Traveling around Japan and exploring its fascinating tourist spots is exciting and fun, but during the scorching summer, you might find yourself longing for a cool place with lush greenery. For such times, I recommend cool spots that you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo. These places are blessed with beautiful nature, whether mountains or seas, offering not only relaxation but also a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. Refresh your mind and body in these cool retreats.
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①Tokyo | Akigawa Valley
Akigawa Valley, stretching 20 km from Akiruno City to the neighboring Hinohara Village in western Tokyo, is a valley located about an hour and a half from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. Its charm lies in its crystal-clear river water and the mountains that change colors with the seasons, from fresh green to deep green to autumn leaves. You can enjoy hiking, camping, BBQ, and in summer, you can indulge in water activities in the refreshingly cold river surrounded by lush green mountains. One of the notable spots in Akigawa Valley is the 96-meter-long Ishibune Bridge. From this dizzying height, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Akigawa River's rapids and the mountains. The bridge itself is beautiful, so it's recommended to take pictures not only from the top but also from afar.
Akigawa Valley
- Address: Akiruno City, Tokyo
- Access: Change to a bus from JR "Musashi Itsukaichi" station, get off at "Jyurigi" bus stop, about 6 minutes on foot
②Tokyo | Okutama
Located in the western part of Tokyo, Okutama is about a 2-hour train ride from Shinjuku Station. With mountains ranging from 1000 to 2000 meters in elevation, lush valleys, clear flowing rivers, the Nippara Limestone Cave which is one of the largest in the Kanto region with a constant temperature of 11 degrees, and Lake Okutama surrounded by nature that changes its expression with each season... It is a summer resort with many playgrounds where you can enjoy the natural coolness. Recommended summer experiences in Okutama include thrilling rafting and canyoning, kayaking and SUP that glide on the water surface, and other river and lake activities. In addition, camping and BBQ by the river, river play, stream fishing, and mountain climbing and hiking unique to mountainous areas are also recommended. You can spend a fulfilling time in a cool and comfortable environment.
Okutama
- Address: Okutama, Nishitama District, Tokyo
- Access: Immediately from JR Ome Line "Okutama" station
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③Kanagawa Prefecture | Hakone
About an hour by Shinkansen and train from Tokyo Station, Hakone is known for its high altitude and cool climate. It's a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy stunning natural scenery, including Mount Fuji, mountains covered in lush greenery, beautiful lakes, and Owakudani, a crater created by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago. Hakone is also famous for its hot springs, historic buildings, temples, shrines, and museums. The red torii gate of Hakone Shrine at Lake Ashi is a popular photo spot. One of the first experiences you should try in Hakone is a 30 to 50-minute cruise on Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship-themed sightseeing boat. Afterward, take the ropeway for breathtaking views of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji, Owakudani, and the vast natural beauty below. Visiting art museums and galleries with air-conditioned interiors for some art appreciation is also recommended.
Hakone
- Address: Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Odakyu Romancecar to "Hakone-Yumoto Station" (reservation required), or Hakone Tozan Railway to "Hakone-Yumoto Station"
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👉Hakone Museum of Art: Admission Ticket Reservation | Kanagawa, Japan
④Kanagawa Prefecture | Zushi
About an hour by train from Shinjuku Station, Zushi City in southeastern Kanagawa Prefecture is surrounded by clear seas and lush green mountains, offering many scenic spots with views of Mount Fuji and the sea. The area along the coast features Zushi Beach, swimming areas, and marinas that evoke the relaxed atmosphere of Mediterranean resorts, allowing you to fully enjoy the beach resort vibe. There are also plenty of marine sports such as SUP, windsurfing, canoeing, and kayaking. Additionally, you can enjoy cycling along the coast with a refreshing sea breeze or spending time in a café while watching the sea bathed in the colors of the setting sun, experiencing a resort stay unique to a seaside area.
Zushi
- Address: Zushi, Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Immediately from JR "Zushi Station" or Keikyu Main Line "Zushi-Hayama Station"
⑤Shizuoka Prefecture｜Izu Kogen
Located in the lush green region of Izu Kogen in Shizuoka Prefecture, it's about an hour and a half by Shinkansen and express train from Tokyo, or about two hours by express train alone. It is a resort area that offers many scenic spots such as Omuroyama, a 250-300 meter diameter crater formed by an eruption about 4,000 years ago, and the Jogasaki Coast, created by lava flows. Moreover, the area is rich in hot springs, power spots, museums, and large theme parks. You can enjoy various activities, from taking a walk along the coastal roads or the summit trail of Omuroyama for panoramic views to appreciating art in museums. Experiences such as horseback riding and feeding animals at the farm, glassblowing workshops, and aerial strolls via ropeway add to the charm of Izu Kogen.
Izu Kogen
- Address: 1183 Yahatanoyama, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Access: Limited Express "Odoriko" "Izu Kogen Station" (reservation required), or Izu Kyuko Line "Izu Kogen Station"
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⑥Yamanashi Prefecture｜Kiyosato Kogen
Located about two and a half hours by train from Shinjuku Station, Kiyosato Kogen in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, sits at an elevation of about 1,200 meters. Situated on the southern foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains, this highland resort offers views of 3,000-meter-class mountains such as Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. One of the recommended spots in this area is "Kiyosato Terrace," a scenic spot at an elevation of 1,900 meters where you can relax amidst the magnificent nature. Other popular spots include "Seisenryo," a lodging facility famous for its delicious soft-serve ice cream that also has lodges, campsites, and restaurants, as well as a vast farm where you can interact with animals. In Kiyosato Kogen, you can fully enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and nature walks.
Kiyosato Kogen
- Address: Kiyosato, Takane-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: Take the JR Chuo Main Line and Limited Express to "Kobuchizawa Station" (about 2 hours) → JR Koumi Line to "Kiyosato Station" (about 30 minutes)
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⑦Saitama Prefecture｜Nagatoro
Located about an hour and 40 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, Nagatoro Town in Saitama Prefecture is a lush, green summer resort, with about 60% of the town covered in forests. The town's name "Nagatoro" comes from the long "toro" (calm deep spots) of the Arakawa River that flows through the town center. Among the popular spots in Nagatoro are the "Iwadatami" (rock tatami) with rocks that spread out like tatami mats, and the sheer cliffs on the opposite bank called "Chichibu Red Cliff." In Nagatoro, water activities such as river boating, rafting, and canoeing are very popular, allowing you to experience the thrill of the rapids and the scenic views of the gorge. Mountain activities such as hiking and taking the ropeway to the summit station of Mount Hodosan, where you can enjoy panoramic views from high above, are also recommended.
Nagatoro
- Address: Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: About 6 minutes walk from "Nogami Station" on the Chichibu Main Line
⑧Tochigi Prefecture｜Nasu Highlands
Located about two and a half to three hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen and bus or car, Nasu Kogen in Tochigi Prefecture is a vast highland area. This resort is packed with diverse attractions, including lush greenery, refreshing air, scenic spots, and lodging facilities. You can enjoy nature walks and hiking, as well as hot spring tours, museum visits, and hands-on experiences such as sausage making and dairy production at farms. Additionally, there are commercial facilities such as outlet malls and shopping centers, as well as restaurants, cafes, a safari park, and leisure facilities where you can interact with animals. Nasu Kogen is a highland resort where you can freely enjoy everything from outdoor activities to indoor experiences, gourmet dining, and shopping.
Nasu Highlands
- Address: Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
- Access: Transfer to a bus at "Nasushiobara Station" on the Shinkansen line, get off at the "Yumoto 1-chome" bus stop, and walk for about 1 minute.
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👉Tochigi, Japan | Nasu Animal Kingdom E-Ticket Reservation [100 yen discount off the local price!]
⑨Nagano Prefecture | Karuizawa
Located about an hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture is a nature-rich area. It became a popular summer resort when a Canadian missionary built a villa here during the Meiji era. While retaining a classical Western atmosphere with churches and purely Western-style wooden hotels, it also features modern facilities such as resort hotels, restaurants, cafes, and museums. Karuizawa is popular as a sophisticated resort town that harmonizes beautifully with nature.
In Karuizawa, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, horseback riding, hiking, and athletics, as well as hands-on experiences like soba noodle making, jam making, and crafting with natural materials. Shopping and dining can be enjoyed at the old Ginza street and the outlet mall, where you can also enjoy strolling and snacking.
Karuizawa
- Address: Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: Immediately from "Karuizawa Station" on the Hokuriku Shinkansen
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⑩Nagano Prefecture｜Hakuba
Located at the foot of the Northern Alps in Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba Village is a summer resort about two and a half hours from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen and bus. Known as a mecca for outdoor sports, Hakuba attracts many visitors year-round, with activities such as hiking and trekking in the summer and skiing in the winter. During the summer, Hakuba offers a variety of activities beyond mountain climbing. One of the highlights is the outdoor experience at Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort, which features various activities such as a scenic swing with a magnificent view of the mountains, mountain biking, and camping. Additionally, you can enjoy paragliding, canyoning, rafting, fishing, canoeing, and SUP. You can experience various outdoor activities while feeling the energy of the Northern Alps.
Hakuba
- Address: Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: Transfer to a bus at the Hokuriku Shinkansen "Nagano Station" and get off at the "JR Hakuba Station" bus stop, or take the Oito Line to "Hakuba Station"
Enjoy nature and refresh both your mind and body!
High-altitude towns and plateaus, seaside resorts… There are many summer resorts near Tokyo that can help you forget the hustle and bustle and heat of the city. Why not refresh yourself in a cool summer resort in between your exciting city tours?
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