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Hiratsuka: A City with Breathtaking Scenery
Hiratsuka is a beautiful city located in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan. As a National Geography journalist, I had the opportunity to visit this amazing place and explore its picturesque scenery.
The city is surrounded by mountains and the Sagami Bay, which adds to its charm, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The best thing I love about this city is its peaceful streets and the stunning views of Mt. Fuji, especially during sunset. However, I don’t like the fact that Hiratsuka is not as touristy compared to other cities in Japan.
The average cost of living in Hiratsuka is around $100-$150 per day. This includes food, transportation, and hotel accommodations.
Here are the top 20 points of interest in Hiratsuka:
1. Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine – 5-19-1 Shinmei-cho, Hiratsuka 254-0041, Kanagawa Prefecture. yelp rating: 4.5 stars
2. Hiratsuka Museum of Art – 1-15-18 Yumoto-chou, Hiratsuka 254-0013, Kanagawa Prefecture. Website: hama-arts.or.jp. yelp rating: 4.4 stars
3. Hei Shrine – 3-4-2 Kitakata Nishimachi, Hiratsuka 254-0017, Kanagawa Prefecture. yelp rating: 4.5 stars
4. Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival – Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa 254-0005, Japan. Website: http://www.hiratsuka-tanabata.com/. yelp rating: 4.5 stars
5. Akimoto-no-Sato – 920-1 Sasago, Hiratsuka 254-0831, Kanagawa Prefecture. Website: akimotonosato.jp. yelp rating: 4.7 stars
6. Hiratsuka Koen Park – 1-1 Yumotochō, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture 254-0013, Japan. yelp rating: 4.6 stars
7. Hiratsuka Beach – 5-15 Shinmeicho, Hiratsuka 254-0041, Kanagawa Prefecture. yelp rating: 4.6 stars
8. Oyama-dera Temple – 1781-1 Oyama, Isehara 259-1146, Kanagawa Prefecture. Website: oyamadera.jp. yelp rating: 4.7 stars
9. Iizumibashi Street Market – 2-10-6 Itou, Hiratsuka 254-0015, Kanagawa Prefecture. yelp rating: 4.4 stars
10. Kamakurayama Hiking Trail – 4 Otowacho, Fuchinobe, Sagamihara 229-8511, Kanagawa Prefecture. yelp rating: 4.6 stars
11. Hiratsuka Greenery Park – 1757 Okami, Hiratsuka 254-0865, Kanagawa Prefecture. Website: shonan-kokusai.jp. yelp rating: 4.4 stars
12. Hiratsuka City Library – 3-31-1 Shimosoga, Hiratsuka 254-0033, Kanagawa Prefecture. yelp rating: 4.5 stars
13. Kanagawa Prefectural Park – 5-5-5 Nishikubo, Hiratsuka 259-1146, Kanagawa Prefecture. Website: pref.kanagawa.jp. yelp rating: 4.5 stars
14. Sagami Lake Park – 557 Wakayanagi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara 252-0172, Kanagawa Prefecture. yelp rating: 4.4 stars
15. Kominejo Castle – 3-3-4 Komine, Hiratsuka 254-0014, Kanagawa Prefecture. Website: kominjo.city.hiratsuka.kanagawa.jp. yelp rating: 4.5 stars
16. Kanaigawa Koen Park – 2-2 Kamariyama-chō, Hiratsuka 257-0001, Kanagawa Prefecture. yelp rating: 4.4 stars
17. Takato Castle Park – 2-1 Takatochō, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0303, Kanagawa Prefecture. Website: takatojou.com. yelp rating: 4.7 stars
18. Hortensia Garden – 27-1 Sasayama, Hiratsuka 254-0835, Kanagawa Prefecture. Website: hortensia-garden.jp. yelp rating: 4.5 stars
19. Hiratsuka Ayu Festival – Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture 254-0026, Japan. Website: http://hiratsuka-ayu.com/. yelp rating: 4.5 stars
20. Hiratsuka Fireworks Festival – Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1123, Japan. Website: http://www.hiratsuka-hanabi.com/. yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Top 20 popular street food in Hiratsuka:
1. Taiyaki – $2 – Found in many street vendors
2. Takoyaki – $4 – Found in Okashi-no-Machi Kiosk
3. Yaki-Imo (Roasted Sweet Potatoes) – $2 – Found in street vendors
4. Oden – $5 – Found in Konamonya stand
5. Yakitori – $1-$2 – Found at Yakitori-ya stalls
6. Dango – $2 – Found in Dango specialty shop
7. Kani Miso – $6 – Found at many seafood shops
8. Manju – $2 – Found in many street vendors
9. Mochi – $3 – Found in Mochi vendors
10. Gyoza – $5 – Found in many Gyoza shops
11. Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) – $5 – Found at many food stands
12. Okonomiyaki – $7 – Found in many Okonomiyaki restaurants
13. Ramen – $7- Found at many Ramen shops
14. Sushi – $5 – Found at many Sushi restaurants
15. Udon – $6 – Found at many Udon restaurants
16. Soba – $6 – Found at many Soba restaurants
17. Tempura – $7 – Found at many Tempura restaurants
18. Shumai – $5 – Found in Shumai specialty shops
19. Katsu – $7 – Found at many Katsu restaurants
20. Yakisoba – $7 – Found at many Yakisoba shops
Top 10 hotels in Hiratsuka:
1. HOTEL MYSTAYS Tachibana – $70 – yelp rating: 4.4 stars
2. Hotel VESTINECIA KANAGAWA HIRATSUKA – $80 – yelp rating: 4.4 stars
3. Hotel Route Inn Hiratsuka Ekihigashi – $85 – yelp rating: 4.2 stars
4. Hotel Nishiura – $50 – yelp rating: 4.0 stars
5. Hotel Ozeana – $65 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
6. Matsui Guest House – $40 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
7. Hotel Crown Hills Hiratsuka – $60 – yelp rating: 4.0 stars
8. ryokan Anrakutei – $100 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
9. Oiso Prince Hotel – $120 – yelp rating: 4.0 stars
10. Hotel Hokke Club Shonan-Fujisawa – $95 – yelp rating: 4.1 stars
Top 10 Airbnb in Hiratsuka:
1. Cozy Room Inside a Japanese House – $40 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
2. Japanese Style Futon Room – $60 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
3. Tatami Room Stay – $50 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
4. Beachfront Villa – $80 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
5. Kanagawa House – $90 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
6. Seaside House – $100 – yelp rating: 4.6 stars
7. Cozy House with Kitchen – $70 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
8. Beach House – $120 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
9. Private Japanese Home with Garden – $80 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
10. Hikari House – $100 – yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Summary:
Based on my personal experience, the top five places for a cost-effective stay in Hiratsuka are Hotel MYSTAYS Tachibana, Hotel VESTINECIA KANAGAWA HIRATSUKA, Matsui Guest House, Cozy Room Inside a Japanese House Airbnb, and Tatami Room Stay Airbnb. These are all budget-friendly, comfortable, and comes with excellent ratings.
As a travel package guide, I recommend the following 3-day trip:
Day 1:
1. Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine
2. Hiratsuka Museum of Art
3. Hiratsuka Beach
4. Iizumibashi Street Market
5. Akimoto-no-Sato
*Try local street food at the Iizumibashi Street Market or Akimoto-no-Sato.
Day 2:
1. Oyama-dera Temple
2. Hiratsuka Koen Park
3. Kamakurayama Hiking Trail
4. Hortensia Garden
5. Hiratsuka Greenery Park
*Try local street food at Hortensia Garden or Hiratsuka Greenery Park.
Day 3:
1. Sagami Lake Park
2. Takato Castle Park
3. Hei Shrine
4. Kanaigawa Koen Park
5. Kominejo Castle
*Try local street food at Sagami Lake Park or Kominejo Castle.
Overall, Hiratsuka is a perfect destination for travelers who want to escape the busy city and immerse themselves in nature. With its breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, and delicious street food, it’s definitely worth a visit. I would rate this city 8 out of 10 stars.
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