When visiting Tokyo, travelers often plan trips to well-known spots like Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes. But did you know there are so many other wonderful places near Tokyo? These hidden gems offer beauty and cultural charm visitors often miss out on!
In this blog, I’ll share 5 incredible spots perfect for a day trip from Tokyo. Each destination has its own unique appeal, from historic towns with architecture reminiscent of Kyoto to areas where you can learn about Japan’s traditional crafts.
For a fully, customized experience, our travel agency offers tailored tours to each of these places, designed to help you enjoy their best. Contact us to plan your perfect day trip!
Kawagoe – Photo Credit: Diana Bondarenko
Kawagoe: The Setting for Kamisama Kiss
Are you a fan of Japanese anime or history? If so, Kawagoe is a fantastic day trip option for you! This town in Saitama Prefecture, often called “Little Edo,” is the setting of the popular anime Kamisama Kiss, one of my favorite anime, and still retains the historic vibe of Japan’s Edo period.
Toki no Kane – Photo Credit: utakaha
Why so Many Historic Warehouse Buildings?
Kawagoe’s distinctive kura-style (warehouse) buildings date back to the early Meiji era when a massive fire destroyed much of the town. While Tokyo’s architecture moved toward modern styles, Kawagoe’s locals rebuilt their town in traditional kura style, focusing on fire-resistant construction that has stood the test of time. As a result, they have preserved a timeless architectural style that can be enjoyed today.
In Kawagoe, you can feel like you’ve stepped back in time, making it a perfect choice for history and anime fans!
Starbucks Kawagoe – Photo Credit: Orlando Bernardo
Highlights
Kimono Rental: Enjoy a trip back in time by dressing in a traditional kimono.
Taisho Roman Yume-dori: It is a retro-style street where you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere.
Kura Warehouse District: Stroll along Edo-period buildings and taste local street foods.
Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower): Kawagoe’s symbol, over 400 years old, with a beautiful chime that rings out over the town.
Starbucks Kawagoe: Take a coffee break in a Japanese-style Starbucks.
Kashiya Yokocho: Explore old-fashioned sweets shops and try Kawagoe’s famous sweet potato treats.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine: Known for luck in love and omikuji, perfect for those wishing to strengthen connections or find romance.
Kawagoe is a must-go day trip if you love Japanese architecture or enjoy tasting local treats. Moreover, watching Kamisama Kiss before your trip would add extra fun, as you’ll be able to view a spot that has been the inspiration for such a popular animation!
Bonsai – Photo Credit: おるちゃん
Omiya Bonsai: The True Home of Bonsai
This place is located just north of Omiya Park in Saitama City, Omiya Bonsai Village is known as Japan’s number one bonsai town. Moreover, there are six bonsai gardens and a bonsai museum, and interestingly, the addresses even include the word “bonsai.”
Originally, bonsai craftsmen were based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, during the Meiji era. However, industrialization in the Taisho era and the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 forced many of them to relocate to Omiya.
However, Omiya had excellent conditions for bonsai cultivation, including good transportation, quality soil, abundant water, and clean air. As a result, Omiya Bonsai Village officially began to take shape in 1925. While the number of bonsai gardens has decreased from 35 to just six, the love and dedication of these craftsmen to protecting bonsai culture continue through sales, workshops, and other activities.
Omiya Bonsai – Photo Credit: ちぇるしぃ
Highlights
Bonsai Festival (May 3-5): The event is held annually in may, featuring bonsai sales, workshops, food stalls, and quiz rallies.
Omiya Bonsai Art Museum: You can learn about the history and techniques of bonsai while enjoying seasonal displays of beautiful bonsai trees at the museum. Unfortunately, this museum is closed until March 2025, so make sure to check the opening date!
Bonsai Gardens: You can indulge in rare and carefully nurtured bonsai created by skilled artisans.
Unfortunately, having a Japanese-speaking tour guide for the bonsai festival or bonsai tours is likely to be a must to enhance your experience. At Arigato Travel, we can offer customized tours to suit your schedule, ensuring even beginners can enjoy a delightful bonsai experience.
Mashiko Pottery – Photo Credit: フォトラー
Mashiko: Create Your Original Pottery
Mashiko, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is known for its rustic and folk-style pottery, which dates back to the late Edo period. This charming town is home to about 250 kilns and around 50 pottery shops, making it a must-visit for pottery lovers.
Mashiko Pottery – Photo Credit: TonyG
What Makes Mashiko Pottery Special?
Mashiko pottery, or “Mashiko-yaki,” is known for its sandy texture, warm feel, and slightly heavier weight. Its practical, simple but sophisticated design and natural tones make it suitable for daily use.
Pottery making experience – Photo Credit: Andrework
Highlights
Mashiko Pottery Fair (April & November): The fairs are held twice a year, showcasing local artists’ pottery, and workshops. *With over 400,000 visitors informed, visiting early in the morning can help you avoid crowds.
Tsukamoto Pottery: This is Mashiko’s largest pottery kiln, operating for over 150 years. Here, you’ll find galleries, workshops, and a lovely cafe.
Enokida Kiln: Enokida is known for its distinctive designs, and offers Mashiko pottery with unique patterns and colors.
Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum: This museum displays the works of Shoji Hamada, a famous potter, offering a glimpse into his creative world.
Toko Pottery Gallery: This cozy gallery showcases and sells the works of about 30 Mashiko artisans.
Pottery-Making Experience: You can create your own Mashiko pottery to take home as a personalized souvenir. *With an additional fee, guided sessions are available in English, and items can be shipped internationally.
Creating your own Mashiko-yaki is a wonderful way to capture the charm of Mashiko!
Sawara – Photo Credit: オレンジれもん
Sawara: Explore the “Little Edo” of the Waterways
Sawara, in Chiba Prefecture, is a charming riverside town that once flourished as a transportation hub along the Tone River. Today, it preserves its Edo-period atmosphere with historic buildings and scenic waterways, making it feel as if you are stepping back in time.
Unagi – Photo Credit: チリーズ
Highlights
Boat Tours: Hop on a traditional wooden boat and drift along the canal, taking in the old town’s architecture and lush willow trees.
Inoh Tadataka’s Former Residence: Learn about Inoh Tadataka, who created Japan’s first surveyed maps. This residence provides insight into his life and achievements.
Sawara Festivals (July & October): These summer and autumn festivals, held for nearly 300 years, are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event with lively parades and traditional floats.
Burekimera resting place: Try the specialty soy sauce-flavored ice cream, a unique local treat!
Try Unagi (Eel): Freshwater eel dishes are a specialty in this water-rich region, and they are an absolute must-try.
For food lovers, please leave it to Arigato Travel to curate a delicious experience! Sawara has several traditional restaurants specializing in river fish and classic Japanese dishes. Joining our personalized tour ensures you’ll enjoy the best of Sawara’s local cuisine without missing any hidden gems!
Fujinomiya – Photo Credit: あおいフォト
Fujinomiya: Get the Energy From the Majesty of Mount Fuji and Their Local Soul Food
Fujinomiya is located at the base of Mount Fuji, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an ideal destination for those seeking breathtaking views and local flavors. This city is easily accessible from Tokyo, making it a great choice for a day trip filled with scenic beauty and culinary delights as well.
Zen Experience – Photo Credit: ぱくたそ
Highlights
Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine: This historical shrine offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji behind it. The colors and atmosphere change with the seasons, making each visit unique.
Zen Experience: Try Zen meditation, a Buddhist practice from the Zen school, designed to focus the mind and experience calmness from within. This experience is an excellent way to feel the energy of Mount Fuji while learning about Zen teachings. Arigato Travel’s tours also offer local food tasting and traditional craft workshops to complete the experience. Check out our Zen tours for more details!
Fujinomiya Famous Food Tour: On this special Arigato Travel tour, you’ll savor local delicacies, explore breweries using fresh Fuji spring water, try traditional desserts, and more. This tour includes a high-speed Shinkansen ride, classic bento lunches, etc, all giving you a true taste of Fujinomiya day trip.
Horseback Archery – Photo Credit: m***********************p
Annual Events in Fujinomiya
Horseback Archery Festival (May 4-6): This event, which dates back to 1193, was dedicated to the shrine by the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo.
Opening Ceremony for Mt. Fuji’s Climbing Season (July 10): At Sengen Grand Shrine and Murayama Sengen Shrine, they cereblete official start of the climbing season.
Sacred Fire Festival (First Saturday in August): A sacred fire-carrying portable shrine explores the town.
Fujinomiya Dance Festival (Sunday after the Sacred Fire Festival): Over 6,000 people gather to enjoy traditional Japanese dance.
Fujinomiya Autumn Festival (November 3-5): A beautiful fall festival.
Lord Nobunaga Autumn Festival (Mid-November): You can enjoy musketeer performances, samurai costume processions, and a local food market.
Fujinomiya also hosts many other events throughout the year. However, detailed information is only available in Japanese. If you have specific interests, feel free to contact us at concierge@arigatojapan.co.jp for help in planning your visit!
Mt. Fuji and Shinkansen – Photo Credit: ゆゆゆ丸
In Japan, language can often be a challenge while traveling. Therefore, our professional guides are here to make your experience seamless while you’re here. Do not let language be a barrier if you are trying to visit any of the above locations!
At Arigato Travel, we offer Fujinomiya tours, combining sightseeing with local food tours, ensuring a memorable experience, and also full-day custom tours in those places in this blog.
Don’t miss out on any event that catches your eye and reach out to us to start customizing your trip!
Featured Photo Credit: Fumiaki Hayashi
