MORE OF JAPAN
You can easily spend two weeks in Tokyo and not run out of things to do (although you may run out of sleep, sobriety and patience for crowds), but each prefecture in Japan has a different vibe, different meibutsu (regional specialty dishes), and different reasons to make them well worth visiting.
Day Trips
Takao-san
Mt. Takao is beautiful hike, on a clear day you may be able to see Mt. Fuji at the very top, its beautiful in any season.
On the way up you will find amazing shrines that are breathtaking.
You can have a very cold beer and a wonder at the top of the track. Try all the snacks as possible and dont forget the hot-dog at the observatory. The view is amazing.
We recommend to avoid weekends and public holidays.
You can go down the hill in the beautiful cable car or chair lift ,whatever your adventurous feel is.
Kamakura
Kamakura offers numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments. Kamakura's sand beaches are a beautiful getaway for a quick scape from Tokyo.
You can walk along the boardwalk all the way to Big Buddha and other attractions, really chill vibes.
Beautiful little stores offering a magic traditional local feel.
You can go for the day or stay in the beautiful town as much as you want.
Hakone
Hakone, in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park west of Tokyo, is a mountainous town known for its hot springs resorts (onsen) and views of the iconic volcano Mount Fuji. It also encompasses Hakone Shrine, a Shinto shrine with a red “torii” gate overlooking Lake Ashi, which can be toured by boat, as well as the boiling sulphur springs of the Owakudani Valley.
Hakone Open Air Museum,The Okada Museum of Art are worth a part of your trip.
A ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway can be really special.
Spectacular view.
Further Afar
Kanazawa/ Ishikawa
Kanazawa is a very lovely city, super friendly and wakable to many attractions. There is old and new beautiful vibes.
The art and food scene is wonderful. You can walk to the 21st century museum or D.T. Suzuki Museum, amazing small museum commemorating the life and works of Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro (1870-1966), a prominent Buddhist philosopher.
The castle is worth seeing, beautiful walk and really close to the old area. Narrow charming streets that offer food, souvenirs, local treats snacks and bars.
Place to stay - Hachi (hostel with private rooms)
Place to stay - Kaname Inn Tatemachi
Place to stay -
Things to do - Gallery, Gardens, Chaya Tea District, Palace, Monk Architecture
Matsumoto
Matsumoto is the second second largest city in Nagano Prefecture.
It’s a lovely little place full of water vibes, you will walk around and listen to the relaxing sound of water everywhere.
There is Matsumoto Castle (松本城, Matsumotojō) is one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles.
A short walk from the castle, Nakamachi-dori a former merchant district with warehouses that offer many crafts from the region. The area is where the city's merchants used to live during the Edo Period.
Matsumoto is the city of Yayoi Kusama, so if you like her art you’ll be able to go to the The Matsumoto City Museum of Art and see some of her lovely work. ( Even the buses have red polka dots )
Also, if you are interested in wasabi, there is a farm you can visit and learn about the process of real wasabi. The Daio Wasabi Farm
Kamikochi
The stunning Kamikochi, you cant miss it.
This place offers some of Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery.
Youll be hugged by nature, you can do the beautiful simple trail track and have a deep “shinrin-yoku” (means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses.)
If you want you can get pic nic goodies and find a remarkable spot for it.
There is a couple of local stores with snacks from the region that deserve to try them.
Private cars are banned from Kamikochi, and access is only possible by bus or taxi. So heads up if you are driving around the area.