Japan

Day Trips From Tokyo: 7 Famous Tourist Spots to Enjoy History & Nature in Tokyo's Suburbs

Other Nature

When you started making your Tokyo travel itinerary, did you focus mostly on downtown areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku? In fact, there are many bucket list-worthy spots just around 1-2 hours outside Tokyo! These are the kinds of spots where you can dip into Japan's history and culture, plus enjoy onsen hot springs, theme parks and more. As they are quite easy to access, you don't have to worry about taking a detour. Here we'll introduce popular tourist spots in Tokyo's suburbs that are easy to reach from Tokyo and completely worth visiting.

Japan’s ‘Fountain of Youth?’ Charms and Comforting Power of Kumano Hongu Hot Spring Village

Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)
New Details of 'Ghibli Park' Revealed! Check Out the World of 'Spirited Away' and 'Princess Mononoke'
Tokyo is a Winter Shopping Paradise! 10 Popular Spots Recommended by Travelers (2019-2020 Edition)

Tokyo Station Gift Shops
Noboribetsu Onsen Excursion - And a Natural Hot Spring Footbath!

Noboribetsu / Lake Toya Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
Why Hokkaido University Campus is a Must on a Trip to Northern Japan

Sapporo / Chitose Other Architecture
This Awesome Tokyo Experience Will Make You Fall in Love with Japanese Music

Shinjuku Other Traditional Culture

Great Food With a View: Top 4 Restaurants You Won't Forget in Omotesando, Tokyo

Shibuya Other Sightseeing

Omotesando, one of Tokyo’s fanciest, most stylish areas. Shops and restaurants populate the glitzy town, offering a sheer endless choice of excellent shopping and gourmet experiences. Among them, we’ve found four choice restaurants that boast a night view so magnificent, you’ll hardly be able to focus on the food. Bring your best friend or your significant other and enjoy a magical night!

Carbs on Carbs: Top 5 Weird Ways Japan Took Baked Goods to Another Level

Sapporo / Chitose
5 Insanely Addictive Hokkaido Ramen Dishes: What You Need to Know Before Ordering!

Noboribetsu / Lake Toya Ramen
Highly Recommended by Locals! Sapporo's Must-see Cafes & Shops

Abashiri Other Cafes and Sweets
Top 10 Must-Buy Hello Kitty Items at Sanrio World Ginza – Limited Goodies and Special Finds!

Ginza Other Shopping
'Tokyo, Whoa!' Travelers Share 21 Shocking And Surprising Things About Visiting Japan

Ueno
Shimokitazawa Guide: Fashion Walk Around Tokyo’s Artsy Neighborhood!

Tokyo Station Old Towns (Shitamachi)

Say Hello to Kitty and Friends at Tokyo’s Cutest Train Station!

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Pop Culture

You won’t find a train station more adorable than this one! The Keio railway company recently unveiled a new look for their Tama-Center Station, featuring some of Sanrio’s most popular characters, including none other than Hello Kitty. From the ticket gates to the station platform, and even a special limited train, I found some of Japan’s cutest characters in the most unexpected places!

Purikura: Change Yourself Up with Photo Booth Fun!

Arcades
Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement at Ohara School of Ikebana

Harajuku Other Traditional Arts
[MOVIE] Navigating Virtual Airspace with Skyart JAPAN

Shinagawa Adventure Activities
[MOVIE] Achieve Your Cosplay Dreams at Cosplay Studio Crown!

Akihabara Culture Experience
Stringraphy at Studio EVE: A Striking and Unique Musical Experience

Shibuya Other Contemporary Arts
[MOVIE] A Japanese Drum Experience at TAIKO-LAB

Shibuya Other Sightseeing

Just 2 Hours from Tokyo! Heading to Niigata via Joetsu Shinkansen

Niigata And Sado Other Sightseeing

Tourists who have already experienced sightseeing in Tokyo right after arriving from Haneda and Narita Airport are increasingly choosing to visit more distant places while still being able to enjoy an urban environment. For such people, Niigata is the perfect destination. It takes about two hours to get to Niigata from Tokyo Station via the JR Joetsu Shinkansen. Niigata City has prospered as one of Japan’s leading port cities since the Edo Period, and you can enjoy many activities here such as historical walks and delicious gourmet meals. It is a great spot to use as a tourist base, as there are plenty of hotels in the city, and it is surrounded by attractions such as Sado Island and Yahiko Shrine.

The Complete Guide to Haneda Airport Arrival Lobby

Haneda Other Sightseeing
How to Choose Your 2020 Tokyo Hotel: Top 5 Neighborhoods Recommended by International Residents

Shimokitazawa Other Townscapes
A City That Never Sleeps: Top 3 Spots to Stay in Ikebukuro Until Morning (If You Miss the Last Train!)

Ikebukuro
Crazy Cheap but Crazy Quality: The Shopping Secret to Japan’s Home Appliances on a Budget

Electronics Stores
JR Osaka Station’s Travel Service Center is multilingual. Let’s take a look at the services they offer travelers in Osaka

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Sightseeing
Kyoto-Amanohashinodate's Best 3 Hotels! Enjoy one of Japan's Great Three Sights from the comfort of your hotel room or bath!

Amanohashidate Hotels

Kesennuma City Memorial Museum (Ruins of Koyo High School): Telling the Story of the Great East Japan Earthquake

Other Surrounding Areas Of Miyagi Other Sightseeing

On March 11, 2011 at 14:46, the largest earthquake ever recorded in history hit Miyagi Prefecture with a magnitude of 9.0. On March 10, 2019, eight years later, Kesennuma City turned the old school building of Kesennuma Koyo High School, which was heavily damaged by the tsunami and left in remains, into a memorial hall to share the memories and lessons from the earthquake, and opened the Kesennuma City Memorial Museum. It has attracted attention as a facility that will continue to convey the fearsome power of earthquakes and tsunamis to future generations.

Japan Has an Adorable 'Pudding Theme Park' That Will Make You Want to Redecorate

Nara, Ikoma, Tenri Other Cafes and Sweets
1000 Statues of Kannon to Greet You, and Just a Short Walk from Kyoto Station - A Guide to the Best Features of Sanjusangen-do Temple

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple Temples
How is This Station So Hard to Exit?! Mastering Tokyo Ueno Station to See the Sights

Ueno
See the Influence of the West Live in Action in Osaka's Incredible Public Hall

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Architecture
Kyoto’s Chic Ajiki Alley! A Hole-in-the-Wall for Young Artists Amongst Retro Tenement Houses

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple Old Towns (Shitamachi)
10 Must-See Festivals of Japan: Nebuta, Morioka-Sansa Dance, and More! (2020 Edition)

Aomori, Hirosaki And Hachinohe Japanese Festivals (Matsuri)

Looks Like a 'Yield' Sign, But Means 'Stop'? 10 Weird Tips About Driving in Japan

Other Sightseeing

Most people don’t realize that Japan has much more hidden beauty than one could expect. The problem is that many of these places are somewhat difficult to reach with public transportation alone. In fact, while Japan’s subway (metro) and train systems are among the best in the world, when it comes to reaching rural areas the easiest way to do it is by car. So why not spend some of your holiday driving around some of the most beautiful nature, hidden temples and more you’ll ever see? Follow along as we share 10 things you’ll want to know before you drive in Japan.