Nikko is home to the mausoleum for the founding members of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The garish and beautiful buildings among the mountains are a registered UNESCO Heritage site. Getting to Nikko takes about 2 hours from Tokyo with a train transfer at Utsunomiya Station. The Tokugawa family ruled a newly unified Japan for 300 years. During this time of self-imposed isolation this family accumulated great wealth and respect which is on display in the wonderful architecture of the final resting places of these former Shogun

Discover Hakone: Tokyo’s Ultimate Mountain Escape

Escape the energetic neon buzz of Tokyo and discover Hakone, Japan’s premier mountain haven nestled inside Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Located less than 90 minutes from Shinjuku, Hakone offers travelers a seamless blend of natural grandeur, ancient tradition, and artistic inspiration—making it the quintessential day trip from the capital.

Why Hakone Belongs on Your Itinerary

• Iconic Mount Fuji Vistas: Glide across the serene waters of Lake Ashi aboard a sightseeing cruise or soar over volcanic landscapes on the Hakone Ropeway for postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji towering over the alpine scenery. Whether from Owakudani, Lake Ashi, or the Koamagatake Ropeway there are many places to see and feel this iconic mountain. It is easier to see in winter or in the summer during early morning or dusk hours.

• Healing Onsen Culture: Famous nationwide for its therapeutic mineral waters, Hakone boasts hundreds of day-use hot springs where you can soak away travel fatigue surrounded by lush forest views. Hakone is known as an onsen theme park and has many ways to enjoy these wonderful gifts of nature.

• The Unforgettable “Golden Course”: Experience a world-class transit adventure using the all-in-one Hakone Freepass. Travel seamlessly on switchback mountain trains, steep cable cars, scenic ropeways, and lake vessels in one smooth, circular journey.

• Art in Harmony with Nature: Home to the world-renowned Hakone Open-Air Museum, you can marvel at masterpieces by Rodin and Picasso set directly against rolling green hillsides and open mountain skies. Other museums include the POLA museum with Monets, Manets, and more. The Rene Lalique Glass Museum also has a car from the famed Orient Express! The Narukawa Museum is famous for the collection of Nihonga, western inspired Japanese art from the early 20th century.

• Craft and Culture: Discover the Yosegi Zaike local craft that is one of Japan’s registered traditional regional crafts. This intricate wood work by local craftsman is best seen that described. Local craftspeople in the Hatajuku Village have workshops and talking events to introduce you to this wonder of the woodcraft world.

• Timeless Heritage: Step back in time along the ancient Tokaido Highway lined with towering cedar trees, and visit the serene Hakone Shrine, whose iconic red torii gate stands directly in the calm lake waters. There are famous gardens that were once the summer villa of the Mitsubishi founding family, a teahouse in the mountain with a menu unchanged for 100s of years, former imperial villas, and much more. Hakone is a living history museum.

Whether seeking relaxing thermal baths, striking mountain landscapes, or vibrant cultural landmarks, Hakone delivers the ultimate taste of traditional Japan just a short train ride away.

The seaside town of Kamakura was once the seat of political power in Japan about 800 years ago. This historical town is most well known for the large bronze statue of a sitting buddha and the collection of temples. Kamakura has maintained a small town feel and is easily explored on foot. There are small shops to explore and temples to visit. Kamakura is only about an hour south of Tokyo. Use the JR Tokaido line with a transfer at Ofuna Station to get to Kamakura.

Yokohama is one of Japan`s largest cities and is only a short train ride from Tokyo. The city is built around the harbor which made it an important trade port in Japanese history. The trade ships have now been replaced with cruise ships and the area around the harbor is a wonderful and eclectic shopping destination. In the harbor area, you can find the Cup Noodle Museum, Chinatown, shopping, an amusement center, and lots of other forms of modern entertainment servicing this wonderful city. To get from Tokyo to Yokohama the best way is on the JR Tokaido LIne. Get off at Yokohama Station and the commercial center is a short train transfer from there. Or there is a direct train from Edogawabashi Station on the Yurakucho Line, a short walk from Tokyo Station.

Odaiba is an artificial island made in the middle of Tokyo Bay. There are shopping centers, TV studios, and museums to visit. One of the main draws is the life sized Gundam statue just outside the main shopping mall. You can also get wonderful views of Tokyo and the Rainbow Bridge from the area.There are many museums in Odaiba that may interest you as well. If you are a fan of anime or Japanese TV, one of Japan`s most famous broadcasters, Fuji TV, has their main studios on the island as well.