a strange and beautiful contradiction
a strange and beautiful contradiction
Tokyo has a lot of cool, laid-back suburbs known for their vintage clothes shops, cute toy shops and cafes.
Jiyugaoka Feels like a permanent weekend: brunch at a European style cafe, patisseries dominate—soufflé pancakes, jellies, puddings on repeat. It’s Tokyo’s dessert capital, and it knows it.
Shimokitazawa Bohemian, crowded, and proudly weird. Vintage shops, zines, espresso, and basement bands all packed into twisty streets. At night, lots of young people loitering about, live music, late-night dining. Tokyo’s answer to Williamsburg.
Kichijoji Pleasant with punch. Inokashira Park, Ghibli, a suburb that is edgy yet refined, with range of fine shops, restaurants, bars and live music venues.
Jindaiji Tokyoites seeking something a little different for a day out, will visit this area is named for an 8th-century Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the Kanto area. There’s a botanical garden, the ruins of a 16th century castle, and a quaint little neighborhood full of soba restaurants, shops selling sweets and even some do-it-yourself crafts.
Brown’s Field (Chiba) is a macrobiotic farm where you eat what’s grown, sleep in earthen cottages, and slow down—on purpose. Communal meals, miso workshops, and hammock time replace Wi-Fi.
Tea picking in Shizuoka At Greenpia Makinohara in Shizuoka, you suit up in a hapi coat and hand-pick tea leaves in sprawling green fields. There's a quick factory tour, tastings, and optional tea-rolling. Ends with cha-soba or matcha ice cream—because tea's not just for drinking.
Fruit Picking follows seasonal fruits available in Japan: strawberry (Dec-May), sweet summer orange (Feb-May), cherry (May-July), peach and blueberry (June-Aug), grape (Aug-Oct), apple and chestnut (Sept-Nov), pear and persimmons (Oct-Nov), and mandarin orange (Oct-Jan).
Nakagomi Orchard (Yamanashi). Depending on the season, you can pluck cherries, peaches, grapes, or apples straight from the tree.
Mother Farm (Chiba). A scenic, hands-on day out with animals, flower fields, and seasonal fruit picking. Families can watch sheepdog shows, try fresh dairy, and explore wide open spaces with views of Tokyo Bay. It’s a popular escape from the city for a mix of nature, farming, and light amusement.
Kawatsura Strawberry Farm (Chiba) is a popular spot for 40 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking, with varieties like Beni-hoppe and Kaorino. It’s an easy day trip from Tokyo and doesn’t require reservations for small groups. There’s also a flower-picking area if you want more than fruit.
Sake Brewery Tours. If you're interested in exploring sake culture near Tokyo, here are three notable brewery tours:
Toshimaya Shuzo (Tokyo). The city’s oldest sake brewery (1596). Their three-hour tour includes unlimited sake tastings, including their award-winning "Kinkon" sake, and fermented snacks like sake lees cheese.
Ozawa Shuzo (Tokyo). Offers an eight-hour experience featuring a gourmet tofu lunch, a visit to their beer garden, and tastings of up to seven different sakes.
Yamane Shuzo (Saitama). The brewery offers a 1.5-hour tour that delves into traditional sake brewing techniques. Participants can observe the fermentation process up close and engage with the brewmasters.
Enoura Observatory. Located in Nebukawa (close to Odawara), this space offers a serene blend of art, architecture, and nature. Designed by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, this coastal site features installations like the 100-meter Summer Solstice Gallery and a glass stage overlooking Sagami Bay, bamboo forest, and orange grove. The observatory's structures align with celestial events, providing a unique experience throughout the year.
Atami. A seaside escape just under an hour from Tokyo. Tourists come for the onsen culture, the MOA Museum’s hilltop art-and-sea panorama, and fresh seafood at local markets. A trendy destination during the 80’s, now a little past it, but still plenty of charm. Plus, early blooming sakura in early spring and seasonal fireworks over the bay add extra incentive.
Hakone. One of Japan’s top onsen destinations, wrapped in mountain air and views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. There's a ropeway over sulfur-spewing valleys, a lake cruise with faux pirate ships, and art museums tucked into the forest. The mix of nature, culture, and hot baths makes it a go-to for locals and tourists alike. Easy train access from Tokyo make it an attractive destination.
Enoshima. An easy day trip from Tokyo that mixes ocean air, old shrines, and local seafood. Visitors come for the island’s walkable path linking the Enoshima shrines, the Iwaya caves carved by the sea, and the Sea Candle lighthouse with sweeping views of Sagami Bay and Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The streets are lined with shops serving grilled shellfish and shirasu (whitebait) rice bowls. Sunset at Chigogafuchi Abyss is a local favorite. It’s a coastal breather with just enough sights to fill a relaxed afternoon.
Kamakura. Tokyo’s laid-back, temple-studded neighbor—part beach town, part historical gem. It’s known for the Great Buddha, quiet Zen temples, and leafy hiking trails that thread between shrines and bamboo groves. Komachi Street adds a dose of modern with cafés, vintage shops, and street snacks. You can end the day at Yuigahama Beach or catch sunset from Hase-dera. It’s a slower rhythm, with just enough story and salt in the air.
Jogashima. Less of a tourist spot, but quite lovely, it’s a windswept island off the tip of the Miura Peninsula, known for rugged cliffs, coastal trails, and quiet fishing vibes. Hike the seaside path, spot hawks circling above the Pacific, then settle in for a tuna-heavy lunch in nearby Misaki. Special when the narcissus are in bloom. There’s a lighthouse, tide pools, and not much else—just space to breathe and watch the sea.
Yokohama. People visit for a mix of big-city polish and bayfront charm. It’s got Japan’s largest Chinatown, sleek waterfront malls like Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, and the retro-modern vibe of Minato Mirai. There’s a cup noodle museum for kids and craft beer spots for grownups. At night, the skyline lights up with a giant ferris wheel and harbor views. It’s Tokyo’s cooler, quieter neighbor.
Narita. The area around Naritasan Shinshoji Temple feels like a time slip—narrow streets lined with wooden storefronts, incense in the air, and the occasional monk passing by. Omotesando Street is the main draw, packed with shops selling pickles, rice crackers, and live eel grilling over charcoal. Locals and tourists mix over matcha soft cream or a quick sit-down for unagi don. Just behind the temple, Naritasan Park offers a quiet counterpoint with koi ponds, plum trees, and winding forest paths.
Jogasaki Coast. A rugged stretch of lava cliffs and pine trees along Izu’s eastern edge, perfect for a scenic coastal walk. The Kadowaki Suspension Bridge offers dramatic views over crashing waves and black rock formations. It’s a short hike with big payoffs—sea spray, soaring hawks, and a strong sense of having stepped out of the city. Stay overnight in nearby Ito.
Kawazu. Best known for its early-blooming cherry blossoms, with hundreds of Kawazu-zakura trees lining the river each February. Beyond the flowers, visitors can hike the trail to the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls and relax in a local onsen. It’s an easy 1–2 day getaway from Tokyo that mixes seasonal beauty with peaceful nature.
Dogashima. On Izu’s western coast, is known for sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and the rare tombolo path that appears at low tide. A boat tour to the Tensodo Cave is a highlight, with sunlight filtering through its natural skylight. Stay overnight to soak in a seaside onsen and watch the sun set over the Sanshiro Islands.
Mount Takao. A quick escape from Tokyo with trails for all levels, from easy paved paths to forested stream-side hikes. Along the way, you’ll pass Yakuo-in Temple and end at a summit with sweeping views—sometimes even Mt. Fuji. Afterward, soak in an onsen or grab a local snack before heading back to the city.
Karuizawa. A quick shinkansen ride from Tokyo and offers cool air, forest walks, and a mix of old resort town and modern design. Feels German-inspired. Has nice museums. Stroll around Kumoba Pond or visit Shiraito Falls, then explore cafes and shops on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street. In Naka-Karuizawa, Harunire Terrace and nearby onsen add a peaceful, nature-wrapped touch.
Ashikaga. A day trip to Ashikaga blends flowers, temples, and quiet history—just over an hour from Tokyo. Start at Ashikaga Flower Park, especially stunning in spring when the giant wisteria trees bloom. Then visit Ashikaga Gakkō, Japan’s oldest school, and Banna-ji Temple, a former samurai residence turned Buddhist site. End with views from Orihime Shrine and maybe a stop at the Kurita Museum for antique porcelain and calm gardens.
