Aikawa(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Aikawa Town, the top choice for nature lovers is Aikawa Forest Hot Spring Inn, nestled deep within the mountain forests of Kanagawa Prefecture. This traditional Japanese-style ryokan features private outdoor onsen baths surrounded by cedar trees and a flowing stream. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table meals made from local mountain vegetables and wild mushrooms. The inn also offers guided forest walks and seasonal events like cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn foliage tours. Located just a 15-minute drive from Aikawa Station, it’s perfect for those seeking tranquility and immersion in nature.

The best time to visit Aikawa Town for breathtaking scenery is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). In spring, the hills bloom with cherry blossoms and azaleas, especially along the Ookura Mountain Park trail. Autumn transforms the region into a fiery tapestry of maple and ginkgo leaves along the Aikawa River Trail, making it ideal for photography and leisurely strolls. Mild temperatures and fewer crowds enhance the experience. Don’t miss the Autumn Harvest Festival, where locals celebrate with rice harvest rituals and traditional dances under golden skies.

Must-visit cultural sites in Aikawa Town include the Aikawa Historical Museum and the Ookura Ancient Tombs. The museum showcases artifacts from the Edo to Meiji periods, including farming tools, clothing, and handwritten documents that reflect the town’s agrarian heritage. The Ookura Ancient Tombs, designated a National Historic Site, date back approximately 1,400 years and feature intricate stone chambers. During summer, the site hosts the Night Lantern Festival, where thousands of lights illuminate the tombs while storytellers recount ancient legends—offering a unique blend of history and atmosphere.

Aikawa Town’s cuisine centers around mountain and river ingredients. Try the Aikawa Mountain Vegetable Hot Pot, featuring fresh ferns, bamboo shoots, and dandelion cooked in a light broth. Another highlight is Ookura Eel Sushi, made with locally raised eel marinated in a secret sauce and grilled to perfection. Don’t miss Aikawa Malt Beer, brewed from regional barley and available at local markets. These dishes are best enjoyed at the Aikawa Central Market or at the Forest Hot Spring Inn’s dining hall, offering an authentic taste of rural Kanagawa life.

Yes, Aikawa Town is highly suitable for family travel. The town offers safe, scenic trails and child-friendly attractions like Aikawa Children’s Farm, where kids can feed goats, milk cows, and try planting rice. The farm also hosts interactive workshops on making natural soap and handmade paper. Many lodges, including Forest Hot Spring Inn, provide family rooms and special programs such as forest scavenger hunts and nature sketching sessions. With easy access from Tokyo via the Sagami Railway (about 60 minutes), it’s an ideal destination for a peaceful, enriching getaway with children.

Getting around Aikawa Town is convenient via the Sotetsu Line and Kanagawa Prefectural Buses. From Tokyo Station, take the Sotetsu Main Line to Aikawa Station in about 60 minutes. Local buses, including the Aikawa Town Tour Bus, connect major attractions like the museum, ancient tombs, and hotels. For a more immersive experience, rent an electric bicycle and ride along the Aikawa River Greenway, stopping at picnic spots and photo viewpoints. Consider using the Kanagawa Tourism Card for discounted transit and entry fees across the region.

For night-time experiences, visit the Ookura Ancient Tombs Night Lantern Festival held annually in August, where hundreds of warm lanterns outline the historic burial mounds, accompanied by music and storytelling. At Forest Hot Spring Inn, guests can enjoy a "Stargazing Onsen" experience—relaxing in an open-air bath beneath a clear, unpolluted sky, often revealing shooting stars. For a quieter evening, unwind on the inn’s terrace with a cup of local herbal tea, listening to the gentle rustle of the forest. These serene activities emphasize harmony with nature and are perfect for relaxation.

Top photography locations in Aikawa Town include Ookura Ancient Tombs at sunrise, when mist clings to the stone chambers, creating a mystical atmosphere. The Aikawa River Trail during autumn is ideal for capturing vivid red and gold reflections in still water. The Aikawa Historical Museum’s courtyard features beautifully designed gardens and carved wooden panels, perfect for detail shots. Bring a tripod and polarizing filter to capture dramatic lighting changes throughout the day. The annual Aikawa Photography Festival in October draws photographers nationwide, offering excellent opportunities for inspiration and networking.

Aikawa Town offers three main accommodation zones: Downtown Commercial Area, Mountain Resort Zone, and Riverfront Eco Zone. The Downtown area near Aikawa Station provides budget-friendly guesthouses and cozy cafes. The Mountain Resort Zone centers on Forest Hot Spring Inn, offering secluded cabins with private onsen and panoramic forest views. The Riverfront Eco Zone features eco-lodges and campgrounds along the Aikawa River, ideal for nature lovers who enjoy riverside living. Each zone caters to different travel styles, allowing visitors to choose between convenience, privacy, or immersion in nature.

Aikawa Town hosts several annual festivals celebrating its heritage. The Spring Mountain Vegetable Festival (late March) features foraging contests, cooking demos, and craft markets at the Aikawa Central Market. The Autumn Harvest Festival (mid-October) includes rice-harvest ceremonies, traditional dance performances, and offerings of new rice at the ancient tombs. During summer, the Bonfire Procession sees villagers carrying paper lanterns through the forest, symbolizing ancestral remembrance. These events not only preserve local traditions but also foster community spirit and offer travelers a deep cultural connection.