by a landslide during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Surrounded by dense forest, it is a peaceful retreat popular for fishing (crucian carp, bass) and nature walks.
✨ One of Kanto's three great Inari shrines
Counted among the three great Inari shrines of Kanto, Shirasasa Inari Shrine is known for its dignified vermilion torii gates and tranquil forested grounds. The January New Year festival draws thousands of visitors.
✨ Riverside café district & fireflies
The Minase River runs through the heart of Hadano city. Its riverside promenade has been revitalized with cafés and relaxation spaces. In June, fireflies (hotaru) light up the riverbank after dark — a magical sight rarely seen near urban areas.
✨ Natural hot spring – perfect hike finale
Tsurumaki Onsen is a small hot-spring town at the eastern end of the Koboyama Hiking Trail. Several day-trip bathing facilities (¥700–1,000) let hikers relax tired muscles in sodium-bicarbonate spring water before catching the train home.
All trails are accessible directly from Odakyu Line stations — no car needed.
秦野駅から鶴巻温泉駅へ、歴史ある山稜を縦走
関東大震災で生まれた湖と名水の里をめぐる
温泉の町を起点に吾妻山からの眺めと里山さんぽ
Hadano is a small city and dedicated halal restaurants are limited. The listings below are curated to help Muslim visitors find suitable options — always verify current status before visiting.
Popular doner kebab shop near Hadano Station. Chicken and lamb options available. No pork, no alcohol on the premises.
Authentic Indian curry restaurant. Halal meat used on request; vegetarian and vegan curries always available. Staff speak basic English.
A local ramen shop offering a chicken-broth bowl (no pork) available on request. No alcohol served. Please inform staff of dietary requirements.
Several convenience stores near Hadano Station stock onigiri (rice balls) with seafood or vegetable fillings, as well as fresh fruit, nuts, and drinks. Look for the ingredient label and check for pork (豚肉) and alcohol (アルコール).
Plant-based dining options in Hadano — from traditional Buddhist cuisine to organic cafés. Always confirm ingredients with staff when in doubt.
Several temples in and around Hadano offer shojin ryori — the traditional vegan cuisine of Buddhist monks. Dishes use no meat, fish, or strong-flavoured vegetables (alliums), relying instead on tofu, sesame, mountain vegetables and dashi made from kombu seaweed. A deeply cultural dining experience.
A cosy café specialising in locally made tofu from Tanzawa spring water. Menu highlights include tofu parfait, silken tofu set meals, soy milk drinks, and fresh yudofu (hot tofu pot). All vegetarian; some dishes are vegan on request.
A health-food restaurant using locally grown organic vegetables from the Hadano basin. The daily plate (日替わりプレート) is always vegan and gluten-free-adaptable. Smoothies and herbal teas are specialities. Menu changes seasonally.
A traditional buckwheat noodle restaurant near the hiking trails. Standard broth uses bonito (katsuobushi), but the kitchen can prepare a kombu seaweed broth on request — just say 「ベジタリアンです。昆布だしにできますか?」 ("I am vegetarian. Can you use kombu dashi?"). Toppings like tempura vegetables, grated yam, and cold tofu are available.
Japanese convenience stores stock surprisingly good vegetarian snacks: onigiri with pickled plum (梅) or kelp (昆布), inari sushi (sweet tofu pockets), fruit cups, edamame, and various nuts. Avoid anything labelled with 鰹 (bonito) or 豚 (pork).
Historic castle town, gateway to the Hakone area.
Volcanic scenery, hot springs, and views of Mt. Fuji.
Challenging hikes and ancient mountain shrines.
Giant Buddha, temples, and the Pacific coast.