Train lines and highways head out of Tokyo in all directions – giving residents and visitors access to hundreds of interesting day-trip destinations. This is a list of my favorite lesser-known spots, in alphabetical order. I’ve noted whether or not it is possible to travel there by mass transportation or if a car is necessary. … More Tokyo Day Trips: My ‘Top 10’ Lesser-known Favorites
Although at its best during cherry blossom season, this walk through Tokyo’s Minato Ward can be enjoyed at any time of year. It will take you to a number of important shrines and temples, a completely overlooked observatory, and a beautiful garden that few visit due to its proximity to a larger, more famous, neighbor. … More Tokyo Minato Ward History & Culture Walk
Filled with impressive sightseeing spots, both natural and man-made, Aomori and Akita prefectures are perfect for anyone wanting to ‘get away from it all’. Even during Golden Week, crowds are minimal and cherry blossoms are often still in bloom. This is a recommended 4 day, 3 night trip that can easily be adapted or shortened. … More 3 Nights/4 Days in Northern Tohoku
There are many places in the Tokyo area where one can view azeleas (つつじ, tsutsuji) in bloom. The flowers are usually at their most beautiful in mid-April to mid-May; and at higher elevations, into early June. Below is a list of some of the best locations to see them. CENTRAL TOKYO 1). Nezu Shrine, Bunkyo … More Azelea Viewing in Tokyo & its surroundings
Cherry blossom viewing is especially popular along the Meguro River. Most people don’t realize, however, that there are many interesting sightseeing spots to visit along, or near, the route – the Meguro Sky Garden, Sugekari Park, the Sato Sakura Museum, Rakanji Temple, Meguro Fudo-son, Meguro Gajoen, etc. Here is a detailed, do-it-yourself tour of ‘Meguro’s … More ‘Meguro’s Best’ – Cherry Blossom River Walk & (Much) More
There are two main types of giant Buddhist statues in Japan, Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) and Dai-Kannon (Giant Goddess of Mercy). Older statues are made of bronze or stone. Newer ones tower over local landscapes, are made of reinforced concrete, and can be explored – internally. Five impressive ‘ascendable’ statues surround Tokyo and all are worth … More Best ‘Ascendable’ Tokyo Area Giant Buddhist Statues
Only two hours from Tokyo by plane, Kumamoto Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu, is a fantastic choice for a two night / three day get-away. Although the sightseeing choices are endless, here is an itinerary that I personally enjoyed and would recommend to those who really enjoy driving. As Kumamoto does not get much … More 3 Day Self-Drive Vacation in Kyushu’s Kumamoto
The Seto Inland Sea’s ‘art island’, Naoshima, is now on the bucket list of many tourists. Most visit the island and then head off to another famous location on the Japanese main island of Honshu. Unfortunately, they miss the opportunity to explore many fantastic lesser known sightseeing spots in the rest of Kagawa Prefecture. If … More Touring Shikoku’s Kagawa Prefecture (after Naoshima)
Morinji is a Zen Temple located in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture. It was established in 1426 and is famous for its connection to a shape-shifting tanuki. Tanuki are dog-like raccoon animals, and they are often depicted as mythical creatures. If you walk from Morinjimae Station to Morinji Temple, you can see picture signboards that tell … More Morinji Temple & the Tanuki Tea Kettle
Kawasaki is only ten minutes by train from Shinagawa Station, but it seems worlds away. As one of the largest industrial areas of Japan, the city is not known for its sightseeing spots. However, the area around Kawasaki Station is well worth visiting, especially for anyone who enjoys bargain shopping. In addition, famous Kawasaki Daishi, … More Day Trip: Environs of Kawasaki Station
