Kamakura
Only one hour south of Tokyo by rail, this small, quiet town is surrounded by rolling hills and sandy beaches. The capital of Japan from 1192 to 1333, it’s as close as you can get to “Old Japan” in the Tokyo area. There are 65 Buddhist temples and 19 Shinto shrines, some dating from the 8th century. It is perfect for a day of strolling. The main site is the Great Buddha, or Daibutsu. This bronze figure, cast in 1252, measures 37 feet high and weighs 122 tons. Near Kamakura lies the sacred island of Enoshima. Here visitors can take in the various sights of the island, hike along its trails and escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. We suggest a mid-week excursion, as on the weekend it’s crowded with day-trippers from Tokyo.
Hakone
Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is one of the closest and most popular destinations for Tokyo residents. Find the bubbling mineral spas that make this hot springs resort famous. Take a boat trip across Lake Ashinoko, with the perfectly shaped Fuji-san in the background. Stroll through its wonderful outdoor sculpture museum. You can tour Hakone as a day trip if you leave early in the morning, but adding an overnight stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn) is much more pleasant.
Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san)
The symbol of Japan takes about five hours to ascend. Begin at night and go in a single push to catch the sunrise, when the views tend to be best. Or hike to a lodge two-thirds the way up for a steaming bowl of ramen and a cozy night’s sleep, then arise at 4 A.M. to reach the summit. This quintessentially Japanese experience is part tourist trap, part sacred pilgrimage, and a classic of the hiking genre. Be sure you have winter clothing (even in July), a headlamp, water and a snack.
Kanazawa
This small city is steeped in the history of the samurai era. Explore the narrow, crooked streets and passageways of the Nagamachi Samurai district. Japan travel in this region will reveal the former samurai mansions and old geisha quarters. An essential stop is the Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, with ponds, streams, waterfalls, bridges, teahouses, trees, stones and flowers. The name Kenrokuen literally means “garden combining six,” referring to the six classical themes of beauty incorporated: extensiveness, quiet seclusion, human ingenuity, antique elegance, abundant water and wide prospect. Kanazawa is a center of traditional arts and crafts including superb lacquer ware, exquisite kimono cloth, and some of the finest pottery in Japan.
Bandai-Asahi National Park
When Mt. Bandai erupted in 1888, it formed 100 lakes, each tinted a different color from mineral deposits. They are believed to possess calming and curative effects. The aesthetic effect is spectacular, and it’s a great place to wander around. Hiking Mt. Bandai takes about two hours.
Nagano
The “Roof of Japan” was center stage as the host city for the 1998 Winter Olympics: its natural beauty is grand and fragile. Visit the 7th century Zenko-ji temple, then head to nearby Yudanaka. Feast on the famous soba noodles, and visit the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, home to over 270 Japanese macaques (snow monkeys). Observe this endangered species as they play and bathe in the natural hot springs.
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