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10 Lesser Known Places to Visit near Tokyo

January 4, 2015
209,820 views
17 comments
8 min read

Worthwhile Excursions Away from the Bustle of Tokyo

Whilst downtown Tokyo offers a seemingly endless array of sightseeing possibilities,
sadly not enough visitors get the chance to broaden their horizons and travel beyond
the city limits. Included below are but a small selection of less travelled destinations on
the fringes of Tokyo (all within 3 hours of Shinjuku Station) waiting to be explored. Most
wont be found in your guide books but nonetheless make worthwhile day trips,
providing an opportunity to check out some stunning rural landscapes. Check out our
second instalment of Lesser Known Places to Visit near Tokyo Part #2.

# 1. Hossawa Falls, Hinohara Village (Tokyo)

Many tourists get the impression that Tokyo is nothing more than a concrete jungle with
little in the way of unspoiled ecosystems; thankfully places such as the Hossawa
Falls prove the contrary. This four level 60 metre (195 foot) waterfall is even included in
the One Hundred Waterfalls of Japan. The waterfall is located in the scenic Hinohara
Village and is only a 10 minute walk from the bus stop. Weekends can sometimes get a
little hectic so best advice is to shoot for an early bus to avoid the crowds. For those
feeling a little more energetic a trip to the falls can be combined with a hike to
nearby Mount Sengenrei.

Access: Take a Chuo Line train towards Ome and transfer at Haijima for Musashi-
Itsukaichi Station. From the station take a 20 minute bus ride and get off at the Hossawa
no taki iriguchi bus stop.

# 2. Sayama Hills, Higashimurayama City (Tokyo / Saitama

Prefecture)
As the closest of the sightseeing locals, Sayama Hills located in the commuter town of
Higashimurayama feels more like rural Japan than outer suburbia. Four smaller parks
combine to make up the expansive 3,500 hectare woodlands including two
reservoirs, Tama Lake and Sayama Lake which supply drinking water to the capital. While
Sayama Park is a popular family picnic area there are plenty of secluded pockets ideal for
nature walks, bird watching and mountain biking amongst the mixed species forests.

Access: The Metropolitan Sayama Park is a 3 minute walk from the south exit of Seibu
Yuenchi Station while transferring to the quaint Seibu Yamaguchi Line to Seibu Stadium-
mae provides access to Sayama Lake.

# 3. Nagatoro River, Nagatoro Village (Saitama Prefecture)

Situated in the picturesque Chichibu District of Saitama Prefecture the Nagatoro River, is
synonymous for traditional longboats and whitewater rafting, whisking adventurer
seekers alongside its precipitous cliffs. The township of Nagatoro has been designated a
prefectural nature park which means there are plenty of family friendly activities
including nature walks, visiting the Mt. Hodosan Shrine or taking a 5 minute cable car
ride up its namesake mountain.

Access: From Ikebukuro take a Seibu limited express train bound for Seibu Chichibu
Station. Make a short walk to Ohanabatake Station and transfer to the Chichibu Main
Line for Nagatoro Station.

# 4. Showa Park, Tachikawa City (Tokyo)

Showa Memorial Park is a 165 hectare National Government Park about a 40 minute
train ride from Shinjuku Station. The park is great to visit year round with seasonal
flowers adding some colour even through the winter months. Noteworthy is the
crisscrossed network of cycling paths and bikes including tandems are available for hire.
In addition the park includes several playgrounds including a Childrens Forest and
rainbow pool, BBQ facilities and for couples looking for something quieter there is
always pedal boating on the artificial lake.

Access: From Shinjuku take a Chuo Line train bound for Ome and get off at Nishi
Tachikawa Station which closest to the park. Entry fee adults 410 yen / children 80 yen.

# 5. Tokyo Citizens Forest, Hinohara Village (Tokyo)

With all the stress that comes with living in Tokyo its nice to know there is a place set
aside to revitalise ones health. The 197 hectare Tokyo Citizens Forest created in 1995 is
a good example of a sustainably managed recreational area near Tokyo that caters for a
cross-section of visitors. The popular 20 minute walk to the Otaki Waterfall has even
been designated one of Japans growing number Forest Therapy Roads. With a little
more time its possible to make a longer three and a half hour hike which dips over
nearby Mount Mito.

Access: Take a Chuo Line train towards Ome and transfer at Haijima for Musashi-
Itsukaichi Station. From the station its a 60 minute ride to Kazuma bus stop, from here a
free shuttle bus runs up to the main car park.
# 6. Hakuusan Torii Kannon, Naguri Village (Saitama Prefecture)

The temples and statues which make up the Hakuunsan White Cloud Mountain Torii
Kannon in Naguri Village are the life work of sculptor Yataro Hiranuma who spent over
30 years amassing the collection. With no shortage of forests and landscaped gardens to
admire the area remains a drawcard for tourists and hikers alike. From the car park the
round trip to the main temple and back takes a leisurely 90 minutes. While the mountain
is most popular during the autumn foliage season the diverse plant life means the
opportunity to see flowers in bloom throughout the year.

Access: Easiest way to visit is by car as public transport is limited. From Ikebukuro take
a Seibu Ikebukuro Express train to Hanno Station. Transfer for a bus bound for Naguri
shako or Yunosawa and get off at of Renkeibashi Teiryuusyo which is a 5 minute walk
from the Torii Kannon. Entry fee adults 200 yen / children 100 yen.

# 7. Nasu Highlands (Tochigi Prefecture)

As the most northerly region in Kanto, the Nasu highlands are a bit of a stretch for a day
trip and probably best broken over two days. The area is famed for its hot spring resorts
but its the fresh mountain air and cooler temperatures in summer that ensure a steady
flow of visitors. Mount Nasudake is a popular hiking destination with a cable car ferrying
day tippers within 45 minutes of the summit. Little less strenuous diversions include
the Momijidani Suspension Bridge, Sesshoseki Murder Stone and for families at the Nasu
Animal Kingdom, children can hand feed the resident capybaras.
 Access: The Nasushiobara region can be reached by local or rapid trains along the JR
Utsunomiya Line from Tokyos Ueno Station with a one way trip taking around three
hours. Nasu Animal Kingdom entry fee adults 1,800 yen / children 1,000 yen (additional
700 yen all-you-can-eat BBQ).

# 8. Fujido Cave, Ueno Village (Gunma Prefecture)

While not as well-known as Tokyos own Nippara Cave, the Fujido Limestone Cave
in Uneo Village, Gunma Prefecture remains Kantos largest. The cave stretches over two
kilometres and maintains a constant 11 degrees throughout the year making it the
perfect place to head to in summer. It may not provide the spelunking challenges of
some larger caves, however the 40 minutes or so it takes to walk through includes some
striking stalactite and stalagmite formations. Entry fee adults 600 yen / children 400 yen.

Access: Easiest way to visit the caves is by car as public transport is limited. From
Shinjuku take a JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line train (via Takasaki Line) to Shinmachi Station
and transfer for a 2 hour bus ride to Uenomura Yakuba (Ueno Village town hall). From
there, its just over an hours walk. Entry fee adults 600 yen / children 400 yen.

# 9. Okutama Lake, Okutama Town (Tokyo)

The small township of Okutama lies within Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park on the
western fringe of Tokyo. The area is a haven for nature starved Tokyoites with various
outdoor activities including hiking, camping and fishing available. The nearby Lake
Okutama supplies the vast amount of Tokyos drinking water and is only a 15 minute bus
ride from Okutama Station. For those with more time can try walking the Okutama
Mukashi-michi, a 10 km trail from Okutama Station to the Ogouchi Dam. From the dam
wall nice views are afforded through the valley and at the Mizu-to-Midori-no-
Fureaikan museum you can learn about the culture and history of the Okutama area. At
the end of the day relax at the Batoukan hot spring which is located beside the floating
pedestrian bridge.

Access: Take a Chuo Line train for Ome and transfer for Okutama. At Okutama Station
take a Nishi Tokyo bus bound for Lake Okutama. Batoukan hot spring 1,000 yen.

# 10. Tokyo Peace Pagoda, Okutama Town (Tokyo)

Tokyo has a Peace Pagoda? This is one sightseeing place youre definitely not going to
find in your guide book. It comes as a surprise to many Japanese that Tokyo does in fact
have its own peace pagoda on Mount Odera overlooking Okutama Lake. This Buddhist
stupa opened in 1974 with much fanfare but unfortunately over the years fell into a state
of disrepair. Thankfully all is not lost as restoration works are underway in earnest that
will hopefully return the glistening white Tokyo Peace Pagoda back to its former self.
Hiking up to the pagoda takes around an hour and provides some scenic views over the
lake and valley below.

Access: Access: Take a Chuo Line train for Ome and transfer for Okutama. At Okutama
Station take a Nishi Tokyo bus bound for Miyamabashi which is near the trail head
intersection.
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CHICHIBU TAMA KAI NATIONAL PARK LAKE OKUTAMA OKUTAMA TOKYO WATERFALLS OF JAPAN
PREVIOUSNippara Limestone Cave: Spelunking in Tokyo
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17 COMMENTS

Leave a Reply

DANIELWALLDAMMIT

January 8, 2015 at 2:52 am

Hassawa Falls looks particularly beautiful.

REPLY
 o DAVID LOWE

January 8, 2015 at 8:35 am

Thanks for that Daniel When I arrived it was pretty early and the
morning rays were just starting to hit so good timing also I guess.

REPLY

GRACE @ GREEN GLOBAL TRAVEL

January 9, 2015 at 9:45 am

Lovely photos. The Sayama Hills look wonderful!

REPLY

o DAVID LOWE

January 9, 2015 at 1:30 pm

Very kind of you to say so Grace. The Sayama Hills is definitely one of
more beautiful spots to spend the afternoon in Tokyo.

REPLY

ERICA@TOKYO ATTRACTIONS

January 21, 2015 at 6:26 pm

Lovely photography David, Specially loved the colors in Showa Park. Is it the same color all
over the park? must be a sight to watch.

REPLY
 o DAVID LOWE

January 21, 2015 at 6:45 pm

Thank you so much! Showa Park is absolutely beautiful through the

autumn and while the brilliant yellow ginkgo trees are prominent
there are also plenty of maple trees.

REPLY

Sanberth Claracay

January 30, 2015 at 9:28 pm

Nice info specially Hossawa Falls and Sayama HillsI will definitely check it out. Your blog is
great! More power!

REPLY

o DAVID LOWE

January 31, 2015 at 9:43 am

Thanks Sanberth, both those places you mention are definitely worth
a visit. During winter the Hossawa Falls apparently freeze over which
would make it pretty awesome to check out.

REPLY

Sanberth Claracay

January 31, 2015 at 8:28 pm

 Cool, Im planning to go to Mitosan these winter and I will

definitely add this to my side trip Being in Hino-shi

makes these areas accesible. Your blog definitely helped a
lot as majority of my climbs was based on

yours Thanks!

DAVID LOWE

January 31, 2015 at 9:43 pm

Glad to hear the trail write ups have been helpful. All the

best and take care

VIDEO ICHIBAN

November 22, 2015 at 5:39 pm

Nice photos. Ive been to three of your ten: Nagatoro, Nasu Kogen, and Okutama Lake. Id
like to do the hike around the lake once again, and go to Nagatoro in the fall. Ive only been
there in cherry blossom season.

REPLY

o DAVID LOWE

November 22, 2015 at 9:07 pm

Thanks for that. I went to Nagatoro about a month ago but was a tad
early for the autumn colours. If youre heading out to Okutama Lake
again its worth taking a hike up to the peace pagoda.

REPLY
 VIDEO ICHIBAN

November 25, 2015 at 7:19 pm

I looked it up and Ill check out the pagoda the next time I
go there. I think I remember there being a sign pointing
the way to it but going around the lake was the purpose
of that particular trip.

KANHONOU GBETONDJI HERVE

May 17, 2016 at 1:57 pm

Hello,
I have just arrived in Tokyo as an English teacher at Mainichieikaiwa. I am starting to explore
the city on my days off.
Thanks for this information about the best places to visit here!

REPLY

o DAVID LOWE

May 18, 2016 at 8:35 pm

Well perhaps not the best, but hopefully these out of the way
locations will steer you away from the crowds. Enjoy getting out there

and exploring the Tokyo region

REPLY

TOM BROWN
August 11, 2016 at 2:26 pm

Awesome Photos. Love the autumn colors in the Showa Park picture.

REPLY

o DAVID LOWE

August 11, 2016 at 3:25 pm

Very nice of you to say so Tom Youre right, the leaves in Showa
Park are quite exquisite in the fall.

REPLY

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