Unmissable 'Travel Ideas' Near Tokyo
Go Venture Beyond Tokyo’s City Limits!
When planning your trip to Japan, make sure to add outside Tokyo to discover the incredible culture and nature beyond the city. From peaceful mountain villages with relaxing hot springs to culture-rich countryside towns, there’s so much more to explore!
A quick excursion can take you to places where you can taste unique local dishes, explore the great outdoors (go canoeing in the summer and skiing in the winter), relax in hot springs, appreciate the beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, explore museums, visit sake breweries and meet artisans keeping traditional crafts alive. These authentic experiences are sure to make your trip memorable.
For inspiration, scroll down and uncover Japan’s diverse activities and experiences beyond Tokyo’s skyline. Start planning today!
Outdoor Travel Ideas
Advanced Hiking Spots
Best Advanced Hiking Spots Near Tokyo
Enjoy advanced and challenging hikes near Tokyo. Introducing hiking and trekking trails of 7 hours with demanding terrain best suited for experienced hikers.
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Intermediate Hiking Spots
Best Intermediate Hiking Spots Near Tokyo
Enjoy intermediate hiking near Tokyo. Introducing hiking and trekking trails of 4-5 hours with a perfect balance of challenging climbs and stunning scenery.
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Easy Hiking Spots
Best Easy Hiking Spots Near Tokyo
Enjoy easy hiking for a refreshing day out in nature! Discover scenic trails ranging from 8–12km with gentle elevations in lush nature surroundings near Tokyo.
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Ski & Snowboarding for Beginners
Best Ski & Snowboarding Resorts for Beginners near Tokyo
Ever wanted to try Skiing or Snowboarding? Japan has many of the best ski resorts in the world and many are only a short trip from Tokyo so why not give it a go!
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Cycling Activities
Best Cycling Areas Near Tokyo
A great way to experience Japan’s beautiful countryside is by bike!
Cycle the countryside and connect to the stunning mountain views, picturesque rice paddies, sakura-lined paths, vibrant autumn leaves, and the nice local people.
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Extreme Activities
Best Extreme Activities Near Tokyo (for Adrenaline Junkies!)
Ready to push your limits?
Find the best extreme activities near Tokyo. Thrill-seekers can dive into adrenaline-pumping adventures like bungee jumping, skydiving, and challenging mountain running events!
Find the best extreme activities near Tokyo. Thrill-seekers can dive into adrenaline-pumping adventures like bungee jumping, skydiving, and challenging mountain running events!
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Culture & History Ideas
Sake Brewery Tours
Best Sake Brewery Tours near Tokyo
Experience Sake Brewery Tours!
Discover the sake-making process, from rice to refined sake, and even taste different kinds of delicious sake. Many breweries are over a century old and have rich history showcasing timeless craftsmanship.
Discover the sake-making process, from rice to refined sake, and even taste different kinds of delicious sake. Many breweries are over a century old and have rich history showcasing timeless craftsmanship.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites near Tokyo
Explore the Temples & Shrines of Nikko and the Tomioka Silk Mill, a symbol of Japan’s history and industrial revolution. These must-visit destinations offer a deep understanding of Japan’s cultural & historical heritage.
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UNESCO Registered Festivals
UNESCO Registered Festivals near Tokyo
Enjoy watching ornate floats, centuries-old performances and take home unforgettable memories. Visit for an experience you’ll never forget!
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Kimono Experiences
Best places to enjoy a Kimono Experience nearby Tokyo
Areas just north of Tokyo have a long silk heritage and offer visitors an opportunity to wear their high-quality, locally crafted Kimonos. Explore our recommendations below for an unforgettable Kimono experience.
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Modern Industrial Japan
Best Places to Experience Modern Industrial Japan
From 1854, Japan transformed from a closed samurai society into an industrial powerhouse. Today, visitors can explore fascinating sites that showcase this journey of innovation and resilience. Discover our top picks here.
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Onsen & Hot Spring Resorts
Best Onsen & Hot Spring Resorts near Tokyo
Japan is a island with one of the most volcanic mountains in the world. There is said to be 27,000 locations that produce Onsen water. Here are the some of the best onsen resorts near Tokyo.
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UNESCO Registered Experiences
UNESCO Registered Experiences near Tokyo
Discover the craftsmanship of Yuki Tsumugi silk and the delicate artistry of Hosokawa Washi paper – both UNESCO-registered experiences. Explore these cultural experiences below.
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Food & Drink Travel Ideas
Best Cooking Experiences
Best Cooking Experiences to try near Tokyo
Looking for a hands-on way to enjoy Japanese culture?
Cooking experiences offer a unique chance to learn from skilled local chefs and offer an excellent way to meet locals and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.Explore our top picks!
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Strawberry Picking
Best Strawberry Picking Farms near Tokyo
If you like juicy strawberries, why not go strawberry picking near Tokyo?
Just north of Tokyo has the most strawberry farms in Japan and is even have uniques breads of strawberries only available in the reagion.
Just north of Tokyo has the most strawberry farms in Japan and is even have uniques breads of strawberries only available in the reagion.
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Best Ramen
Best Ramen Destinations to enjoy near Tokyo
Check here for ramen destinations near Tokyo. From classic Shoyu and Salt-based broths to flavorful vegetarian/vegan options, along with unique creations you won’t want to miss. Make sure to check these local gems for an unforgettable taste of Japan’s soul food!
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Gyoza Dumpling Restaurants
Best Gyoza dumpling restaurants near Tokyo
Find the best Gyoza restaurants in Japan. The capital of Gyoza is Utsunomiya city only 60 min from Tokyo close to Nikko. A plate of Gyoza starts from only 350 yen ($2.50) so make sure to visit and go Gyoza hopping !
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Beautiful Nature Ideas
Beautiful Sakura Blossoms
Best places to enjoy Sakura nearby Tokyo
From the End of March to Early April is the popular Sakura season when the cherry trees are in full blossom. Here are some magnificent Sakura viewing spots near Tokyo that aren’t so crowded and bloom a few days later than Tokyo.
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Autumn Colors with Beautiful Leaves (
Best Autumn Colors and beautiful autumn leaves near Tokyo
October, November, and December are the best time to enjoy the autumn colors from Tokyo! Visit places like Oku-Nikko. See more here.
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Museum Travel Ideas
Car Museums
Best Car Museums near Tokyo
Do you love cars and motorcycles? Then Japan is for you!
There are many car museums near Tokyo where you can marvel at the technology and sleek designs. Visit car museums are run by major manufacturers as well as rare private collections.
There are many car museums near Tokyo where you can marvel at the technology and sleek designs. Visit car museums are run by major manufacturers as well as rare private collections.
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Natural History & Nature Museums
Best Natural History Museums (Nature Museums) near Tokyo
Find the best Natural History Museums (Nature Museums) near Tokyo.
As an island full of mountains and nature, the Kanto plain around Tokyo was also once underwater, so museums in the area offer a diverse collection, from dinosaurs and shark fossils to current-day spices.
As an island full of mountains and nature, the Kanto plain around Tokyo was also once underwater, so museums in the area offer a diverse collection, from dinosaurs and shark fossils to current-day spices.
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Discover Your Next Adventure
Explore our variety of travel ideas and find your next adventure. Whether you enjoy the great outdoors or revel in history, we have something for you. Our expert guides will help you make the most of your experience and create unforgettable memories.
Places to STAY in from Tokyo
Hotels (Western style)
Takasaki is a transportation hub for people visiting this area, so there are many 2-4 star western style hotels to choose from.
Japanese style
Most hotels in central Takasaki are Western, but some Japanese-style ryokans with onsen baths can be found outside the city.
Hotel
Our Team
We write these articles
Angus Miyaji
‘Woody’ Shu Yokoyama
Kayo Hirai
