Too beautiful to be real: Four stunning scenic spots near Tokyo

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

Tokyo is a popular tourist destination in Japan. Aside from shopping and dining in the city, why not head to its outskirts to enjoy breathtaking views? Here are four worthwhile off-the-beaten-path attractions, including W?, M?, and others, each offering a unique natural landscape.

1. W?? - Moomin Valley Park
Originating from Finnish Nordic fairy tales, the warm and healing image of Moomin is beloved by the Japanese. W? is a hidden gem that Chinese tourists highly recommend. It's just an hour’s drive away, where you can enjoy pristine nature and catch a glimpse of the charming Moomin world in the background.

The park features three uniquely designed buildings: Moomin’s House, the Forest House, and the Children’s Theater. The scenery changes with the seasons, and Moomin’s round-shaped house is divided into a basement, living room, attic, and roof. The wooden interiors and warm lighting create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. 

Address: 93-1 Hokkaido, W? Town, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 9:00 - 17:00

2. Ibaraki - Hitachi Seaside Park (Operated by the National Government)
The renowned flower-viewing spot in Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi Seaside Park, offers a rich variety of flowers and expansive, sweeping views. Every year in April and May, around 4.5 million nemophila (baby-blue-eyes) flowers bloom, creating a vast blue-purple carpet that gives visitors a magical, fairytale-like experience.

In autumn, Hitachi Seaside Park also features the world’s most adorable kochia (broom) flower fields. The green plants gradually turn into fluffy red orbs, creating an extremely heartwarming sight that attracts large numbers of tourists every year. 

Address: 605-4 Ohnuma, Makabe, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:30 - 17:00