Love in Tokyo Travel: A Few Places You’ll Regret Not Visiting in a Lifetime

Familiar city, unfamiliar corners. For most people who have been to Tokyo, many areas of the city are already well known. Although Tokyo is a place that requires little introduction, there are still some lesser-known, wonderful corners that most have never heard of. These hidden paradises waiting to be discovered offer a glimpse of serenity amidst the hustle and bustle. You’ll be amazed that Asia’s largest city has such a tranquil side. Come explore these three mysterious spots around Tokyo—you’ll remember them for a lifetime:

Okutama

Nishitama District

Transportation: A two-hour train ride from Tokyo, get off at Okutama Station via the JR Chuo Line and Ome Line (approx. $10 USD per trip)

Located within Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, Okutama is the perfect getaway for nature lovers looking to escape the city. Here, you can find shelter in its spectacular mountain ranges, clear rivers, and valleys. It’s a one-stop travel experience you won’t find in central Tokyo. Full-day trip highlights: Overlook the 40-meter-high Hatonosu Gorge from a narrow suspension bridge, plus more Tama River water activities such as waterfall rappelling and rafting (Splash Tokyo), and hiking along the countless trails around Lake Okutama. Okutama is also one of Japan’s top three mustard-producing regions. Be sure to taste the delicious mustard here; you can even harvest it fresh yourself. For a luxurious Japanese inn experience, stay at Suikoen and enjoy private onsen facilities along with a gorgeous traditional kaiseki meal (tip: it tastes even better with freshly ground mustard).

Love in Tokyo Travel Episode 1 Video: http://www.iqiyi.com/v_19rra89fkg.html

Mount Mitake

Ome City | For more information, see: gotokyo.org

Transportation: Take a 75-minute JR Chuo Line train from Tokyo/Shinjuku Station to Ome Station; then transfer to the JR Ome Line for a 20-minute ride to Mitake Station (approx. US $9 one way)

Mount Mitake, located within Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, stands at 929 meters above sea level and is famed for its diverse landscapes. This sacred mountain is a dream destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. There are numerous scenic hiking trails leading to the summit. For those less inclined to walk, you can take a 6-minute cable car ride (US $6 per person) to the next station. Then, after a 20–30 minute walk through a historic village filled with Japanese inns and souvenir shops, you’ll reach the crowning glory of Mount Mitake—Mitake Shrine. Said to be a Shinto center dedicated to the mountain deity, this pilgrimage site has welcomed worshippers for 2,000 years. After leaving the sacred site, you can stroll through the “Rock Garden” for up to an hour—an unforgettable experience. The area features a narrow forest valley with picturesque streams, waterfalls, and moss-covered rocks. Finally, reward yourself with a free sake tasting at the nearby Sawanoi Sake Brewery, just a short walk from the cable car station.

Izu Ōshima

Izu Islands | For more information, see: gotokyo.org

Transportation: Take a two-hour jetfoil ride from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier to Izu Ōshima (Tōkai Kisen, approx. US $70 one way)

Izu Ōshima (commonly called Ōshima) is the largest of the seven Izu Islands, with a population of 9,000. Surrounded by hot springs, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches, the island is home to Mount Mihara, an active volcano at the heart of the national park. Hiking to Ura-sabaku (Black Desert) offers a truly stunning sight—it’s the only place in Japan referred to as a “desert.” Once you’re standing on these vast, deep black sand dunes, it feels like you’ve entered another world. These black sands are formed from a mix of volcanic ash and cinder. Likewise, you can head out to the island’s longest and most beautiful coastline at Sunanohama Beach to find some of the most breathtaking views. If in season, the beautiful camellia forests and blossoms offer one of the most otherworldly sights on the island. Hands-on visitors can also try their hand at traditional cold-pressing methods to extract and refine camellia oil.

Love in Tokyo Travel Episode 2 Video: http://www.iqiyi.com/v_19rra8ddis.html

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