groups and outdoor gear manufacturers involved in trail maintenance formed the Japan Trail Alliance volunteer group in Tokyo The group has called on national and local governments to increase staff and budgets for trail maintenance and is also calling for cooperation from climbers through events "Mountain trails are in critical condition," said Jiro Ito "We need to build a sustainable system that does not rely on volunteers." a 1.6-kilometer trail leading to the 929-meter-high Mount Mitake in Ome has recently become a popular hiking route partly because it is close to Mitake Station of the railway a TV personality who serves as "Mitake health ambassador" "I want to increase the number of climbers," she said She recruited volunteers to cut weeds and restore the trail in 2020 who still conducts maintenance on the trail twice a month "You can climb the mountain only because someone is maintaining the trail I hope that those who hike here will help maintain it." a road was reopened on the 2,599-meter-high Mount Kinpu connecting to the old Mitake Kodo trail in Kofu which flourished as a center of ascetic practices in ancient times is on the border of Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures The road had been in disrepair and the trail was hardly used but local mountain guides planned to revive it so that local culture and history could be kept alive The Kofu city government and other local organizations raised part of the maintenance costs through a crowdfunding campaign the restoration of the old trail has shortened a round trip to the summit by two hours and the number of climbers rose to about 30 in the first month after the trail was restored "I hope the restoration of the trail will encourage locals to take a fresh look at their own mountains," a city official said One of the most challenging weekly bosses is the Magatsu Mitake Narukami no Mikoto, or the Raiden Shogun boss for short. This boss is a deadly variation of the playable character, the Raiden Shogun she looks intimidating with her giant hands and sword because you can defeat this boss faster than you can say her official name To unlock the weekly Raiden Shogun boss in your own world Once you finish the Transient Dreams quest the weekly boss will appear in the trounce domain End of the Oneiric Euthymia located in the Grand Narukami Shrine on the Narukami Island in the Inazuma region The Raiden Shogun boss is a terrifying weekly Electro boss in Genshin Her Baleful Shadowlord form allows her to pull off stronger attacks and gain an Electro shield that greatly increases her RES you’ll be able to destroy her with ease Ranged characters are highly recommended to beat the Magatsu Mitake Narukami no Mikoto Here are some suggested characters to add to your party: Here are the drops and rewards you can get after defeating this weekly boss: Note that you need the unique drop The Meaning of Aeons to upgrade Yae Miko’s talents. You can find out more about the best farming locations and routes for Yae Miko materials on our Genshin Impact guides READ MORE: How to farm Baal materials in Genshin Impact: Locations and routes Sign up for a free ONE Esports account and start engaging with other fans You'll also receive a monthly newsletter and other goodies organic farms and culinary creativity near Mount Mitake Just a short one-and-a-half-hour drive from Tokyo’s urban sprawl — but still within the Tokyo Metropolitan area — lies Tama Tama is close enough for a day trip yet remote enough to feel worlds away showcasing a Tokyo not of neon lights and skyscrapers but of scenic farms On a recent gastronomy trip alongside Tokyo Tourism Ambassador Chef Hal Yamashita we explored Tama’s best farm-to-table experiences discovering not only the cuisine but also the inspiring locals behind each dish Here’s what we uncovered in Tokyo’s hidden gastronomic heartland Newly opened in May 2024, Satologue sits along the Tama River in Okutama a lush natural area in Tama that’s just far enough from the city to feel like an escape This innovative establishment contains a farm-to-table restaurant guests can partake in an all-sensory dining experience designed to deepen the connection between guests and the local environment the menu makes ample use of regional ingredients with a variety of organic vegetables such as asparagus Led by chefs Yuta Komagamine and Kazuki Takanami who moved to Tama specifically for this project Tokiro aims to build a deeper appreciation for locally sourced ingredients using French-based cooking methods to create refined dishes with fresh vegetables “We want to breathe new life into ingredients often overlooked or discarded and turn them into dishes that tell a story of this land.” With sustainability at the forefront using ash from the on-site sauna’s firewood as fertilizer and often incorporates seasonal produce shared by local residents into their dishes Our visit began with a stroll through their fields where we helped spread ash-based fertilizer among the crops We learned that the area around the restaurant also features biotopes repurposed fish farms that support the growth of local produce we enjoyed a French-inspired five-course meal at Tokiro savoring dishes like beef steak and seasonal vegetables each artfully prepared to honor Tama’s unique flavors Perched high on Mount Mitake, Shukubo Nobori is a shukubo that offers a one-of-a-kind lodging experience after a scenic cable car ride up the mountain we were treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding forests as we stepped onto farmland managed by Nobori This mountain farm grows local produce such as daikon radishes and yams cultivated by the Nobori family for generations.  Shukubo Nobori is currently managed by the Kubota family Guests participating in the temple stay are treated to delicious mountain cuisine made from seasonal crops lovingly harvested on-site Visitors can even join in the seasonal harvest gathering ingredients like daikon radishes that will later be transformed into the evening’s meal bringing a true farm-to-table experience to life “The fields here are all tended by shrine priests Tying it to tourism is the perfect fit.” For Utsuboya preserving the land is not just a job; it’s a legacy he notes,“the temperature swings are tough — but they make the vegetables here especially delicious.”  Reflecting on the charms of the farm he runs as a lodging “We’re hoping to bring back guests throughout the year to connect the experience of farm-to-table dining with hands-on agriculture.” indulging in an array of delicacies: crispy vegetable tempura hand-grated konjac sashimi and simmered daikon that we harvested earlier as well as grilled trout wrapped in magnolia leaf Each dish highlighted the simplicity and freshness of the locally grown ingredients perfectly complemented by a glass of Tama-brewed sake Perched 929 meters above sea level, Musashi Mitake Shrine is a historic landmark on Mount Mitake and has been a place of worship for centuries the shrine attracts visitors not only for its spiritual significance but also for its profound connection to local agriculture Mount Mitake itself was also worshiped as a god that grants bountiful harvests and protection from natural disasters farmers and pilgrims have journeyed up its rugged paths to offer prayers for a prosperous farming year It’s all part of a long-standing belief that nature food and the community’s prosperity are tied together The shrine embodies a deep reverence for nature and the interconnectedness of local communities This respect for the land is celebrated through centuries-old festivals and sacred rituals that continue to thrive One such tradition is the Futomani Festival where the shoulder blade of a deer is roasted and the resulting cracks are carefully examined to predict the coming year’s harvest A trip to Tama is the perfect escape from Tokyo’s urban buzz with its abundant nature and local flavors seasonal ingredients while soaking in the area’s age-old traditions and breathtaking landscapes Each experience — from foraging for wild vegetables to dining on artfully prepared dishes — captures the heart of Tokyo’s diverse food culture making Tama an ideal day trip destination for those seeking a taste of the city’s more tranquil For more information on Tokyo gastronomy tourism — and the natural and culinary wonders of Tama — visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s official website Click on a link below to automatically scroll to that section of this guide: On a whim I planned a getaway to Mitakesan The journey took three hours and required two trains and a cable car — too much for a day trip but a good amount of time to get out of Tokyo for the weekend one of the shukubo (pilgrimage guest houses) in the village Higashibaba opens a tearoom in the afternoon I found two old men there who seemed surprised to see me There’s a gaijin here!” Out came a pretty woman with short bobbed hair who spoke perfect English with a faint trace of a British accent the 15th proprietress of Baba-ke Oshi Jutaku — a city girl who has found herself in a traditional community on top of a mountain running a guesthouse that has been designated a tangible cultural property of Tokyo These intertwining stories — and that of Higashibaba — fascinated me I decided to return later to interview Koko about herself and how she came to be its 15th proprietress The Baba family are said to be descendants of Baba Mino-no-Kami one of the big four retainers of the Takeda family The head of the Baba family has been an oshi (a person or family that belongs to a certain temple or shrine and takes care of visitors) and a Shinto priest of Musashimitake Jinja shrine The house has guest rooms for parishioners of the shrine and a family shrine for ceremonies There is also a large cellar in the basement then I went to high school in Brisbane as an exchange student I studied psychology at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo then fine arts at the University of the Arts in London I became a teacher at a prep school in Yokohama I met my husband back in 2016 and we started dating in October I inherited his family business and became a young proprietress of Higashibaba in Mt My friend asked me to come with her to this mountaineering event on Mt My husband was a member of the sponsors and we must have met then but neither of us remembers and nothing happened I joined the event again the following year I got really drunk after having sake at 800 meters but I ended up becoming a member of this super traditional Japanese family I guess you can’t really be in control of your own destiny Sometimes you just need to relax and let things happen trusting that everything is working out for the best then let the universe decide.” I decided to stay in Mt Mitake because my husband asked me to protect the history of the Baba family and preserve the oshi house with him Shinto is a very natural thing for Japanese people My first impression of this place was I felt like I was spirited away and I felt a big power or something unusual here and when I first visited I felt like one of the wolves looked like my dog at my parents’ house making the lodging fees in English and Japanese and started posting on Instagram and Facebook Then I started applying for a subsidy to make our website With the website we will have a reservation system as well “I always thought you’d live abroad!” Same here — I always thought I was going to marry an Englishman Sometimes you can’t really fight your destiny but sometimes it’s important to just let go of it Location: 54 Mitakesan Ome-shi Tokyo 198-0175 Reservations: The inn only takes one group (up to 10 guests) a day and at most two groups during peak periods one night; dinner/breakfast included; tax not included There are reduced rates for children and infants Email: info@higashibaba.com (English available) You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " boasts scenic countryside and plenty of outdoor activities Akigawa Valley is another of Japan’s peaceful getaways from city life I headed down stone stairs toward Ishibune Bridge I crossed while taking in the sounds of nature including water rushing over the rocks below a popular onsen that offers a free outdoor foot spa take off your shoes and soak your feet in the refreshing shallow pool I continued farther along the stone path and up a hilly rocky pathway toward a flower garden called Otsu Hana-no-sato The best time to see the flowers is from late March to early April I found some areas closed off due to the danger of collapsing rocks Seoto-no-yu offers high alkaline baths for 1,000 yen offers a nice selection of food and beverages Seating for about 45 includes regular tables and traditional Japanese tatami mat floor seating Just outside the cafe you’ll find more than a dozen chaise longues facing an open I climbed another set of stairs that eventually descended toward an area I had not visited On the other side and below the bridge are cabins next to the riverbed that are available for rent an abundance of guests come for a dip in the river and to barbecue nearby Directions: About an hour’s drive from central Tokyo to the parking area at 1379 Tokura Seoto-no-yu’s onsen fee is 1,000 yen for adults; 500 yen for children There are also vending machines near the cafe Mitake was awarded the top prize in an annual contest organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to identify the most beautiful villages in Japan The contest honors rural areas whose scenic beauty is the product of local residents’ continued attention The cherry trees of Mitake are said to have been first planted around 900 by a priest of Shinpuku-in and have been cared for over the past millennium by area residents Sakura 100: Japan’s Best Blossoms Banner photo © Tsu City Tourism Association.) 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The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report TSU--“Mitake no Sakura” (Mitake’s sakura) is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in the mountains about a one-hour drive from Tsu Station in Mie Prefecture around 500 mountain cherry blossom trees line a 1.5-kilometer slope leading to the gate of Shinpukuin temple of the Shingon Buddhism sect An old traditional Japanese house with a “kayabuki” thatched roof still stands along the slope The house is designated as a tangible cultural property by the central government he had to walk in front of the house with his classmates every spring as the destination of the spring school trip was always Mitake no Sakura Neighboring houses all sported tiled roofs and he was embarrassed by and hated how his classmates looked at his kayabuki roof house Cherry blossom trees in Mitake no Sakura originate from the trees that a Buddhist monk called Rigen Daishi planted there in around 900 in the middle of the Heian Period (794-1185) The site was even described as a cherry blossom viewing spot in old documents dating before the Edo Period (1603-1867) It was only after Tanaka returned to his hometown following his graduation from a university that he became aware of the charm of his local cherry blossoms Mitake no Sakura was well-known nationally It was named in lists such as “Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots” and featured in magazines and TV programs Visitors came to see the cherry blossoms from across the country and Tanaka realized that they appreciated not only the flowers but also his childhood kayabuki-roofed house He heard them describe the kayabuki roof as “nostalgic” and giving them a “sense of calm.” As he learned that they said the house “matched the scenery of cherry blossoms” and “should be preserved,” the thatched roof became a source of pride for him rather than a symbol of poverty The district he lives in now has only 35 households as well as many aging residents He crowdfunded the cost to do so and finished rethatching it with help from volunteers on April 4 He did it because he hopes to pass the house on to people who want to use an old traditional Japanese house as a base for their activities The purpose of the crowdfunding was not just to raise money but to also communicate widely about the area to get people interested in it and attract visitors The cherry blossom trees that were planted more than 1,000 years ago have grown to have a trunk circumference of three meters or so They have produced new buds over the years to pass them down to the next generation Like the trees that keep their enduring lives Tanaka says he wants to “preserve this beautiful scenery for 10 or even 100 years.” SAKURA SENTIMENTS: A slow train ride amid blossoms provides comfort for grieving son SAKURA SENTIMENTS: Woman hopes granddaughter’s life will bloom after early storm SAKURA SENTIMENTS: Woman reflects on regret SAKURA SENTIMENTS: Cherry blossom path helped woman start life in a new town SAKURA SENTIMENTS: Teacher conjures up the magic of children when sakura bloomed Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages Copyright © The Asahi Shimbun Company. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission. by Julia Lee To unlock the new Raiden Shogun weekly boss, you need to do the following: In the Raiden Shogun story quest, you will fight a story mode version of the boss, which (though much easier than the weekly version) will give you an idea of how to fight her. Like many other Genshin Impact bosses, Magatsu Mitake Narukami no Mikoto has a couple of gimmicks that you’ll want to bring specific elements for. While your main DPS’ element doesn’t really matter, bring at least one Cryo character to break her shields quickly. She will also launch one large sweeping attack that “cracks” the screen, and the only way to protect yourself is to use Electro to quickly activate a shield on the map, so make sure to bring an Electro character as well. The shield activates after taking enough damage, but in our experience, we were cutting it very close when using a non-Electro character. Similarly to the other newer weekly bosses, Raiden Shogun does not go down quickly and she hits hard, so it’s better to take your time fighting her and keep your party healed and shielded. Just like the other Genshin Impact weekly bosses, Magatsu Mitake Narukami no Mikoto drops Berserker, Instructor, The Exile, Gladiator’s Finale, and Wanderer’s Troupe artifact pieces. She also has a chance to drop Northlander Billets and Dream Solvents. The drops you should be running this boss for are her unique materials: Mudra of the Malefic General, Tears of the Calamitous God, and The Meaning of Aeons. These materials raise the talent level of specific characters starting at rank six. As of writing this, only Yae Miko uses materials dropped by this boss. Yae requires The Meaning of Aeons to upgrade her talents. The best of Polygon in your inbox, every Friday. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo a natural paradise in west Tokyo just 90 minutes from Shinjuku and you can do all that without leaving Tokyo Plan a day trip to the lush forests of Okutama, which is part of the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park and just 90 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station (stop at either Mitake or Okutama station on the JR Ome line) Come here to clear your mind and recharge by enjoying the stunning scenery around Lake Okutama or soaking in an outdoor onsen (hot spring) You can even indulge a bit by trying the area's craft beer and sake There's more than enough to do in Okutama to make it worth the journey from central Tokyo RECOMMENDED: The best day trips for a weekend getaway from Tokyo Photo: Pixta/MachaStart your Okutama adventure by visiting the Ogouchi Reservoir Surrounded by mountains and verdant forests the man-made Lake Okutama was created back in 1957 when the Ogouchi Dam went up across the Tama River Hop on the bus from Okutama Station and get off at Ogouchi Shrine, directly in front of the lake’s Mugiyama floating bridge. The distinctive crossing makes for a great photo spot with the dark blue water on either side and the lush greenery in the background. Take in the scenery and then walk back towards the interactive Water and Green Museum located between the bridge and Okutama Station Here you can gain a deeper insight into the history of Okutama the native wildlife and the Ogouchi Reservoir The on-site restaurant even serves an Instagram-worthy Ogouchi Dam-inspired curry dish.  Bus routes leaving the Water and Green Museum for Okutama station depart every 20-40 mins until 8.26pm on weekdays and 7.37pm on weekends, so plan your schedules accordingly. Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun (Okutama Station). Photo: JOOKO3/PixtaHiking fans will love this lush mountain close to Mitake Station the walk to the summit is roughly 90 minutes or you can take the Mitake Tozan cable car which drops you off about a 30-minute walk from the top The Musashi Mitake Shrine greets you at the summit along with gorgeous panoramic views of the Kanto area. A 90-minute hiking trail, which starts and ends at the shrine and loops around the mountain, takes you through the dense forest. On your way you’ll pass the Nagaodaira Observatory as well as the Ayahiro Falls and a rock garden with impressive moss-covered stone formations. Photo: 2019 Moegi no YuFor some serious relaxation, head to Moegi no Yu, which is just a ten-minute walk from Okutama Station. The water at this hot spring bath is sourced from one of Japan’s oldest rock strata, a Palaeozoic layer deep under the Okutama area. The water contains metaboric acid and fluorine, and is said to soothe neuralgia, muscle and joint pain, stiff shoulders, bruises, sprains and more. Enjoy views of Okutama’s mountains and forests from the indoor bath, while the rotenburo (open-air bath) gives you a clear view of the Tama River winding its way through the valley. Don’t have time for a full dip? Try the communal ashiyu (foot bath) for just ¥100. If you feel peckish after soaking in the healing water, head to the on-site restaurant serving local Okutama dishes. We recommend the nekkara udon, a very spicy bowl of noodles made with bonito flakes and local wasabi. Adrenaline junkies can now immerse themselves in the water with only a helmet and a life jacket by canyoning a relatively new adventure sport that uses natural canyons as a real-life adventure park Tour operator Canyons offers the roughly four-hour Big Mononoke tour, where you’ll slide down waterfalls up to 25m tall, zip-line down rivers and jump off precipices from a height of six metres, all in the middle of Okutama’s lush nature. Looking for a bigger rush? Combine it with a packrafting tour and speed down the white water of the Tama River. However, if you prefer to ease into something less strenuous, opt for the relatively milder Mononoke tour – the jumps aren’t so tall and you’ll have time to chill in the river. A one-day pass allows you to catch and eat as many fish as you like. If you’d rather a meal cooked by someone else, there’s also a café on site offering homemade soba, curry, a selection of sweets and free coffee. Photo: Keisuke TanigwaSure, it’s way out in the middle of nowhere, a two-hour trip from Shinjuku, but this eerie limestone cavern is perfect for escaping Tokyo’s suffocating summer heat: the temperature inside is a steady 11 degrees Celsius. Around 800m deep, the caves were formed over millions of years and were once a centre for Japanese mountain cults – fittingly enough for an otherworldly realm far removed from the sleepy countryside up above. The paths inside the cave are well lit and clearly marked but often wet, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes. Bringing your own bento is also recommended as there are hardly any eateries in the area. Photo: Keisuke TanigawaStep out of Okutama Station and you'll soon come across this traditional Japanese house with a pretty garden. There's a river in the valley just in front of the building – the perfect view to drink in along with Beer Café Vertere's home-brewed craft beers. It has its own hop field a 20-minute drive away too, so it's all very local. Choose from five options on tap, including a fruity session IPA and a light golden ale. Having a glass in the garden while listening to the sound of the river and admiring the surrounding trees will make your clock tick slower. Those visiting Okutama for rafting or hiking will want to keep Vertere in mind – even if it's only for a quick break while waiting for the train home. But note that it's only open on Saturday and Sunday. Photo: Time Out TokyoWith over 300 years of history Sawanoi is a local sake brewery where you can learn about the culture and production process of Japan's national drink while sampling some top tipples the brewery features a large garden overlooking the Tama River with an open-air area where you can order bowls of noodles and sake tasting sets to enjoy as you bask in the tranquil nature Photo: Youka NagaseEnjoy the view of Tokyo's clearest and bluest river from a 40m-tall cliff or dip your feet in the cold water after a long hike in the surrounding forest Walk further upstream for the Shiromaru Dam which is a great location to spot schools of fish jumping over the Kazuma gorge river After your meal, choose from five walking trails that take you through the beautiful forests of Okutama, followed by therapeutic activities like woodland yoga and stargazing. If you're still feeling cynical about forest therapy, you can have your stress levels measured before and after the sessions for comparison (though admittedly, the device used to ‘measure’ stress won't do much to persuade the cynics). Photo: Gravity Kayak/FacebookImmersing yourself in nature can certainly be relaxing, but who is to say you can’t also get active. If you're feeling adventurous, visit Canoe School Gravity in Okutama – it's a short walk from Sawai or Shiromaru stations – to participate in water activities like rafting, hydrospeed, canyoning and river SUP (standup paddleboarding). Photo: Moomin CharactersEscape the city for these family-friendly adventure parks, playgrounds and outdoor attractions Photo: Blanscape/DreamstimeExplore versions of Himeji Castle a Japanese old town and more in and around Tokyo Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent By Futoshi Mori / Japan News Senior Writer But for the slightly more adventurous there is also Mt When I visited on a national holiday last week the mountain was crowded with hikers there to see the maple leaves The autumn leaves even have their own festival on Mitake A view of central Tokyo from near Mitakesan Station Fall foliage and a banner for the Momiji Festival in the Sky are seen on Mt take the cable car operated by Mitake Tozan Railway is a 10-minute bus ride from JR Mitake Station runs up the steepest slope in the Kanto region this makes for superb views from the window as the car climbs higher and higher you can see the skyscrapers of central Tokyo and Tokyo Skytree Children glue themselves to the window to watch the cable cars pass each other The view from the cable car at Mitakesan Station A short way up the path lies Musashi Mitake Shrine which developed as a sacred place for mountain worship there are several well-maintained hiking trails where you can enjoy the Japanese art of “forest bathing,” or boosting one’s wellbeing with a stroll through the woods Since bear attacks have spiked across Japan of late a national natural treasure said to be 1,000 years old stands beside the path to Musashi Mitake Shrine Trails around the shrine are well maintained The stretch of trail from here is a popular area called the Rock Garden The waterfall is located at the bottom steep stairs It took me about an hour to make the climb The Momiji Festival in the Sky will feature a free violin concert on Saturday http://momiji.tenku-geisha.com/  Interior of Ume-no-uchi with an irori (traditional Japanese fireplace) Visitors to the area can lunch at a number of soba noodle restaurants Tempura soba (¥1,800) at soba shop Ume-no-uchi Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun By Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior Photographer Tokyo — A private art museum in front of Mitake Station on the JR Ome Line was once a ryokan traditional Japanese inn called Kajikaen Kajikaen was a luxurious traditional Japanese restaurant but it was turned into a ryokan around 1925 the facility was used as a company’s dormitory ownership transferred to the grandparents of the current owner Usami took over the business as the third-generation owner and ran the inn until March 2017 when he closed it in part because there was no successor called Ryokan Tatemono Shitsurai Bijutsukan Kajikaen in an effort to preserve the authentic Japanese architecture intricate structures that exude the elegance of the Taisho (1912-1926) and early Showa (1926-1989) eras Many of the rooms face Mitake Valley and have an outstanding view The buildings were designated in 2020 as registered tangible cultural properties about 30 landscape paintings are on display in a large tatami-mat room that used to be a banquet hall are also exhibited in 18 former guest rooms including in the tokonoma — an alcove in a traditional Japanese room where art or flowers are displayed Every piece of art is from the museum’s collection which are decorated with flowers arranged by Usami which was not easy when the facility was an inn “Scrolls are supposed to be in the tokonoma alcove They don’t look good when they’re put in a glass case “I began exhibiting Japanese paintings and calligraphy in the way they were originally displayed so visitors can enjoy them along with the wonderful view from the rooms.” Usami said the collection comprises many artworks including pieces by Nihonga-style painter Gyokudo Kawai as well as Edo-period painters Maruyama Okyo and Yosa Buson who was active from the Meiji to the Taisho eras “So I change the exhibitions 5 times a year,” Usami said Wednesday through Sunday (last entry one hour before closing) Admission is ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for elementary school to university students Details are available on the Ome City Tourist Association’s website Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp The short answer: very simple. Not only is Tokyo surrounded by prefectures that boast some of Japan’s most iconic natural beauty—including Gunma, Tochigi, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka—the Tokyo Metropolitan Area itself also boasts numerous unexpected, wonderful destinations. These include Kozushima and the Tokyo Islands to the south and the stunning wooded mountains clustered around the upper course of the mighty Tama River to the west Bordered against the natural splendor of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park lie the town of Okutama the city of Akiruno and mainland Tokyo’s only officially designated village The area is less than 2 hours from central Tokyo opening up the possibility of both hiking day trips and overnight stays for those eager to explore more deeply Mitake’s cable car service offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape One obvious way to enjoy your trip is with a spot of hiking According to your own degree of experience and enthusiasm soul-soothing Japanese practice of shinrinyoku or “forest bathing,” to more challenging treks traversing multiple mountain peaks and ridges this region has been a center of ascetic mountain worship Mitake (929 meters to summit) and the three sacred peaks of Mt collectively known as the Okutama Sanzan (“three mountains of Okutama”) For those seeking maximum views with minimal effort where the Mitake Tozan Railway cable car offers a smooth ascent with all the nostalgic vibes you would expect of a route that commenced operations in 1927 visitors who prefer to punish their boot soles can tackle this peak the old-fashioned way while those with a head for heights can enjoy the magnificent vistas offered en route both up and down the mountain by a chairlift service (also operated by Mitake Tozan Railway) visitors can enjoy the striking Musashi-Mitake Shrine Founded more than 2000 years ago and dedicated to a wolf deity this holy site of mountain worship is now a magnet for dogs and dog lovers—so much so that the cable car even operates under a pet-friendly policy serious ramblers may choose to tackle the direct hiking route that leads to the summit of Mt But for those who choose to linger among Mitake’s wooded slopes there are gems like the imposing moss-covered boulders of the mountain’s Rock Garden and Hinohara’s Kuzuryu Falls (with the nearby Kuzuryu Shrine on the second Sunday of each September hosts a characterful autumn festival replete with costumed folk performances and shishi lion dances set to traditional musical accompaniment) perhaps the jewel in the crown is the spectacular Hossawa Falls Located near the headwaters of the Akigawa River 63-meter water feature is even known to freeze solid in winter and in 1990 was recognized by the Ministry of the Environment among Japan’s 100 finest waterfalls a narrow but dramatic gorge situated along Hinohara’s Kanoto River flanked by precipitous 100-meter rock faces dotted with cascading waterfalls; and Akigawa Valley whose leafy slopes guarantee breathtaking views year-round but are especially popular for their blazing autumn foliage Takigyo (waterfall training) is a purification ritual performed in these mountains since ancient times Glamping is the perfect way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing any luxury and Akiruno are for a day trip with a packed itinerary the best way to properly explore and fully de-stress from life in the city is to set aside a night or two for a more extended sojourn in the mountains Adventurous travelers eager to find themselves anew may choose to embrace the region’s long tradition of religious austerity Continuing a practice observed since at least the Nara period (710–794) by mountain ascetics known as yamabushi Musashi-Mitake Shrine offers the opportunity to experience takigyo (waterfall training) loincloth-clad dip beneath the tumbling waters of Ayahiro Falls Accommodation for such pilgrims is provided by shukubo (mountain lodges) situated in the village below the shrine some of these hostels can even provide boarders with the traditional monastic detox of shojin ryori Buddhist vegan cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients recently the spotlight has fallen on another way to commune with nature and enjoy some blissful socially distanced peace and quiet in somewhat less austere surroundings: glamping Akiruno’s Keikoku Glamping Tent puts a Japanese spin on this burgeoning global trend with lavishly furnished tents complete with all the modern accoutrements you could possibly need including a sumptuous BBQ menu for guests to cook themselves beneath the stars Another unique choice for a mountain retreat or workation is the Kabuto-ya Ryokan in Hinohara Taking its name from the helmet- (kabuto) like appearance of the 400-year-old thatched roofed cabin at its center this atmospheric inn complex offers hot springs and spa baths some of which even offer the unparalleled winter comfort of a traditional irori hearth sunken into the floor with halal- and vegetarian-friendly options available with advance notice Forestry initiative Tokyo Chainsaws provides one workshop that lets kids experience tree felling before building their own desk with wood provided on site Joining a mossarium workshop is the perfect way to step back and get some perspective on the world Another aspect of Japanese culture with deep historical ties to forests and mountains is the nation’s rich tradition of craftsmanship Akiruno and Hinohara uphold this heritage with a range of programs and facilities focused on leveraging the area’s natural resources to the fullest ensuring that mountain and craft lore are passed on to a new generation Hinohara’s Tokyo Chainsaws is a forestry initiative dedicated to preserving the health of local woodland and making sure that every part of each tree felled is put to good use While the trunks of sugi cedar and hinoki cypress are ideal for construction timber here even the roots and branches are transformed into a range of toys and decorative items The organization also offers hands-on forestry and craft workshops in conjunction with various local businesses The Hinohara Forest of Tokyo Citizens & Woodcraft Center provides another opportunity to explore woodwork firsthand with a range of workshops for participants of all ages Hinohara is set to further honor the local woodcraft legacy with the opening of the new Hinohara Toy Museum in a specially designed Neighboring Akiruno offers further opportunities to experience nature-inspired crafts through classes at Tominaga Pottery Workshop and the chance to create a miniature “mossarium” diorama using genuine moss and pebbles Hinohara-mura is a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo conveniently located not too far from the city center fascinated by natural beauty and hands-on workshops determined to find yourself through ascetic practice or interested in relaxing luxuriously through a glamping experience—Hinohara-mura has something for every visitor to Japan Due to measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 business hours may be subject to change; please check with the venues before visiting WEB：https://tokyotouristinfo.com/en/detail/M0185  WEB：https://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/naturepark/english/ know/shisetsu/visitorcenter/mitake.html WEB：http://www.tokyokuzuryujinja.net/ WEB：http://musashimitakejinja.jp/sairei/shugyo/ WEB：https://www.keikokuglampingtent.com/ WEB：https://www.kabutoya.net/ WEB：https://tokyo-chainsaws.jp/english/ WEB：https://www.hinohara-mori.jp/ WEB：https://www.hinohara-toymuseum.com/ WEB：https://www.akirunokanko.com/?p=334 WEB：https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/parks/chichibu-tama-kai/ Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages Exclusive interview with RGG Studio's art director and lead character designer about the behind-the-scenes of making Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth the latest entry to Sega’s Like a Dragon series sold over one million units worldwide within a week of its release the easier it is for the individual efforts behind it to go unnoticed That’s why we collaborated with SEGA to interview members of each section of RGG Studio and find out all there is to know about their meticulous work on the Like a Dragon franchise.  we speak to lead character designer Yu Honya and art director Nobuaki Mitake about what went into designing and modeling Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s memorable cast of characters.  could you tell us about your career and what kind of work you do here at RGG Studio?  the lead character designer of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth but gradually grew interested in the possibilities of 3DCG I decided to aim for the game industry and joined Sega as soon as I graduated This year marks my 20th year with the company The first Like a Dragon title I worked on was Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!  Honya:  I was in charge of character designs for the main story was the first spin-off title in the Like a Dragon series I remember consulting various sources to research the hairstyles and costumes of the time in order to create the character designs I became the lead character designer From Like a Dragon: Ishin and this was my position for the latest title in the series as well.  ──When I hear “character design,” I think of different processes such as concept image creation and modelling but what exactly does your position entail?  Honya: Character designers in RGG Studio normally handle each step from creating the initial concept images to modelling and setup Each character is overseen by the same artist from start to finish my work entailed managing the character team checking the quality of each member’s work everything from a character’s head to toe is supervised by the same person Could you please introduce yourself as well and I’m the art director of the Like a Dragon series I majored in graphic design in advertising but I always loved drawing and aspired to enter an industry where I could draw for a living The animation and game industries seemed to fit this description at the time I worked for another company and was involved in the development of Shenmue I for which I created the Dobuita Street environment I joined Sega and became part of the background art staff for the first Yakuza game I have been the art director for Binary Domain Yakuza Kiwami and all titles from Yakuza 6: The Song of Life to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth ──The scale of the Like a Dragon series is quite impressive have you felt your workload increase over time?  the quality of the scenario surpasses the previous one Honya and I’s workloads are increasing too a thorough understanding of the Like a Dragon series is a given for most staff members – and this is where the studio’s strength lies Our staff is steadily improving as they accumulate experience which allows us to spread out the workload.  we’re always focused on figuring out how to create the most entertaining game possible within a limited development schedule Rather than strictly following instructions each member of the team needs to have a firm understanding of their role and act for themselves accordingly We are a team where each individual feels a sense of responsibility for the project.  it’s common for RGG Studio’s members to think independently as they work?  if we are being briefed by the planning team about future specifications as well as the programmers and sound engineers will proactively exchange opinions if there’s something we think can be improved upon.  ──It sounds like the team is quite motivated.  Honya: In the early stages of a game’s development the planning team begins with an outline of what they want to do and then a brainstorming meeting is held with the development team members No opinions that come up in these meetings get one-sidedly dismissed regardless of the rank and experience of the person that voices them The planning team takes everyone’s opinions back with them and replaces and refines the original ideas to improve the game’s specifications I think this process is unique to our studio.  Mitake: We never end up making the game exactly the way planning initially proposes ──That sounds almost like an ideal work environment but I assume this makes things difficult from a project management point of view?  Honya: There are definitely some difficulties involved in working this way but I think it’s more important to create an environment where each creator can output their ideas about what would make the game more interesting.  ──So you’re able to strike a good balance between enabling creativity and managing schedules at RGG Studios?  we’re constantly thinking about what we can do to make the game better within our limited schedules our experienced staff all have a good grasp of Like a Dragon’s framework and finding ways to pack the game full of fun stuff while staying in that framework is what’s important.  when planning comes to each development section saying “We want to do this,” we try not to tell them that’s it’s difficult or undoable but rather to propose alternative suggestions that we are able to implement I think Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s style of development is to carefully assess the upper limits of quality and schedule.  I thought each section at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio would be more up in arms about things Honya & Mitake: (laugh in unison)  Mitake: I think that we all have trust towards each other’s respective “territories.” This sometimes even leads to us going overboard in suggesting all kinds of ideas to people because of how highly we value their skills so our arguments never really go in a bad direction.  ──Moving on to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth How do you feel about it becoming the fastest game to sell a million copies in the series’ history?  Honya: We made a lot of characters in great detail for the game so hearing people talk about and praise their favorite characters makes me happy and feel like all the effort was worth it I feel grateful that so many people are playing our game Thank you for picking up Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth I felt that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth was attracting an extraordinary amount of attention compared to past titles in the series we saw people appreciating not only the main story but the extra sections such as Dondoko Island and Bucket List too I feel like players are enjoying the “Like a Dragon genre” as a whole with this title ──It really feels like there’s several games inside of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth I’d like to go more in-depth with you two about design I feel like the character design and modeling of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio expresses the form and beauty of Asian people in a way that is unlike the photorealistic graphics we see in Western games What is your policy regarding character design?  Honya: We pursue a kind of realism that goes beyond photorealism an object can seem more lifelike when we recall it in our minds rather than when we are looking at it directly – this is what we try to keep conscious of we go through the story we receive from the scenario team and then establish the backbone and behavior of each character by thinking of answers to questions such as What brands do they buy and how expensive are they How do they dress themselves?” and the like.  rather than strictly following the scenario each creator builds up the character through their interpretation?  Honya: Core characteristics are often determined by the planning team and given to us but if the planning team was to decide all the background information that isn’t explicitly addressed in the game there is no explanation for why Chi-chan (Chitose Fujimiya) wears a braided hairstyle in the story – these kinds of details are thought out and implemented by the designers.  ──You do feel a great sense of lifelikeness coming from Like a Dragon characters Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio was one of the first developers in Japan to use 3D scanning technology Do you think this has contributed to your prowess in portraying Asian people?  Honya: 3D scanning technology was a major factor but I think the fact that we actually live in an Asian country also contributed greatly we were able to produce the Japanese characters quite quickly thanks to our past experience and knowledge but we didn’t have a lot of know-how about creating characters of other races so out team had to study a lot for this game.  ──How did you go about researching Hawaii and its people?  Honya: One thing was repeatedly studying and referencing the footage taken by our planning and background staff during their on-site location scouting.  Mitake: We had to not only create the characters but also recreate the atmosphere that is naturally created by Hawaii and its locals so we analyzed people in the footage while making sure to differentiate between locals and tourists.  Honya: One of the themes of the Like a Dragon series is “creating living cities,” and we place great importance on where to put what kind of people how these people should be acting and who they should be with When visiting locations like Shinjuku and Yokohama we would discuss what kinds of clothes and colors people are wearing and look for ways to portray people from different areas in-game.  you tend to pay attention to the clothing people wear in a game environment?  Mitake: When creating an environment for a game the focus generally tends to be on backgrounds we try to use characters and clothing as a way to build the atmosphere too In addition to contributing to the realism of a place we also use character design to signal things to the player – such as characters wearing obviously Chinatown-esque clothes or characters that tell the player they’re in an unsafe area.  ──Can you tell me about how things changed from Yakuza: Like a Dragon to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth You’ve mentioned the new environments and clothing but as Infinite Wealth was developed with next-gen consoles in mind was there anything different about the character models?  Honya: I think that would be the difference in skin texture we pursued an even higher level of detail to give the characters less of a “CG-like feel.”  the characters in Infinite Wealth do have a realistic feel to their skin.  giving the characters a doll-like appearance we adjusted things to make the skin look more realistic As the characters’ ages have also changed in the meantime we expressed this by making them look thinner around the neck changing their hairstyles and the like.  Mitake: We also put a lot of effort into the lighting of the skin The combination of skin texture and lighting makes the characters more attractive and lifelike.  whereby light “scatters” upon penetrating the skin Since Hawaii gets stronger sunlight than Japan this was one of the ways we came up with to portray this difference.  ──These efforts all resulted in the characters’ skin looking quite real Was there anything else you newly introduced or tried out in Infinite Wealth?  Mitake: It’s a bit embarrassing to bring it up myself but in the scene where Ichiban Kasuga visits Akane’s house and grabs the doorknob I introduced blend shapes that transform his hand I created several patterns that deform the shape of the hand in addition to its regular movements we were able to portray the subtle rise of the flesh in the hand that occurs as the fingers move.   we also studied actual footage of a hand gripping a doorknob which we filmed with a high-speed camera we reproduced the wrinkles and ridges of the hand as well as the whitening of the skin that occurs under the fingernails when force is applied.  Mitake: This is an important scene in Infinite Wealth as it’s when Ichiban meets for the first time the woman whom Masumi Arakawa loved I wanted to express the various emotions Ichiban is feeling through the portrayal of his hands.  there aren’t many other scenes in the game that focus solely on hands.  Mitake: Although I came up with expressing Kasuga’s emotions through blend shapes it was my first time attempting something like that so I had to practice a lot and research how it’s done in the first place I think we succeeded in making everything look natural it may have blended in so well that nobody even noticed I just noticed it for the first time (laughs).  the fact that it went unnoticed is a good thing for us because it’s proof that players did not find the scene unnatural.   ──It’s the dilemma of wanting to show off what you’ve made but not wanting to jeopardize player immersion (laughs).  that’s one of the difficulties we face (laughs).  Is there anything on the technical side that you want people to notice Honya: We’ve already mentioned the extra care we put into characters’ skin textures but we also went through a lot of trial and error to make the costumes look realistic we created 3D models of clothes from patterns we ran simulations to make them fit the character’s body a thorough understanding of garment structure is necessary you need to know not only how hair grows and flows but also what the trendy hairstyles and colors are creating a single character involves a whole set of skills and knowledge so I would be happy if players took the time to get a good look at all the characters.  the level of detail seems to increase.  we’ve even given characters earring backings which you can see behind their ears.  ──It’s my first time seeing earring backings in a video game Honya: It’s not something you normally see when playing but since there is a possibility of it being visible from a certain angle we couldn’t risk being lazy about it.  Mitake: Since we’re making a contemporary drama depicted in a photorealistic style people know how the accessories worn are supposed to look in real life and we don’t want them to think that we’re cutting corners we can’t have peoples’ immersion compromised when they spot the kind of “lie” that can only be seen in a video game This is something we are very particular about.  ──I can feel your dedication to your craft Do the character models get revised for each new title?  they are not discarded after one use – we adjust them to fit the environment and style of each release this is something we carefully consider each time because as creators – we feel the need to change things up fans strongly associate certain characters with certain costumes are there any other characters in Infinite Wealth that particularly left an impression on you?  Mitake: Chitose changes her hairstyle mid-game which left an impression on me as a developer the icons in the UI needed to be updated so things don’t feel awkward the clothes switch between Japan and Hawaii so these changes need to be reflected everywhere too I remember going over these points with the planning team many times.  ──I was surprised when I saw even the main menu get updated Infinite Wealth has many extra costumes for dressing up the characters but were these also designed by the character team (as opposed to being commissioned from a clothing designer).  RGG Studio’s games feature a lot of guys in suits so we’ve accumulated a fair amount of knowledge about suits but the recent titles include a wider variety of garments so we’re working on improving the quality of clothes other than suits too.  This is why I make sure to keep my antenna up for current and emerging fashion trends I do this by analyzing what people are wearing in cities and by staying updated with apparel brands’ new collections While visiting apparel stores is good for studying actual fabrics and trends designer collections tend to include “edgier” pieces brimming with the designer’s individuality so I keep these in the back of my mind as a means of making character’s stand out more.  ──I wouldn’t have imagined that you keep up with collections too I guess it’s important to have a wide radar.  Mitake: The Director of RGG Studio/Executive Producer(Masayoshi Yokoyama) has very keen instincts when it comes to these things we had MB participate as costume supervisor for Like a Dragon Gaiden and Infinite Wealth I feel like the Like a Dragon series is always updating its values Does working on the series require you to be in tune with what’s happening in the world?   Honya: Each time we work on a new game we try to evaluate it based on the question “would I personally get excited about this?” This is how we make sure that we don’t bore our players Since Like a Dragon has a modern-day setting I think everyone in the studio is aware of what’s new what’s drawing people’s attention and what seems like it will take off in the future the VTuber Hisoka Tatara who appears in Infinite Wealth is an embodiment of the current era we held a contest within the studio and picked the winning design out of multiple entries.  regardless of their position and department to apply with their own VTuber designs.  ──I was convinced you had the VTuber designed externally or something so I think a lot of them liked the idea of trying to draw one themselves that was actually not the first time we held a contest as we do them from time to time.  The wall art in the streets of Hawaii in Infinite Wealth was also selected in this way.  ──I already said this earlier in the interview but the staff at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio seem really motivated Do you have anything you’d like to say for the end?  Honya: We’ve put extra care not only into the main cast but into the various characters that appear on Dondonko Island and in Sujimon Battles too so please enjoy their designs thoroughly as you play Infinite Wealth!  Mitake: Infinite Wealth is an extremely large-scale game and the number of characters we’ve designed for it breaks our past records so please enjoy everything the game offers!  Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is available for the PC (Steam) PS4/PS5 and Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S  Editor: Yuuki Inoue][Translator: Amber V][English Editor: Verity Townsend]  Delivering gaming news from Tokyo/Osaka Japan How do Like a Dragon games come out so fast? One of RGG Studio’s secrets is a highly efficient testing and debugging cycle that starts as soon as development does Interview: The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy’s devs needed players to think they were “completely out of their minds” to compete in the game market  Interview: Nitroplus missed Armored Core so much, they started making their own mecha action game Dolls Nest – then AC6 got announced  and website in this browser for the next time I comment I did like reading how much goes into modeling and character design we do not get to see behind the scenes But I do have to slightly mention that the focus on realism or beyond photorealism the comparison between the Saeko differences show diminishing returns when it comes to how much detail you can put into a model or a character as a whole throughout the industry as it has reached peak as the comparison is not that dramatic if this is really the way to go for future Like A Dragon Titles As there is too much focus on Realism and Side Games that feels like a theme park for Like A Dragon some side games and Character Drama that actually is Like A Dragon AUTOMATON WEST is operated by Active Gaming Media Inc.Reproduction in any form or medium without acknowledgment of Active Gaming Media Inc Copyright © 2025 - AUTOMATON WEST / Theme by Creative Themes Gifu Prefecture--Knock down a wall and you never know what you’ll find especially if the building being renovated is an ancient temple Two “hagoita” wooden paddles for the traditional badminton-like game “hanetsuki,” believed to be more than 400 years old were discovered in a recess inside the main hall of Gankoji temple here The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Kani Saizo (1554-1613) a legendary master spearman who briefly served warlord Akechi Mitsuhide was found scribbled on a wall behind an altar upon which the temple’s principal deity had been placed believes that they were scribbled by travelers passing through the Tosando one of the main routes during feudal times before the “kuden” (a type of “zushi,” or a miniature shrine containing the temple’s principal deity) was donated in 1610 “The fact that it contains a lot of graffiti shows that it was a temple familiar to the public,” said Uchiyama who heads the on-site office of the Japanese Association for Conservation of Architectural Monuments The hagoita were nailed to a wall more than 2 meters tall One paddle was displayed to show its front side The other paddle bears a severely flaking illustration that appears to be “shitomido,” or latticed wooden shutters When the paddles were removed for an exhibition to show how the temple’s renovation work is being carried out an illustration of what appear to be two cranes and a pheasant was discovered on the reverse side of the first panel a curator at the Nakasendo Mitake-kan museum where the exhibition is being held said he believed the paddle bearing the cranes and pheasant was “likely drawn to make a wish,” due to its celebratory motif “Judging from the condition of the parts and materials it is safe to say that the paddles were mounted there before 1610,” Kuriyamoto “It’s possible they were dedicated (to the temple) to wish for children's health.” The main hall was rebuilt in 1581 after it burned down twice designated by the government as a national important cultural property in 1986 has been taken apart for the first time for the renovation project that started in November 2017 The exhibition displaying the paddles runs at the Nakasendo Mitake-kan museum until Aug No reproduction or republication without written permission Paddling the Mitake River on the main island of Japan brought the crew all back to zero The tension built up in our bodies from missing our connecting flight and having to stay the night in Beijing dropped from our shoulders moved through our hands and into the water Our first teacher was Masayuki “Yacu” Takahata, an adventure racer The waters of the Mitake are his training grounds and he knows every eddy We paused above a technical rapid I was trying to run clean The currents met each other rather abruptly making entry angle and paddle placement crucial for setting up the rest of the rapid “Every stroke is like I’m shaking hands with the river,” he said to me host and Japanese whitewater guru Masayuki "Yacu" Takahata takes on Class IV Otaki Rapid on the Yoshino River “Shake hands with the river.” I’d never thought of it that way the instant I was finally able to catch a fly with chopsticks I switched my approach from fighting with the river to working with it my angle was perfect and my blade placement calculated The move that felt so aggressive before now felt smooth and fluid I knew our trip to Japan was going to teach me way more than how to politely pour sake We were going to learn how to standup paddle in Japanese I’d first met Yacu on the river in Colorado When he heard about the SUP scene there and the GoPro Mountain Games specifically Zach Mahone and Paul Clark all met him during the summer competition circuit in the Rockies and had jumped at the chance to paddle with him on his home court Yacu and Olympic canoeist Taro Ando made the Mitake River their paddling home base in part because of its proximity to Tokyo and in part because of its accessible whitewater To get as many people on the river as possible Paul Clark and Peter Hall enjoying a mellow–and gorgeous–section of the Yoshino Unfortunately they’re fighting an uphill battle Fear of the river is something instilled in the Japanese at an early age Rivers are sacred; not places for recreation Yacu and his partners are showing people the risks of the river can be managed and enjoyed This November the team will be holding the first-ever whitewater standup paddling event in Japan a traditional soft woven straw mat called a tatami deems a couch and chairs unnecessary The only real luxuries were the heated toilet seat and a huge rack system on the porch for kayaks and SUPs which seemed larger than the apartment itself looking down on us from the headwaters of the river was the Mitake shrine It was built to honor the river and give the people of the towns it feeds a place to pray and express their gratitude for the life it brings them There are a series of rituals to follow when visiting a shrine a way of bringing your attention back to the present We removed our hats and bowed to show respect A fountain flowing into a stone basin sat at the base of the shrine placed there to purify one’s self before entering the offering hall Yacu walked us through the systematic act of rinsing both our hands and mouths One person at a time walked up to the offering halls allowing space for each other during prayer All of this was done before moving into prayer state where you’re from and communicate whatever you would like to the god During my prayer I realized how removed many of us are from our natural surroundings We often take for granted the things we see and use every day I wished to be more like the Japanese people regularly praying to and expressing my gratitude towards the natural world After four days on the Mitake getting our feet under us we cut the umbilical cord and left the comforts of Yacu’s wisdom and guidance We stacked our luggage and gear in a Tetris-like manner in the back of our rented van making seats in the back with rolled-up inflatable boards in an attempt to make the travel experience a little more comfortable loaded in and headed south to the island of Shikoku Japan is one of those complex countries you shouldn’t go to without preparing—but that’s what most of us did Bradley was the only one smart enough to get a Japanese travel guide and actually read it before the trip he had the only traveler’s driver license and was saddled with the task of navigating the very confusing roadways from what Americans think of as the wrong side of the road While Bradley wrestled with the steering wheel we searched for a place to sleep that night With our phones in airplane mode we navigated without the comforts of Google Maps We’re river paddlers and we’re perpetually on a budget Japan is camping friendly and it’s legal to camp almost anywhere as long as it’s not private property a random open field or someone’s farm…we weren’t sure But we decided to head toward the one and only patch we could find The gravel road wound into the night and the streetlights faded in the rearview but we found no gentle meadow We settled on a 50- by 30-foot dirt shoulder off the side of the road Using the van to barricade us from the road we laid out our inflatables as beds and settled in for the night falling asleep to power lines buzzing overhead Unless you're dirt bagging around Japan and need to get out of the rain We were surprised by how popular these convenience stores were in the Land of the Rising Sun 7-Elevens in Japan are as frequent as Starbucks in America and they quickly became our daily breakfast There were no Slurpee’s or rolling grills with glistening hot dogs rice squares wrapped in seaweed and hot dog buns filled with spaghetti Each morning you could find us standing like statues on our phones or laptops outside a shop while sipping from our hot cans of coffee (yes Yacu had set us up to meet with some of his paddling friends helped us break up the drive and took us paddling through the Kitayama Canyon Bamboo forests lined the top of the jagged canyon walls and mossy waterfalls fell from all sides It was remote and one of the most beautiful canyons I’d ever paddled through—I never knew paddling like that existed in Japan Japan continued to prove itself as one of the best dirtbag countries in the world In addition to the free camping and prolific 7-Eleven locations The affordable and luxurious bathhouses surrounding the springs are scattered all over the country For between three and five American dollars you get a shower and soak—and a cultural experience The Japanese believe there’s virtue in the “naked communion,” and the men and women generally have separate soaking areas Everyone showers before they soak with little stools lined along the wall the women chatting as they rinse the suds from their hair Our first onsen experience was a little awkward but soon Nadia and I began to look forward to our daily “naked communion.” Soaking in the onsens allowed us the opportunity to reflect on all that we had experienced the heat and stripping down seemed to bring us down to our rawest form where we could talk about anything and connect with each other and our thoughts Suggoi Sports on the south island lives up to the name graciously opened their headquarters for us For five blissful days we moved out of the van and slept in beds with houses sprinkled into the mountainous landscape and Japan’s most notorious river We arrived during low-water season and the river was still exciting and technical At the base of this rapid sat a life-threatening hazard one that Nadia and myself were not willing to take the chance of running into We sat on the sidelines while the guys ran it lapping it over and over again determined to figure out the puzzle The rest of the stretch is filled with great Class III rapids The water was so clean you could see straight to the bottom boulders hid underneath like sleeping giants and the water was so blue it could be mistaken for that of a tropical ocean Every day we took in the beauty of the river anew; we never got used to it Bradley Hilton working the crux move on Otaki Rapid The Suggoi crew took us out on our last night there to the major city of Kochi where the sake flows like The first restaurant was a narrow space sandwiched between two buildings like most businesses in Japanese cities At that point we’d been in Japan for a couple weeks and were fairly used to turning the heads of entire rooms when we entered We took off our shoes at the door and sat down cross-legged on pillows around tables no more than a foot or two off the ground Behind the bar a glass bottle filled with a snake resting in a yellowish liquid caught Zach’s eye The waitress poured us all a shot of the snake wine known as habushu The spirit is infused with a type of pit viper believed to have medicinal properties that can help men with sexual dysfunction That was only the beginning of the strangeness The next bar was all-you-can-drink: for an hour you can put down as much alcohol as you want which Nadia kept draped across her shoulders while we were there a ‘normal’ night out in Kochi isn’t complete without a karaoke session hole-in-the-wall karaoke bar that was barely big enough to fit the whole group We paid 4,200 yen (about $40) for all-you-can-drink—and sing—for an hour-and-a-half As we belted it out on stage the bartender kept reappearing our last destination before catching our flight in Tokyo To ease our pain and break up the long haul we found a nice sea wall to lay our sleeping bags near for the night I awoke the next morning to a man standing on top of the wall looking down on us it’s a popular place for morning walks “Ohio!” (‘good morning’) we said in greeting He only made it a few feet before turning around and laughing again It’s not every day that you see a bunch of Americans sleeping atop paddleboards on the beach we pulled into the gravitational pull of Mount Fuji It seemed more of a shrine than a terrestrial landmass I had seen pictures of it in textbooks and in paintings but none of them do even the smallest justice I was taken aback by its majesty and stared at it for hours The placid lake offers a crystal clear reflection of the volcano intensifying an already extraordinary scene Nadia and Bradley grabbed our boards and paddled out along with several fisherman in their paint-chipped dories We didn’t say much and paddled off in different directions to enjoy the peace of the place only able to see five feet in front of me but feeling calm and comforted knowing Mt He either climbs to its peak or visits the shrine to communicate with the mountain about where he’s going After his travels he returns to the mountain to report on his trips I’ve never known someone that felt so connected to nature that they confided in it like a close family member introduced myself and began to speak with the volcano I knew we were all feeling the same thing: we’re connected Japanese version I’ll never forget the time we started off our new year by feasting hungrily upon the sun The Japanese custom of catching the first sunrise of the year Hatsuhinode refers to the custom of watching the sunrise on the first day of January Many people go to great lengths to make this one a sunrise to remember Knowing the sunrise times is important for planning your hatsuhinode. Here is when the first sun of 2025 is estimated to rise in Tokyo and nearby regions: Watching the sun rise from on top of a mountain is a popular custom Some destinations have food stalls waiting to greet you on your first hike of the year Located less than two hours from Shinjuku Station the 929-meter-high Mount Mitake and the nearby 902-meter-high Mount Hinode are both known for their sunrise views Hiking to the summit of either isn’t overly strenuous and the panoramic vistas of Tokyo and the Kanto Plain make these mountains prime destinations for sunrise enthusiasts Mount Takao has two modes: slightly strenuous and very easy depending on if you take the cable car or not At less than one hour away from Shinjuku Station Mount Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture is well worth the trip Located just over two hours away from central Tokyo it is known as one of Japan’s top 100 mountains and its peak boasts stunning views of the sunrise There is a regular ropeway to the top during colder months so visitors can appreciate the sky full of stars before the sun starts to rise such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building it’s a little late for the moment of the sunrise itself There are two options: find a friend with a rooftop Tokyo Skytree makes for a special urban hatsuhinode unobstructed view of the sunrise above the cityscape Tickets for January 1 often need to be purchased in advance Opening times for special New Year’s events are typically earlier than usual Check Tokyo Skytree’s website for details on New Year’s hours and ticket availability.  Miura Beach provides a serene seaside sunrise experience the morning sun paints the sky in breathtaking hues The beach’s spaciousness makes it ideal for both solo reflection and group gatherings Known for its vibrant sunrise views, Hebara Beach is a hidden gem in Chiba It’s about two hours from Shinjuku and offers an unspoiled coastal ambiance The gentle waves and soft sands create a tranquil setting for welcoming the new year Kurihama Flower Park transforms into a serene hatsuhinode destination during the New Year Its elevated vantage points provide stunning sunrise views and the peaceful surroundings make it a great choice for families Kannonzaki Park in Yokosuka is a prime spot for early risers The park’s coastal cliffs offer dramatic views of the sunrise over Tokyo Bay For a reflective and less crowded hatsuhinode experience the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in Saitama is an ideal spot Its elevated location offers a peaceful and historic setting to watch the sunrise Learn more about its significance on the Sekai Mumei Senshi no Haka Wikipedia. Link copiedShareShare articleNorth Asia correspondent Mark Willacy reports from the tiny hamlet of Mitake, where a secret killer taunted locals and police with poetry verses. Shrouded by dense forest, protected from scrutiny by its remoteness, and often shielded from sight by impenetrable mountain mists, the village of 15 people does not even appear on most maps. And that is the way the elderly villagers like it. That is because this community has dark secrets to keep. But Mitake's secrets are out. This hamlet is now infamous across Japan for the "haiku killings", the brutal slayings of a third of its population. After setting the homes of three of the victims ablaze, the killer - one of their own - would flee into the thick forest, leaving behind a traditional three-line Japanese haiku poem stuck to the window of his house. Its chilling verses would taunt police and haunt the villagers who had survived the rampage. It read: The murders happened in a single night late last month, but this frenzy of killing was years in the making. In a country celebrated for its politeness, renowned for its low murder rate, and held up as a beacon of social harmony, little Mitake represents the flipside of Japan - dysfunction, exclusion and simmering violence. This was a place of blood feuds, festering ill feeling and even physical fights. The killing of the five Mitake villagers stunned Japan. For a start, the murders were especially brutal. Each of the victims was in their 70s or 80s, and each had had their skull smashed in, probably as they slept. "This is such a shocking crime in Japan, one of extraordinary cruelty," Junko Uchigama, of Japan's TBS television network, said. "I've been a crime reporter for 17 years and this case is very, very strange. It reflects on the failure of human relationships in this community." I travelled to Mitake to explore the human relationships of this tiny community, to see what drove one member of the village to bludgeon five others to death. To get to Mitake I flew to the far western prefecture of Yamaguchi. I then drove for hours along narrow winding roads, through country reminiscent of the haunting mountain landscapes of the classic American thriller Deliverance. This village is a typical mountain community where only the elderly are left. The killer had returned 20 years ago to care for his parents, but he felt out of place. He had troubles with his neighbours that developed into grudges, so he sought revenge. The mist had descended once again by the time I got there, but not low enough to hide Mitake's horrific new secret. Behind the first line of police tape I got to was the burnt frame of Miyako Yamamoto's home. Police believe the 79-year-old was in bed asleep when her neighbour, Kosei Homi, smashed her head in with a piece of wood. Investigators speculate that Homi had already done the same thing to Makoto Sadamori and his wife Kiyoko just up the road. He had then torched their homes. The next day as police investigated the fires they discovered two more bodies in two other houses in the village. The only thing they could not find was Kosei Homi, the suspected killer and amateur poet whose haiku hinted at premeditation. "This village is a typical mountain community where only the elderly are left," professor Jinsuke Kageyama, president of the Japan Association of Criminology, said. "The killer had returned 20 years ago to care for his parents, but he felt out of place. He had troubles with his neighbours that developed into grudges, so he sought revenge." Police say Kosei Homi (pictured) was an ostracised loner who embarked on a murderous rampage through his tiny community (ABC News) So what of Homi's haiku? And what of his reference to giving "delight to a country fellow?" "Country fellow is an offensive term. He was insulting his neighbours for being country bumpkins," Professor Kageyama said. Reporter Junko Uchigami had been on the scene since the morning after the slayings. What she had dug up pointed at a motive for the murders. In Japan, they call it mura hachibu. This is such a shocking crime in Japan, one of extraordinary cruelty. "That triggered some ill will between Homi and the others. He then became isolated by the rest of the village. This ostracism from the rest of the community is called mura hachibu." In other words, the 14 other residents of Mitake turned on Kosei Homi. He was an outsider, an interloper, someone who did not belong, especially after his elderly parents had died. But now the 63-year old was having his revenge. With police on motorbikes, in helicopters, on foot, and with dogs, scouring the forest, the remaining villagers huddled together in the community centre fearing the killer would return to wreak the rest of his revenge. After bludgeoning his victims to death, the killer torched their homes (ABC News) But after five days on the run, Homi was caught. He was found sitting on a trail in his underwear, and he surrendered without a fight. He immediately confessed to the killings, and now faces five counts of murder and a possible death sentence. Since the murders, more reports have emerged of nasty squabbles, vandalism, physical fights, and even a stabbing among the elderly villagers of Mitake. There were fights over rice planting, over dogs, over the use of chemicals. It seemed the villagers and Homi squabbled about everything. Far from being an idyllic mountain hamlet in a country known for its politeness and social harmony, it seems Mitake was a nest of vipers. "The murderer in this case was in his 60s and the victims in their 70s and 80s," criminologist Jinsuke Kageyama said. "This case reflects the ageing of Japan. But it also reflects the unseen anger and resentment in many of these isolated communities." But not even that isolation, or the thick mountain mists, could keep the secrets of Mitake from being revealed eventually. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Today's print edition Home Delivery on a Sunday morning amid a throng of day-tripping hikers easily identifiable by their heavy boots seam-busting backpacks and seemingly standard issue trekking poles Peppered here and there within this tribe was a less common foreswore the hikers' paraphernalia for light-but-unwieldy crash pads that they carried like oversized suitcases or else strap to their backs.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); I found the taciturn Masatoshi Nakamura in his characteristic baseball cap and hoodie standing near the station gate with a couple of other gym goers from Gravity a few folded crash pads leaning against the handrail Nakamura led the short walk to the Tama River its wide banks strewn with boulders of various shapes and sizes In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division There are some great places to hike within reach of Tokyo Tokyoites with a penchant for the outdoors love to recommend their favorite places to hike in Japan. They rarely tell you where not to go – except for Mount Fuji (seriously Japan’s best season for hiking runs from the end of rainy season in early July until the Silver Week holidays in mid-September If you are looking for a trail to hit up this summer for a nice day hike near Tokyo – these are not it Now look, any time you can head to the outdoors and immerse yourself in a forest bath it’s a good thing And Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture – just 90 minutes from Ikebukuro Station on the Red Arrow Line limited express – offers some amazing natural views This short (1,304m) stub of a hill stands in no-man’s land north of the Okutama Lake District and on the eastern fringes of the southern Japanese Alps then get ready to spend most of your time hiking along the factory roads of Yokoze It takes almost an hour to reach the trail entrance by foot The paved road meanders through limestone machinery and there is a constant flow of trucks delivering the rock for cement production The conspicuous face of Mount Buko has been chiseled into gnarly terraces as a result of excessive limestone mining The hour-long hike to reach the top of Mount Buko is unremarkable There are no natural wonders except for a couple of small waterfalls and the view from the peak offers little to inspire Mount Buko’s water is supposedly sacred and people travel from miles around to lap fresh spring water that tastes like honey Maybe I had a stuffed nose that day from all the cedar pollen but to me it tasted like water from any other sacred mountain The kicker is when we finally returned to Yokoze Station it was only 3pm and the mom-and-pop udon shop next to the station had closed for the day Alternative route: Chichibu is also home to the Mitsumine Shrine Pilgrim Trail Take the three-hour hike up Mount Mitsumine (1,100m) to the historic shrine where the now-extinct Japanese wolf is worshiped Weather can have a huge impact on the overall pleasantness of a hike and a cloudy day can ruin a hike up Mount Mitsutoge (1,785m) The highlight of this trek in the Fuji Five Lakes region is the view of Mount Fuji then there isn’t much reason to make this hike There are some high points to the day trip into Yamanashi Prefecture it’s only two hours from Shinjuku Station on the Chuo and Fujikyuko lines Out of all the other entries presented here this one provides the most strenuous hike (15km) and offers the greatest variety switchbacks and bridges on a well-marked trail Near the top you’ll pass the 88 Buddhas (there are only 81 remaining) dressed in red Now for the bad – you made the trip for glorious views of Mount Fuji and if you can’t see Japan’s sacred mountain then you just wasted seven hours of your life the summit of Mount Mitsutoge is criss-crossed with power lines in every direction Alternative route: I don’t normally recommend the more popular tourist spots, but Mount Ashigara (1,212m) – also known as Mount Kintoki – in Hakone offers snow-capped views of Mount Fuji followed by a dip in world-class onsen It seems unfair to include Mount Hinode (902m) on this list as it is a lovely hike, but it is difficult to recommend this trail when there are so many better alternatives nearby. Part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park Mount Hinode is a stop along a system of trails that takes you to some of Tokyo’s best peaks Ninety minutes from Shinjuku Station on the Chuo and Ome lines Take the cable car first to the top of Mount Mitake (or walk 45 minutes up a mountain road) and first pay a visit to the 2,000-year-old Musashi-Mitake Shrine From here you follow an easy trail along the ridgeline for about 45 minutes to the peak of Mount Hinode The peak is surrounded by azalea and rhododendron bushes and offers a view of Tokyo on one side and Mount Fuji on the other – the same view you can get from just about any other mountain near Tokyo The most memorable highlight of the hike was the modern Getting down from Mount Hinode is where this hike becomes a bear It is two hours downhill to Hinatawada Station the hiking trail becomes overrun with dirt bike trails It is difficult to discern which trail to take as there were many twists and turns that are not identified on the map After backtracking several times during our hike we finally made it to Hinatawada Station well after dark Alternative route: From Mount Mitake take a right instead of a left and head to Tokyo’s best day hike – Mount Odake – where natural rock gardens and beautiful waterfalls await Again, this is not a bad hike, but when there are so many better options, why bother? For those who need to get away from Tokyo for a day, Okutama is a breath of fresh air The rushing Tama River and its cool waters and the devil-may-care attitude of the locals makes you forget you are only 90 minutes from Shinjuku Station (on the Chuo line) Camping on the banks of the river is affordable and it is one of the few campgrounds near Tokyo where you can light a campfire There is a refreshing public onsen and the Nippara Limestone Caves are fun for the whole family to explore when you ask the locals where to go hiking they will direct you down the Otama Walking Trail The normal route is to jump back on the Chuo Line and head back three stops to Kori Station the Otama Walking Trail is an easy 8km trek that follows the Tama River upstream back to Okutama suspension bridges and views of the gorge along the way But there are also boring stretches along concrete roads and nondescript wilderness When there are so many better outdoor activities available Alternative route: If there is a mountain within easy distance of Tokyo that would be considered a hidden gem – Okutama’s Mount Kawanori (1,363m) would be it gorgeous picnic areas and less foot traffic this hike is recommended any time of year – even winter Okay, we all knew this was coming. Mount Takao (599m) is also included on our list of best day hikes from Tokyo, as there are some nice alternative routes to reach the short The bonus of Mount Takao is that it is that the closest mountain to Tokyo – only one hour from Shinjuku Station on the Keio Line just about every hiker in Tokyo is looking for any mountain to climb other than Mount Takao Everyone has a horror story of hiking Trail 1 which starts from the cable car station halfway up the mountain You will see college kids dragging up coolers of beer And they are all hoarded together as close as possible There is no social distancing on Trail 1. On my first hike attempt of Mount Takao I made the mistake of going shortly after New Year’s Eve. I was not aware that Takao’s Yakuo-in shrine is one of the most popular destinations for hatsumode – the first shrine visit of the year My outdoors getaway was the same as plodding through Tokyo Station on a Monday morning Hiking Mount Takao is of course recommended Alternative route: Mount Jinba – this 857m mountain is just a little further from Tokyo than Mount Takao. From the peak of Mount Jinba follow the ridgeline for 17km to Mount Takao When you've spent your time in Tokyo it’s easy to forget that 70 percent of Japan is made of mountains there are lots of hilly treks and jungle trails to explore Here are some of the most beautiful trails in and around Tokyo a number of which you can even do as a day trip we've given each mountain trail a star rating out of five for difficulty plus information on how to get to the starting point the foliage is a work of art and the views are pristine too: the weather is comfortable for outdoor activities and you'll get to admire seasonal blooms as well RECOMMENDED: More day trips from Tokyo Photo by Nick NarigonThe nearby Mt Takao (599m) is one of the most heavily trafficked mountains in the world attracting about 2.6 million visitors annually famed for the slightly phallic white statue (it’s meant to be a horse) at its summit The 18.5km (total) route ends at Takao and the flat traverse along the ridge can be completed in about six hours.Difficulty level ★★How to get there From Shinjuku Station take the Keio or Chuo line to Takao Station then hop on the bus towards Jinba Kogenshita and get off at the last stop which serves traditional Japanese sweets or light meals There's another 90-minute hiking trail that starts and ends at the shrine and loops around the mountain you’ll pass the Nagaodaira Observatory as well as the Ayahiro Falls and a rock garden with impressive moss-covered stone formations.Difficulty level ★How to get there From Shinjuku Station Photo by Nick NarigonThe Musashi Mitake Shrine at the summit of Mt Mitake is also the starting point for the hike to Mt Otake (sometimes spelt 'Odake') It's an extended version of the hike around Mt Mitake and takes two to three hours to complete The semi-strenuous trek takes you through the natural rock landscape and past Ayahiro Falls The summit also offers the obligatory view of Mt Fuji.Difficulty level ★★How to get there From Shinjuku Station Photo: Attic/PixtaOverlooking the scenic river valley of Okutama (pictured) Mt Kawanori’s main attraction is the beautiful Hyakuhiro Falls but autumn and winter bring serenity and gorgeous views of the snow and ice It takes three-and-a-half hours to reach the summit The return trip takes another three hours to reach Hatonosu Station for a total hike of 14km and roughly seven hours. Difficulty level ★★★ How to get there From Shinjuku Station take the Chuo line’s express train to Okutama Station then take a local bus from stand No 1 to Kawanoribashi Photo by Nick NarigonThe well marked trail from Mitsutoge Station to Mt Mitsutoge offers a bit of variety you’ll pass the 88 Buddhas (there are only 81 remaining) dressed in red There are splendid views of Mt Fuji along the entire 15km and the descent is a rolling path overlooking Lake Kawaguchi.Difficulty level ★★ ½How to get there From Shinjuku Station then hop on the Fujikyuko line to Mitsutoge Station is just three minutes' walk from Nikko Station Photo: Blanscape/DreamstimeEscape the city chaos – the prefectures around Tokyo boast great beaches, onsen resorts, organic farming, hiking and vineyard tours Photo: Tabea GreunerTo see Mt Fuji in all its glory, take a day trip out of Tokyo to these scenic spots in Yamanashi and Shizuoka With spectacular mountain scenery, soothing onsen and amazing art museums, Hakone makes the perfect short getaway from Tokyo Ogasawara Photo/PixtaOgasawara is technically part of Tokyo but these remote islands are a subtropical paradise unlike anywhere else you've seen Explore beyond the Japanese capital on one of these easy day trips The fast-paced hustle of Tokyo is exhilarating we need a break in the form of a brief nature escape to restore our balance While navigating public transportation in central Tokyo is a breeze venturing further out can pose challenges with finding train-accessible destinations To make your search for nature escapes easier we’ve curated a list of five train-friendly destinations perfect for a day trip from Tokyo.  Can you believe it takes only a little more than one hour to get from the concrete jungle of Shibuya to the salt breezes of Zushi board a local Shonan-Shinjuku Line train stopping in Zushi a beachside town located between Kamakura and Yokosuka from where a 15-minute walk will take you to the idyllic sandy shores of Zushi Beach a tranquil escape where you can enjoy shallow waves and bask under the sun you can also catch a stunning view of Mount Fuji.  Stroll to Hayama Marina, where you can shop, enjoy lunch and savor a gelato served from a charming yellow school bus. Save room for a second dessert, as Misaki Donuts a local specialty store known for its handmade donuts is conveniently located near the station.  With a belly full of donuts or a hefty to-go bag head back to Tokyo — and be sure to aloe up overnight to prevent sunburn Though nearby Mount Takao often steals the limelight due to its easy accessibility and the many festivals held there throughout the year Mount Mitake is not a mountain to be overlooked Mitake provides the perfect opportunity to top up your chi.  Take a moment to listen to the sounds of running water and native birds as you make your way up the rocky stream. On the way back, stop by the summit to visit Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine Founded during the reign of Emperor Sujin (97–30 BCE) a divinity that protects farmers from disasters.  enjoy a home-cooked meal and dessert prepared by locals while taking in the stunning views of the mountain range browse the small souvenir shops selling traditional Japanese otsukemono (pickled vegetables) and plush toys.   a beautiful seaside city in Shizuoka Prefecture that retains its traditional charm is an easy 45-minute shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station Explore the city’s winding shopping streets filled with shops selling traditional Japanese snacks and other food before finding a spot — whether on the beach or higher ground — to watch a 20-minute nighttime fireworks show.  The historic Atami Fireworks Festival Each firework explosion sends sparkling tendrils of light up over the sea creating a reflection on the water’s mirror-like surface The interplay of reflections and sounds — from both the explosions and the waves — exemplifies the beauty and power possible when nature and human creativity come together.  so be sure to purchase a round-trip train ticket when leaving Tokyo.  This park northwest of Tokyo is known for its 400,000 shibazakura plants that bloom each April don’t let that stop you from planning your next trip to the park Located about a 15-minute walk from Chichibu Station — itself around 1.5 hours from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro Station — Hitsujiyama Park is a breathtaking scenic escape from Tokyo.  While you’re there, be sure to visit the springtime markets that sell locally crafted wares and traditional foods, including wooden utensils, flower mochi and skewered grilled fish. If you prefer to sit in a restaurant, try one of the 60 soba restaurants in the town’s center The Chichibu region cultivates buckwheat flour — the main ingredient in soba — making the noodles a must-try local dish.  Meander around the shopping district and visit the local temples before heading back to the station for some heavy-duty souvenir shopping and the return trip to Tokyo.  the park is a beautiful place an hour from Tokyo that ticks all the boxes for a nature-filled day trip At the easternmost point of the Miura Peninsula Kannonzaki makes you forget you’re in Japan Not only does the park feature panoramic ocean views it also boasts attractions like the Kannonzaki Nature Museum Kannonzaki Lighthouse and the Yokosuka Museum of Art.  Enjoy a slow lunch at a café looking out over Tokyo Bay or bring food to grill and sizzle away the afternoon at one of the many barbecue picnic spots in the area dip your toes into the clear blue water before heading back up the beach to the bus stop for the ride back to the station.   After spending time in Tokyo’s concrete jungle, you might be hankering for some greenery and a dose of forest bathing These six mountain hikes are easily accessible from Tokyo so hit the dusty trail and enjoy a spot of fresh air you will want to reach the viewpoint before noon in order to catch a glimpse of Fuji before it becomes shrouded in clouds Takao’s trails become clogged during the busy seasons namely early November when the fall foliage is vibrant and during the New Year’s period when thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage to the mountain’s ancient temple The nice thing about Takao is the seven trails leading to the summit offer enough variety for all level of hikers there is a cable car that can take visitors halfway up the mountain to the shrine – and the beer garden the monkey park and various eating establishments My personal recommendation is taking trail six which offers more rustic trails and scenery including small mountain shrines and waterfalls For those looking for even more of a challenge from Takao Station walk over to bus stop 1 and take the bus bound for Jinba Kogen Shita to its last stop (about 35 minutes) The hike to the top of te 857-meter Mount Jinba is relatively easy At the summit you will see a statue of a white horse and from there you can take a trail that follows the ridgeline 17km to Mount Takao This is a great practice route for trail runners trekkers looking for something new can hike from Mitake to Mount Hinode a lovely mountain covered in azaleas and rhododendron bushes that is a popular spot to watch New Year’s sunrise which is located in the western part of Tokyo at least when compared to the other mountains surrounding Tokyo proper The Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station takes you directly to Okutama Station It is recommended to make this trek during weekends and national holidays when you can catch the 90-minute Holiday Rapid Okutama train (departing at 6:46 From Okutama Station take the bus from stand number one (on weekends and holidays departs at 8:35 and 9:35) for a 15-minute ride to the Kawanori-bashi stop Here you will find the trailhead to Mount Kawanori (1,363m) This is not a strenuous hike but offers enough challenges and nice scenery to stay interesting which at 40-meters-tall is one of Tokyo’s most impressive waterfalls The hiking trails to Mount Kawanori are considered primitive in the fact they don’t have any toilet facilities For example the trail to Mount Hinode has solor-powered flush toilets This lack of modern facilities keeps beginner hikers at bay which means the trails aren’t as crowded as others If you don’t want to backtrack to Okutama from the summit of Mount Kawanori you can hike your way directly to Hatonosu or Kori stations Peaking at 877 meters, Mount Tsukuba is 90 minutes north of Tokyo. Just take the 45-minute Tsukuba Express from Akihabara Station to Tsukuba Station and then hop on the 45-minute bus ride headed for Tsukuba Shrine one of the ‘100 Famous Japanese Mountains’ actually has two peaks representing male and female deities The Shinto shrine located at the foot of the mountain with poems dedicated to the shrine dating back to 710 A.D which is essentially a straight climb up the mountain with no switchbacks If you want to save time and energy you can take the cable car directly to the summit The two-hour ascent is broken up nicely with scenic views of the Kanto valley below and picnic spots Tsukuba is famous for its rock formations that are given metaphorical descriptions There is the pile of boulders that appears to be a the back of the god Daikokuten Another formation depicts the side profile of Buddha One is two ships passing each other at sea One interesting formation is that of a frog people toss rocks into the frog’s gaping mouth for good fortune The summit offers a panoramic view of the Kanto plain On clear days you can see Mount Fuji and even the Skytree The descent takes just over an hour for a total round trip of approximately three to four hours Nokogiriyama – the “saw-tooth mountain – in Chiba is one of the best day-trips from Tokyo but for some reason is lesser known than its counterparts to the west Overlooking the town of Kanaya on the coast of Tokyo Bay Nokogiriyama is a two-hour train ride from Tokyo Station to Hamakanaya Station on the JR Uchibo Line or a 40-minute ferry ride from Kurihama to Kanaya The trailhead is about 15 minutes from the ferry port It’s possible to scale the 329m mountain on foot in about an hour but you can save your legs by taking the cable car to summit in about 5 to 10 minutes a short walk along a rough path and down some sheltered steps brings you to the sprawling Nihon-ji temple It’s here you will find the Hyaku-shaku Kannon a 30-meter high relief image of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy carved into the rock A few minutes on from the Kannon is the Ruriko observatory One of the lookouts here is known as Jigoku Nozoki as visitors venture out onto a outcrop offering a vertiginous view From here you can take the ‘1500-Arhat Approach’ down the mountain and each clustered with carved statues of Buddhist devotees and deities Down a slope you come to the stately 31-meter tall Daibutsu the largest stone-carved Buddha figure in Japan sitting meditatively on his pedestal in a tranquil clearing Mount Nokogiri’s full circuit takes about 90 minutes Escape the city and get your dose of fall colors ginkgoes and other deciduous trees that dazzle us with fiery colors from October to December Tohoku and even Hokkaido regions offer endless sceneries of beautiful fall foliage For those looking for a little fresh air and exercise here are 12 outdoor hiking areas in Japan supplying venturers with the best of all worlds No list is complete without Mount Takao, which offers all one could want out of fall: leaves thickly layering the hiking trails wide panoramas that include Tokyo and Yokohama and refreshments at lookout spots at the summit Returning visitors are familiar with the eight different routes to the top Unfortunately Takao-san also offers people – thousands and thousands of people – during peak foliage season Climbing Mount Odake is the most convenient day hike from Tokyo aside from  Takao. One of the three famous peaks of Okutama, Odake-san (1,267m) is one of the tallest mountains in Tokyo Prefecture. The journey begins with a six-minute cable car ride to the summit of Mount Mitake (929m) a place of worship for more than 2,000 years the shrine is particularly picturesque in the autumn the trail to the summit of Odake takes you past a sacred boulder a tranquil natural rock garden (offering a lovely picnic spot) and the cascading Ayahiro Falls both Mount Nantai and Mount Oku-Shirane can easily be done in a day The beauty of these particular routes is that they cover not only extensive natural environments but also areas of historical and cultural value Lake Tanzawa, with its teal green waters, stretches towards a snow-peaked Mount Fuji, surrounded by overhanging branches and embraced by a sloping, sandy bank for visitors to relax on. Nearby mountains making for breathtaking views in a quiet region It is a great place for a picnic and a light hike Nearby are Tenman and Kamioda Shrines; both resting alongside Miho Dam nestled in a thick forest that turns brilliant colors in fall The lake and shrines are easily reached from the Yamakita area (less than a two-hour train ride or drive from Tokyo) and just 12 minutes from Yaga Station by car A shinkansen from Ueno Station will get you to Ibaraki in just under 30 minutes. The stunning Fukuroda Falls are a must for autumn’s to-visit list the shape-shifting falls cascade through a valley of low-hanging The boardwalks and crisscrossing bridges provide ample viewing and alternating perspectives of the falls and treetops the park staff illuminates the falls in brilliant colors to create images and rainbow effects wide waterfalls and spectacular fall foliage Located 40 minutes from Numata Station, Fukiware Falls is one of Gunma’s hidden gems the waterfall was created when part of the soft granite riverbed eroded and split apart resulting in a horseshoe-shaped seven-meter-high drop Some people call it the Niagara of the East Visitors can get just meters away from the waterfall and feel its power up close the dense forest lining the riverbank blazes with yellows and oranges A walking track circuit takes you to the other side of the river and up the hillside for a different perspective of this breathtaking waterfall The Yatsugatake area offers beautiful nature a plethora of other outdoor activities and a wide variety of fall festivals Bordering Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures the Yatsugatake region is located in the middle of the Japanese Alps The most popular mountains to climb are Akadake Yatsugatake’s highest peak at 2,899 meters the second highest at 2,829 meters and Ioudake at 2,760 meters Many climbers make the trek from peak to peak there are plenty of less challenging trails along the base where one can enjoy the splendor of the fall foliage This national park straddles the borders of Niigata and Nagano prefectures It features a combination of volcanic and non-volcanic mountains giving the land a mix of geological structures that are rarely seen together in Japan This may be one of the reasons the region has been important for ascetic practices since ancient times as well as the difference in elevations across the region help maintain a large biodiversity of flora and fauna Koyaike moor (pictured above) is located 2,100m above sea level while Lake Nojiri is home to the unearthed fossils of the Naumann elephant Sometimes referred to as the roof of Hokkaido, the Mount Daisetsu volcanic group has many active volcanos and includes Mount Asahidake which is Hokkaido’s highest peak at 2,291 meters above sea level The area is popular among mountain climbers for its variety of challenging climbs and breathtaking views Hikers can rest at one of the many hot spring resorts in the area: Sounkyo Onsen — the largest hot spring area in northern Hokkaido — as well as nearby Daisetsu Kogen Onsen The Ainu people refer to the area as Kamui Mintara which means “the playground of the gods,” and is host to rare animal species such as the Japanese pika (often referred to as a living fossil) eight members of the TW staff and TW Insider's Club went for a hike to complete the TELL Step Up Challenge In my Boy Scout days one of the leadership lessons we were taught when going on hikes is that the group is only as fast as its slowest member I parroted this mantra whenever it seemed fit for the appropriate PowerPoint slide However, I never saw it in action until we hiked Mount Tanigawa in Gunma Prefecture with a group of Tokyo Weekender staff members and TW Insider’s Club members on September 16 We chose to work towards improving the following areas for our company our community and Japan as a whole: diversity and inclusion Which brings us to the reason we braved the adverse elements and craggy slopes to reach the top of Mount Tanigawa As we launched the TW Impact campaign, we identified key charities and volunteer projects to which we wish to contribute. TW has long been a proponent for and collaborator with TELL Japan not-for-profit organization providing support and counseling services to Japan’s international community since 1973 They asked participants to select one day between September 10 and October 10 (World Mental Health Day) and either individually or as a team of two to four people walk 21,081 steps – one step for each person who committed suicide in Japan in 2020 The purpose of the Step Up Challenge is to raise funds to make the TELL Lifeline Services available 24 hours a day stress and depression are considered secondary damages caused by the Covid-19 pandemic Each one of us has been affected by mental health issues in the past year One of the recommended stress relievers is to escape the city (while taking necessary precautions to cause further spread of Covid-19) and bask in Japan’s nature There are mountains closer to Tokyo that we considered – such as Mount Takao or Mount Mitake But we don’t do anything simple or easy here at Tokyo Weekender I reached out to Cory McGowan, who recently founded Adventure Partner in Minakami in Gunma Prefecture. Adventure Partner is a “bespoke coaching business that blends in the unique natural landscape of Minakami.” While Minakami is more well-known for river rafting and canyoneering it is also located within the Tanigawa Mountain Range The Tanigawa mountains are popular for the gorgeous autumn scenery and backcountry skiing in deep Cory identified immediately with our cause and said we are all going to climb Mount Tanigawa – the “mountain of death.” it seemed grotesquely fitting that to honor the friends and family we lost in the past year we chose to climb the mountain that has seen more deaths than any other mountain in the world Since the 1930s more than 800 people have died on Mount Tanigawa – nearly three times more than Mount Everest Most of the deaths have occurred during winter when climbers attempt the rock climbing routes that are graded from I–VI by the Japanese Ice Climbing Rating Tanigawa is a popular training ground for Japanese climbers with their eyes set on climbing Everest with the aerial tramway bringing hikers more than halfway up the mountain Families can reach the summit from these trails It was this 6.6 km round trip that Cory selected for us It put our physical and mental fitness to the test Minakami is a 70-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station on the JR East Joetsu Line. Six TW Insider’s Club members and two TW staff members (myself included) met each other for the first time bright and early at Tokyo Station to catch the 6:36am train to Jomokogen Station We would return later that evening on the 18:23 train from Jomokogen The weather was iffy leading up to the day of the hike We were determined to go forward rain or shine and it looked like it was going to be the former Cory met us at the station with two guides – Tomo-san and Babo-san – from One Drop outdoor guide service He immediately put us through a coaching exercise called Secret Guardian You were now the secret guardian for that person and had to watch out for them At the end of the hike you had to guess who your secret guardian/stalker was a 15-minute trip that Cory asked us to enjoy in complete silence but by the time we reached our destination we were enshrouded in a dark blanket of cloud but if visibility dropped down to two meters Some members of our crew had never climbed a mountain before and were determined to reach the top it became our mission to get up and down that mountain together There were rock faces where we needed to use that chain or rope tethered to the rock surface as a guide There was low visibility to the degree that the person in the front couldn’t see the people in the back But within two hours we did reach the peak of Mount Tanigawa (1,963m) but we have photo proof that we were there getting down from the mountain proved an even bigger challenge Bearing your weight on tired legs as you inch your way down a slippery rock is wretched on the thighs we were adding an additional two hours to our hike This is when the guidance we received from Cory and the support network we built over the course of just a few hours jelled together It wasn’t just those on the hike who were supporting us The volunteers at TELL Japan were cheering us on Our fellow TW cohorts were sending us positive comments on SNS along the way And none of this could have been done without our sponsors who helped make this all possible: Mori Building Co., Ltd., Asian Tigers Japan and Faramarz Lounge & Gallery So we had the weather gods on our side as well Find out more about how to support TELL Japan at telljp.com Pigeon’s Nest Canyon and Nippara Limestone Caves By Located towards the western end of Tokyo is the peaceful and naturally abundant town of Okutama mountains and calm waters replace the high rises and dense landscapes of the inner city it’s especially great to check out in autumn as the weather cools and you crave an escape from busy everyday life Take a look at some of the most popular areas to visit as well as recommendations for the best places to eat Hatonosu (Pigeon’s Nest) Canyon showcases breathtaking views of a winding ravine in addition to the forests and mountains that surround it. A trail located a five-minute walk from Hatonosu Station takes you over a suspension bridge and along the Tama River. You can follow this trail to Shiromaru Dam the dam has an underground facility called a gyodo (fish road) where schools of fish make their way over to the nearby Lake Shiromaru A little further past the dam and around the lake is an area for standup paddleboarding this section of Okutama is one where you can easily spend the whole day.  A short walk from Shiromaru Dam over the Kazumakyo Bridge is the ever-so-cozy Earth Garden Cafe make sure to try and get a seat on the terrace where you can dine surrounded by the forest.    The easiest way is to take the JR Chuo Line from either Tokyo or Shinjuku Station to Ome Station transfer onto the JR Ome Line and get off at Hatonosu Station A one-way train ride costs ¥1,100 and takes approximately an hour and a half Though these caves are located quite literally in the middle of nowhere they are absolutely worth the trip.  Paths that wind and turn will eventually lead you to ancient shrines and caves covered in giant stalagmites and stalactites Colorful lights in neon pinks to greens illuminate the way and add to the overall otherworldly experience These caves are a constant 11 degrees Celsius throughout the year If you’re not too exhausted after the tour you can take a quick dip in the Tama River nearby.  Right across from Okutama Station is Cafe Vertere and its brewery Here you can enjoy handcrafted beer and bar food The restaurant’s most popular dish is an innovative take on a traditional hotdog known as the mackerel dog The neighboring brewery building offers tours around the facility as well as beer tastings handcrafted beer before heading back into the city?  Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Ome Station transfer onto the JR Ome Line and get off at Okutama take a 35-minute bus ride on the Nishi-Tokyo local bus bound for Syounyudou (¥520 one-way).  Mount Mitake is a 929-meter-tall mountain that gives its visitors spectacular views of the Tokyo skyline It’s especially popular among expecting parents due to being home to sacred cedar trees said to promise an-zan (safe births) This shrine has a history dating back to 90 B.C and is famous for holding religious ceremonies throughout the year In the vicinity is an observation deck as well as some souvenir shops and restaurants Rest up here before making your way down either via the cable car or one of the many trails.  Tamagawaya offers hand-made buckwheat noodles and a slightly sweet broth made using mineral water from Okutama’s rivers Any of the dishes here will leave you satisfied after a long day of hiking comfortable tatami mat seating and scent of wood will transport you to Japan’s Taisho Era (1912-1926) Another plus is that it’s easy to access — only a five-minute walk from Mitake Station.   transfer to the JR Ome Line and get off at Mitake Station A one-way train ride costs ¥940 and takes approximately 75 minutes.  From here you can take a ten-minute bus ride (¥240) to Cablecar Shita to get to the cable car station.  * Countermeasures Against Covid-19 : Please check each facility beforehand to see if there have been any changes made to business hours or services available.   From purple sweet potatoes to wild horse sightings here’s how to make the most of Okinawa’s tropical escape Explore the best local brands shaping Tokyo’s fashion scene From vintage clothing to Hawaiian-themed goods here’s what’s worth checking out before it’s gone From buying and registering a bike to key rules of the road Collagen staples for beauty and health in Japan Our handpicked list of the best events going on this month and the untold tales of Japan’s queer community Everything you need to know before and during a natural disaster Stay up to date with Tokyo news and events