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[2025 Latest Edition] Refresh and Heal in Nature! Recommended Day Trip Spots in Kanto

[2025 Latest Edition] Refresh and Heal in Nature! Recommended Day Trip Spots in Kanto

When life gets busy, don't you sometimes feel the desire to be healed by nature? There are many natural spots near the Kanto region that offer a sense of healing, perfect for a casual weekend visit. From enjoying a hike surrounded by greenery to having a picnic amidst flowers, Kanto offers various places where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature. This article will introduce a selection of hidden gems where you can spend time in nature. We hope you'll take this opportunity to refresh yourself amidst the natural beauty.

Enjoy Kanto's Nature! 17 Day Trip Spots Recommended for a Weekend Refresh

From here, we will introduce 17 natural spots where you can get away from everyday stress and refresh yourself. Please find the spot that suits your needs.

[Tokyo] Kurochaya - Exquisite Mountain Cuisine Amidst Nature

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Source:KurochayaOfficial website

"Kurochaya" in Akiruno City, Tokyo, is a restaurant where you can enjoy charcoal-grilled dishes and mountain village cuisine. It was built by relocating a traditional Japanese house that is over 300 years old. The expansive grounds also feature an outdoor terrace, souvenir shops, and a sweets shop.

Kurochaya offers course meals served in private rooms, with the menu changing monthly to incorporate seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy approximately 10 seasonal dishes, from appetizers to desserts, all prepared using ingredients at their peak. The most popular dishes are those featuring local ingredients such as mountain vegetables and mushrooms gathered from the mountains, river fish, and Akigawa beef, all prepared with simple seasonings. There are also rooms where you can savor your meal while enjoying a view of the bamboo forest.

Additionally, on the premises, there's an outdoor cafe called "Mizu no Oto" (Sound of Water) overlooking the Akigawa River, where you can enjoy colorful cream sodas and sweets. Another option is the shop called "Itoya," located along the road near the main gate, where you can purchase Kurochaya's special bento boxes.

For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and refresh themselves, why not spend a relaxing time at Kurochaya, where you can enjoy miso and cooking surrounded by nature?

Address: 167 Komanaka, Akiruno City, Tokyo

Access: (By car) Approximately 17km, about 30 minutes from Hachioji IC on the Chuo Expressway. (By train) Approximately 2km, 25-30 minutes on foot from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, the last stop on the JR Itsukaichi Line.

Business Hours: Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Order) Dinner 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Last Order)

[Saitama] Nagatoro ~ A place where you can experience abundant nature ~

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Source:Chichibu GeoparkOfficial site

Nagitani is a scenic spot located in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture. It is a place that can be enjoyed regardless of the season, with cherry blossoms in spring, river activities in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and plum blossoms in winter, making it a destination that attracts tourists year-round.

If you're visiting Nagatoro, you absolutely must see the "Nagatoro Rock Slabs," a representative landmark of Nagatoro and designated as a National Special Natural Monument. The Nagatoro Rock Slabs are about 80 meters wide and 500 meters long, with a unique topography resembling stacked tatami mats, making them a popular tourist spot. Because the rock slabs stretch for several hundred meters and represent a geologically valuable terrain, they are sometimes referred to as the "Window of the Earth."

In Nagatoro, river cruising on the upper reaches of the Arakawa River is also a popular natural activity. You can enjoy the cool, natural scenery while listening to the entertaining commentary from the boatman. There are even thrilling spots with splashing water at the rapids. It's perfect for those looking for summer activities. If you want to experience the rich nature that is different from your everyday life, be sure to visit Nagatoro.

(If it's Nagatoro Station)

Address: Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture

Access: (By Car) Approximately 50 minutes from Nerima IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway to Hanazono IC. (By Train) Approximately 80 minutes to Seibu-Chichibu Station via the Seibu Ikebukuro Line (Limited Express).

Business hours: None

[Tochigi] Oya History Museum ~ A hidden gem spot like a giant underground temple ~

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Source:TRAPOLOfficial website

The Oya History Museum offers insight into the history of Oya stone mining. It features numerous exhibits on the mining history, including tools and methods used from the Edo period to the Showa period when extraction began.

The highlight of the Oya History Museum is undoubtedly the vast underground space. Descending the stairs from the entrance reveals an excavation area spanning 20,000 square meters. This space reaches a depth of 30 meters, with the deepest point being 60 meters below ground. The air is cool, with an average annual temperature of around 8 degrees Celsius. It has gained popularity online as a photogenic spot, with many likening it to an underground temple.

The Oya region is home to many hidden gems, including the Oya History Museum, the Oya Stone Buddhas carved into natural rock faces, and Oya Temple, which symbolizes the town's history and culture as one of the cultural assets that make up the "Oya Stone Culture," a designated Japan Heritage site. To fully enjoy the Oya region, using mobility for transportation is recommended.

Why not enjoy the magnificent scenery of the "City of Stone" that you can only see when traveling by mobility?

Ohtani Mobility Experience Banner](https://trapol.jp/plans/8v3spj?adults_count=3&children_count=0&toddlers_count=0&juniors_count=0)

It is also used as a venue for concerts, shows, and plays. It is also a famous spot for filming movies and promotional videos. Oya History Museum is a place where you can feel like you're traveling abroad while still in Japan. If you want to experience a strange sensation in a cool place during the hot summer months, be sure to visit at least once.

Address: 909 Oya-cho, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. *From the official website: Due to the extensive grounds, when entering into your car navigation system, please use the phone number or the facility name "Oya Ryokan."

Access: (By car) Approximately 20 minutes by car from Kanuma I.C. on the Tohoku Expressway. (By bus) Approximately 30 minutes by bus from JR Utsunomiya Station West Exit, boarding at stop number 6, bound for Oya/Tateiwa.

Business Hours: April-November 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM) December-March 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Last admission 4:00 PM)

[Tokyo] Hattozawa Falls ~To See Tokyo's Most Powerful Waterfall~

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Source:Hinohara VillageOfficial website

Harasawa Falls is a waterfall located deep in the headwaters of the Akigawa River in Hinohara Village, Nishi-Tama District, Tokyo. It has a total drop of 60 meters spread across four tiers and is so impressive that it is the only waterfall in Tokyo selected as one of the "Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls." Of the four tiers, only the lowest, with a drop of approximately 23.3 meters, is visible from the walking path. The sight of the water, sparkling under the dappled sunlight as it plunges into the basin, is sure to captivate you.

The walking path has a gentle slope and is covered with wood chips, making it easy to walk on. Along the path, you can find enjoyable spots such as a cafe displaying works by local pottery artists and a souvenir shop housed in a former post office building. Please allow ample time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Harai-zawa Falls also hosts seasonal events. In winter, a "photo contest" is held as part of the "Harai-zawa Falls Winter Festival," where participants compete for their photography skills related to Harai-zawa Falls. In summer, the "Harai-zawa Falls Hometown Summer Festival," Hinohara Village's largest event, takes place, attracting many people with fireworks displays and stalls selling local specialties and gourmet food.

Address: Honjuku, Hinohara Village, Nishi-Tama District, Tokyo

Access: 23 minutes by bus from Musashi Itsukaichi Station, 15 minutes on foot from Harisawa no Taki Iriguchi bus stop

Opening Hours: 24 Hours

[Tokyo] Lake Okutama: Refresh in the Embrace of Vast Nature

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Source:Okutama Tourism AssociationOfficial website

Okutama Lake is located in the Okutama area, a place of vast nature, and is about a two-hour drive from Shinjuku, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. It's said to be the closest national park to the city center, and you can enjoy different scenery depending on the season, such as cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall. You can get a panoramic view of Okutama Lake from the Okutama Lake Peripheral Road that circles the lake. It's a popular spot for scenic drives as well.

When you visit Lake Okutama, a must-see destination is the "Okutama Water and Greenery Exchange Center." Here, you can learn about the relationship between water and human life, and the process of dam construction through videos and exhibits. The "Katatori no Hana" restaurant within the center also offers a popular dam curry, which is limited to 20 servings per day, so be sure to check it out. On the premises, you'll also find "Buna no Mori," a shop selling Okutama's local specialties. It's the perfect place to find souvenirs, so don't miss a visit.

Additionally, there are also hot spring inns around Lake Okutama. After strolling around the lake and its surroundings, you might consider soaking in a hot spring and relaxing at an inn. For those who truly want to immerse themselves in the natural world, why not consider extending your trip to Lake Okutama?

Address: Hada, Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo

Access: 15 minutes by bus from Okutama Station (get off at the Okutamako Bus Stop)

Operating hours: 24 hours

[Tokyo] Nippara Limestone Cave ~A Spot to Feel Coolness in the Summer~

日原鍾乳洞

Source:Nippara Sightseeing GuideOfficial website

Nippara Limestone Cave is a large cave, said to be one of the largest in the Kanto region, and is the most popular spot for sightseeing in Nippara. Because the temperature is 11 degrees Celsius year-round, it feels cool in summer, such as in August, and warm in winter. Since it's indoors, it's a spot where you can enjoy yourself even on a rainy day.

The karst cave has a significant change in elevation, making you feel as if you're walking through a scene from the movie "Indiana Jones." It's packed with fascinating features such as stalactites hanging like icicles from the ceiling, majestic rock formations, and seemingly bottomless caverns that draw you in. Furthermore, the rock faces are illuminated and change color over time – red, blue, purple, green, and more – creating a truly magical spectacle. You'll be overwhelmed by the scenery, which offers a sense of stepping out of the ordinary.

It is generally said to take about an hour to see everything. Since the inside may be wet, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in. There are also places nearby where you can enjoy set lunches. If you are visiting for a day trip on a holiday, be sure to stop by on your way to or from the cave.

Address: 1052 Nippara, Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo

Access: (By car) Approximately 70 minutes from Ome IC on the Ken-O Expressway. (By train) 35 minutes by Nishitokyo Bus to "Chureido" from JR Ome Line "Okutama Station."

Business Hours: April 1st - November 30th: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; December 1st - March 31st: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

[Tokyo] Todoroki Valley ~ The place to go for nature healing in the city! ~

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Source:Setagaya WardOfficial site

Todoroki Valley, located in Todoroki, Setagaya Ward, is one of Tokyo's premier lush and healing spots. Its accessibility, just about 30 minutes from Shibuya, is a major draw. After a short walk from the station, you'll find yourself in a space brimming with nature that feels like another world.

The walking course begins at the Golf Bridge, whose striking red color immediately catches the eye. Descending the stairs beside the bridge, a promenade of approximately one kilometer unfolds. Along the way, you'll find a Japanese garden and a shoin (a traditional Japanese-style study or reception room), and continuing further leads you to the "Todoroki Fudoson" temple. From the wooden observation deck here, you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day. It's also appealing that you can enjoy different scenery each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and colorful autumn leaves in fall.

Inside the valley, there's also a sweets shop called "Setsugetsuka." Located right beside Fudo Falls, you can enjoy Japanese sweets such as matcha, anmitsu, and kuzumochi while listening to the sound of the waterfall. It's the perfect spot for a break during your stroll.

For those who want to escape their daily routine a little while staying in Tokyo, we highly recommend visiting Todoroki Valley. A tranquil space awaits you that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

Address: 1-22 and 2-37 to 38 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Access: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line

Business Hours: 24 hours

[Saitama] Chichibu Kogen Farm ~Perfect for Animal Lovers~

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Source:Higashi-Chichibu Village Official Tourist Site

Chichibu Kogen Farm is a ranch located on a plateau spanning Minano Town in Chichibu District and Higashi-Chichibu Village. Animals such as goats, rabbits, cows, and sheep are grazed on an area that spans approximately 75 Tokyo Domes. Developed with walking paths and a multipurpose plaza, the farm offers facilities that can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, including a museum on dairy farming, a plaza for interacting with animals, and a shop selling livestock products from the prefecture.

At the ranch, animals live freely, and among them is the "Saitama Prefecture Contact Ranch," where you can interact with animals like cows and rabbits. It's a space where not only children but also adults can find healing, as you can get up close and personal with animals you wouldn't normally have the chance to touch. There are also facilities where you can experience making dairy products firsthand, such as ice cream and butter, using fresh milk. Additionally, products made with fresh dairy are also sold, so be sure to consider purchasing some as souvenirs.

Additionally, from mid-May to early June each year, the "Poppies in the Sky" poppy garden opens, painting the grounds in red. This is the perfect spot for animal lovers and those who want to enjoy leisurely time in vast nature. We highly recommend visiting on a sunny holiday.

Address: 2951 Sakamoto, Higashichichibu Village, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture

Access: Tobu Tojo Line Ogawamachi Station / Bus / 30 minutes, 1 hour walk from Sakamoto (Hashiba) to the center.

Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM

HP: https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/kogen-bokujo/

[Chiba] Koura Coast ~A Hidden Gem for Stunning Photos~

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Source:Onjuku Town Tourism AssociationOfficial website

Ko'ura Coast is a coastal area located in Onjuku Town, Isumi District, Chiba Prefecture. It is a scenic spot that has become a topic of conversation for its stunning views of the blue sea and sky seen through the caves along the coast. Furthermore, despite being accessible as a day trip from Tokyo, it is gaining attention as a hidden gem with few crowds.

When you reach the coast, be sure to try framing a photo with the cave as your lens. Doing so will create a picture that makes it look like another world unfolds beyond the cave.

However, to reach Koura Beach, you'll need to walk along a somewhat rugged path. Since Koura Beach is an unspoiled, off-the-beaten-path spot that hasn't been commercialized, the path leading to the coast is not well-maintained. To avoid injury, it's recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid high heels or sandals.

Also, since cell phone reception may not reach, it is advisable to thoroughly research local information and access from parking lots before heading out. For those with an adventurous spirit who want to visit a stunning spot that few people know about, Koura Coast is recommended.

Address: 1433-1 Iwadate, Onjuku-machi, Isumi-gun, Chiba Prefecture

Access: Immediately from the parking lot at Don Rodrigo Landing Site. It's about an hour's walk from JR Onjuku Station.

Business Hours: None

[Chiba] Okinoshima Island ~The closest natural paradise from Tokyo~

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Source:Tateyama City Tourism AssociationOfficial site

Okinoshima is an uninhabited island located at the southern end of Tateyama Bay. It was previously an island located 500 meters offshore, but due to the uplift caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake, it is now connected to the mainland. The island is covered with coastal forests of warm temperate species such as Machilus thunbergii and Machilus obovata, and with its diverse flora and fauna, it resembles a jungle. Being a very small island with a circumference of about 1 km, you can walk around it in about 30 minutes.

On the west coast of the island, the water is relatively shallow, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can also enjoy exploring tidal pools and collecting seashells, ensuring a fulfilling time for both families and friends. Furthermore, on the north coast, you can observe coral reefs.

Furthermore, the island is brimming with various attractions, including flowers and wildlife that change with the seasons, and underwater ruins from the Jomon period. There are also popular tours led by experienced guides, so if you're looking for an adventurous experience, be sure to join one. Why not spend some time in the closest natural paradise from the city, a moment where you can forget the hustle and bustle of urban life?

Address: Fujimi, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture

Access: (By train) From Tateyama Station East Exit, take the Nitto Bus bound for "Tateyama Air Base" and get off at the final stop. Approximately 20 minutes on foot. (By car) From Tomiura Interchange on the Futtsu Tateyama Road, take Prefectural Roads 185 and 250 for 10km, approximately 20 minutes.

Business Hours: 24 hours

[Tokyo] National Showa Kinen Park ~Enjoy a Variety of Activities~

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Source:National Showa Memorial ParkOfficial website

"National Showa Kinen Park," located just a few minutes' walk from JR Tachikawa Station, is a park popular with Tokyo residents due to its easy access, reachable directly from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station. Within the vast park, which is about 40 times the size of Tokyo Dome, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities that take advantage of its expansive grounds.

In the pond at the center of the park, two types of boats are available: three-person paddle boats and two-person pedal boats, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely journey on the water. On a nice day, why not try a boat ride to spend some peaceful time?

Also, it takes quite a bit of time to walk around the large park. For such occasions, we recommend "rental bicycles." Bicycles are available for rent at three locations within the park, and dedicated cycling paths are also maintained, allowing for a leisurely ride. For couples, there are also tandem bicycles available for two riders.

Additionally, the park offers beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. In spring, tulips bloom in abundance, creating a vibrant landscape that feels like being in the Netherlands. You can also enjoy sunflowers in the summer and cosmos in the autumn, so it's enjoyable no matter what season you visit.

Address: 3173 Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo

Access: 15 minutes on foot from Tachikawa Station

Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (March - October) 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (November - February)

[Chiba] Yoro Valley ~ Waterfall Hopping to Bathe in Healing Negative Ions ~

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Source:Chiba Prefecture Official Tourism Site

Located in the heart of the Boso Peninsula, Yoro Valley is also known as "Boso's Inner Parlor." It is the foremost hot spring resort area in Boso, and you can see steam rising from hot springs along the valley. From spring to early summer, the fresh greenery is beautiful, and in autumn, it is famous for its autumn leaves, attracting many tourists from both within and outside the prefecture.

In Yoro Valley, where such rich nature remains, numerous waterfalls are scattered, making it famous as one of the prefecture's leading power spots. Along the valley, there are hiking courses and walking paths, allowing you to spend time relaxing and feeling nature while being healed by negative ions. The hiking courses include one that takes about an hour to visit three waterfalls and routes that take two to three hours for a more leisurely exploration, so please choose a course that suits you.

Additionally, there's a bicycle rental service, so cycling to nearby popular spots like Kyoei Tunnel and Mukaiyama Tunnel would be a great idea. How about enjoying a tour of the waterfalls in the valley, and then relaxing in a hot spring while taking in the scenery of the gorge?

Address: Chiba Prefecture, Isumi District, Otaki Town, Awa-matsu to Ichihara City, Asoubara

Access: (Car) Approximately 50 minutes from Ichihara IC or Kisaradukita IC on the Tateyama Expressway. (Train) Approximately 30 minutes on foot from Kominato Railway Yoro-keikoku Station.

Opening Hours: 24 hours

[Chiba] Oyama Senmaida - A Place Where You Can See Spectacular Scenery Throughout the Year

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Source:Chiba Prefecture Official Tourism Website

"Oyama Senmaida" is located in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture, about an hour and a half drive from central Tokyo. On steep slopes covering over 30,000 square meters, 375 rice paddies of various sizes are arranged in a terraced fashion. Its beauty has earned it a spot on the "100 Best Rice Terraces in Japan" and designation as a "Scenic Spot Specified by Chiba Prefecture."

Oyama Senmaida is the only terraced rice field in Japan that relies solely on rainwater, and it is still cultivated by hand, just as it has been for generations, in harmony with various living organisms. Because of this, the beautiful rural landscape, often described as a national treasure of Japan, is preserved.

Also, Oyama Senmaida offers a different face no matter what season you visit. In spring, before the rice is planted, the terraced paddies filled with water become like mirrors, reflecting the sky. In summer, you'll see a green landscape that makes you feel the strength of life, in autumn, golden ears of rice sway in the wind, and in winter, a snowscape appears, offering a completely different view throughout the year. When you visit, be sure to take some wonderful photos!

Furthermore, every October, an illumination event is held where the Oyama Senmaida are lit by LED candles. You can witness a fantastical sight that can only be seen during this season, so please do visit.

Address: 540 Hiratsuka, Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture

Access: (Car) Approximately 50 minutes from Kimitsu IC (Train) Approximately 25 minutes by local bus (Nagasa Line, Kanaya Line) from JR Awa-Kamogawa Station (East Exit)

Business Hours: 24 hours (Office: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

[Kanagawa] Yushin Valley ~ A Hidden Gem Spot Shining Emerald Green ~

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Source:Yamagata Town Tourism AssociationOfficial site

Yushin Valley, located on the Kura-kura River in Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa Prefecture. Its beauty is so renowned that it's called the "Hidden Gem of Tanzawa," and it's recently been gaining attention on social media and other platforms. Interestingly, the unusual name "Yushin Valley" is said to originate from a forest management hut keeper in the Taisho era who described it as "deep in the valley, with powerful, brave waters."

The biggest attraction of Yushin Valley lies in its beautiful water, which shines in cobalt blue and emerald green. This transparent blue color is also called "Yushin Blue." Due to its spectacular scenery, it's even said to resemble the UNESCO World Heritage site "Jiuzhaigou" in China.

The color of the water changes depending on the season and the viewing location. For example, in summer, you can see the fresh greenery reflecting on the lake, making it sparkle. In autumn, during the fall foliage season, a miraculous combination of Yushin Blue and the red leaves can be observed.

Actually, Yushin Valley is hardly a tourist destination. You'll walk along a forest road to reach the valley, which is sure to ignite your sense of adventure. If you're interested in hidden natural spots, be sure to visit.

Address: Kura, Yamakita-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access: (Train) 40 minutes by bus from Shin-Matsuda Station

Business Hours: 24 Hours

[Kanagawa] Uma no Se Doumon ~ A Mysterious Archway Crafted by Nature ~

馬の背洞門

The "Umanose Domon" (Horse's Back Sea Cave) in Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, located at the southernmost tip of the Miura Peninsula.

The rock arch, carved by waves over many years, reaches 8 meters in height and 6 meters in width, creating a landscape that resembles a giant gate sculpted by nature.

The Uma-no-se Dōmon is a spot where you can closely experience the dynamism of nature, set against a backdrop of a rugged coastline and a tranquil sky.

At dusk, the setting sun seen through the arch creates a spectacular view, captivating visitors.

In recent years, it has also become popular as an Instagrammable spot, and the number of tourists visiting to take photos is increasing.

However, the rocky areas can be slippery, so it's important to wear shoes that are easy to walk in and exercise sufficient caution when visiting.

When visiting Uma no Se Dōmon, we recommend the "Misaki Maguro Kippu." The Misaki Maguro Kippu is a great value ticket that includes round-trip train tickets on the Keikyu Line, a free bus pass for local buses, a meal ticket for fresh tuna dishes, and a voucher for leisure facilities (or an exchange ticket for souvenirs).

Enjoy the superb tuna dishes of Misaki along with a visit to Uma no Se Doumon, allowing you to fully savor Miura for an entire day!

[Kanagawa] Sengokuhara - A Hakone Resort Area Surrounded by Nature

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Source:Hakone NaviOfficial Website

Sengokuhara is a resort area surrounded by nature, even within the popular tourist destination of Hakone. It's an area dotted with accommodations, corporate retreats, restaurants, and museums. From spots where you can leisurely stroll through nature to various types of museums, there are plenty of recommended places to enjoy.

When visiting Sengokuhara, you can't miss the "Susuki Grasslands." The landscape of pampas grass growing abundantly on the slopes of Mt. Daigatake is beautiful and has been selected as one of the "50 Scenic Spots of Kanagawa" and one of the "100 Flower Spots of Kanagawa." Especially in autumn, the peak season, the walking paths become packed with people eager to catch a glimpse of the pampas grass landscape. The area surrounding the grasslands is dotted with bakeries, confectioneries, and traditional Japanese house cafes, so be sure to enjoy a meal while you stroll.

Additionally, the Sengokuhara area boasts various types of museums. There's the Hakone Glass Forest Museum, which exhibits Venetian glass artworks, the Pola Museum of Art, showcasing Impressionist works by artists like Monet and Renoir, and the Lalique Museum, where you can encounter the creations of glass artist René Lalique. We encourage you to visit based on your personal preferences.

(If it's Sengokuhara Plateau)

Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access: (Bus) Approximately 30 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station by Hakone Tozan Bus. Get off at the "Sengoku Information Center Mae" bus stop.

Operating hours: 24 hours

[Kanagawa] Enoura Observatory ~ A magnificent art space where you can relax ~

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Source:Enoshima ObservatoryOfficial Website

"The Enoura Observatory of the Odawara Art Foundation, located on a mountainside facing Sagami Bay. Despite its name as an observatory, it is not a place for making observations, but rather a facility for art appreciation, consisting of various objects, buildings, and gardens. This is a spot personally designed by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto."

The Enoshima Observatory, built on a steep mountainside very close to the sea, offers outstanding views. As a result, there are opportunities to observe fantastic scenery, such as enjoying the evening views of Enoshima on limited days in August, and seeing the moon appearing on the horizon and moonlit paths during the "Full Moon Gatherings" held several times a year.

The Enoura Observatory limits the number of visitors to maintain pre-modern population density. Therefore, while reservations are required, you can leisurely enjoy the art space in a less crowded environment. You can explore the galleries, optical glass stage, teahouse, and more at your own pace, as time permits. Why not take some time to connect with your own senses in the meticulously crafted art garden?

Address: 362-1 Enoura, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access: Free shuttle bus from JR Tokaido Line "Nebukawa Station", "Manazuru Station", and "Nebukawa Station".

Business Hours: April-October (10:00, 13:00, 16:00) November-March (10:00, 13:00) *Reservations required

In conclusion

This time, we've introduced 17 nature spots you can enjoy in the Kanto region and its vicinity. From places where you can see spectacular views to places for hiking and picnicking, there are various types of natural spots. We hope you find the perfect place for you!