Kiyokawa Village is promoting its natural landscapes and local cuisine as a hidden getaway located approximately 1.5 hours by car from central Tokyo [1, 3].
As the only village in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kiyokawa represents a rare rural enclave within reach of Japan's most populous metropolitan area. By highlighting its unique geography and "village-gourmet" foods, the community aims to boost tourism and visibility for its small-scale economy.
The village spans 71 square kilometers [1], with approximately 90% of that area consisting of forest [1]. This dense greenery supports a variety of scenic mountain streams and a natural-bed river spot that the village promotes as a secluded attraction [1, 2].
Central to the area's appeal is a dam-created lake that has been recognized as one of the top 100 dam lakes in the country [1]. The water feature serves as a primary draw for visitors traveling the roughly 50 kilometers from the Tokyo Interchange on the Tomei Expressway [2].
Local efforts to identify the village's strengths included research involving 135 respondents [1]. Additionally, the community has engaged 73 residents to share their perspectives on the area's hidden gems [1]. These efforts focus on the intersection of nature and local gastronomy, which the village markets as an accessible escape for city dwellers.
Despite its proximity to the capital, the village remains a quiet residential area with a population of approximately 2,700 people [1, 2]. The contrast between the urban density of Tokyo and the forested mountains of western Kanagawa defines the village's primary tourism strategy.
“Approximately 90% of the area is forest”
The promotion of Kiyokawa Village reflects a broader trend in Japanese regional revitalization, where small municipalities leverage their proximity to major urban hubs to attract 'slow tourism.' By emphasizing its status as Kanagawa's sole village and its environmental assets, Kiyokawa is positioning itself as a sustainable alternative to high-density tourism, targeting the growing demand for nature-based wellness and local culinary experiences among Tokyo residents.
