Friday 3 July 2020

Get Closer to Nature: Western Tokyo and the Tokyo Islands

On the western edge of the Tokyo Metropolis lies Hinohara Village, the only mainland village that’s still part of Japan’s capital. It’s where you can experience the beauty of nature and forget the troubles of city life after just a 2-hour ride from the center of Tokyo.

You can spend days exploring the area around Hinohara, but to get the most out of your trip to this last bucolic bastion of traditional Japanese culture, you should sign up for a guided tour. Some offer one-of-a-kind experiences, like making your own bamboo bow and cooking outdoors. The hike along the mountain stream is also amazing. Of course, most tours will show you the very best that Hinohara has to offer, including the beautiful Hossawa Falls (Tokyo’s only entry on the list of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls), the Kazuma-no-yu hot spring, or the can't-miss spots to eat local food. Hinohara is a relaxing getaway that any Tokyoite will appreciate.

Along with Hinohara Village, you should also consider the Tama area for a natural oasis of green in the great sprawling metropolis that is modern Tokyo. Hike the picturesque trails along Tama Lake or play by the enchanting Tama River. If that’s not really your style, luxurious glamping options are also available.

Finally, for something a bit more exotic, there are the Tokyo islands. Although located hundreds of kilometers from its center, the “Seven Islands of Izu,” as well as the subtropical Ogasawara Islands, are all officially part of Japan’s capital. Besides being a registered UNESCO World Heritage site, the latter are also known as the “The Galápagos of the Orient” due to their native plants and animals found nowhere else. As you can see, Tokyo might be known for things like its technology, but it can also bring you closer to nature if you only give it a chance.

Tourist information site for the Tama area and island of Tokyo
https://tamashima.tokyo/en/

Take a Trip Through Tokyo’s Islands of Enchantment
https://youtu.be/nqPW4HLENL0

Take a Trip Through Tokyo’s Natural Wonder
https://youtu.be/33r462w05T8

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