From a forest straight out of Studio Ghibli movies to a vantage point to see Mount Fuji, bookmark these easily accessible day trip destinations from Japan’s capital city
Not only is Tokyo a lively city bursting with culture and people, it’s also the perfect travel hub. Japan is home to some of the world’s most efficient transportation, and Tokyo is no different, so why not take advantage and explore all that Tokyo’s surrounding areas have to offer?
The day trips from Tokyo that we have rounded up for you provide the perfect serene nature viewing spots, be it cherry blossoms in spring or autumn’s mellow orange hues in fall. There are also hike routes, nature trails and plenty of sights to see and enjoy, so bookmark these must-visit places near Tokyo now.
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The Sayama Hills, which lie to the northwest of Tokyo, is said to have inspired the setting of Hayao Miyazaki’s renowned film My Neighbour Totoro. It not only offers an authentic glimpse of rural Japan that Studio Ghibli fans will treasure, but will also charm nature lovers with its lush greenery and rolling hills.
The area’s clever touches include a signpost that, when viewed at the right angle, combines with background cedar trees to create Totoro’s complete silhouette. The Totoro Foundation maintains a century-old house nearby, which is named “House of Kurosuke” after the film’s fictitious sprite.
Journey time: 1 hour by Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Kotesashi Station
AloJapan.com