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Day Trip to Mt. Takao: 7 Fun Ways to Enjoy Tokyo's Favorite Mountain

Mt. Takao Forests & Mountains

Mt. Takao (高尾山) is a beloved destination, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Perfect for a day trip from Tokyo, it offers a refreshing escape into nature just a short distance from the city. In this guide, we’ve gathered recommendations for must-visit spots from the station master of the Takao Tozan Railway, an expert on all things Mt. Takao!

SENSE ISLAND/LAND Art Event in Yokosuka: Discover Unique Performances on the Uninhabited Island of Sarushima

Kanagawa Suburbs Other Contemporary Arts Sponsor Content
The Ride of Your Life! Experiencing Japan from Above in a Private Helicopter Tour

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Adventure Activities
More Than Just Sake! BicCamera's Featured Liquors, from Tradition to Trendy

Shinjuku Electronics Stores
3 Hakone Hot Springs Perfect For a Day Trip (Including Swimsuit-OK Baths!)

Hakone / Odawara Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)
Enjoy Autumn in Nikko: 14 Best Tours & Things to Do in the World Heritage Area Outside Tokyo

Nikko Autumn
10 Magical Onsen Towns Near Tokyo for the Ultimate Hot Springs Getaway

Gunma Suburbs Ryokan
7 Autumn Day Trips From Tokyo: Enjoy Autumn Colors at Gorgeous Gardens, Temples & Mountains

Hakone / Odawara Autumn

Best Things to Do in Tokyo in December 2023: Christmas Markets, Countdown Events, and More

Tokyo Station Winter

Japan's winter season is a festive time with Christmas, New Year's Eve, and the New Year celebrations just around the corner. Tokyo hosts many events and festivals in December, such as the Joya-no-Kane bell-ringing ceremony, Christmas markets, illumination events, and Comiket. You'll have plenty of fun things to do in Tokyo in December to keep you entertained throughout this action-packed month!

Experience the Magic of 'The Nutcracker' in Tokyo This Winter

Shibuya Shows
From Plant-Based and Gluten-Free to Meat and Cheese, bills Omotesando is The Tokyo Hotspot for ALL Diets

Harajuku Western-style Food
Japanese Insect Repellent for Adults and Kids – Drugstore Staff Recommend Gentle and Effective Products

Shibuya Pharmacies
8 Iconic Tokyo Locations That Will Make Your Instagram Shine

Tokyo Station Other Sightseeing
8 Bon Odori Dance Festivals Around Tokyo (2024): Dancing to the Beat of Summer

Tokyo Station Summer
Shibuya Levels Up: Exclusive Food and Experiences at the New Shibuya Sakura Stage (Opened July 25)

Shibuya Sushi

Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement at Ohara School of Ikebana

Harajuku Other Traditional Arts

Ikebana, flower arrangement, is one of Japan’s most treasured art forms, a time-honored tradition that continues to be relevant even in today’s modern society. Beautifully arranged flowers and plants have permeated Japanese culture in a way that is seldom found in others. The Ohara School of Ikebana has played a major part in keeping the tradition alive, through its many schools in Japan, as well as its 59 chapters abroad, with over 300,000 members worldwide. The beauty of the Ohara School is not only in its floral arrangements, but its ability to share the culture of ikebana with the world. I visited the Ohara Center of Tokyo to try an ikebana class to learn more about this traditional art form.

[MOVIE] DRUM TAO’S MANGEKYO – a Kaleidoscope of Taiko Drums

Shinagawa Shows
[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
[MOVIE] Navigating Virtual Airspace with Skyart JAPAN

Shinagawa Adventure Activities

Tips & Advice for Planning a Trip to Tokyo in Autumn

Tokyo Station Autumn

Autumn has become a popular time for tourists to visit Japan. The months of good weather, scenic views of the autumn foliage and seasonal festivals make for a great vacation. Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning a trip to Japan in autumn.

Ginza Shopping Guide: 14 Must-Visit Stores & Exclusive Discounts

Ginza Department Stores
Top 15 Hakone Onsen Accommodations for a Comfortable and Blissful Stay

Hakone / Odawara Ryokan
Ryuuu TV's Unseen Adventure: Tokyo Skytree®'s Hidden Gems & Latest Foodie Finds in Asakusa & Oshiage!

Ryogoku / TOKYO SKYTREE(R) Downtown
5 Hotels Near Yokohama Stadium: Complete With Fun Party Plans & More

Minato Mirai 21 / China Town Hotels
Shinagawa Aquarium: All You Need to Know for a Fun Tokyo Trip (Recommendations & Photo Spots)

Shinagawa Other Sightseeing
Stay in Luxury Right by Tokyo - 4 All-Inclusive Hotel Plans in the Kanto Region!

Hakone / Odawara Hotels

Kamakura Day Trip Ideas: Trainspotting and traveling along the quaint Enoden Railway!

Kamakura Other Townscapes

Hi there! My name is Atsumi, and one of my favorite things to do is introduce railways throughout Japan. This time I combined a trip along the Enoshima Electric Railway with some walking tours recommended by a consultant, Mr. Toshiyuki, who joined me along with photographer Yoichi Yoshinaga, who is famous for taking aerial photographs of railways.

Hakone Kinnotake Tonosawa: One of the Top Ryokan in Japan!

Hakone / Odawara Ryokan
Matsuzakaya Honten: Inside the Gorgeous 360-Year-Old Hakone Ryokan Inn

Hakone / Odawara Ryokan
The 15 Best Luxury Hotels in Tokyo: Opulent Stays With Stunning Views

Tokyo Station Hotels
The Shizuoka Tea-Picking Experience: Learn All About Japan's Tea Culture

Shizuoka Suburbs Outdoor Activities
Experiencing ‘Kintsugi’: The Japanese Art of Mending Cracked Ceramics with Gold

Harajuku
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson: An Insider’s Guide to Japan’s Three Giant Convenience Stores!

Asakusa

21 Fun Things to Do in Nikko: Recommendations for First-Time Visitors

Nikko Cultural Heritage Sites

Nikko, located in northwestern Tochigi Prefecture, is an idyllic, picturesque town teeming with historical sites, breathtaking wilderness, and delectable delicacies. The town flourished as a gateway to the Tosho-gu Shrine, cultivating a unique culture as sightseers flocked to witness these magnificent structures. While a well-known destination for international travelers to Japan, off the beaten path, lies a wealth of hidden gems, and the full breadth of Nikko remains largely unknown. In this article, we’ll introduce 20 Nikko recommendations, including sightseeing, experiences, food, and shopping, separated by the four seasons. Read on to discover how to make the most of this one-of-a-kind destination! Main photo: PIXTA