Tokyo is a first-rate city. However if you require a break from the busy city life, think about among nowadays journeys from Tokyo to among 7 neighboring landmarks.
These locations near Tokyo variety from a simple thirty minutes to 120 minutes by train or ferryboat. Most importantly, these locations are beautiful in all 4 seasons. So, break out your JR Pass or Passmo/Suica cards and prepare yourself for some enjoyable!
Finest Field Trip from Tokyo
The very best method to experience these Tokyo field trip is by train, however if you are up for the difficulty, you can lease an automobile also. It will provide you more flexibility and versatility to check out these remarkable locations.
If you are searching for more details on Tokyo, read our Tokyo travel guide at The very best Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
1. Kamakura
From 1185 to 1333, Kamakura was the de facto capital of Japan. There’s a reason that this city is called a “Little Kyoto”– it is breaking with history, culture, and spiritual structures. With 65 temples and 19 shrines, it is really simple to get temple/shrine overload. Because of that, it’s finest to restrict the variety of temple/shrine expeditions to 3 a day.
If you’re just in Kamakura for one day, 3 really unique spiritual websites are well worth a see. For a more thorough guide of Kamakura checked out: Things to do in Kamakura Japan– The Ultimate Beachfront Escape
Hasa-dera Temple
The temple was developed in 736 and is popular for its 11-headed wood statue of Kannon, the goddess of grace. The stunning premises consist of ponds loaded with vibrant fish, and beautiful landscaped locations.
Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine
Among the most special shrines in Japan, Zeniarai Benzaiten goes back to 1185. Visitors come here to clean their cash in the shrine’s unique waters. According to legend, as soon as you invested your cleaned cash, your luck and fortune would increase. Although the money-washing legend is an indisputable draw, the shrine’s website is really unique: you access it by going through a tunnel cavern.
Kotoku-in Temple
The most popular temple in Kamakura, the Big Buddha (Daibutsu) is so connected to the city itself that the statue is plainly included on tourist plans and publications. The 44-foot bronze Daibutsu was built in the mid-13th century and has actually made it through earthquakes, fires, and dispute.
Kamakura is likewise popular for exceptional shopping and a wide range of worldwide foods. If you’re aiming to attempt a regional specialized, Kamakura is popular for shirasu– whitebait. There are numerous methods to consume shirasu– dried, raw, or boiled. If this is outdoors your convenience level, something is particular– at Kamakura, you’ll have great deals of tasty alternatives to select from.
Finest Matched For: Those thinking about checking out conventional Japanese culture and history.From Tokyo: It’s simply over an hour by train from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station.
2. Enoshima Island
This lovely island is linked by a 600-meter bridge to the mainland. The island has a romantic backstory: a strong dragon who had actually been intimidating the regional villagers renounced his wicked methods to win the love of the stunning goddess Benzaiten. Enoshima Island is a testimony to their love.
The dragon style is woven throughout the island, from the sculpted statues to the elaborate light posts. There is even a shrine devoted to the dragon, in addition to a temple devoted to the goddess.
Sea Caves
Although it includes numerous sets of high stairs, among the very best locations to go to is the sea caves. For ¥ 500, ($ 3.50 USD) personnel will provide you with a candle light to check out the caverns and see ancient statues. The candle light isn’t actually essential as there is sufficient lighting. All the exact same, it’s an enjoyable touch that contributes to the sense of experience and it’s little information that young visitors actually like.
At the uttermost cavern, a modern-day dragon statue stands in welcome, considerably lit in tones of purple and hot pink. Kitschy? Yes. However It is still quite cool.
For such a compact island, a journey to Enoshima notoriously includes a great deal of exercise. If you like Japanese food, this is an excellent opportunity to develop a hunger and get your cardio in. Enoshima features numerous stairs.
Do not seem like taking the stairs, or currently have the body of a Greek god? The island has a tiered ticket system, and for in between ¥ 200-800 yen ($ 1.50– $8USD) visitors can utilize escalators to gain access to different tourist attractions. The rate of tickets depends upon how high up you want to go.
Offered its romantic history, it’s simple to comprehend the island’s appeal with young enthusiasts. The views from the top are awesome, and on a clear day, Enoshima Island has definitely spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
Food to Attempt
While there are a lot of sit-down dining establishments on the island, it can be an enjoyable experience to simply graze at the numerous food stalls. Similar to neighboring Kamakura, shirasu (white bait) is an Enoshima specialized. There are numerous methods to delight in shirasu: in a hot croquette, atop a rice bowl, or (gulp!) as a soft cream in a cone.
Finest Matched For: Those searching for a distinctive island experience. Due to the island’s location, those who are relatively active will delight in the experience the most.From Tokyo: It’s an hour from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. From Kamakura Station, take the picturesque Enoden Line train to Enoshima Station (around 25 minutes). Follow the well-marked indications and stroll throughout the bridge to Enoshima Island.
Misaki and Jogashima Island
Are you a maguro (tuna) fan? If so, you’ll like Misaki. The fishing town is understood for having among Japan’s leading tuna hauls. Whatever meal you wish to attempt, feel confident– the quality will be first-class.
Misaki is likewise understood for its fish market. While it is currently closed due to COVID, visitors usually have the chance to see the tuna auction procedure through the glass windows on the marketplace’s 2nd flooring.
Jogashima Island
Near Misaki Harbor is Jogashima Island, available either through bridge or a brief boat flight.
Whereas Enoshima Island is a traveler location loaded with caverns and must-see temples, Jogashima releases an unwinded vacation ambiance. The sparsely inhabited island has numerous exceptional treking routes. The most picturesque of those routes will take you by properly maintained lighthouses and along beaches of volcanic rock.
Those whose personality is more mellow can select to just delight in fresh breezes and ocean views while picnicking.
Food to attempt: It would be an embarassment to go to Misaki and NOT get their tuna. While Misaki is most popular for its tuna, as a fishing town ALL of the seafood is exceptional. An amazing set menu that consists of miso soup, a bowl of rice and tuna, and green tea will likely run around ¥ 1600 ($ 11).
Finest Matched For: Outside lovers and maguro lovers.From Tokyo: It will take you about 90 minutes to obtain from Tokyo Station to Misakiguchi Station. Outside the station, take a taxi or the NR 2 Bus to Misaki Port (around 18 minutes). From Misaki Port to Jogashima: Jogashima Island can be accessed by a 5 minute boat flight from Misaki Port or a 2.2-kilometer walk throughout the bridge.
Yokosuka
Yokosuka has a long history as a Sailor town. Initially, Yokosuka was among 4 popular shipyards for the Japanese Imperial Navy. In 1884, the Yokosuka Naval District was built for the defense of Japan.
Nowadays, the city hosts both the Japan Maritime Self-defense Force and the U.S. Navy. Since of the Sailor impact, 2 must-try cooking specializeds to attempt when in Yokosuka are Kaigun (Navy) Curry and the “Navy hamburger”.
Whaaaaaat? A hamburger as a cooking location product? You best think it. And Japan’s take on a U.S. Navy hamburger is absolutely nothing except beautiful.
On U.S. Navy ships, Wednesdays are passionately called “Hamburger Day”.
Kaigun Curry
When It Comes To Kaigun Curry, it’s taken in by Sailors aboard Japan Maritime Self-Defense ships every Friday. Posters inside Keikyu Line train compartments routinely include tourist projects highlighting these 2 genuine “Sailor” meals.
While it is a lot easier to get fresh items at sea today, protecting materials to feed a starving team for extended periods at sea was much more challenging in the old days of cruising. Whereas Western Sailors passed away due to scurvy, numerous Japanese Sailors passed away due to B1 shortage (beriberi) produced by an absence of thiamine. Without this essential vitamin, Sailors may display signs such as psychological confusion, loss of muscle function, and paralysis.
Kanehiro Takaki, a fantastic Japanese marine medical officer, carried out clinical experiments and understood that the signs were diet-related. The Imperial Navy observed the foods other Navies were eating and took a page from British Sailors– who had actually taken the concept from India– in consuming curry, a meal loaded with thiamine.
Japanese Sailors concerned like the meal, and brought the dish back house. Gradually, Kaigun Curry developed itself as a popular meal. Enjoyable truth: each Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship has its own curry dish.
Either pre- or post-curry/burger, travel to Mikasa Park and have a look at the Japanese battleship Mikasa. A renowned battleship, the Mikasa took part in numerous significant disputes, and is the only pre-dreadnought battleship staying today.
As one may get out of a Sailor town, there are a lot of stores in Yokosuka that offer Japanese and U.S. Sailor-inspired product, from squadron spots to Kaigun curry packages.
Finest Matched For: History and nautical buffs.From Tokyo: It’s around an hour train flight from Tokyo Station to Yokosuka Chuo.
Chiba’s Nokogiriyama
Although Chiba Prefecture is most popular for Disneyland, why not experience a genuine cultural treasure off the beaten track by heading for Nokogiriyama?
The very first Buddhist temple was commissioned at Nokogiriyama over 1300 years back. At a height of 31.05 meters (101.8 feet), the Diabetsu (Buddha) at Nokogiriyama is the highest Buddha Statue in Japan.
Beyond its height, the Buddha stands out because it was sculpted into the mountain in 1783. As the Buddha of recovery, the figure has a mild expression and holds a medication bowl in his hand.
A journey to Nokogiriyama is part spiritual trip, and part welcoming your inner Indiana Jones. Check out everything about my experience at Nokogiriyama and an Encounter With Chiba’s Great Stone Buddha
Takai Arhats– Enlightened Disciples
The strolling courses on the mountain are lined with the stone figures of Takai Arhats (informed disciples). Regretfully, numerous of the Takai Arhats have actually been harmed or ruined. A few of this has actually been because of the death of time and direct exposure to nature. And a few of the damage– where it is apparent the statue was beheaded– was because of anti-Buddhist motions throughout the Meiji Remediation.
Those who are remarkably fit will delight in the difficulty of an exhausting walking up the mountain, where they will be rewarded by spectacular nature and marvelous views. At a beautiful neglect called “Hell’s Peak”, the daring can venture to a railing at the edge of a cliff and take pictures.
Have definitely no interest in a walking up a 300-meter mountain? Take the cable television vehicle from the base to the top for ¥ 500. Keep in mind: although the cable television vehicle takes visitors to the top, there is still a great deal of strolling up/down high stairs to get to the most popular perspectives.
Finest Matched For: Outside travelers with strong legs who want to put in effort to get to a really spectacular cultural treasure.From Tokyo: The very best method to gain access to it is to take a train from Tokyo to Keikyu-Kurihama. Stroll the brief range to Kurihama Harbor and capture a 40-minute ferryboat to Chiba ( ¥ 1600 round-trip). The ferryboats run routinely, are spotlessly tidy, and are an enjoyable method to cross Tokyo Bay.
Kurihama
Kurihama, part of Kanagawa Prefecture, is a beautiful location to invest an early morning or afternoon. Kanagawa is understood for 2 famous arrivals: U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew Perry and Godzilla.
At Perry Park, an easy monolith commemorates Commodore Perry’s arrival in Japan and the 1854 finalizing of The Treaty of Kanagawa. Up up until the finalizing, Japan had actually invested 2 centuries in a state of voluntary privacy. The finalizing of the Treaty of Kanagawa led to Japan opening its borders to foreign trade.
It’s tough to overemphasize the significance of this peaceful, simple location opposite Kurihama Harbor. And yet this file generated what would end up being contemporary Japan. Learn more: Astonishing Realities about Japan
Kurihama Flower Park
Less than a 20-minute walk from Perry Park is Kurihama Flower Park, a 144-acre sanctuary where flowers flower year-round. If you exist in April or May, the poppies are specifically beautiful. Numerous hydrangeas will reward visitors who take a trip in June or July in blossom. Enter September or October, and the fields are carpeted by a million universes flowers.
Godzilla
At the top of the hill stands what is probably Kurihama Flower Park’s most popular tourist attraction: a 9-meter (27-foot) Godzilla slide. What is the “King of Monsters” doing at a stunning flower park?
According to the initial 1954 Godzilla movie, Godzilla initially made land at neighboring Tatarahama beach. A slide was initially built at the beach, however in time abject and required to be eliminated.
Nevertheless, regional organizations and personal people missed out on the precious beast and raised funds to bring Godzilla back to their community. The existing Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower Park was revealed in 1999 and has 2 English words sculpted on the base: GODZILLA RETURNS.
Although only kids under 12 can increase Godzilla and move down his massive tail, he is still worth a see.
Finest Matched For: Those thinking about history and politics (Perry Park), and those looking for a relaxing afternoon at a beautiful park. Although the climb up Kurihama Flower Park is high, for a couple of hundred yen the park’s “Flower Train” will transfer visitors where they wish to go.From Tokyo: It is around a 75 minute train to either Keikyu Kurihama station. From there, it’s a simple 15-20 minute walk to Kurihama Flower Park or Perry Park. Both parks are totally free of charge.
Yokohama
Yokohama is less than 20 miles from Tokyo. Although thought about part of the higher Tokyo location, Yokohama absolutely has its own character. It has the difference of being the second biggest city in Japan.
In 1859 it turned into one of the very first ports in the nation available to foreign trade. As such, Yokohama has an extremely metropolitan, worldwide track record.
For evidence, look no more than Yokohama’s Chinatown, which is among the biggest on the planet. The vibrantly colored, bustling.2-kilometer square location functions numerous stores and dining establishments chances to experience various ranges of Chinese food. Among the greatest draws at Yokohama’s Chinatown is a stop at Kanteibyo temple, devoted to the Chinese god of success and company.
Other popular locations to have a look at while in Yokohama are the historical Red Brick Storage facilities near the harbor. Initially utilized as custom-mades structures, they now carry out the function of a shopping center and occasion place.
Cup of Noodles Museum
To experience among Japan’s biggest cooking exports, head to the Cup of Noodles museum.
Post The Second World War, Momofuku Ando created the cup of noodles in 1958 as a method to offer affordable, delicious food for a modern-day employees. His development would go on to turn into one of Japan’s leading cultural exports.
Not just can you find out the history of this development, for ¥ 400 yen (2.50 USD) you can pick from a range of active ingredients to create your own bespoke cup of noodles. It’s an enjoyable keepsake to take house.
Finest Matched For: Those who like Chinatown or are aiming to modest extol developing their own instant-noodles package.From Tokyo: Capture among the numerous trains from Tokyo. The journey to Yokohama will take less than thirty minutes.
Reward Tokyo Excursion– Nikko
While Dave and I went to Nikko on a four-day journey from Tokyo, lots of people pop into Nikko for a single-day journey. With quick trains leaving Tokyo, it can quickly be gone to in a brief day. If you drive, it is even much better to check out a few of the leading locations in Nikko.
The majority of people concern Nikko to see its remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Nikko Foreheads and it is among the very best locations in Japan to delight in the fall colours.
The top tourist attraction in Nikko is the Tosho-gu Shrine devoted to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tokugawa Ieyasu was the most effective male in Japan in 1600. He was called Japan’s very first Shogun after joining the nation from a strong civil war. His Mausoleum lies within the Tosho-gu Shrine and is among the most crucial shrines in all of Japan.
Right next door to Tosho-gu Shrine is the Buddhist temple of Rinnoji. Ensure to attempt the Zen Meditation experience in this temple. If you wish to prepare a longer schedule in Nikko see our guide at Total Nikko Japan Travel Guide– 18 Things to do and Places to See
Finest Matched For: Individuals thinking about Japaneses history and culture and to do some outside experiences. From Tokyo: Capture the Tobu Express train from Asakusa Station or the Tokyo Sky Tree. Nikko lies 157 km north of Tokyo. Residents drive to the area, so you can drive too if you choose.
And these are some remarkable field trip from Tokyo. Japan is a spectacular nation to go to, so make certain to leave the city to delight in the stunning and varied countryside. It has more outside areas and forests that you ‘d anticipate!
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