Shake off the chill of winter, or any season for that matter, with a dip in the refreshing hot spring waters of Hakone. A quick day trip from Tokyo is just what the doctor ordered for weary travelers who need a break from the Tokyo streets.

An art project in and of itself, the Enoura Observatory is a great place to get off the beaten path. The facility combines the artistic sensibilities of Japanese art and design with the beauty of nature. This brainchild of Hiroshi Sugimoto is a location where one can explore the origins of art. (Photo: Winter Solstice Observation Tunnel and Optical Glass Stage ©Odawara Art Foundation)

With both heart-pounding and leisure outdoor activities, museums, and views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko is a one-of-a-kind nature destination.

You don’t have to leave Tokyo to find unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor activities! Mt. Takao and Okutama together are the perfect backyard for nature lovers.

Kamakura is a hotspot for some of Japan’s most significant temples and shrines. Many of these revered locations are connected by beautiful hiking trails, and traversing them provides meaningful encounters with Japan’s natural beauty and Buddhist history.