Joanna James
While the cutting-edge imperial glamour of Tokyo is hard to resist, the cityscape is surrounded by exciting escapes to connect with nature and discover rich pockets of heritage. Here are some must-visit destinations gemming the outskirts of Japan’s Capital.
A hustling metropolitan epicentre of futuristic architecture, Sakura blossom gardens, mouthwatering gastronomic scenes, and eccentric trends of fashion and recreation, Japan’s unconventional heritage Capital has plenty of addictive fodder for the discerningly whimsical explorer. However, suppose you’re in the mood for transporting rustic vibes. In that case, Kawagoe is a picturesque tribute to Edo-period in Japan, complete with unique clay kurazukuri buildings with their steeply peaked tile roofs housing traditional handicraft shops where you can hunt for souvenirs and attend pottery or glass-blowing workshops, as well as roam a whole alley dedicated to cheap yet delicious old-school sweets and snacks!
If you need a nature-kissed break from all the vibrant thrills of Tokyo, whether you splurged on Cosplay go-karting through the neon-lit city and stole the thunder of its dazzling hubbub as people cheered you on, performed some dramatic action sequences at the ASIBOBA ‘survival’ field, or spent an exhilarating date solving high-stakes mysteries at the Tokyo Mystery Circus, Enoshima is the perfect destination for scenic rejuvenation. From summer-sweet beach shenanigans and rocky ocean promenades to exploring enigmatic sea caves and binging on delightful seafood concoctions, this is a budget-friendly day trip that’s worth your while!
While there’s magic in the air in glamorous Tokyo, what with its DisneySea dreamscape letting you live out your pirate ship and mermaid fantasies, and the digital art shows at TeamLab Planet that spectacularly blurs the lines between imagination and reality or the fantastic Harajuku neighbourhood for hip boutiques, quirky museums, and the likes of cheesecake-stuffed crepe stands, you can also get lost in a real-life fairytale at Oduwara. From fantastically restored feudal-era castles and lush botanical gardens to hiking Old Tokaido Road for splendid views and grabbing a rice bowl at a picturesque eatery, this old-world enclave has plenty of savours.
If you’re not feeling up to climbing Mount Fuji, majestic views of its snow-capped beauty are the next best thing, and you can indulge in them amid the pristine serenity of meadows brilliant with autumnal moss phlox, silver-blue lakes, panoramic ropeways, festive flowering backdrops, and rustic traditional houses, postcard-perfect besides cherry blossoms and pools of melted snow. If you’re looking for outstanding furnished apartments in Shirokane Tokyo proffering prime access to its diverse regional enticements, venture no further than the likes of Oakwood Apartments Shirokane Tokyo.
If you want a getaway from one city to sample another, you won’t have a shortage of sensory stimulation at iconic Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest metropolis! From slurp-worthy museums dedicated to ramen and cup-noodles to gourmet all-you-can-eat street food, a highly shoppable Red Brick Warehouse, and the famed Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel affording spectacular city sunset views, this eccentric oceanside adventureland is a wild treat for Tarzans of the concrete jungle!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
