Escape Japan's crowds, discover Tokyo's neighbouring treasures: Greater Tokyo guide

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Greater Tokyo is that one friend who always knows just where to steal away to, taking you from glimmering hotspots into the embrace of the lesser known. They’re a fascinating storyteller, at first dazzling you with towering skyscrapers and the electric buzz of cultural amalgamation – but then, just beyond the surface, is a quieter, more reflective side that will capture your heart.

Looking for a more authentic and less crowded Japan experience? Explore the outer regions of the Greater Tokyo area, where you can trade skyscrapers for stunning natural landscapes and quiet luxuries.
Hike through forests, mountains and coastlines, discover hidden cultural gems in charming towns and villages, and unwind in traditional hot springs. It's the perfect way to get to know a different side of Japan.

For coastal charms and samurai tales, go to Kanagawa: Here’s a great place to start when exploring the Greater Tokyo region – with stunning coastlines, lush mountains, and the majestic presence of Mount Fuji, Kanagawa Prefecture, just south of Tokyo, is a nature-lover's paradise. In the southwest corner of the prefecture, the charming coastal towns of Odawara, Yugawara and Manazuru are easily reachable in under two hours by train from Tokyo Station.
Explore the majestic Odawara Castle, its imposing stone walls whispering tales of samurai battles and medieval shoguns. Unwind in the soothing onsen hot springs of Yugawara, letting waters wash away your cares. Or lose yourself on the scenic hiking trails of Manazuru, located on a peninsula where rugged cliffs meet the crashing waves of the Pacific.

Mountain sanctuaries and ancient forests await in Yamanashi: Venture west past Mount Fuji, into Yamanashi Prefecture. In the town of Minobu, mountains cradle the serene shukubo (temple lodging) of the historic Kakurinbo guesthouse. Nestled amid ancient cedar forests, this sanctuary lets you experience an authentic Buddhist temple stay, where you can enjoy a delightful vegetarian kaiseki dining experience overlooking the temple’s beautiful garden.

Experience artistic heritage and alpine grandeur in Nagano: Further north-west you’ll find Nagano Prefecture, where both dramatic landscapes and cultural riches await. In the middle of the prefecture, the charming city of Matsumoto is home to the iconic black Matsumoto Castle, a designated National Treasure and a must-see. Nawate Street is a nearby alleyway lined with small shops and cafes. Here, you'll find everything from homemade ice cream and rice crackers to vintage toys and artisan crafts. And don’t miss the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, displaying a fascinating blend of contemporary and traditional works, reflecting the region's artistic spirit. An exhibition dedicated to iconic Matsumoto-born artist Yayoi Kusama is permanently on display here.

Geisha and echoes of Kyoto, in Niigata: If you head north to Japan’s coastline, Niigata Prefecture’s rich cultural heritage is a quiet gem often overlooked by international visitors. The region holds a fascinating history, intertwined with the legacy of the Kitamae-bune trading ships. These vessels, once the lifeline of Japan's northern coast, brought prosperity and cultural exchange to Niigata. Niigata Saito Villa, a preserved merchant's home from 1918, gives a glimpse into the lives of the upper-class during this bygone era. As dusk descends, the Furumachi district comes alive with the enchanting melodies of shamisen and the graceful movements of geisha. This unexpected pocket of Kyoto culture in Niigata owes its existence to the Kitamae-bune ships, as wealthy merchants would bring back not only goods but also cultural practices from the former capital.

Luxuriant onsens and breathtaking alpine vistas of Gunma: Head back inland and experience Gunma Prefecture, a prefecture renowned for its many hot springs.
Kawaba Onsen, nestled amid stunning marshlands and alpine vistas, provides the perfect sanctuary for soulful relaxation. If you’re in search of a more luxurious experience, let the stresses of life melt away at the Yutorian, a high-end ryokan inspired by traditional Japanese farmhouses. Emerge renewed and refreshed, ready to explore the surrounding landscapes. Breathe in crisp mountain air as you hike through alpine meadows, enjoying panoramic views and encountering diverse alpine flora and fauna.

Follow the river’s path in Chichibu & Nagatoro, Saitama: Saitama Prefecture’s Kawagoe is a popular daytrip city destination from Tokyo, but if you head even further to the west you’ll reach Chichibu and Nagatoro, two underrated towns linked by the winding Arakawa River. Gliding along the emerald waters on a boat cruise and feeling the thrill of the current is the best way to experience the region. But if you prefer to stay on land, there are also hiking trails through lush forests with breathtaking vistas overlooking the river valley.

Tochigi Rural charm and artistic expressions: Northeast of Saitama, Tochigi Prefecture will greet you with its rural charm and artistic spirit. Established more than a century ago, Wakayama Farm invites you to experience true tranquillity as you wander through an impressive bamboo forest dotted with interesting sculptures and artworks, a beautiful meeting of nature and human creativity. The farm cultivates organic blueberries, and you can even pick your own, for a fee (in July and August). You can also learn the skill of bamboo shoot picking (from April to May), a paid experience that offers a hands-on connection to the season's harvest. Or simply savour a cup of matcha green tea served in a handcrafted bamboo cup, a perfect embodiment of the farm's generations-long connection to nature.

Ibaraki Natural wonders and sake traditions: To the east of Tochigi, Ibaraki Prefecture flanks the Pacific Ocean. Its capital, Mito, is famous for natto, fermented soybeans beloved by locals for their flavour but often considered an acquired taste by newcomers due to the strong aroma and sticky texture. But another, perhaps more universally appealing, fermented delight awaits: sake. Ibaraki boasts a long tradition of sake brewing, and you can experience a tasting session at Yoshikubo Sake Brewery, founded in 1790 and renowned for its top-grade junmai daiginjo sake. Finally, escape to the cascading beauty of 120m Fukuroda Falls, considered to be one of the top three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.

A unique, bayside journey through nature and industrial heritage: Only in Chiba: On the eastern shore of Tokyo Bay, the often-overlooked Chiba Prefecture awaits. As a bustling port hub and one of Japan's largest industrial areas, Chiba brings a unique charm with its coastal allure. Hike Mount Nokogiri to witness the magnificent remnants of the now-abandoned stone quarry, and marvel at the colossal Buddha statue carved into its cliffs. Reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the bay, stretching all the way to Mount Fuji on clear days. And for a taste of the sea, savour fresh seafood in the fishing town of Kanaya before hopping aboard the Tokyo Bay Ferry for a relaxing cruise across the bay.

Find serenity amid the urban buzz of Tokyo – here’s where to look: The areas around Tokyo offer promising adventures, but you can still escape the urban jungle and discover a hidden oasis of tranquillity within Tokyo itself – if you look in the right places. Okutama, nestled in the western mountains, offers a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of ancient forests, where towering cedar trees and the gentle murmur of streams create a haven for relaxation. Experience the rejuvenating effects of "forest therapy", a guided walk designed to soothe the mind and body. For a more active adventure, hike up Mount Mitake for sweeping views of the sprawling metropolis below, a striking reminder of the contrasting worlds that coexist within the Greater Tokyo region.

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