Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Ayase (綾瀬市) in Kanagawa Prefecture (Kanto, Japan) is anchored by local sights including Wakayama Hachimangū (2.1 km), Jōsen Ji (2.4 km), Renkō Ji (2.7 km) and served by Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) via the regional hub at Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station. Set at 39 m elevation (35.4333°N, 139.4333°E), Ayase offers travelers a base for sampling regional Yokohama Chinatown steamed buns & shumai, Yokohama Iekei tonkotsu-shoyu ramen, Shonan shirasu (whitebait bowls) cuisine and exploring neighboring Ebina (海老名市) (4.1 km), Yamato (大和市) (5.8 km), Atsugi (厚木市) (6 km), Zama (座間市) (6.3 km).
Ayase is in the plains of north-central Kanagawa Prefecture along the banks of the Sagami River. The Hikiji River flows through part of the city. In the Edo period, the area of modern Ayase was part of the tenryō territory in Sagami Province controlled directly by the Tokugawa shogunate, but administered through various hatamoto. After the Meiji restoration, the area became part of Kōza District, Kanagawa Prefecture. Ayase is known for its processed meat industry, and is the leading producer of pork products in Kanagawa Prefecture. Within Kanagawa Prefecture, Ayase (綾瀬市) serves as a city in Kanagawa Prefecture (municipal incorporation: 1978-11-01) and pairs naturally with wider prefectural highlights such as Yokohama Minato Mirai & Chinatown, ancient temples and Great Buddha of Kamakura, Enoshima Island, Odawara Castle, and Hakone hot springs overlooking Mt. Fuji.
| Quick Fact | 2026/2027 Travel Reference for Ayase (綾瀬市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 綾瀬市 (Ayase) |
| Top Local Landmarks | Wakayama Hachimangū (2.1 km) · Jōsen Ji (2.4 km) · Renkō Ji (2.7 km) · Shiroyama Kōen (1.4 km) · Sagami River |
| Nearest Rail Station | Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) |
| Primary Regional Hub | Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station (Capital: Yokohama) |
| Prefecture & Region | Kanagawa Prefecture · Kanto |
| Elevation & Coordinates | 39 m · 35.4333°N, 139.4333°E |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| IC Card & Rail Coverage | Suica / PASMO / ICOCA via Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station · Shinkansen fares → |
| Local Food Specialties | Yokohama Chinatown steamed buns & shumai, Yokohama Iekei tonkotsu-shoyu ramen, Shonan shirasu (whitebait bowls), Odawara kamaboko fish cakes, Yokosuka Kaigun curry |
| Administrative Status | City in Kanagawa Prefecture (Incorporated: 1978-11-01) |
| Area & Population | 22.28 km² (3,684/km²) · 82,083 residents |
What to See & Do in Ayase (綾瀬市): Landmarks & Sights
Visitors exploring Ayase (綾瀬市) from Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) at 39 m elevation (35.4333°N, 139.4333°E) can visit these nearby shrines, temples, parks, and geographic landmarks (with straight-line distances from central Ayase):
- Wakayama Hachimangū (2.1 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Ayase (綾瀬市).
- Jōsen Ji (2.4 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Ayase (綾瀬市).
- Renkō Ji (2.7 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Ayase (綾瀬市).
- Shiroyama Kōen (1.4 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Ayase (綾瀬市).
- Sagami River — local sightseeing landmark near Ayase (綾瀬市).
- Primary Rail Gateway for Ayase: Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) (connecting to Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station).
Closest Neighboring Municipalities to Ayase
When planning a regional rail or driving loop around Ayase (綾瀬市) and Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km), consider pairing your stop with the 5 closest neighboring municipalities across Kanagawa Prefecture and Kanto:
- Ebina (海老名市) — 4.1 km from Ayase (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Yamato (大和市) — 5.8 km from Ayase (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Atsugi (厚木市) — 6 km from Ayase (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Zama (座間市) — 6.3 km from Ayase (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Samukawa (寒川町) — 7.6 km from Ayase (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Getting to Ayase & Getting Around
Train & hub access to Ayase (綾瀬市) via Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km): 25–30m from Tokyo Station to Yokohama or Kawasaki on JR lines; 35m to Odawara on the Tokaido Shinkansen; 55m to Kamakura on the JR Yokosuka Line. From Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station, transfer to local JR or private rail lines serving Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) to reach central Ayase (35.4333°N, 139.4333°E).
- Local rail & IC cards at Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km): JR regional trains and private commuter lines link Yokohama with Ayase (綾瀬市) and neighboring Ebina, Yamato, Atsugi. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work at major urban gates; for rural branch stations or local buses around Ayase, carry ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station coin lockers: Travelers exploring Ayase and continuing toward Ebina can store bags at major transfer stations or check suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker and ship large bags ahead via Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental around Ayase: While Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) anchors public transit for Ayase, picking up a rental car at Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station makes it easy to link Wakayama Hachimangū (2.1 km) and Jōsen Ji (2.4 km) with nearby Ebina (海老名市) (4.1 km), Yamato (大和市) (5.8 km), Atsugi (厚木市) (6 km), Zama (座間市) (6.3 km). See our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Ayase (綾瀬市) & Kanagawa
Dining near Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) and across Ayase (綾瀬市) highlights the regional food culture of Kanagawa Prefecture and Kanto. Look for these local specialties at station restaurants, family-run shokudo, and markets in Ayase:
- Local specialty & terroir of Ayase (綾瀬市): regional agriculture, seasonal produce, and traditional local craftsmanship.
- Yokohama Chinatown steamed buns & shumai — regional specialty enjoyed across Ayase (綾瀬市) and Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Yokohama Iekei tonkotsu-shoyu ramen — regional specialty enjoyed across Ayase (綾瀬市) and Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Shonan shirasu (whitebait bowls) — regional specialty enjoyed across Ayase (綾瀬市) and Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Odawara kamaboko fish cakes — regional specialty enjoyed across Ayase (綾瀬市) and Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Yokosuka Kaigun curry — regional specialty enjoyed across Ayase (綾瀬市) and Kanagawa Prefecture.
If you are dining in Ayase (綾瀬市) with food allergies or dietary restrictions, use our Japanese Phrasebook & Allergy Show-Cards at restaurants around Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km).
Where to Stay in Ayase (綾瀬市)
Visitors staying overnight in Ayase (綾瀬市) can look for business hotels, traditional ryokan, or family-run minshuku near Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km), or base at major rail hubs in Yokohama (Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station) or neighboring Ebina, Yamato, Atsugi for quick train access into Ayase. Compare hotel tiers and ryokan etiquette in our Japan Accommodation Guide.
Best Time to Visit Ayase & Seasonal Highlights
Seasonal guide for Ayase (綾瀬市, 39 m elevation at 35.4333°N, 139.4333°E): Late March–April for cherry blossoms in Kamakura & Yokohama Sankeien; June for Kamakura hydrangeas; October–December for crisp Mt. Fuji views from Hakone & Enoshima.
Wider sightseeing across Kanagawa Prefecture that pairs well with visiting Wakayama Hachimangū (2.1 km) in Ayase (綾瀬市) includes: Yokohama Minato Mirai & Chinatown, ancient temples and Great Buddha of Kamakura, Enoshima Island, Odawara Castle, and Hakone hot springs overlooking Mt. Fuji.
Practical Travel Tips for Ayase (綾瀬市)
- Tourist information (観光案内所) for Ayase: Stop by the Kankō Annaijo desk at Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station or Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) for local bus schedules to Wakayama Hachimangū (2.1 km) and walking maps of Ayase (綾瀬市).
- Cash & ATMs in Ayase: Convenience stores and major hotels around Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) accept international cards, while smaller eateries and shrines near Wakayama Hachimangū (2.1 km) often prefer yen cash; 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs in Ayase accept foreign debit cards.
- Local dining hours in Ayase: Around Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) and neighboring Ebina, Yamato, Atsugi, lunch service typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM with last orders between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to see and do in Ayase (綾瀬市)?
Top local sights and scenic landmarks in and around Ayase (綾瀬市) in Kanagawa Prefecture include Wakayama Hachimangū (2.1 km), Jōsen Ji (2.4 km), Renkō Ji (2.7 km), Shiroyama Kōen (1.4 km), Sagami River. Visitors often combine sightseeing in Ayase with side trips to neighboring Ebina (海老名市) (4.1 km), Yamato (大和市) (5.8 km), Atsugi (厚木市) (6 km), Zama (座間市) (6.3 km).
How do I get to Ayase (綾瀬市) by train?
The nearest rail gateway for Ayase (綾瀬市) is Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km), connected via the regional hub of Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station. 25–30m from Tokyo Station to Yokohama or Kawasaki on JR lines; 35m to Odawara on the Tokaido Shinkansen; 55m to Kamakura on the JR Yokosuka Line. Use our Shinkansen Fare Calculator to price bullet-train connections to Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station.
What local food should I eat in Ayase and Kanagawa Prefecture?
When dining around Kōza-shibuya Station (高座渋谷駅) (2.8 km) in Ayase (綾瀬市), look for Kanagawa Prefecture specialties including Yokohama Chinatown steamed buns & shumai, Yokohama Iekei tonkotsu-shoyu ramen, Shonan shirasu (whitebait bowls), plus Odawara kamaboko fish cakes and Yokosuka Kaigun curry at local shokudo, izakaya, and station bento counters.
When is the best time to visit Ayase (綾瀬市)?
Situated at 39 m elevation (35.4333°N, 139.4333°E) in Kanto, Ayase follows Kanagawa's seasonal calendar: Late March–April for cherry blossoms in Kamakura & Yokohama Sankeien; June for Kamakura hydrangeas; October–December for crisp Mt. Fuji views from Hakone & Enoshima. Compare month-by-month weather in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: