11 Coveted Day Trip and Overnight Destinations to Sooth your Wanderlust

This shopping street still bustles with the look and feel of old-world Edo, now lost in time. The Warehouse District, lined with fire-resistant storehouses that developed in the form of Edo townhouses, has been selected as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings" and one of the "100 Most Beautiful Historic Landscapes in Japan". Not only can you enjoy historic buildings such as Osawa House and Bell of Time, but you can also stroll through Candy Alley, packed from end to end with candy and Japanese sweet shops, or rent a kimono to walk around. There are truly endless ways to enjoy your time here.

One of the most famous tourist spots in Kawagoe is the Time Bell Tower. It stands prominently on a street lined with traditional warehouses as an unmistakable landmark. The three-story wooden tower stands about 16 meters tall, and its bell tolls four times a day - at 6 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. It is said to have been built about 400 years ago by Tadakatsu Sakai, the lord of Kawagoe. The current structure is the fourth iteration after being repeatedly destroyed by fire. In 1958, it was designated as an intangible cultural property of Kawagoe City, and in 1996, it was selected as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan" to be preserved.

The venerable Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is said to have been established about 1500 years ago. The main hall is decorated with detailed carvings and has been designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural property. One must-visit spot is the shrine's signature Ema Tunnel. Ema are wooden plaques that are dedicated to the shrine when making a wish or thanking for a wish that has come true. You can walk through a mysterious space adorned with about 30,000 of these ema.

This park is located right by the sea and just a short walk from Yokohama Chinatown. It was opened in March 1930, after a landfill was created using rubble from the Great Kanto Earthquake. The park, covering 7.4 hectares, features wide promenades, flower beds, fountains, and provides a relaxing spot for both Yokohama residents and tourists. The park offers beautiful views of Yokohama's landmarks such as Yokohama Port and the cluster of buildings including the Landmark Tower. The park is popular both during the day and for its night views.

This red brick warehouse, which played a vital role as a state-of-the-art facility from the Meiji to Taisho eras, now serves as a cultural and shopping spot with shops, restaurants, and multi-purpose halls housed within its two buildings that maintain their original look. Building 1 has a hall for dances and dramas, event spaces, and stores selling Yokohama souvenirs and products from long-established Yokohama businesses. Building 2 offers restaurants, cafes, and shops with different themes on each floor.

This Japanese garden was created by Hara Sankei, a businessman and man of letters. The vast 175,000 square meter garden cleverly arranges architecture, some of which are designated as national important cultural properties, moved from places like Kyoto and Kamakura. Various flowers bloom in the garden according to the seasons, and events to appreciate these flowers are held.

One of Japan's three major Benten shrines, Enoshima Shrine is home to the three sister goddesses - Tagiri-hime-no-mikoto in Okutsu Shrine, Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto in Nakatsu Shrine, and Tagitsu-hime-no-mikoto in Hetsumiya Shrine. Visitors come for various blessings, such as matchmaking, improvement in the arts, luck with money, and luck in competition. The shrine is believed to be home to a dragon, and the expansive grounds feature various buildings and structures related to the dragon and the three sister goddesses.

This is a Japanese-Western hybrid botanical garden filled with a tropical atmosphere, located on the site of a garden developed by the Enoshima merchant Samuel Cocking in 1882. The garden is planted with South Sea plants and various flowers, offering a different landscape to enjoy each season. Events held according to the season are also a highlight. With the only remaining brick greenhouse relic, the French toast specialty café, Lon Cafe, and a local museum where you can learn about the history of Enoshima, there's plenty to see.

Located within the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden is the Enoshima Sea Candle (Enoshima Observation Lighthouse), a symbol of Enoshima standing at a height of 41.75m. From the indoor and outdoor observation decks, not only can you overlook Enoshima, but you can also see as far as the Izu Peninsula and Mount Fuji. During the period of Jewel of Shonan, held from late November to the end of February every year, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire Enoshima lit up from the observation deck. It is recommended to go up to the observation deck by elevator and descend via the spiral staircase. Enjoy the thrill of walking down the fully glazed staircase while enjoying the view from the Enoshima Sea Candle (Enoshima Observation Lighthouse).

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, located at the center of Kamakura, has been revered as a symbol of Kamakura since ancient times. Known as a shrine associated with the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, Minamoto no Yoritomo, it attracts many visitors. The current main sanctuary, built in 1828, is designated as an important cultural property by the government. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful natural scenery, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring and lotus flowers in summer in the Genpei Pond.

Meigetsu-in Temple belongs to the Rinzai Sect Kencho-ji School. The principal object of worship is the Seated Statue of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva. Known as the hydrangea temple, in June, when hydrangeas are in full bloom, the temple grounds are dyed blue with about 2,500 hydrangea plants. The pale blue flowers are also known as Meigetsu-in Blue.

This crossing became famous as the model for the one shown in the opening of the anime version of "Slam Dunk", a basketball manga that has generated throngs of fans not only in Japan but around the world. The retro train running through the crossing and the sea visible beyond the tracks create a breathtaking view. This location is right next to the Kamakura High School Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway, also known as "Enoden", which runs from Kamakura to Fujisawa.

This park, chosen as one of the "Top 50 Parks in Kanagawa", uses the site that was part of the Hayama Imperial Villa used by the Emperor for rest. Inside the park is a Japanese garden, where you can enjoy seasonal flowers, autumn leaves, carp swimming in the pond, and a small waterfall as you stroll. If you're tired from walking, take a break at the Japanese-style café Ikkeian or the rest area Shiomi-tei, where you can enjoy a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

This is a multifunctional complex and yacht harbor where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food. Savor a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes while looking at Enoshima and Mount Fuji, and lose yourself in the delights of shopping. One of its perks is a short cruise of about 45 minutes, which allows you to take a casual trip on the sea. Don't forget to buy the popular handmade baked pudding in a beaker at MARLOWE as a souvenir.

Founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the ruler of the Kamakura period, Morito Shrine is the general shrine of Hayama. It enshrines two gods, Oyamazumi-no-Mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, and offers various benefits such as good luck and safe childbirth. From the back of the grounds of Morito Shrine, you can catch a glimpse of Morito's Sunset, which has been selected as one of the "Top 50 Scenic Spots in Kanagawa". The breathtaking view of Enoshima and the rocky reefs floating in the sea and Mount Fuji in the distance illuminated by the setting sun is an absolute must-see.

The Fuji Panorama Ropeway, which is used by many tourists to climb to Tenjo-yama Park near Lake Kawaguchi, will bring you to the front seat of unforgettable lake views from the gondola. Tenjo-yama Park is a famous spot where you can see the magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi as they stretch before your eyes. The observation deck, which was renovated in July 2017, is twice as large as before. Besides being able to see the panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the splendid scenery of its foothills, popular spots such as the Bell of Tenjo, Usagi Shrine, and Kawarake Nage (clay disc throwing) are also available for you to enjoy.

The Appare is a sightseeing boat that travels around Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, in about 20 minutes. Departing from the Appare Pier on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi, the vessel passes under the Lake Kawaguchi Bridge and takes a U-turn near Uno Island, the only island in the Fuji Five Lakes, offering a unique view of Mt. Fuji that can only be experienced here.

Oshino Hakkai refers to eight spring-fed ponds: Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, Sokonashi-ike, Choshi-ike, Waku-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagami-ike and Shobu-ike, which are fed by the waters of Mt. Fuji. These were once a lake, but they dried up and became eight springs. The snowmelt from Mt. Fuji is filtered through underground lava over about 20 years, resulting in high transparency.

On the main route while making your way around Hakone, make a switch from the cable car to the ropeway at Sounzan Station for an air walk and sudden swap of scenery.
The lush greenery will pull back to reveal white smoke as it billows up from exposed, bare rock. Welcome to Owakudani, the latest vent opened by volcanic activity at Hakone. The white gas constantly erupting from the group of steam vents contains sulfur, creating a cloud of unique smell.

This sightseeing cruise brings you across Lake Ashi, a scenic escape in Hakone. There are three boats, the Royal II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko, each adorned with luxe, colorful exterior. Each boat carries about 500 passengers and travels between Togendai Port, Hakone-machi Port, and Moto-Hakone Port in a 25-35 minute one-way leg. On sunny days, you won’t want to miss the open deck. No matter which season you visit, you’re sure to find sprawling mountain views and nature all while catching the breeze.

Counted as one of the "Hakone Seven Hot Springs", Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Town is known as the largest hot spring town in Hakone. It is said to have opened in the Nara period and flourished as a hot spring town along the Tokaido, one of the five highways during the Edo period. Today, it still bustles with hot spring facilities, places to stay, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It stands as the central hot spring town of Hakone, buzzing with crowds of tourists each day.

This is one of the main tourist spots in Karuizawa, located along the driving route Shiraito Highland Way. The beautiful waterfall, named after the thin flow of water that springs from the rock face like a thread, is fed by the melted snow from Mt. Asama. The curtain of flowing water is highly transparent, and the area is filled with fresh air. The sight of the water falling gently over a width of about 70 meters while drawing a gentle curve with a drop of about 3 meters is magnificent and looks like a painting. The exquisite contrast between the green of the trees and the whiteness of the waterfall is a sight to behold.

resort-style shopping malls in Japan. There are 10 areas on the premises, and about 240 diverse shops, including famous brands, interiors, miscellaneous goods, and outdoor goods, are gathered in a single spot that’s hugged by nature. This enchanting spot is the place to find high-quality, top-brand items at outlet prices.

A "small town" microcosm of 9 buildings connected by a large wooden deck, made with over 100 Harunire trees that grew naturally along a clear stream. Its made to evoke a sense of "everyday Karuizawa", keeping 16 unique shops, restaurants, and cafes gather here, including popular soba shops and bakeries in the old Karuizawa area, and shops where you can buy high-quality Nordic miscellaneous goods.

The lake is said to have been formed about 20,000 years ago when a lava flow from Mount Nantai dammed a valley. Located at an altitude of 1269 meters, it boasts one of the highest elevations in Japan. From the peaceful lakeshore at the foot of Mt. Nantai, a sprawling view of seasonal landscapes await. In particular, the azaleas in early summer and the autumn leaves in fall are spectacular.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the first shogun of the Edo shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. This spot, which can be considered the main site for exploring the World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko", allows visitors to see a group of 55 lavish and gorgeous shrines, including 8 National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties. Craftsmen from all over Japan gathered to decorate the buildings with lacquer and bright colors, and a large number of carvings adorn the pillars and other aspects across the grounds.

Among the many waterfalls in Nikko, Kegon Falls is arguably the most famous. The water from Lake Chuzenji plunges down a cliff 97 meters high, creating a grand waterfall where visitors can enjoy the power of nature and its beauty. From the viewing platform, which can be reached by an elevator to near the base of the waterfall, visitors can feel the roar and spray of the waterfall up close.

This shrine has been worshipped in Atami for a long time as a god of good fortune and auspiciousness. The shrine grounds are home to a large camphor tree, a natural monument and sacred tree, which is popular as one of the top power spots in Japan. The vibrant camphor tree, which is said to be 2100 years old, is also said to extend your lifespan by one year if you circle its trunk. There is a legend that if you circle the trunk of the large camphor tree while chanting your wish in your heart, that wish will come true, and many visitors come to obtain benefits such as longevity and wish fulfillment.

This beach, draws crowds of swimmers in the summer, but also a spectacular view of the Atami Fireworks Festival, held several times a year. The 400m-long row of palm trees, the beautiful white sand contrasting with the blue sky, and the sound of gentle waves create an image reminiscent of a tropical resort. Due to its location, it is also known as Sunrise Beach, where the morning sun rises, and Moonlight Beach, illuminated by the moon, and is lit up at night depending on the time of year.

This is the castle tower that shines brightly on the hill of Atami. Surprisingly, this is not a real castle. It is a "castle-style" tourist facility with five floors and nine stories, built in 1959. The biggest point is the view from the top floor. The view from 43m above the ground and 160m above sea level, which allows you to see 360 degrees around, is wonderful, and you can see not only Atami city but also the distant Izu Peninsula.

There’s even more to see that when you see here when looking for the best sightseeing around the Tama area. In this pocket guide you’ll even find a sample itinerary around all the best of the Tama area just waiting for you.