Inage Seaside Park, located in Chiba Prefecture, offers visitors a perfect mix of beach relaxation, water fun, and beautiful coastal scenery just a short distance from Tokyo. Known for its peaceful white-sand beach, the park provides a relaxing escape from city life, where visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, and taking in the calming ocean breeze. One of its most picturesque features is the Diamond Fuji view, where the setting sun aligns perfectly behind Mount Fuji at certain times of the year, creating an unforgettable sunset experience. The park's most prominent summer attraction is the Inage Seaside Park Pool, open from…

Tucked away in the Omachi neighbourhood of Kamakura, Yakumo Shrine (Yakumo Jinja) offers visitors a peaceful escape with deep historical and spiritual roots. Founded around 1082 by Yoshimitsu Minamoto, a samurai of the powerful Minamoto clan during Japan’s Heian Period, Yakumo Shrine is believed to be the oldest talismanic shrine in Kamakura. Originally built to protect residents from frequent epidemics, the shrine quickly became where people sought protection from misfortune and prayed for good luck. Yakumo Shrine was established as a branch of Kyoto’s famous Gion Shrine (modern-day Yasaka Shrine), which was widely revered for its powers to ward off…

ocated in the scenic town of Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture, Maboroshi no Tanpopo (Phantom Dandelion) offers visitors a truly unique culinary experience that blends traditional Japanese ramen with sophisticated French influences. Unlike typical ramen shops, this hidden gem takes a creative approach, focusing on fresh, natural flavors sourced from local vegetables and seasonal ingredients. The result is a refined, delicate bowl of ramen that highlights the best of both Japanese and Western culinary traditions. The restaurant’s signature dish features a smooth, flavorful broth carefully crafted to balance richness and subtlety without overpowering the palate. Each bowl is served with handmade…

Nestled along the eastern edge of Yokohama’s vibrant Minato Mirai district, Rinko Park (臨港パーク) offers visitors a peaceful escape from the bustling city while showcasing breathtaking waterfront views. Overlooking the expansive Port of Yokohama, this spacious green area provides an ideal blend of open lawns, scenic pathways, and art installations, making it a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike. The park’s expansive grassy lawns create a perfect setting for picnics, outdoor yoga, or simply relaxing under the open sky while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Throughout the year, seasonal flowers add colour to the landscape, enhancing the park’s tranquil ambience.…

UNDER THE PALMO HAYAMA is a serene and stylish escape tucked along the scenic coastline of Hayama, Japan. This seaside café and lounge has quickly become a favorite among locals and travelers alike for its relaxing atmosphere, minimalist architecture, and breathtaking views of Sagami Bay. With a unique blend of natural wood design, open-air seating, and soft ambient lighting, it offers the perfect environment to unwind, enjoy a quiet coffee, or watch the sun dip below the horizon. The café menu is carefully curated to reflect the seasons, offering freshly brewed coffee, smoothies, and light meals made with local ingredients.…

Formed over 3,000 years ago by a massive volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone, Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko) in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most picturesque natural destinations. Surrounded by lush forests and peaceful hot spring towns, Lake Ashi has become world-famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, which can often be seen rising majestically beyond the treetops and beautifully reflected in the lake’s calm waters on clear days. Some of Hakone's most popular attractions are along the lake’s scenic shores. On the southern end sits the iconic Hakone Shrine, with its vibrant red torii gate appearing to float…

Tucked away in the hills of Kamakura, Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine—formally known as Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine—is one of the city’s most unique and spiritually significant destinations. Despite its modest size, it ranks as the second most visited site in Kamakura after the famous Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū Shrine. This Shinto shrine, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, blends elements of both Shinto and Buddhism, offering visitors a peaceful retreat steeped in ancient tradition and legend. Founded in 1185, Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine is best known for its money-washing ritual. According to local belief, washing money in the shrine’s sacred spring, fed by natural mountain water,…

Nestled in the scenic hills of Inagi, just about 35 minutes from Shinjuku, Yomiuriland is Tokyo’s largest amusement park that delivers excitement all year round . Home to over 40 attractions, it appeals equally to thrill-seekers and families . The highlight for coaster fans is Bandit, a 1,560-meter-long terrain coaster built in 1988 by TOGO that once held the world speed record at 110 km/h and slices through cherry blossoms during spring’s hanami—earning it the title of fastest flower-viewing ride in Japan . Spring brings around 1,000 cherry trees, making Yomiuriland a must-visit spot for hanami, whether strolling paths or soaring…

Located in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, Kumagaya Rugby Stadium is one of Japan’s premier rugby-exclusive venues. Originally built in 1991, the stadium quickly gained popularity among rugby fans for being one of the few stadiums in the country designed specifically for rugby matches. Its intimate design allows spectators to feel closer to the action, creating a vibrant and exciting match-day atmosphere. In preparation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the stadium underwent a complete renovation, transforming it into a world-class international rugby venue. As part of these renovations, seating capacity was expanded from 20,000 (with only 10,000 seats) to a…

Mount Nokogiri (鋸山, Nokogiriyama), located on Chiba's Boso Peninsula, is one of Japan's hidden gems, offering visitors a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and breathtaking views. The mountain's unique saw-like ridges and dramatic cliffs were shaped by centuries of stone quarrying, which gives Nokogiriyama its distinctive appearance. It has become a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and history enthusiasts. Visitors can ride the Nokogiriyama Ropeway at the summit to reach a spectacular observation deck. From here, stunning panoramic views stretch across Tokyo Bay and the Uraga Channel. These views are especially beautiful during sunsets, when the sky turns…

Nestled high in the mountains of Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Mitsumine Shrine (三峯神社, Mitsumine-jinja) is one of Japan’s most mystical and breathtaking Shinto shrines. Situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, the shrine offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and dense forests, creating a peaceful and almost otherworldly atmosphere that attracts spiritual seekers, hikers, and nature lovers alike. Unlike most Shinto shrines, Mitsumine Shrine is uniquely dedicated to wolf spirits (ōkami), who are revered as protectors against misfortune and guardians of travelers. Visitors often pray here for safety, strong relationships, and protection from evil. The wolf statues, found throughout…

Narita International Airport, commonly known simply as Narita Airport, is one of Japan's busiest and most important international gateways. The airport connects Japan to destinations worldwide and is located approximately 60 kilometres east of central Tokyo in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. While Tokyo's other major airport, Haneda, is more centrally located and has expanded its international operations in recent years, Narita Airport continues to handle the majority of Tokyo's long-haul international flights. Serving millions of passengers each year, Narita Airport offers a wide range of services, facilities, and transportation options that make it easy for travellers to access central Tokyo…

Located in the heart of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, Kitain (喜多院) is a historic Buddhist temple that offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into both religious tradition and Japan’s feudal past. Originally founded in 830 AD by the monk Ennin, Kitain was once part of the larger Muryoju Temple complex, which included three separate temples: Kitain (North Temple), Nakain (Middle Temple), and Minamiin (South Temple). Over time, Kitain rose to prominence, eventually becoming the head Tendai Sect temple in the Kanto region under the leadership of the influential monk Tenkai in the late 16th century. Tenkai’s close ties to the early Tokugawa…

Located in Ōmiya-ku, Saitama Prefecture, Hikawa Shrine is one of the most historically significant and spiritually revered Shinto shrines in the Kanto region. With a history stretching back over 2,400 years, it serves as the head shrine for the network of over 280 Hikawa shrines found throughout Japan. Dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm god of Shinto mythology, as well as his family deities, Hikawa Shrine is a place where visitors come to pray for good fortune, protection, and prosperity. The shrine complex features a long, grand approach that stretches nearly two kilometers, lined with beautiful trees that create a peaceful…

Tokyo Disneyland, located in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo, is one of the world's most iconic and beloved theme parks. Opened in 1983, it was the first Disney park to open outside of the United States, bringing Disney magic to millions of Asian visitors. Its incredible popularity quickly soared, and by 2018, Tokyo Disneyland welcomed around 17.9 million guests, making it the world's third most visited theme park. Modelled after Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its classic Disney charm combined with Japanese hospitality and cleanliness. The park features large, open…

Mobara Park (茂原公園, Mobara Kōen) is one of Chiba Prefecture’s most scenic and popular parks, primarily known for its spectacular cherry blossom displays. Recognised as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots, Mobara Park draws thousands of visitors each spring who admire its stunning sakura. With around 2,850 cherry trees spread across the park, it transforms into a breathtaking pink landscape during late March to early April, offering one of the best hanami (flower-viewing) experiences near Tokyo. Aside from its cherry blossoms, Mobara Park offers a peaceful natural setting year-round. Walking paths meander around a tranquil pond, shaded…

Located in Saitama City, just north of Tokyo, The Railway Museum offers an immersive and educational experience into Japan’s rich railway history and technology. Opened on October 14, 2007, the museum was established and is operated by the East Japan Railway Culture Foundation, a non-profit organization affiliated with the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). The museum serves as both a tribute to Japan’s world-renowned railway system and a center for learning about its technological and cultural development. Spanning multiple floors and exhibition areas, The Railway Museum showcases an impressive collection of retired locomotives, carriages, and rolling stock that date…

Nestled in the historic city of Kamakura, Meigetsuin Temple is one of Japan’s most picturesque and spiritually calming destinations, especially famous for its breathtaking hydrangea displays in early summer. Commonly referred to as the “Hydrangea Temple” (Ajisai-dera), Meigetsuin bursts into a sea of vibrant blue and purple hues each June, attracting thousands of visitors who come to witness the temple’s 2,500+ blooming hydrangeas, mostly of the Hime Ajisai variety. These blossoms line the stone pathways, temple stairs, and garden edges, creating a dreamlike landscape perfect for photography and peaceful contemplation. Founded in the 13th century during the Kamakura period, Meigetsuin…

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine stands at the spiritual and cultural heart of Kamakura, Japan. Founded in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and later moved to its current grand location by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, this shrine is deeply intertwined with Japan's samurai history. Dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of warriors and protector of the Minamoto clan, the shrine holds immense historical and religious significance. Situated at the top of a grand staircase and aligned with Kamakura’s main street, the approach to the shrine is as impressive as the structure itself. Visitors pass through giant torii…

Located near the city centre, Yokohama Park is the second oldest park in Yokohama, opening to the public in 1897. Designed initially as a western-style public space during Yokohama’s early period of modernisation, the park has since evolved into a vibrant green space that blends modern and traditional Japanese elements. With the construction of Yokohama Stadium nearby, the park underwent extensive renovations, introducing features such as a Japanese garden-style pond and creek, fountains, a small river, and expanded multipurpose areas offering relaxation and recreational opportunities. Yokohama Park is most famous for its spectacular tulip displays, which transform the park into…

Located in Kamakura, Hasedera Temple is a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary renowned for its magnificent 11-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. This Jodo-sect Buddhist temple shares its name with its sister temple in Nara and traces its origins back to the eighth century. According to legend, in 721, the monk Tokudo Shonin commissioned two Kannon statues carved from a single camphor tree. One statue was enshrined in Nara, while the other was set adrift at sea, eventually washing ashore in Kamakura in 736. Hasedera Temple was then built to enshrine this sacred statue. The temple grounds offer a harmonious…

Sankeien Garden, located in Yokohama, is one of Japan’s most enchanting traditional landscape gardens, seamlessly blending nature and culture. Spanning over 175,000 square meters, the garden was created by silk trader Tomitaro Hara (also known as Sankei Hara) in 1906 and features a harmonious arrangement of ponds, winding paths, bridges, and historic architecture. The most iconic structure, the three-story pagoda of Tomyoji Temple, was originally built in Kyoto in 1457 and now stands tall on a hill overlooking the entire garden. Sankeien is especially famous for its seasonal beauty. In spring, around late March to early April, cherry blossoms transform…

Odawara Castle is one of Japan's most iconic and well-preserved historical landmarks, located just under an hour from Tokyo near the entrance to the Hakone region. Originally built in the mid-15th century and later expanded by the powerful Hojo clan, it played a crucial role during Japan’s feudal era. Today, the castle has been carefully reconstructed to reflect its original grandeur, complete with a towering donjon (main keep), elegant white walls, and traditional stone fortifications. Visitors to Odawara Castle are welcomed by beautifully landscaped castle grounds that transform with the seasons. In late March to early April, the park becomes…

Kōtoku-in, located in the scenic coastal town of Kamakura, is best known as the home of the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) — one of Japan’s most revered national treasures. This colossal bronze statue of Amida Buddha, standing 13.35 meters tall, was constructed in 1252 and has endured for over 750 years through natural disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis. Remarkably, the statue sits outdoors under the open sky, creating a powerful and serene presence that draws both pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The temple grounds are peaceful and minimalistic, allowing visitors to fully focus on the grandeur…

Located in Hannō, Saitama Prefecture, Metsä is a unique Nordic-themed entertainment complex that brings the charm of Scandinavian culture to Japan. Divided into two main areas—Metsä Village and Moominvalley Park—this destination offers a peaceful and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Metsä Village, which opened in November 2018, focuses on nature, relaxation, and outdoor activities inspired by the Nordic lifestyle. Surrounded by lush forests and the beautiful Lake Miyazawa, the village invites guests to enjoy canoeing, lakeside walks, craft workshops, local farmers' markets, and specialty shops selling Scandinavian-inspired goods, furniture, and handmade crafts. Various cafes and restaurants serve both…

Chiba Zoological Park, located just outside Tokyo in Chiba City, offers a perfect family-friendly destination for animal lovers of all ages. Opened in April 1985, the zoo sits between Tokyo and Narita Airport, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists. Over the years, Chiba Zoological Park has become a popular attraction thanks to its diverse range of animals, educational exhibits, and relaxed atmosphere. The zoo is thoughtfully divided into seven distinct zones, each focusing on different animal species and habitats. Visitors start at the Zoological Hall, where they can gather maps, feeding schedules, and helpful information for exploring the…

Tokyo DisneySea, located in Chiba Prefecture just outside of Tokyo, is one of the world's most unique and spectacular Disney parks. Opened in September 2001, it was the second park developed at the Tokyo Disney Resort. The park quickly gained global recognition from its opening, becoming the fastest theme park ever to reach 10 million visitors. In 2018, Tokyo DisneySea attracted nearly fifteen million visitors, making it the fourth most-visited theme park worldwide. What sets Tokyo DisneySea apart from other Disney parks is its ocean-inspired theme. The park draws from myths, legends, and tales of the sea, offering an immersive…

The Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama offers a unique and interactive experience celebrating the invention of instant noodles, one of the world’s most popular quick meals. Located in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district, this museum was opened by Nissin Foods, whose founder, Momofuku Ando, invented instant noodles in 1958. The museum showcases his groundbreaking creation through informative exhibits, hands-on activities, and entertaining displays, making it a fun destination for visitors of all ages. One of the museum's highlights is a short film that tells the inspiring story of how instant noodles were developed to provide affordable and convenient food to people worldwide.…

Located along the scenic waterfront of Yokohama Bay, Yamashita Park is one of Japan’s most beloved and historically rich urban parks. Originally built in 1930 on land reclaimed after the Great Kanto Earthquake, the park has evolved into a vibrant public space that seamlessly blends natural beauty, history, and panoramic harbor views. Stretching over 750 meters, the park is a perfect destination for anyone seeking a relaxing break from the city’s fast pace. One of the park’s main attractions is its seasonal charm. In spring, cherry blossoms paint the park in soft pinks, attracting visitors for hanami picnics under the…

Kamakura Daibutsu, or the Great Buddha of Kamakura, is one of Japan’s most treasured and iconic historical landmarks. Located at the Kōtoku-in Temple in Kamakura City, this monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddha stands at 13.35 meters high and weighs approximately 121 tons. It dates back to the year 1252, having withstood centuries of earthquakes, tsunamis, and war, yet it continues to symbolize strength, peace, and resilience. Unlike many other large Buddha statues in Japan, Kamakura Daibutsu sits peacefully under the open sky, creating a dramatic and spiritual visual against the backdrop of trees and seasonal changes. Visitors are welcome…