Natural wonders and unexpected experiences await,
a stone's throw from the city
Bright lights, bustling markets and outstanding restaurants draw tourists to Tokyo from all over the world.
Yet, many are unaware of the opportunity for unforgettable experiences that exist in the areas surrounding the city.
Discover ancient Japanese customs, stunning natural sites and curious traditions in Greater Tokyo.
Nature
Escape the capital and enter a natural wonderland
No visitor to Tokyo can ignore the white peak of Mount Fuji emerging above the skyscrapers.
It may be over 80 km (50 miles) away, but the mountain is visible from the city and is a tantalizing reminder of the stunning natural landscapes that border Tokyo.
Watersports fans are spoiled for choice at Lake Kawaguchiko, while Oze National Park provides countless hiking trails through abundant marshland.
Nearby Oyama Senmaida also provides incredible views of the area's cascading terraced rice paddies.
Culture
Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture
For some, there is nothing more nourishing than time spent retreating from daily life.
Of course, Tokyo is home to countless shrines, but beyond the hustle and bustle of the city, Greater Tokyo's shrines and temples boast a degree of tranquility you won't find downtown.
Beyond traditional Buddhism, the outskirts of Tokyo include many places to discover Japanese culture.
Take a trip to the Omiya Bonsai Village, dedicated to bonsai tree art, or join a Kintsugi workshop, where you can learn the art of mending broken pottery with gold or silver to create a unique masterpiece.
Activity
Exploration and adventure around Tokyo's suburbs
In some cities, the suburbs melt away into obscurity, drowned out by the buzz of downtown. Not in Tokyo.
In the city's far reaches, you'll find a wealth of activities not available in the bustling city center.
You can try your hand at blacksmithing at Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo.
Take a deep dive into sake brewing with an overnight visit to KURABITO STAY.
Or hop on a bike and take in the sites along the famous Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road.
Recommended Itineraries
in Greater Tokyo
Greater Tokyo in the News
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Exploring Greater Tokyo: Top picks for Japan’s most dynamic region
BBC
Whether it’s taking to the hills to bathe in ancient springs, visiting Buddhist temples or sampling the very best local cuisine prepared by masters, the Greater Tokyo area has endless experiences on offer for open-minded travellers with a taste for genuine adventure. Linked through a network of airports, rapid trains and bus connections, the prefectures, cities and towns that surround Tokyo are simply unmissable for anyone thinking of visiting Japan. Here are some of the top experiences in diverse spots across the region.
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Discover Japan: Due North and Into the Wild
CNN
Despite its proximity to Tokyo, Ibaraki Prefecture is rich in nature, with much of its bucolic beauty still largely undiscovered by international tourists. Located to the capital’s northeast, the region is simultaneously Japan’s third largest agricultural producer and home to cutting-edge research facilities, making it a place that offers more than what first meets the eye.
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See a New Side of Japan with These Epic Outdoor Adventures
Travel + Leisure
Just two hours from Tokyo, adrenaline junkies will find plenty of action in Minakami, a mountainous hot springs town in Greater Tokyo’s Gunma Prefecture. Here, it’s all about slipping, sliding, swimming, jumping, and rafting in the region’s fast-flowing waters. Between April and October, professional guides accompany visitors as young as six for a knuckle-gripping few hours in Minakami’s rugged canyons.
Greater Tokyo
Bright lights, bustling markets and outstanding restaurants draw tourists to Tokyo from all over the world. Yet, many are unaware of the opportunity for unforgettable experiences that exist in the areas surrounding the city. Discover ancient Japanese customs, stunning natural sites and curious traditions in Greater Tokyo.
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Greater Tokyo
Central Japan
Kansai
San'in
Setouchi
Shikoku
Kyushu
Okinawa
