Kanagawa Prefectural Road And Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 137

Kanagawa Prefectural Road and Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 137: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Kanagawa Prefectural Road and Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 137 is a major transportation artery connecting Tokyo’s energetic urban areas with Kanagawa Prefecture’s culturally and historically significant cities. Stretching across approximately 10 to 15 kilometers, this route bridges neighborhoods in Setagaya and Meguro (Tokyo) with Kawasaki City (Kanagawa), and offers access to a diverse array of urban, industrial, and commercial districts. Route 137 not only facilitates daily commutes and logistics but also provides travelers with a journey through the Kanto region’s evolution—from its ancient roots to its modern urban form.

Rooted in the historical legacy of the Edo-period Tokaido route, Route 137 reflects Japan’s transformation from the Meiji era through the postwar boom. Today, it stands as a symbol of inter-prefectural collaboration, supporting cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians with dedicated infrastructure, and connecting to major routes like National Route 246 and the Tomei Expressway. This makes it a gateway to destinations such as Yokohama, Hakone, and beyond (Japan Experience, Japan Guide).

Along Route 137, travelers can discover landmarks such as Kawasaki Daishi Temple, enjoy scenic riverside paths along the Tamagawa, and explore the contemporary Futako-Tamagawa Rise complex. The road also functions as a cultural corridor, connecting Kamakura’s historical sites to Yokohama’s international heritage. Visitors benefit from modern amenities, bilingual signage, advanced safety features, and sustainable urban planning.

This comprehensive guide details Route 137’s history, main attractions, practical travel tips, visitor information, safety advice, and etiquette guidelines. Whether you’re a commuter, tourist, or cultural enthusiast, understanding Route 137 will enrich your experience of one of Japan’s most dynamic corridors (Live Japan, Japan Guide).

Introduction
Historical Background
Route Overview
Key Attractions: Visiting Hours and Tickets
Special Focus: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Safety, Etiquette, and Practical Travel Tips
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background

Development of Regional Road Networks

Route 137 is integral to the Kanto region’s road system, linking Tokyo and Kanagawa’s growing cities. Its origins lie in the Tokaido—an essential Edo-period route for people and goods between Tokyo (then Edo) and Kyoto (Japan Experience). As Japan modernized, Route 137 was upgraded to support increasing urbanization and vehicular traffic.

Administrative Evolution and Modern Significance

Route 137 is managed jointly by Kanagawa Prefecture and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, representing effective inter-prefectural cooperation. The route passes near historic sites such as the Kamakura shogunate seat and Yokohama’s international port, and is associated with pivotal events like Commodore Perry’s arrival in 1853 (Japan Experience).

Urbanization and Infrastructure Upgrades

Postwar development led to Route 137’s expansion, with improvements in road width, surfacing, and integration with expressways. Today, the route features advanced traffic management and supports multiple transportation modes, in line with urban sustainability goals (Japan Guide).

Route Overview

Geographic Scope and Segments

Route 137 runs from western Tokyo’s Setagaya and Meguro wards into Kawasaki City, Kanagawa, traversing:

Tokyo Segment: Upscale neighborhoods, wide boulevards, easy access to shopping and dining near stations like Futako-Tamagawa and Den-en-chofu (Live Japan).
Kawasaki Segment: Industrial and commercial areas, with highlights like Kawasaki Daishi Temple and factory tour experiences (Japan Experience).
Connectivity: Intersects with National Route 246, Tomei Expressway, and links to Yokohama, Hakone, and other destinations (Japan Guide).

Transportation and Accessibility

The route supports private vehicles, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians, and is close to Tokyu Den-en-toshi and JR Nambu train lines. Dedicated bike lanes, wide sidewalks, and multilingual signage enhance accessibility (Japan Experience).

Key Landmarks and Points of Interest

Kawasaki Daishi (Heiken-ji): Major Buddhist temple known for New Year’s festivities and shopping streets.
Tamagawa River: Scenic riverside paths ideal for walking and cycling.
Futako-Tamagawa Rise: Modern shopping and entertainment complex (Live Japan).
Access to Yokohama: Gateway to Chinatown, Minato Mirai, and other attractions via connecting roads and trains (Japan Guide).

Traffic Patterns and Best Times to Travel

Expect congestion during weekday rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:30 PM). For a smoother trip, travel during off-peak times or weekends, avoiding festival days (Japan Experience).

Practical Travel Tips

Access: Route 137 is a public road, open 24/7.
Parking: Available near major attractions, but limited during peak periods.
Tolls: The route itself is free; some expressways have tolls.
Accessibility: Urban segments are wheelchair-friendly.

Infrastructure and Safety

The route is equipped with bilingual signs, traffic cameras, police patrols, emergency call boxes, and convenience stores for travelers (Japan Experience).

Environmental and Urban Planning

Recent improvements prioritize sustainability, including noise reduction, green spaces, and smart traffic systems (Japan Guide).

Key Attractions: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Tips

Yokohama

Minato Mirai 21: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM (shopping). Free entry; Landmark Tower observation deck: ~¥1,000 (Japambience).
Yokohama Chinatown: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Cup Noodles Museum: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays). Adults ¥500, kids ¥300.
Red Brick Warehouse: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM. Free entry.
Yokohama Ramen Museum: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM. ¥310 admission.

Kamakura

Great Buddha: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM; ¥300.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: 5:00 AM–8:30 PM.
Meigetsu-in: Best in June; ¥300.
Zuisenji Temple: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; ¥300.

Hakone

Open-Air Museum: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; ¥1,600.
Hakone Ropeway: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; one-way ¥1,000, round-trip ¥1,800.
Onsen: Various day passes; check individual onsen policies.
Venetian Glass Museum: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM; ¥1,300.

Enoshima & Shonan Coast

Enoshima Shrine: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.
Sea Candle: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; ¥500.
Shonan Coastline: Year-round outdoor activities.

Miura Peninsula

Zushi & Hayama Beaches: Best in summer.
Jogashima Island: Ferries, hiking trails, open year-round.
Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival: Early spring.

Unique Experiences & Food Culture

Local specialties: Hayama beef, Sagami Bay seafood.
Artisanal workshops: pottery, tea ceremony.

Seasonal Events

Kanagawa Shimbun Fireworks Festival: July.
Yokohama Port Festival: June.
Autumn Foliage: October–November.
Winter Illuminations: December–February.

Visitor Tips

Transport: Well-connected by train and bus; discount passes available.
Accessibility: Most major sites are wheelchair-friendly.
Etiquette: Respect customs at religious sites.

Special Focus: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Overview

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (“Aka-Renga Soko”) is a historic landmark on the Yokohama waterfront. Originally customs warehouses from the early 20th century, the buildings now house a vibrant shopping and cultural complex.

History & Cultural Significance

Built 1911–1913, the warehouses supported Japan’s international trade before being preserved and repurposed in 2002. Today, they embody Yokohama’s cosmopolitan evolution.

Visiting Hours & Tickets

Open: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM daily (some shops/restaurants vary).
Admission: Free; special events/exhibitions may charge ¥500–¥1,500.
Guided Tours: Available on weekends; advance booking recommended.

Getting There

Train/Subway: JR Negishi Line to Sakuragicho Station (15 min walk); Minatomirai Line to Bashamichi Station (7 min walk); Yokohama Subway to Kannai Station (10 min walk).
Bus: Multiple routes from Yokohama Station and Motomachi-Chukagai.
Car: Paid parking available, but public transport is recommended.

Amenities & Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible, with elevators and accessible restrooms.
Free Wi-Fi available.

Events & Highlights

Hosts annual Christmas Market, Oktoberfest, and jazz festivals.
Check official site for event calendar.

Photographic Tips

Best light in early morning/evening; waterfront plaza offers panoramic views.

Nearby Attractions

Landmark Tower, Cup Noodles Museum, Yamashita Park.

Safety, Etiquette, and Practical Travel Tips

Pedestrians/Cyclists: Use sidewalks and crossings, keep left, and obey signals (Go Tokyo).
Driving: Follow left-side traffic, observe speed limits (40 km/h), and avoid illegal parking.
Emergency: Dial 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance); emergency call boxes and police boxes (koban) are widely available (Nomadic Matt).

Public Etiquette

Queue at crossings and bus stops.
Silence phones and avoid loud conversations.
Respect priority seating and women-only cars on trains.
Do not eat while walking in public (Klook), (Time Out Tokyo).

Payment & Transactions

Cash is widely used; use trays for payment.
Tipping is not customary.

Local Customs

Bow as a greeting; use polite phrases.
Follow cultural rules when using chopsticks.
Carry your trash until you find proper bins; sort waste appropriately.

Safety Advice

Japan is generally safe, but remain cautious in crowded areas.
Prepare for natural disasters by noting evacuation routes.
After dark, stick to well-lit streets and use official transport (Nomadic Matt).

Respect for Community

Ask permission before taking photos of people.
Keep noise down, especially in residential areas.
Support local businesses and use basic Japanese greetings (Tokyo Tokyo).

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Kanagawa Prefectural Road and Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 137 is more than a roadway—it is a journey through Japan’s historical legacy, urban innovation, and cultural richness. From the ancient Tokaido to today’s modern infrastructure, the route links Tokyo with Kanagawa, opening access to iconic sites like Kawasaki Daishi, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, the Tamagawa River, and Hakone. Travelers can rely on robust infrastructure, safety features, and accessible facilities, supported by practical travel tips and cultural insights.

Whether your interests lie in Kamakura’s history, Yokohama’s cityscape, or Hakone’s natural wonders, Route 137 is your gateway to the Kanto region’s highlights. Use resources like the Audiala app for real-time updates and plan your visit with confidence for a rewarding and memorable journey (Japan Experience, Japan Guide, Live Japan).