By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Team
As summer temperatures continue to rise, the sweltering heat becomes unbearable—even Tokyo, despite its relatively high latitude, is blanketed in high temperatures. If you don’t want your trip to Tokyo to be spent entirely indoors with the air conditioning on, 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
Even the Japanese Imperial Family has built a summer villa for relaxation on the Nasu Plateau. (Image source / spot labo)
The 1,200-year-old Yunohara Onsen is very popular. (Image source / Visit Tochigi)
The Nasu Plateau, about a two-hour drive from central Tokyo, is a beloved summer retreat among the Japanese. The Japanese Imperial Family even has a summer villa here. Blessed with abundant natural beauty and stunning landscapes, it also offers various recreational facilities, art museums, farms, and other tourist attractions. For those wanting to soak in an onsen, the 1,200-year-old Yunohara Onsen is a great choice.
2. Yamanashi Prefecture – Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka is the highest in elevation and largest in area among the Fuji Five Lakes. (Image source / pixta)
Take an amphibious bus to enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka from the water. (Image source / kaba bus)
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, the lake also offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. You can also opt to take an amphibious bus to enjoy the spectacular sights of both Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka from the water. Nearby, there’s also the well-known Flower Town Park, which features over 300,000 square meters of colorful flowers.
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