At the end of the day relax at the Batoukan hot spring which is located beside the floating pedestrian bridge. 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. Daikanyama. Whether youre wanting to explore more of Japans traditional culture, natural scenery, or history, youll have a great variety to choose from. While most people alight at Zushi Station for the eponymous Zushi Beach, its worth taking a 15-minute bus ride from the station to Hayamas Isshiki Beach, where its less crowded and more beautiful. Its officially summer here in Japan, and for most people, the warm weather immediately calls for a visit to one of the many gorgeous beaches or islands dotted around the country. These day trips from Tokyo by bullet train take full advantage of the Japan Rail Pass. Best things to do in 7 Prefectures, Chugoku Region! Ibaraki prefecture is located in the northeast of Tokyo and faces the Pacific Ocean. RECOMMENDED: The best day tripsfrom Tokyo. 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. Blooming each spring, enjoying the blossoms is perhaps the quintessential Japanese experience, with many international visitors heading here just to see the fabled flowers. From Izu-Kogen Station, switch to the Izukyuko line for Izukyu-Shimoda Station. 10 Interesting Villages and Sights near Tokyo - Hotels.com Order your Japan Rail Pass now for speedy delivery! There is a mysterious shrine and beautiful nature. It is close to Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, is a very scenic place. The cave stretches over two kilometres and maintains a constant 11 degrees throughout the year making it the perfect place to head to in summer. Their main castleSunpustill remains at the heart of the city. If youre touring Asia, you might as well visit as many places as you can. It features four floors of displays and attractions. Only 80 to 110-minutes from Tokyo Station using the Hokuriku Shinkansen (depending on which service you choose), Nagano Station is the pickup and drop-off point for our two cherry blossom group tours, allowing guests to travel from Tokyo on the morning of the tour and return afterward, should that be convenient see below for details. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Take the Wakashio 13 Limited Express Katsuura from Tokyo Station to Katsuura Station and switch to the local Sotobo line to Ubara Station. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Tsunoshima's lush patches of nature and calm waters for swimming. The 800m-long beach is spacious and clean, and there are convenience stores and restaurants as well as facilities to rent beach umbrellas. Not so into surfing? From there, take a seven-minute bus ride to Tatado. Closer to the coast than areas in Nagano, full bloom is likely to be early-April. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best nature escapes in Tokyo. However, on the other hand, the areas far from Tokyo still have beautiful scenery and life culture unique to the land. Eejanaika - the park's '4 th dimension' rollercoaster, with rotating seats within the car. Access: The Metropolitan Sayama Park is a 3 minute walk from the south exit of Seibu Yuenchi Station while transferring to the quaint Seibu Yamaguchi Line to Seibu Stadium-mae provides access to Sayama Lake. But rest assured, we do this to ensure our guests have the best possible experience on the day and plenty of the spots mentioned above plus a couple of secret ones! The 26 Best Things to Do in Tokyo How to let the wonderful, at times frenetic, energy of this megacity take over. The 197 hectare Tokyo Citizens Forest created in 1995 is a good example of a sustainably managed recreational area near Tokyo that caters for a cross-section of visitors. , the sea fireflies which illuminate coastlines in a brilliant shade of blue. The nearby Lake Okutama supplies the vast amount of Tokyos drinking water and is only a 15 minute bus ride from Okutama Station. The covered arcade is packed with shops and restaurants perfect for snacking and souvenir shopping. Depending on when you visit, youll find cherry blossoms, verdant leaves, or red and gold foliage popping against the white walls. Its main attraction is the reconstructed 15th-century Odawara Castle. Best neighborhoods in Tokyo - Lonely Planet Cherry trees line the shores in many spots allowing for spectacular views of the mountain with the blossoms in the foreground. 7 Places to Visit Near Tokyo - MSN Hakutaka trains have a mix of reserved and non-reserved carriages, and complete the journey in 3 hours. shidarezakura, higanzakura and local Komoro yaebenishidare varieties. Best things to do in 6 Prefectures, Kyushu Region! Oarai Sun Beach is just over two hours from central Tokyo. 10 Lesser Known Places to Visit near Tokyo - RIDGELINEIMAGES.com 4 Kamakura. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji in autumn, Nikko, Japan = Adobe Stock. Even if you dont have a lot of time, there are so many areas within easy reach from the capital city. One of Tokyos oldest cherry blossom spots, the park is popular locals and has some beautiful views of the trees from above. Single pieces of sashimi start around 100 Yen (about $.75) and an entire roll will run you a very non-staggering 600 Yen (about $4.30). Afterwards, take an oceanfront stroll through Rinko Park and along the Kishamichi Promenade. Mountains View from Mount Takao, with Red Leaves = Adobe Stock. Yokohama also contains a massive Chinatown with hundreds of Chinese restaurants and shops. 2023.03.14. From mode What are the best places to visit in Tokyo? Its the second most populated city in Japan. Nasu Animal Kingdom entry fee adults 1,800 yen / children 1,000 yen (additional 700 yen all-you-can-eat BBQ). The waterfall is located in the scenic Hinohara Village and is only a 10 minute walk from the bus stop. The must sees in this area include Tofukuji Temple, Rengeoin Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu-dera, Kodaiji, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Tokyo - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor The Hokuriku Shinkansen is covered by the following Japan Rail (JR) Passes: the full JR Pass / JR East Pass / JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. The area is accented by dense green foliage and sheer cliffs made from volcanic basalt that resemble the scales of a dragon. The road leading up to Byakue Kannon, Ishiharamachi, is a traditional shopping street lined with cherry blossom trees. Start your morning off with breakfast sushi at the world-famous. Unsubscribe at any time. More power! Greek-style windmill on Shodoshima in Kagawa prefecture, Looking to make the most of the summer season? Buses are another great way to get around Tokyo. Shikoku Island is home to some of Japans best surfing spots, and has beaches suitable for surfers of all levels. It's actually Tokyo's oldest bathhousemake a day of it by visiting Asakusa's Sensoji (Tokyo's oldest temple) and taking a steamy soak in Akebono-yo. Affordable day trips: Visit popular places like Nagoya, Kanazawa, and more without spending a fortune on tickets. Take the Hitachi 19 Limited Express Sendai to Mito Station and switch to the local Kashimarinkai Tetsudo Oarai-Kashima line to Oarai Station. 13,300. destination, the island is home to beautiful sandy beaches and restaurants to sample fresh seafood. Every spring, thousands of flowers turn the ground into a Dr. Seussian wonderland of color and patterns. A popular road trip destination, the island is home to beautiful sandy beaches and restaurants to sample fresh seafood. Kanagawa Prefecture. 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. 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. Getting there: Isshiki Beach is about 90 minutes from central Tokyo. 26 Best Things to Do in Tokyo | Cond Nast Traveler Lying to the south-east of Kawaguchi-ko, Oshino Hakkai is a reconstructed traditional village centred around eight naturally occurring ponds. The popular 20 minute walk to the Otaki Waterfall has even been designated one of Japans growing number of Forest Therapy Roads. Embrace the warm weather at these gorgeous beaches, islands and mountain retreats from Okinawa to Hokkaido. Continue Reading. The path is lit by hanging lanterns at night but there are no shops or stalls along the path, so be prepared before you go. Buying a Japan Rail Pass will save you a ton of time and money when traveling across Japan. Turn your trip into a weekend getaway by spending the night at one of the many surrounding hotels. 10 best summer destinations in Japan - Time Out Famous sightseeing spots around Tokyo include Kamakura and Hakone in K Gunma prefecture is located in the northwestern part of the Kanto regi Saitama Prefecture is located north of Tokyo. The Portable Wife. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. The island's 130-year old lighthouse is also a must-visit attraction. The Great Buddha in Kamakura Japan.The foreground is cherry blossoms.Located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture Japan = Shutterstock. Shodoshima is the second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and boasts a warm summer climate a little like a Greek coastal town. 10 Best Places Near Tokyo Travelers Must Definitely Explore! If youre going to Japan in October, youll be dazzled by the autumn leaves drifting around the pool. Expect the park to be crowded so get there early to ensure a good spot. Takao. More than 400 classic somei yoshino trees form a spectacular border along the river, under which visitors can stroll on a riverside walking path or enjoy by river boat. However, if youd rather escape the sweltering sun, Japan is also home to a host of refreshing mountain resorts and rolling hillside landscapes in cooler regions such as Hokkaido. Planning to make the ascent? Best places to visit in Japan | beautiful place, famous places, best cities, must see! NAGANOS NO.1-RATED TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR. . Top tourist attractions in Tokyo: the best sightseeing spots 2023 The Portable Wife. Important shrines, Mount Fuji views, green tea cafes Shizuoka City is an underrated day trip from Tokyo by bullet train. Not just the largest city in Japan but also the largest city in the world, Tokyo is a sprawling giant that must be experienced at least once. Check out my Kanazawa day trip itinerary to plan your perfect trip! Trees line the banks at points along the river including Sumida Park, from where you can embark or disembark the cruise. Its located near the majestic Mount Fuji. For a unique wild animal encounter in Japan, head to Jigokudani hot springs. From seaside escapes in Chiba to the sandy shores of Shizuoka, here are some of the best beaches near Tokyo - organised according to their distance from Tokyo, starting with the one closest to. In the Asakusa district of Tokyo, the exquisite Sens-ji Temple (Kinry-zan Sens-ji)) - the city's most famous shrine - stands at the end of a long street market hosting vendors selling masks, carvings, combs made of . Atsuta Jingu is a peaceful haven of nature smack dab in the middle of the city. A tropical summer paradise, Miyakojima boasts some of the best beaches in all of Okinawa, but its also worth a visit for the amazing stargazing opportunities. Getting there: Tatadohama Beach is just over three hours from central Tokyo. 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. Of the many conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Tokyo, Uobei Sushi is one of the best. All around the castle is a mix of Japanese gardens, ponds, hanging wisteria, and even a plum blossom grove. Japan has many cities (and villages) worth visiting. There are plenty of shops in the area if you wish to rent a surfboard or sign up for lessons. This national park is highly recommended for hiking. From the station take a 20 minute bus ride and get off at the Hossawa no taki iriguchi bus stop. It houses the first Buddhist statue that was brought to Japan over 1,300 years ago. From April to May, the hills are filled with pink and white flowers = Shutterstock. Besides strolling the flower fields, you'll also be able to sample all sorts of products made with lavender such as perfume, incense, and even lavender-flavoured ice cream. This idyllic beach in Yokosuka, tucked away along Sagami Bay, features a mix of both sandy and rocky shores. Got a question about seeing the blossoms in Central Japan? To get to the island of Tsunoshima, youll have to cross over the picturesque Tsunoshima Ohashi bridge, which stretches 1,780m across the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Japan. From there, the beach is a ten-minute walk away. Photos: Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture -Daibutsu, Enoden, etc. With all the stress that comes with living in Tokyo its nice to know there is a place set aside to revitalise ones health. This list was expanded to include more of the cities in Japan worth visiting next time in the country. Its central part has developed as the Tokyo Metropolis (a vast urban area centered on Tokyo). From seaside escapes in Chiba to the sandy shores of Shizuoka, here are some of the best beaches near Tokyo organised according to their distance from Tokyo, starting with the one closest to the city. Wed love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more! From there, the beach is about a six-minute walk away. Access: Take a Chuo Line train for Ome and transfer for Okutama. All Rights Reserved. And if youd rather visit the city as a day trip from Kyoto, its only 95 minutes on the same line! With transport included and all led by a locally-based guide, this tour is a great way to enjoy two of Central Japans best cherry blossom spots without the hassle of public transport. Best neighborhood for upscale shopping. Best places to stay near major . Its a lovely place to wander around and admire the magnificent Japanese landscaping. Access: Take a Chuo Line train towards Ome and transfer at Haijima for Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. Best things to do in 5 Prefectures, Tokyo Must see! Nagoya is a 90-minute ride from Tokyo Station, and one of the top places to visit between Tokyo and Kyoto along the Tokaido shinkansen route. Kamakura & Enoshima: A Refreshing Oceanside Place filled with History 5. We already have this email. One of the oldest known tombs in the region, visitors who want to learn more about the Kofun Period can also visit nearby Nakayama Cultural History Museum. The near-1400 year old temple complex has several spectacular trees which set against the beauty of the historic buildings and streetscape offer some truly beautiful photography. We already have this email. Home to around 4000 cherry trees, the park plays host to the Takada Castle Sakura Festival in the first week of April an event that attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy the spectacular bloom. While Tokyo and Fuji are blessed with many great blossom spots, expect to be sharing them with thousands of other people. The island is known for the Enoshima Shrine, which is a site composed of three smaller shrines: Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya. And if youre a foreign visitor, you can zip around the country without spending a fortune on tickets! Bridges and paths lead between the ponds and past traditional thatch-roofed buildings a beautiful setting from which to view Mount Fuji looming nearby. (In Tokyo, at least go to Kyoto if you want to see countless canals surrounded by cherry blossoms). Likewise, there are so many other areas just outside of Tokyo that are equally captivating. Where to find snow near Tokyo - japan-guide.com Renowned as one of the best blossoms spots in the entire country, it is no surprise that it plays host to an official festival, timed for mankai (peak bloom), with festival dates announced early each year as the blossom forecast is released. Constructed during the Edo-period, it was one of the largest castles in Japan until it was mostly destroyed in 1945. While some are famous and draw large crowds, you are more likely to find beautiful yet quiet blossom spots outside of Tokyo. From there, the beach is about a six-minute walk away. Its one of the most popular places to take photos of Mount Fuji. Mount Nasudake is a popular hiking destination with a cable car ferrying day-trippers within 45 minutes of the summit. The town is also famous for its sweet potato snacks and candy. Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Atami Station and switch to the local Ito line to Izu-Kogen Station. The landscape of Hitsujiyama park where Moss Phlox blooms all over. On a clear day, sitting in the park surrounded by the cherry blossoms offers true relaxation and beautiful photography, with the snow-capped North Alps sitting in the background. But Arashiyama is often packed with tourists, making it hard to get around in a timely fashion. Im Chelsea, a.k.a. While most people alight at Zushi Station for the eponymous Zushi Beach, its worth taking a 15-minute bus ride from the station to Hayamas Isshiki Beach, where its less crowded and more beautiful. 4.0 Adjacent to the garden, Kanazawa Castle Park is our final recommendation. Hikers will love exploring Togakushis famous towering cedar trees and mountain shrines. A 3-hour journey from Tokyo. Kamakura is just 1hr away from Tokyo. 1. Youll also spot plenty of daruma here and around Jiganin temple. Took your advice yesterday- were at the end of a two week visit to Tokyo- and took the shankinsen to Omiya and then on to Kawagoe. One of Tokyos most famous and popular parks, Yoyogi Park isnt as well-known for its blossoms however it still boasts more than 800 trees and plenty of space for larger groups to sit-down and enjoy themselves. Every day, dozens of Japanese macaques climb down from their mountain dens to warm up in the steaming outdoor pools. Easy to use: Just show your pass to the gate attendant and walk to your train! The gardens are beautiful and feature expansive open areas on which visitors can sit. There is Oze in Gumma Prefecture. One of the regions most historic cities, Kanazawa is blessed with some great blossoms that accentuate the heritage and aesthetic beauty of the city. Best places to visit in Tokyo, Chubu Region Travel Guide! Best Short Day Trips from Tokyo - Explore Japan - Expat Explore I looked it up and Ill check out the pagoda the next time I go there. Take the Keikyu main line from Shinagawa Station to Miurakaigan Station. If the summer is too hot to handle, cool down in Hokkaido at the stunning Unkai Terrace. In spring, numerous cherry trees leading to and surrounding the pagoda make it even more spectacular noting that it is likely to be crowded for just that reason. Weekends can sometimes get a little hectic so best advice is to shoot for an early bus to avoid the crowds. 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. Combining a visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park with lunch and afternoon of blossom-viewing, this tour captures the essence of Nagano in spring. Enjoy calm tides, balmy sea breeze and good vibes at these gorgeous sandy beaches near Tokyo in Kanagawa, Chiba, Ibaraki and Shizuoka.
