Think of Japan, and chances are you imagine (1) the endlessly captivating Mount Fuji and (2) the dazzling, almost otherworldly capital Tokyo, a beating heart of ultramodernity, sewn onto a web of deeply rooted tradition. rooted.
Sure to spark intrigue in even the most jaded traveler, Tokyo is a city of contrasts: office workers zip around aboard bullet trains at breakneck speeds, while simultaneously Tokyoites young and old practice Ikigai, the art of living a happy life. Yes, Tokyo is full of many ways to enjoy the city, which will undoubtedly fuel your travel spirit.
However, Tokyo is not a panacea. No, there are plenty of easy-to-access sightseeing options just a short train ride from central Tokyo. And trust us: they are not to be missed.
In reality, we have a secret: Thanks to Japan’s excellent infrastructure and ultra-efficient public transport system, you don’t have to be the most adventurous of travelers to experience some of these mesmerizingly beautiful destinations and dive a little deeper deep in Japan.
If you’re traveling at the speed of a high-speed train with little time to spare, you can venture out for a day trip. Or, if you’re a more yearning traveler, stay a few nights and extract every last drop of culture from Tokyo’s outskirts.
But the scenic adventure begins before you even board that train. Yes, there is a step to do before leaving: the former imperial garden of Tokyo. Shinjuku Gyoen is a sprawling, popular and bustling urban garden. Totally unmissable, it’s one of the best places to feast your eyes on the sight of sakura, the millennial pink cherry trees synonymous with Japan in spring.
Then you can hit the road: Fuji Hakone Pass offers 3 days of discounted travel in the Fuji-Hakone area from Shinjuku Station (yes, that includes Mount Fuji itself!). Depart from Shinjuku Station and enjoy unlimited rides between Shin-Matsuda Station and Odawara Station on the Odakyu Line; Crossing this pocket of the country couldn’t be easier. You’ll even get discounts at over 100 area museums, restaurants, and attractions.
And the best part? No trip exceeds a few hours. Yes, although you can always venture “off the beaten track”, this trail is simply better marked in Japan.
Hakone
The ultimate Japanese weekend getaway. Hakone is a beautiful national park located 90 km from Tokyo, a very popular tourist destination in Japan frequented by locals and foreigners alike. Come here for the majestic views of Mount Fuji (Fuji-san), stay for the many scorching hot springs and 360° natural beauty.
Getting There
The route to Hakone from Tokyo is via the Odakyu Electric Railway. From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar directly to Hakone-Yamoto Station in 1.5 hours. Please note that it is by reservation only, so make sure you are well organised.
For a visual journey, opt for a seat on an observation deck, located at the front or back of Odakyu 70000 or 50000 series trains. Fuji-Hakone Pass is not available, but there is a route from Tokyo to Odawara using the Shinkansen.
What to do
Art lover? Check out the Hakone Open Air Museum, which houses an extensive collection of works by Japanese and international artists, including pieces by Picasso. Set against the backdrop of the scenic Hakone Mountains, this outdoor sculpture park blends art with nature and promises a larger-than-life experience.
Or head to Enoura Observatory, overlooking peaceful Sagami Bay. Founded and designed by contemporary Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, this perched art center is a contemporary art installation, gallery and vantage point in its own right. It can be enjoyed 100% in any season!
For a moment of reflection, put Lake Ashinoko (or “Lake Ashi” to locals) on your itinerary. Hakone Shrine stands proudly on the shores of this enchanting caldera lake. Floating red sound torii gate with Japan’s most famous mountain in the background is the perfect Instagram shot.
Transportation pass: The Fuji-Hakone Pass will get you to all of these destinations quickly, so get yours before you go.
Where to stay
A synergy of traditional Japanese style and Western convenience, Hotel Hatsuhana combines upscale service with accessible culture. Greeted with green tea and local sweets on arrival, it’s a welcoming home away from home for a cozy getaway. Between resting and tasting the restaurant’s delicious menu, be sure to take the time to bathe in one of the traditional hot springs, or onsento rejuvenate your travel-weary soul.
To note: The major renovation of the Hatsuhana Hotel is expected to begin in January 2022 or later, and the hotel will be reborn as a high-quality hotel in the fall of 2022.
Fuji Five Lakes
Located 1,000m above sea level in the foothills of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes region offers a sight (or two) to cherish forever. With Mount Fuji taking center stage and the shimmering water and cherry blossoms in the foreground, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
Getting There
From Hakone, take your Fuji Hakone Pass to Kawaguchiko. If you are coming directly from Tokyo, use the same pass to travel from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Sengoku, then take a bus to the Fuji Five Lakes area via Gotemba Station.
What to do
Explore the wonders of Lake Kawaguchiko by Canadian canoe and absorb the breathtaking scenery from every angle. On a clear day, you’ll see spellbinding views of majestic Mount Fuji. And if the weather conditions are good, you can explore the uninhabited islands that adorn the lakes.
Transportation pass: Simplify your life with the Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini/Fuji Hakone Pass (take the Fujikyu-Bus) for seamless travel between beauty spots.
Where to stay
For a resting place you won’t soon forget, bed down at the Keyforest Hokuto Hotel, located at the base of Mt. Yatsugatake in Hokuto City. The artistic resort hotel strikes differently, with quintessential Japanese style fused with cutting-edge architecture. Embodying the contrasts intrinsic to Japanese culture, the concrete angles make this boutique hotel stand out from its lush forest setting in a way that shouldn’t work, but does. Don’t miss the hotel’s Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, which features works by the New York street artist.
Transportation pass: From the Fuji Five Lakes area, you can take a bus to Kofu Station, then take the JR train to arrive at Kobuchizawa Station. The JR Transportation Pass from Tokyo Station takes you on the Chuo-Honsen Line, where you will disembark at Kobuchizawa Station. From there, it’s a 5-minute drive to Keyforest Hokuto Hotel.
Izu Peninsula
A mountainous region located on the southern slope of Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula offers views for days. Famous for its natural hot springs, motorbike rides and sea swims, you won’t be short of activities here. A scenic escape from the concrete jungle of Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula is simply breathtaking.
Getting There
The perfect day trip from Tokyo, reaching the Izu Peninsula takes just 40 minutes by Shinkansen bullet train. Remember that you will need to travel to Tokyo or Shinagawa stations rather than Shinjuku for this tour as there is no Tokaido Shinkansen terminal there.
What to do
Be sure to visit the coastal spa town of Atami, Japan’s answer to Long Beach, California. Frequented by Japanese travelers for millennia, tourists have long bathed in the healing waters of the Atami Hot Springs. Take your pick of indoor or outdoor sources and more, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.
For a taste of all things Zen, head to Shuzenji Temple. The picture-perfect Buddhist temple sits atop a hill, framed by bamboo groves and startling cherry blossoms. For a surefire way to forget about your worldly troubles, there’s no better pit stop than Shuzenji Temple.
Transportation pass: The Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini is the best way to access and explore this phenomenal area, taking you seamlessly from Tokyo by combining it with the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Where to stay
With gorgeous views of the vast Pacific Ocean, the Atami Sekaie luxury travel resort is worth your dollar. Each room offers ocean views, a private open-air bath filled with hot spring water, and minimalist decor that makes it easy to relax.
Small hollow? Any exploration will: head to one of the hotel’s restaurants, which serve traditional Japanese cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Menus change monthly, so if (or when) you return there will be something new to sink your chopsticks into.
Transportation pass: For the next destination, hop on the high-speed rail line, Tokaido Shinkansen to return to Tokyo, or continue to Kyoto.
Travel pro tip
The SmartEx app is a convenient way for overseas travelers to easily reserve seats (up to 6 people at a time) and purchase – from anywhere in the world and even before coming to Japan, may we add—Shinkansen tickets for travel to most major cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and more. It is free to download and in English.
This article was produced in partnership with Kanto District Transportation Bureau, Fuji-Hakone-Izu International Tourism Association, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau, ODAKYU Electric Railway Co. Ltd and the Central Japan Railway Company.