May be Far From Tokyo, but Worth to Explore

I was sent a message on Instagram asking: “What do I recommend for them to do in Japan?” My first answer would be to do everything and go everywhere in Japan. Why? It is very hard for me to choose after living there for four years for such a broad question. Every part of Japan feels like I am visiting a different country — whether it’s the Miyagi Prefecture’s famous gyuten (beef tongue) and oxtail soup in Sendai, seeing the giant robot in Odaiba, or going yokai (spirit-demon) hunting in Shodoshima. If I had to choose, I would choose three places I always visit when I am in Japan.

Two hours by train from Asakusa Station, near the Tokyo Sky tree, leads to an overflowing dense green forest and the deep-rooted presence of samurai history with abundant of onsens to soak in your ached muscles from around walking Nikko. I was amazed at how different it was from taking a small trip outside Tokyo and seeing such a vast forest and beautiful waterfalls. It’s not a quick trip like going to Mt.Takao, but still a great one-day trip to escape from the city and be one with nature. It’s an easy walk from Tobu Nikko Station towards the city’s UNESCO site: the Toshogu shrine, dedicated to the famous Tokugawa Ieyasu — one of the first samurai leaders in Japan to unite Japan — Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Buddhist Temple.

Besides the history of the city, there are many hiking trails for all levels. One leads up toward Mt. Nantai, which has a splendid view of Lake Chuzenji and the valley. It was a hard climb for a beginner like myself, but it was an amazing view. If you can’t reach the top, the halfway point still gives you a great view of the lake and valley. After a long hike, try to make your way to one of the many public hot springs around the area.

Kamakura — the Kyoto by the sea (to how I refer to it); besides the sense of traveling back in time to the Edo period and deep history, there are still big differences between the two. It is much closer to travel and only 1 hour from Tokyo, and it is a great escape for a day or two to enjoy the beach and sun.

I always make room for Kamakura when I visit Japan (Or at least before I leave). I always feel a sense of calm and peace once I step off the station. As if all of my everyday burdens had left my body and disappeared.  Maybe hearing the temple’s bells from Kotoku-in or the strong energy radiating from the famous giant Buddha statue — one of the ten in Japan. Possibly from the feeling of the wind coming from the beautiful Yuigahama Beach. All in all, Kamakura is a place to relax and have amazing pictures. My recommended spot is going next door to Enoshima to take pictures of Mt.Fuji on a clear day.

If you can’t see the famous bamboo forest in Kyoto, take a bus ride from Kamakura Station to Hokokuji Temple, where a bamboo garden is as beautiful and Instagram-worthy as the one in Kyoto.

During the four years I lived in Japan, I often visited Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture – it wasn’t so far away from where I lived at the time. It is located in Japan’s Alps mountains and is home to the famous artist Yayoi Kusama.

The former capital of Nagano Prefecture is still one of the largest cities surrounded by the Alps mountains. It has this old, historic feel from the original Matsumoto Castle and Nawate Street — home to the motif frogs and the Yohashira Shrine. The streets of the city are lined up with well-preserved historical buildings, sake breweries, craft shops, and cafes that make you feel welcome at home. I recommend visiting the Storyhouse Cafe – the central hub of the street to meet the locals and foreigners and get delicious homemade bagels. Matsumoto is about 3 hours from Tokyo, but it is worth the trip — a splendid chance to see one of the famous Snow Monkeys onsen parks. Hikers can try one of the oldest pilgrimage trails leading to Kyoto. Just walking around Matsumoto, one can see the tradition and modern easily blended with the city.

I recommend taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo or the bus, though I prefer the bus because you get to see a bit more of Japan from the rest stops.

In truth, it doesn’t matter where you go in Japan. Every place has its charm, whether you just want to explore the nerd culture side, see the sakura blossoms — though in my biased opinion, I prefer the fall — or just come for a festival or two. There is nothing wrong with your destination choice in Japan as long you have a goal for the trip.