Tokyo’s Top 5 Summer Getaways – All Within a Day Trip

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
As summer temperatures soar and the sweltering heat becomes unbearable, even latitude-high Tokyo isn’t spared from the high temperatures. If you don’t want your Tokyo trip to be spent only in air-conditioned indoor spaces, there are actually many natural summer retreats not far from central Tokyo, where you can enjoy comfortable, pleasant temperatures and the beautiful scenery of nature. Why not embark on a unique summer escape?
 

1. Tochigi Prefecture – Nasu Plateau

The Nasu Plateau, about a 2-hour drive from central Tokyo, is a beloved summer destination among the Japanese. Even the imperial family has built a summer villa here. Blessed with abundant natural beauty and stunning landscapes, the area also features various recreational facilities, art museums, and farms. For those looking to soak in hot springs, the 1,200-year-old Yunohara Onsen is also a great choice.
 
2. Yamanashi Prefecture – Lake Yamanaka

As the highest in elevation and largest in area among the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Yamanaka has an average annual temperature about 7 degrees lower than Tokyo’s. Aside from being a famous summer retreat in Japan, visitors can also admire the majestic Mount Fuji from the lakeside. You can even hop on an amphibious bus to enjoy the spectacular views of both Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka from the water. Nearby, there’s also the renowned Flower Town Park, which boasts over 300,000 square meters of colorful flowers.