10 Best Weekend Getaways from Tokyo
Weekend Trips from Tokyo: Onsen, Mt. Fuji, Nature and Historic Sites
Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, offering countless tourist attractions. But the city is also surrounded by many amazing places where you can have completely different experiences including historic sites, nature spots, scenic beauty and onsen towns. Tokyo has a great rail system and this is a big benefit for people to enjoy easy access to various getaways from the city. If you are in Tokyo and want to explore a different side, I’d highly recommend you to take a weekend trip from Tokyo either for a day trip or overnight stay.
Today, I would like to introduce 10 amazing weekend getaways from Tokyo where you can access easily and have wonderful experiences in Japan! So let’s check them out 🙂
1. Attractive Onsen Town, Hakone
Hakone is the most popular Onsen destinations from Tokyo. It’s located in the mountainous area in western Kanagawa Prefecture, and less than 100 km away from central Tokyo. Hakone can be reached in about 1 hour from Tokyo. Besides hot spring, Hakone offers numbers of tourist attractions such as Lake Ashi, a stunning view of Mt.Fuji, shrine, museums and nature spots, and you can enjoy them any time of the year. There are also hundreds of hotels, restaurants and shops. In Hakone, you can enjoy traditional Onsen experience and beautiful nature at the same time.
2. Learn Japanese History in Kamakura
Kamakura is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Tokyo, which is located in southern Kanagawa Prefecture. Kamakura has a rich history as the city used to be a political capital in Japan in the late 12th century. Therefore, there are numbers of preserved sites such as temples, shrines, monuments, etc, and now it’s often described as “the Kyoto of East”. The most famous landmark in Kamakura is the Great Buddha, a 11.4 m tall bronze Buddha statue which stands on the ground of Kotokuin Temple.
3. Enjoy Mt.Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko
If you are looking for a place to enjoy the great view of Mt. Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes would be the best choice. Kawaguchiko is the most touristic and accessible lake of five lakes. Numbers of tourist attractions and activities are available around the lake such as panoramic rope-way, museums, hot spring baths, cycling and cruising as well as seasonal events such as cherry blossoms and autumn colours. If you have time, I’d also suggest you to explore other lakes of Fuji Five Lakes as you can enjoy different scenery of Mt Fuji and beautiful nature. There are many hotels and ryokan around Kawaguchiko, and some of them offer guests amazing views with Mt Fuji from their onsen baths or guest rooms.
4. Historical Sites and Nature in Nikko
Nikko is a small city located in northwestern Tochigi Prefecture. Nikko is best known for Nikko Toshogu Shrine, one of the most important historic sites in Japan and where the founder of Edo Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined. The lavishly decorated shrine complex is highly renowned and designated to UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. Besides the shrine, Nikko is also famous for serine nature and scenic landscape, which is particularly popular in autumn leaves season.
5. Beach and Onsen in Atami
Atami is an onsen resort located in north-east of Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Atami offers a great accessibility from Tokyo as well as various tourist attractions including the beach, historic sites, museums, scenic beauty and delicious seafood. It’s a perfect getaway from Tokyo especially during summer as visitors can enjoy the pretty beach and various water activities as well as onsen bath. The spectacular fireworks event, Atami Fireworks Festival is also held several times through the year.