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Tokyo is a world-class metropolis. However in the event you want a break from the fast-paced metropolis life, contemplate one in every of these day journeys from Tokyo to one in every of seven close by landmarks.
These locations close to Tokyo vary from a straightforward half-hour to 120 minutes by prepare or ferry. Better of all, these locations are beautiful in all 4 seasons. So, escape your JR Move or Passmo/Suica playing cards and prepare for some enjoyable!
Greatest Day Journeys from Tokyo
One of the simplest ways to expertise these Tokyo day journeys is by prepare, however in case you are up for the problem, you’ll be able to lease a automobile as effectively. It gives you extra freedom and adaptability to discover these wonderful locations.
If you’re on the lookout for extra data on Tokyo, learn our Tokyo journey information at The Greatest Issues to do in Tokyo, Japan
1. Kamakura
From 1185 to 1333, Kamakura was the de facto capital of Japan. There’s a cause why this metropolis is called a “Little Kyoto” – it’s bursting with historical past, tradition, and non secular constructions. With 65 temples and 19 shrines, it is extremely straightforward to get temple/shrine overload. For that cause, it’s greatest to restrict the variety of temple/shrine excursions to a few a day.
When you’re solely in Kamakura for in the future, three very particular spiritual websites are effectively value a go to. For a extra in-depth information of Kamakura learn: Issues to do in Kamakura Japan – The Final Seaside Escape
Hasa-dera Temple
The temple was established in 736 and is legendary for its 11-headed wood statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The gorgeous grounds embody ponds full of colourful fish, and beautiful landscaped areas.
Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine
Some of the distinctive shrines in Japan, Zeniarai Benzaiten dates again to 1185. Guests come right here to clean their cash within the shrine’s particular waters. In keeping with legend, when you spent your washed cash, your luck and fortune would multiply. Though the money-washing legend is an simple draw, the shrine’s web site may be very particular: you entry it by passing via a tunnel cave.
Kotoku-in Temple
The most well-liked temple in Kamakura, the Huge Buddha (Daibutsu) is so linked to the town itself that the statue is prominently featured on tourism packages and magazines. The 44-foot bronze Daibutsu was constructed within the mid-Thirteenth century and has survived earthquakes, fires, and battle.
Kamakura can also be well-known for wonderful purchasing and all kinds of worldwide cuisines. When you’re seeking to attempt an area specialty, Kamakura is legendary for shirasu – whitebait. There are numerous methods to eat shirasu – dried, uncooked, or boiled. If that is outdoors your consolation degree, one factor is for certain – at Kamakura, you’ll have numerous scrumptious choices to select from.
- Greatest Suited For: These excited by exploring conventional Japanese tradition and historical past.
- From Tokyo: It’s simply over an hour by prepare from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station.
2. Enoshima Island
This charming island is linked by a 600-meter bridge to the mainland. The island has a romantic backstory: a fierce dragon who had been terrorizing the native villagers renounced his evil methods to win the love of the attractive goddess Benzaiten. Enoshima Island is a testomony to their love.
The dragon theme is woven all through the island, from the carved statues to the ornate lamp posts. There’s even a shrine devoted to the dragon, together with a temple devoted to the goddess.
Sea Caves
Though it entails a number of units of steep stairs, the most effective locations to go to is the ocean caves. For ¥500, ($3.50 USD) employees will current you with a candle to discover the caves and see historical statues. The candle isn’t actually crucial as there may be ample lighting. All the identical, it’s a enjoyable contact that provides to the sense of journey and it’s small element that younger guests actually love.
On the furthermost cave, a contemporary dragon statue stands in welcome, dramatically lit in shades of purple and scorching pink. Kitschy? Sure. However It’s nonetheless fairly cool.
For such a compact island, a visit to Enoshima famously entails quite a lot of bodily exercise. When you love Japanese meals, it is a nice probability to work up an urge for food and get your cardio in. Enoshima comes with HUNDREDS of stairs.
Don’t really feel like taking the steps, or have already got the physique of a Greek god? The island has a tiered ticket system, and for between ¥200-800 yen ($1.50 – $8USD) friends can use escalators to entry numerous sights. The worth of tickets relies on how excessive up you want to go.
Given its romantic historical past, it’s straightforward to grasp the island’s reputation with younger lovers. The views from the highest are breathtaking, and on a transparent day, Enoshima Island has completely gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji.
Meals to Attempt
Whereas there are many sit-down eating places on the island, it may be a enjoyable expertise to simply graze on the many meals stalls. As with close by Kamakura, shirasu (white bait) is an Enoshima specialty. There are a number of methods to take pleasure in shirasu: in a scorching croquette, atop a rice bowl, or (gulp!) as a tender cream in a cone.
- Greatest Suited For: These on the lookout for a one-of-a-kind island expertise. As a result of island’s geography, those that are pretty lively will benefit from the expertise probably the most.
- From Tokyo: It’s an hour from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. From Kamakura Station, take the scenic Enoden Line prepare to Enoshima Station (roughly 25 minutes). Comply with the well-marked indicators and stroll throughout the bridge to Enoshima Island.
Misaki and Jogashima Island
Are you a maguro (tuna) lover? If that’s the case, you’ll love Misaki. The fishing city is understood for having one in every of Japan’s prime tuna hauls. No matter dish you need to attempt, relaxation assured – the standard will likely be top-notch.
Misaki can also be recognized for its fish market. Whereas it’s presently closed as a consequence of COVID, guests usually have the chance to view the tuna public sale course of by way of the glass home windows available on the market’s second ground.
Jogashima Island
Close to Misaki Harbor is Jogashima Island, accessible both by way of bridge or a brief boat journey.
Whereas Enoshima Island is a vacationer vacation spot stuffed with caves and must-see temples, Jogashima provides off a relaxed getaway vibe. The sparsely populated island has a number of wonderful climbing trails. Probably the most scenic of these trails will take you by well-maintained lighthouses and alongside seashores of volcanic rock.
These whose temperament is extra mellow can select to easily take pleasure in recent breezes and ocean views whereas picnicking.
Meals to attempt: It might be a disgrace to go to Misaki and NOT get their tuna. Whereas Misaki is most well-known for its tuna, as a fishing village ALL of the seafood is great. An unimaginable set menu that features miso soup, a bowl of rice and tuna, and inexperienced tea will probably run roughly ¥1600 ($11).
- Greatest Suited For: Out of doors fanatics and maguro lovers.
- From Tokyo: It’s going to take you about 90 minutes to get from Tokyo Station to Misakiguchi Station. Exterior the station, take a taxi or the NR 2 Bus to Misaki Port (roughly 18 minutes).
- From Misaki Port to Jogashima: Jogashima Island could be accessed by a 5 minute boat journey from Misaki Port or a 2.2-kilometer stroll throughout the bridge.
Yokosuka
Yokosuka has a protracted historical past as a Sailor city. Initially, Yokosuka was one in every of 4 distinguished shipyards for the Japanese Imperial Navy. In 1884, the Yokosuka Naval District was constructed for the protection of Japan.
As of late, the town hosts each the Japan Maritime Self Protection Drive and the U.S. Navy. Due to the Sailor affect, two must-try culinary specialties to attempt when in Yokosuka are Kaigun (Navy) Curry and the “Navy burger”.
Whaaaaaat? A burger as a culinary vacation spot merchandise? You greatest consider it. And Japan’s tackle a U.S. Navy burger is nothing in need of beautiful.
On U.S. Navy ships, Wednesdays are affectionately often known as “Burger Day”.
Kaigun Curry
As for Kaigun Curry, it’s consumed by Sailors aboard Japan Maritime Self-Protection ships each Friday. Posters inside Keikyu Line prepare compartments recurrently characteristic tourism campaigns highlighting these two genuine “Sailor” dishes.
Whereas it’s a lot simpler to get recent merchandise at sea at present, securing provides to feed a hungry crew for lengthy durations at sea was far harder within the previous days of crusing. Whereas Western Sailors died as a consequence of scurvy, many Japanese Sailors died as a consequence of B1 deficiency (beriberi) led to by a scarcity of thiamine. With out this significant vitamin, Sailors would possibly exhibit signs resembling psychological confusion, lack of muscle perform, and paralysis.
Kanehiro Takaki, a superb Japanese naval medical officer, performed scientific experiments and realized that the signs have been diet-related. The Imperial Navy noticed the meals different Navies have been consuming and took a web page from British Sailors – who had taken the concept from India – in consuming curry, a dish stuffed with thiamine.
Japanese Sailors got here to like the dish, and introduced the recipe again dwelling. Over time, Kaigun Curry established itself as a preferred dish. Enjoyable reality: every Japan Maritime Self-Protection Drive ship has its personal curry recipe.
Both pre- or post-curry/burger, journey to Mikasa Park and take a look at the Japanese battleship Mikasa. An iconic battleship, the Mikasa participated in a number of main conflicts, and is the one pre-dreadnought battleship remaining at present.
As one would possibly count on from a Sailor city, there are many retailers in Yokosuka that promote Japanese and U.S. Sailor-inspired merchandise, from squadron patches to Kaigun curry packets.
- Greatest Suited For: Historical past and nautical buffs.
- From Tokyo: It’s roughly an hour prepare journey from Tokyo Station to Yokosuka Chuo.
Chiba’s Nokogiriyama
Though Chiba Prefecture is most well-known for Disneyland, why not expertise an genuine cultural treasure off the crushed monitor by heading for Nokogiriyama?
The primary Buddhist temple was commissioned at Nokogiriyama over 1300 years in the past. At a top of 31.05 meters (101.8 toes), the Diabetsu (Buddha) at Nokogiriyama is the tallest Buddha Statue in Japan.
Past its top, the Buddha is placing in that it was carved into the mountain in 1783. Because the Buddha of therapeutic, the determine has a mild expression and holds a medication bowl in his hand.
A journey to Nokogiriyama is an element religious pilgrimage, and half embracing your interior Indiana Jones. Learn all about my expertise at Nokogiriyama and an Encounter With Chiba’s Nice Stone Buddha
Takai Arhats – Enlightened Disciples
The strolling paths on the mountain are lined with the stone figures of Takai Arhats (enlightened disciples). Sadly, a number of of the Takai Arhats have been broken or destroyed. A few of this has been because of the passing of time and publicity to nature. And a few of the injury – the place it’s apparent the statue was beheaded – was as a consequence of anti-Buddhist actions through the Meiji Restoration.
Those that are exceptionally match will benefit from the problem of a strenuous hike up the mountain, the place they are going to be rewarded by gorgeous nature and wonderful views. At a scenic overlook often known as “Hell’s Peak”, the adventurous can enterprise to a railing on the fringe of a cliff and take images.
Have completely zero curiosity in a hike up a 300-meter mountain? Take the cable automobile from the bottom to the highest for ¥500. Observe: though the cable automobile takes guests to the highest, there may be nonetheless quite a lot of strolling up/down steep stairs to get to the preferred viewpoints.
- Greatest Suited For: Out of doors adventurers with robust legs who’re keen to place in effort to get to a very gorgeous cultural treasure.
- From Tokyo: One of the simplest ways to entry it’s to take a prepare from Tokyo to Keikyu-Kurihama. Stroll the quick distance to Kurihama Harbor and catch a 40-minute ferry to Chiba (¥1600 round-trip). The ferries run recurrently, are spotlessly clear, and are a enjoyable method to cross Tokyo Bay.
Kurihama
Kurihama, a part of Kanagawa Prefecture, is a stunning place to spend a morning or afternoon. Kanagawa is understood for 2 legendary arrivals: U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew Perry and Godzilla.
At Perry Park, a easy monument pays tribute to Commodore Perry’s arrival in Japan and the 1854 signing of The Treaty of Kanagawa. Up till the signing, Japan had spent two centuries in a state of voluntary seclusion. The signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa resulted in Japan opening its borders to international commerce.
It’s onerous to overstate the importance of this quiet, unassuming place reverse Kurihama Harbor. And but this doc gave rise to what would turn out to be fashionable Japan. Learn extra: Thoughts-Blowing Details about Japan
Kurihama Flower Park
Lower than a 20-minute stroll from Perry Park is Kurihama Flower Park, a 144-acre oasis the place flowers bloom year-round. If you’re there in April or Could, the poppies are particularly beautiful. A whole lot of hydrangeas will reward guests who journey in June or July in bloom. Go in September or October, and the fields are carpeted by one million cosmos flowers.
Godzilla
On the prime of the hill stands what’s arguably Kurihama Flower Park’s most well-known attraction: a 9-meter (27-foot) Godzilla slide. What’s the “King of Monsters” doing at an attractive flower park?
In keeping with the unique 1954 Godzilla movie, Godzilla first made land at close by Tatarahama seaside. A slide was initially constructed on the seaside, however over time degraded and wanted to be eliminated.
Nevertheless, native companies and personal people missed the beloved monster and raised funds to convey Godzilla again to their neighborhood. The present Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower Park was unveiled in 1999 and has two English phrases carved on the bottom: GODZILLA RETURNS.
Though solely youngsters beneath 12 can go up Godzilla and slide down his huge tail, he’s nonetheless value a go to.
- Greatest Suited For: These excited by historical past and politics (Perry Park), and people looking for a soothing afternoon at a stunning park. Though the ascent up Kurihama Flower Park is steep, for a number of hundred yen the park’s “Flower Practice” will transport friends the place they need to go.
- From Tokyo: It’s roughly a 75 minute prepare to both Keikyu Kurihama station. From there, it’s a straightforward 15-20 minute stroll to Kurihama Flower Park or Perry Park. Each parks are freed from cost.
Yokohama
Yokohama is lower than 20 miles from Tokyo. Though thought of a part of the better Tokyo space, Yokohama undoubtedly has its personal character. It has the excellence of being the 2nd largest metropolis in Japan.
In 1859 it turned one of many first ports within the nation open to international commerce. As such, Yokohama has a really city, worldwide repute.
For proof, look no additional than Yokohama’s Chinatown, which is without doubt one of the largest on this planet. The brightly coloured, bustling .2-kilometer sq. space options a number of retailers and eating places alternatives to expertise completely different kinds of Chinese language delicacies. One of many largest attracts at Yokohama’s Chinatown is a cease at Kanteibyo temple, devoted to the Chinese language god of prosperity and enterprise.
Different in style areas to take a look at whereas in Yokohama are the historic Pink Brick Warehouses close to the harbor. Initially used as customs buildings, they now carry out the perform of a shopping center and occasion venue.
Cup of Noodles Museum
To expertise one in every of Japan’s best culinary exports, head to the Cup of Noodles museum.
Publish World Battle II, Momofuku Ando invented the cup of noodles in 1958 as a method to offer cheap, flavorful meals for a contemporary employees. His invention would go on to turn out to be one in every of Japan’s prime cultural exports.
Not solely are you able to study the historical past of this invention, for ¥400 yen (2.50 USD) you’ll be able to choose from quite a lot of elements to design your individual bespoke cup of noodles. It’s a enjoyable memento to take dwelling.
- Greatest Suited For: Those that love Chinatown or want to humble brag about creating their very own instant-noodles bundle.
- From Tokyo: Catch one of many many trains from Tokyo. The journey to Yokohama will take lower than half-hour.
Bonus Tokyo Day Journey – Nikko
Whereas Dave and I visited Nikko on a four-day journey from Tokyo, many individuals pop into Nikko for a single-day journey. With quick trains leaving Tokyo, it may simply be visited in a brief day. When you drive, it’s even higher to discover a few of the prime locations in Nikko.
Most individuals come to Nikko to see its wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Websites, the Nikko Temples and it is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Japan to benefit from the fall colors.
The primary attraction in Nikko is the Tosho-gu Shrine devoted to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tokugawa Ieyasu was probably the most highly effective man in Japan in 1600. He was named Japan’s first Shogun after uniting the nation from a fierce civil warfare. His Mausoleum is positioned throughout the Tosho-gu Shrine and is without doubt one of the most essential shrines in all of Japan.
Proper subsequent door to Tosho-gu Shrine is the Buddhist temple of Rinnoji. Be sure that to attempt the Zen Meditation expertise on this temple. If you wish to plan an extended itinerary in Nikko see our information at Full Nikko Japan Journey Information – 18 Issues to do and Locations to See
- Greatest Suited For: Folks excited by Japaneses historical past and tradition and to do some outside adventures.
- From Tokyo: Catch the Tobu Specific prepare from Asakusa Station or the Tokyo Sky Tree. Nikko is positioned 157 km north of Tokyo. Locals drive to the area, so you’ll be able to drive too in the event you favor.
And these are some wonderful day journeys from Tokyo. Japan is a shocking nation to go to, so make sure that to get out of the town to benefit from the lovely and various countryside. It has extra outside areas and forests that you just’d count on!
- Learn extra about Japan Journey
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