Exhilarating Adventures and Cultural History on a Tour of Greater TokyoTokyo / Tochigi / Fukushima

Cycling in Tokyo is exhilarating and relaxing in equal measure. Traversing Japan's capital by bike is allows visitors to explore areas off the beaten path, including the Sumida River and Arakawa River areas, both of which offer long, uninterrupted cycle paths and vast departures from the urban hustle and bustle. However, perhaps the best way to explore the city by bike is to join a Tokyo bike tour. On this tour, you'll start from Nihonbashi, the city's traditional commercial center, before heading downtown to discover other areas, such as Ningyocho, with its quaint old-fashioned style shops, Ryogoku, where if you’re lucky you might spot a sumo wrestler, and the colorful Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. This comprehensive tour will also take you through some of the greener areas of the city. Cycle through nature near Ueno Park before visiting the stately Imperial Palace area to learn more about Tokyo's rich cultural heritage.

The area around Senjogahara Marshland in the Nikko National Park is one of the best places to immerse yourself in nature in Japan. On the way to Senjogahara, you'll pass the Nikko Natural Science Museum. Stop in to better understand the region's geographical, spiritual, and natural history. With your newfound knowledge and understanding, continue onward to the Senjogahara Marshland. There are various hiking routes to choose from at this spellbinding site. Still, one of the most popular is the Senjogahara Plateau Nature Trail, a three-hour trek during which you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the marshland and surrounding mountains. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour of the area hosted by the Nikko Natural Science Museum. This option is ideal if you want to better understand the places you hike through and the scenery that provides a picture-perfect backdrop to your walk.

In the morning, head out for an SUP experience on Lake Chuzenji. Japan's highest-elevation natural lake, Lake Chuzenji, is a mesmerizing sight. With epic mountain views and calm, tranquil waters, you'll feel an overwhelming sense of peace as you navigate the lake's surface. Continue your spiritual journey in awe of natural wonder worthy of reverence. After lunch, visit the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, one of the most celebrated shrines in Japan. This stunning monument enshrines one of Japan's most revered historical figures, Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most famous of all Samurai leaders. You'll be blown away by the shrine's multi-colored five-story pagoda and the ornate carvings that adorn the walls of the complex. Nearby Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple is another serene temple worth of exploring as you delve deep into the Nikko area. The ancient practice of Sutra copying, an intriguing foray into Japanese calligraphy and spiritual practice, will add new depth to your visit here.

Take a day trip to climb Mt. Issaikyo, a popular route for beginners but equally enjoyable for more experienced hikers, and discover one of the natural wonders of Japan. There's no better way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the country's natural landscapes than hiking in Japan. When you immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Japanese mountains, you'll be struck with a sense of awe as you take in the scene from hundreds of meters above sea level. Starting from Jododaira, where you'll find a visitor center with information on the natural habitat of the area including wetland flowers and grasses, the round-trip hike to Mt. Issaikyo takes about 3 hours. A climb to the about 1,950-meter peak is rewarded with a spectacular view of the cobalt-blue Goshikinuma Crater Lake below and the nearby Azuma range. From Jododaira, you can also climb Mt. Azuma-kofuji (about 1,700m) and hike around the perimeter of this volcano named "Little Fuji" due to its pleasingly symmetrical shape. The round trip from Jododaira takes about 50 minutes.

For the final stop on your tour of Greater Tokyo, it’s time to don a life jacket and take to the water. Set out on a kayak tour of Lake Hibara and you’ll discover one of those unique experiences in Japan that will stay with you long after you return home. There are many lakes in Japan, but Lake Hibara is something special to behold. Its open surface offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Mt. Bandai, while the “Ikari Lagoon” area is teeming with small islands, creating a complex cove that feels like a jungle cruise. If one of your goals is to go kayaking in Japan, then Lake Hibara has it all. Enjoy the splendor of nature from a unique perspective on one of the largest and most awe-inspiring lakes around.