As the weather warms and the bloom can be forecast with some level of certainty, the official beginning of the cherry blossom season will be announced and the festivals will begin three days later. The island is known for the Enoshima Shrine, which is a site composed of three smaller shrines: Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya. The waterfall is located in the scenic Hinohara Village and is only a 10 minute walk from the bus stop. Take the Keikyu main line from Shinagawa Station to Miurakaigan Station. I am starting to explore the city on my days off. Its known for its hot springs and natural beauty. Shirahama Beach is about three and a half hours from central Tokyo. Less well-known for international visitors, Asukayama Park has around 600 trees spread through a hill-top park near JR Oji Station. Hossawa Falls, Hinohara Village (Tokyo) Many tourists get the impression that Tokyo is nothing more than a concrete jungle with little in the way of unspoiled ecosystems; thankfully places such as the Hossawa Falls prove the contrary. So, after an Mos burger (had to be done at some stage) we went on to Kawagoe which is a fantastic recommendation and a brilliant place to visit too. Youll know youve reached Onjuku Beach once you see the Tsuki No Sabaku statue of camel riders. are on the list of possible sites. Where to Stay in Tokyo: The BEST Areas in 2023 - The Broke Backpacker Just wait, and it will open! What makes it such a great spot for surfing are the highly consistent waves, which are best between June to November. 14 Best Things To Do in Tokyo Updated May 8, 2023 With more than 13 million residents to entertain, Tokyo has a lot going on. Depending on when you visit, youll find cherry blossoms, verdant leaves, or red and gold foliage popping against the white walls. Despite being only one hour north of the capital via shinkansen, youll mainly see Japanese commuters on the train. In addition the park includes several playgrounds including a Childrens Forest and rainbow pool, BBQ facilities and for couples looking for something quieter there is always pedal boating on the artificial lake. Thanks to the expanding shinkansen network, exploring Japan has never been easier. Whether you want to wander castle towns, hike forested shrine paths, or relax at an onsen, theres a shinkansen day trip to suit any mood. Azumino is around 20 to 30-minutes further on from Matsumoto Station, accessible using the Oito Line. 1. Visitors can watch the monkeys as they soak, groom, and forage for seeds in the water. Very nice of you to say so Tom Youre right, the leaves in Showa Park are quite exquisite in the fall. You can reach Atami from Tokyo in 45 minutes via the Tokaido shinkansen. The Furano-Biei area of Hokkaido is a wonderful summer destination known for its colourful fields of lavender that bloom from early to mid-July. Majestic Mount Fuji Majestic Mount Fuji Highlight: A sunrise view from the summit of Japan's highest and most iconic mountain Japan's most famous landmark, Mount Fuji (Fujisan) lies just over 100 kilometers southwest of Central Tokyo and is a full day's outing if you're only traveling to the base of the mountain. Take the Yokosuka line from Tokyo Station to Zushi Station, then hop on a 20-minute bus ride to the Tateishi stop. Youll definitely want to stick around until sundown as this beach boasts one of the best sunsets in the area.Getting there: Akiya Beach is about an hour and 40 minutes from central Tokyo. We wouldnt have known about it had it not been for your blog thank you! The attractive city of Kanazawa is a popular stop on the route from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. No spam, ever. While the majority of the structure is a reconstruction the Ishikawa-mon Gate and two store houses being exceptions the buildings have been beautifully restored with the surrounding grounds highly manicured and blessed with some beautiful trees, with plenty of space to wander and enjoy the historic precinct at is most spectacular. Based in Nagano, we offer two cherry blossom group tours each spring and can arrange private tours and charters to the best blossom spots in Central Japan including accommodation scroll to the bottom of the page for details. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Before you leave the city, pop into a matcha cafe for unique refreshments. The 26 Best Things to Do in Tokyo How to let the wonderful, at times frenetic, energy of this megacity take over. Kanazawa is the perfect easy day trip from Tokyo for culture and history lovers. This impressive statue rises 40 meters high, and visitors can climb to the top for some epic views. However, being able to explore secret passageways and hidden traps is worth the inconvenience. Id like to do the hike around the lake once again, and go to Nagatoro in the fall. Nikko: Toshogu Shrine, Beautiful World Heritage Site 2. Best things to do in 10 Prefectures, Things to do Tochigi Prefecture! Then, wander over to Kurazukuri Street and see the old merchant homes and clay warehouses. On a clear day, youll be able to admire an unobstructed view of the volcano talk about a, Visiting the city of Kawagoe will make you feel as if youre travelling to a bygone era in Japanese history. On clear days, you may even see. Access: Take a Chuo Line train for Ome and transfer for Okutama. Its the second most populated city in Japan. At the end of the day relax at the Batoukan hot spring which is located beside the floating pedestrian bridge. This stunning seaside retreat is surrounded by rock formations and plenty of greenery, and its proximity to Tokyo makes it one of the most convenient weekend escapes. The must sees in this area include Tofukuji Temple, Rengeoin Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu-dera, Kodaiji, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion. Nasu Animal Kingdom entry fee adults 1,800 yen / children 1,000 yen (additional 700 yen all-you-can-eat BBQ). From there, the beach is a ten-minute walk away. Batoukan hot spring 1,000 yen. Best places to visit in Tokyo, Chubu Region Travel Guide! Theres also a pleasant beach caf, hot spring and massage options nearby. I looked it up and Ill check out the pagoda the next time I go there. Shikoku Island is home to some of Japans best surfing spots, and has beaches suitable for surfers of all levels. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. At night, around 3000 trees and the reconstructed castle are illuminated, making it worthwhile to book accommodation in the area so you can enjoy the beautiful evening display to its fullest. Akihabara. 14 best day trips for a weekend getaway from Tokyo Travel Find some of Japan's most beautiful temples, hiking trails and nature attractions no more than a few hours from Tokyo And the famous leader Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined at Kunozan Tosho-gu, a colorful multi-level shrine that overlooks the ocean. Best places to visit and Attractions, Places to visit and attractions to experience in winter in Japan, Gunma Prefectures Attractiveness and Recommended Tourist Spots, Saitama Prefectures Attractiveness and Recommended Tourist Spots, Chiba Prefectures Attractions and Recommended Tourist Spots. From spring through to autumn, there are a handful of beaches around Japan where you can witness. This is one sightseeing place youre definitely not going to find in your guide book. Best places to visit and Attractions, Thing to do Ibaraki Prefecture! Kanazawa | Karuizawa | Nagano | Shizuoka city | Nagoya |Yokohama | Atami | Omiya | Takasaki | Sendai | Kyoto. The Hokuriku Shinkansen is covered by the following Japan Rail (JR) Passes: the full JR Pass / JR East Pass / JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. For guests wanting to access the best blossom spots in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination. 1. Another of Tokyos most popular viewing-spots, the Meguro River is a long stretch of around 800 cherry trees on both banks, at their most spectacular at night when lit-up by the hanging lanterns. It is close to Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, is a very scenic place. Odawara is a scenic city in central Japan. While Tokyo and Fuji are blessed with many great blossom spots, expect to be sharing them with thousands of other people. The scenic spot is an extension of, , and is the perfect place to witness the natural phenomenon known as, The Furano-Biei area of Hokkaido is a wonderful summer destination known for its colourful fields of lavender that bloom from early to mid-July. Copyright 2013-2023 RIDGELINEIMAGES.com Made with & in Tokyo, Lesser Known Places to Visit near Tokyo Part #2. This is an open air museum on the West side of Tokyo. Theres also a pleasant beach caf, hot spring and massage options nearby. While the exact date of bloom is hard to predict and varies across the different regions of the country, we can certainly provide assured recommendations of best spots to enjoy the blossoms in and around Tokyo. The Sayama Hills is definitely one of more beautiful spots to spend the afternoon in Tokyo. Here's your Japan bucket list, Find some of Japans most beautiful temples, hiking trails and nature attractions no more than a few hours from Tokyo. And nearby Yamashita Park offers great views of Yokohama Bay and bridge. Home to only a small number of cherry tress only around 100 Hamaryikyu doesnt draw the crowds of other gardens and parks but its spectacular landscape and traditional features including arched bridges and teahouses allow for a truly pleasurable experience, not to mention some great photography. One of Tokyos oldest cherry blossom spots, the park is popular locals and has some beautiful views of the trees from above. Hello, Note that many Atami onsen dont allow guests with tattoos. Toyama Station is around 2.5 hours from Tokyo using the shinkansen allowing you to head there and back on the same day. Only the walls and gate remain, marking the entrance to the park and your immersion within the 500-odd blossom trees including the classic yoshino. Tokyo is Japans electric capital city. Noteworthy is the crisscrossed network of cycling paths and bikes including tandems are available for hire. Very kind of you to say so Grace. Shizuoka City is only an hour away from Tokyo via the Tokaido shinkansen line. Whether youre wanting to explore more of Japans traditional culture, natural scenery, or history, youll have a great variety to choose from. Japans first open-air museum, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, features more than a thousand sculptures and works of art. Spring means cherry blossom season in Japan, but the romance is fleeting lasting only for a week or two. Nagano prefectures capital city is a speedy 90 minute day trip from Tokyo by bullet train. This list was expanded to include more of the cities in Japan worth visiting next time in the country. All around the castle is a mix of Japanese gardens, ponds, hanging wisteria, and even a plum blossom grove. Proudly ranking alongside Fifth Avenue and the Champs-lyses, Ginza is one of the most famous shopping strips in the world. The sight of the castle surrounded by pink blooms with the snow-capped peaks of the Northern Alps shining in the distance has become representative of spring in the region. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. The Portable Wife. Entry fee adults 410 yen / children 80 yen. Taxis are fast, but more expensive than trains or buses. With a little more time its possible to make a longer three and a half hour hike which dips over nearby Mount Mito. The temples and statues which make up the Hakuunsan White Cloud Mountain Torii Kannon in Naguri Village are the life work of sculptor Yataro Hiranuma who spent over 30 years amassing the collection. From there, the beach is about a six-minute walk away. The beach isa 20-minute walk from the station. Regularly cited as one of Japans top blossom-viewing spots, Takato Castle Ruins Park is as the name suggests is located on the foundations and ruins of a former castle. Getting there: Ubara Beach is about an hour and 40 minutes from central Tokyo. Fujiyama - once the world's fastest and tallest and still one of the best; 2. Closer to the coast than areas in Nagano, full bloom is likely to be early-April. Rebecca Milner James Wong. Tour start and end times are coordinated to match shinkansen times operating to and from Nagano from the capital. We already have this email. Miura Beach is about 70 minutes from central Tokyo. Western travelers might recognize Karuizawa as the setting for Terrace House: Opening New Doors. Kita-in is a Buddhist temple that contains remnants of the former Edo Castle. While all original structures other than the foundation walls are now gone, several buildings including the parks impressive gate have been thoughtfully restored with many mature cherry blossoms trees now populating the park. Take the Yokosuka line from Tokyo Station to Zushi Station, then hop on a 15-minute bus ride and stop at Isshiki Kaigan. must be a sight to watch. NAGANO CITY, NAGANO / early-April to mid-April. This large, 11-metre tall bronze statue is a symbol of Japan. From there our recommendations lead you into Nagano and Central Japan and ultimately, well away from the capital to the north coast including Toyama and Kanazawa. 1. By submitting this form you agree to our Privacy Policy. Thanks for subscribing! Best Way to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Train, Bus or Private Transport? Daikanyama. . One of the regions most historic cities, Kanazawa is blessed with some great blossoms that accentuate the heritage and aesthetic beauty of the city. What do Masamune, art, and beer all have in common? Near the airport there is Naritasan Shinshoji Temple as seen in the picture above. Much like Takato, Komoro Kaikoen is another park set on the ruins of a castle dating back to the 15th century. Enjoy calm tides, balmy sea breeze and good vibes at these gorgeous sandy beaches near Tokyo in Kanagawa, Chiba, Ibaraki and Shizuoka. Thank you so much! As always, Yoyogi is a great people-watching spot making it worth visiting to enjoy all the activity in the park set against the blossoms. Access: The Nasushiobara region can be reached by local or rapid trains along the JR Utsunomiya Line from Tokyos Ueno Station with a one way trip taking around three hours. 10 Interesting Villages and Sights near Tokyo - Hotels.com But this day trip from Tokyo by train is also home to several amazing waterfalls. Hiking up to the pagoda takes around an hour and provides some scenic views over the lake and valley below. Take the Hitachi 19 Limited Express Sendai to Mito Station and switch to the local Kashimarinkai Tetsudo Oarai-Kashima line to Oarai Station. Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum contains a collection of antique music boxes. From mode What are the best places to visit in Tokyo? And the Miyagi Museum of Art displays everything from Japanese silk screens to 19th century Western paintings. This year, the U.S. didn't crack the list of 20 best cities to live, and two U.S. citiesLos Angeles and San Diegoare among the places making the biggest declines. The other option is to check out a bunch of shrines and temples and the Gion geisha district. But Arashiyama is often packed with tourists, making it hard to get around in a timely fashion. Oarai Sun Beach is just over two hours from central Tokyo. Best things to do in 5 Prefectures, Tokyo Must see! Oishi Park is a beautiful urban area near the lake where lavender seasonally blooms. Otherwise, grab your friends for an outdoor feast at the lively barbecue area. Mountains View from Mount Takao, with Red Leaves = Adobe Stock. This summer, you can evencamp outon the terrace. Home Travel Destinations 11 Best Day Trips From Tokyo by Bullet Train. 20 Coolest Places to Visit in Tokyo - Japan Web Magazine This area is even more beautiful at night when the trees are lit up, during the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival. Thanks for this information about the best places to visit here! Best enjoyed at night, we recommend heading elsewhere during the day. 10 Lesser Known Places to Visit near Tokyo - RIDGELINEIMAGES.com 9 Top-Rated Day Trips from Tokyo | PlanetWare Takasaki has some unforgettable sightseeing opportunities if you know where to go. Typically blooming in the first week of April, the Matsushiro Spring Cherry Blossom Festival takes place of the second Saturday of the month, with performances and events happening in the park with the usual array of food and drink vendors on-hand to ensure an enjoyable day-out. Shodoshima takes part in the Setouchi Triennale art festival, so youll also find a number of permanent artworks and installations dotted around the island. If you like the ad free content you see here and are interested in giving back, consider supporting me on Patreon. 10 Top Tourist Spots and Attractions near Tokyo: Day Trip to Enjoy Essentially a long sandbar, the beach is a gorgeous expanse of white, star-shaped sand made up of tiny coral and is surrounded by emerald waters that are perfect for snorkelling and taking in the areas natural sea life. Its also home to several amazing temples, including Tenryuji and Hgon-in. While some are famous and draw large crowds, you are more likely to find beautiful yet quiet blossom spots outside of Tokyo. There are five shrines in all, as well as a mirror lake and botanical garden. Hakutaka trains have a mix of reserved and non-reserved carriages, and complete the journey in 3 hours. 10 Interesting Villages and Sights near Tokyo Head Out of Tokyo on a Road Trip around the Kanto Region Content Kawagoe (Saitama Prefecture) Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture) Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi Prefecture) Sawara (Chiba Prefecture) Hachioji (Tokyo) Akishima (Tokyo) Koga (Ibaraki Prefecture) Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture) Shiraito Falls is the easiest to reach via public transit. Though the castle is now gone, several reconstructed buildings sit among the splendid blossom trees, which along with numerous food stalls and vendors during peak bloom, makes Ueda one of the most popular blossom-viewing destination in Nagano. Whether youre wanting to explore more of Japans traditional culture, natural scenery, or history, youll have a great variety to choose from. Unkai Terrace is open until the end of October, just before ski season begins, so theres plenty of time to head on over before the snow starts to fall. There are sightseeing buses that run on a frequent loop through Kyoto, so its easy to use Kyotos public transit to hop on and off at the key sights. Dodonpa - said to have the fastest acceleration of any rollercoaster in the world; 3. Buses are another great way to get around Tokyo. Yokohama Japan's second largest city and very close neighbor just south of the city of Tokyo, Yokohama has many sights and attractions you won't want to miss. For incredible views of Mount Fuji, head to the Nihondaira. Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Atami Station and switch to the local Ito line to Izu-Shimoda Station. During the summer, the gorge is lit up in the evenings giving it an otherworldly vibe. Take the Hitachi 19 Limited Express Sendai to Mito Station and switch to the local Kashimarinkai Tetsudo Oarai-Kashima line to Oarai Station.