Forget Mt Fuji and Hakone: Visit These 3 Japanese Cities from Tokyo

Tired of the usual day trips from Tokyo? Skip Mt. Fuji and Hakone.

Instead, explore Kawagoe’s historic charm, Kamakura’s spiritual treasures, and Yokohama’s modern vibe. These nearby cities offer unique experiences.

From ancient temples to futuristic towers, you’ll discover a different side of Japan. Ready for an adventure? Let’s dive into these amazing places! 😊

1. Why Visit Kawagoe

Step back in time in Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo” for its well-preserved historical district.

Just 1 hour from central Tokyo, this charming city offers a glimpse into Japan’s past while providing modern comforts.

Wander through streets lined with traditional Kurazukuri architecture, sample local sweets, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Japan.

a. Kitain Temple

Overview:

Kitain Temple is a historic Buddhist temple complex and one of Kawagoe’s most significant attractions. Founded in 830 AD, it played a crucial role in the religious and political landscape of the Edo period.

Key Attractions:

• Main Hall: Houses important religious artifacts and artworks, providing insight into Buddhist traditions and history.
• Edo Castle Buildings: The only remaining structures from the original Edo Castle, moved here in the 17th century, offering a unique glimpse into feudal Japanese architecture.
• Gohyaku Rakan: A collection of 540 unique stone statues of Buddha’s disciples, each with distinct facial expressions and poses.
• Taho-to Pagoda: A beautiful two-story pagoda dating back to 1457, showcasing classic Japanese Buddhist architecture.

b. Kurazukuri Street

Overview:

Kurazukuri Street is the heart of Kawagoe’s historic district, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past.

This pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare is lined with traditional shops and eateries, many housed in beautifully preserved Edo-period buildings.

Key Attractions:

• Traditional Confectionery Shops: Stores selling local specialties like sweet potato treats, offering a taste of Kawagoe’s culinary heritage.
• Artisan Craft Stores: Shops showcasing handmade goods and unique souvenirs, perfect for finding authentic Japanese crafts.
• Quaint Cafes and Restaurants: A variety of eateries serving both traditional and modern Japanese cuisine in atmospheric settings.
• Kawagoe Kenpi Koubou: A sweet potato specialty shop known for its freshly fried sweet potato fries and visually appealing soft-serve ice cream made with Hokkaido milk and natural purple sweet potato.
• Kameya Eisen: A well-known confectionery shop famous for its sweet potato snacks, offering a variety of traditional sweets that make popular souvenirs.

c. Toki no Kane Street

Overview:

Toki no Kane Street, named after the iconic Bell Tower, is a historic thoroughfare that epitomizes Kawagoe’s Edo-period charm.

This street is lined with traditional buildings and offers a picturesque setting for visitors to explore.

Key Attractions:

• Toki no Kane (Bell Tower): The symbol of Kawagoe, this wooden structure has been marking time for centuries and offers a beautiful photo opportunity.
• Traditional Architecture: The street is lined with well-preserved Kurazukuri (warehouse-style) buildings, showcasing the city’s historical merchant culture.
• Starbucks: A unique Starbucks store that blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern design. Located near the Bell Tower, it features local materials like Saitama cedar and traditional fabric, offering a one-of-a-kind coffee experience amidst historical surroundings.

d. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Overview:

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine with a history dating back over 1,500 years.

Known for its connection to love and relationships, it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals seeking blessings.

Key Attractions:

• Main Shrine Building: An impressive structure showcasing traditional Shinto architecture, with intricate wooden carvings and vibrant colors.
• Tunnel of Ema: A picturesque tunnel formed by hanging wooden prayer plaques, creating a unique and Instagram-worthy spot.

e. Kashiya Yokocho

Overview:

Kashiya Yokocho, also known as “Penny Candy Alley”, is a narrow street famous for its traditional Japanese candy shops.

It’s a nostalgic spot that harkens back to the sweet treats of the Showa era.

Key Attractions:

• Diverse Sweets Selection: The alley’s shops offer a wide array of traditional Japanese confections, including colorful hard candies, crispy rice crackers, and unique local specialties.
• Local Delicacies: You can sample treats made from regional ingredients, such as sweet potato-based desserts and red bean paste cakes.
• Traditional Snacks: The street is known for its old-fashioned snacks, including sugar-coated deep-fried cookies and other nostalgic nibbles.
• Frozen Treats: Several shops serve up creative ice cream flavors, perfect for cooling down on a warm day.
• Retro Atmosphere: The alley’s old-world charm and vintage signage create a delightful environment for visitors to explore.

How to Get There

From Ikebukuro Station, hop on the Tobu-Tojo Line, and you’ll be in Kawagoe in around 36 minutes—it’s quick and convenient.

Alternatively, you can take the Seibu Shinjuku Line (Limited Express) from Seibu Shinjuku Station to Hon-Kawagoe Station. This route costs 1,120 yen and takes about 50 minutes.

2. Why Visit Kamakura

Kamakura, once the political center of medieval Japan, is a coastal city brimming with history, spirituality, and natural beauty.

Just an hour from Tokyo, it offers a perfect blend of cultural sites, beautiful beaches, and hiking trails.

From grand temples to serene shrines, Kamakura provides a peaceful escape from urban life.

a. Komachi Street (Komachi-dori)

Overview:

Komachi Street is the bustling heart of Kamakura, stretching from the station to the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

This lively pedestrian street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for shopping and sampling local cuisine.

Key Attractions:

• Traditional Craft Shops: Numerous stores selling local handicrafts, from pottery to textiles, showcasing Kamakura’s artisanal heritage.
• Gourmet Street Food: The street offers a variety of local delicacies, including vibrant skewered dango, creamy matcha-flavored ice cream from Kamakura Chacha, and bite-sized Japanese omelets (tamagoyaki) from Hannari Inari.
• Unique Sweets: You can indulge in Kamakura’s signature confections, such as the “Kamakura half moon” from Kamakura Goro – charming rabbit-adorned crescent-shaped cookies filled with smooth cream, perfect as edible souvenirs.
• Local Specialties: Food stalls and shops offering regional dishes like whitebait (shirasu) and other seafood delicacies.

b. Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in Temple

Overview:

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is one of Japan’s most iconic sights.

This massive bronze statue, dating back to 1252, sits in the open air at Kotoku-in Temple and has survived typhoons, tsunamis, and earthquakes.

Key Attractions:

• Bronze Statue: The awe-inspiring 11.4-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Japan.
• Temple Grounds: Beautiful gardens surrounding the statue, offering a serene environment for contemplation.
• Interior Viewing: You can enter the statue (for a small fee) to see its hollow structure and learn about its construction.

c. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Overview:

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine, founded in 1063 and later expanded and moved to its current location.

It’s dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto warrior clan and the divinity of war and archery.

Key Attractions:

• Main Shrine Complex: Impressive buildings showcasing traditional Shinto architecture, including the vibrant red Maiden dance stage.
• Cherry Blossom Avenue: A long approach lined with cherry trees, spectacular during spring bloom.
• Symbolic Gate Inscription: The shrine’s entrance gate features a fascinating detail in its “Hachimangu” inscription. Look closely at the character for “hachi” (八), meaning “eight”. It’s cleverly designed as two doves facing each other. These birds, long considered the shrine’s guardians, add a touch of symbolism and history to your visit.

d. Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street

Overview:

While technically on Enoshima Island, this bustling street is easily accessible from Kamakura and is a popular addition to many Kamakura itineraries.

It leads from the bridge to Enoshima Shrine, offering a lively shopping and dining experience.

Key Attractions:

• Souvenir Shops: Numerous stores selling local specialties, including products made from shirasu (whitebait) and marine-themed gifts.
• Street Food Paradise: The street is a food lover’s dream. Try grilled seafood fresh from the ocean, crispy octopus crackers (a local favorite), or sweet fish-shaped taiyaki pastries.
• Lively Atmosphere: The street buzzes with energy. As you walk, shop, and eat, you’ll soak in the unique island vibe.
• Traditional Architecture: Many shops maintain a traditional Japanese aesthetic, adding to the street’s charm.

e. Enoshima Sea Candle

Overview:

The Enoshima Sea Candle, also known as the Enoshima Observatory, is a lighthouse and observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

It’s located in the Samuel Cocking Garden on Enoshima Island.

Key Attractions:

• Observation Deck: Offers 360-degree views of Sagami Bay, the Shonan coastline, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji.
• Light Shows: The tower features illumination events in the evenings, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Samuel Cocking Garden: Beautiful botanical gardens surrounding the tower, featuring a wide variety of plants and flowers.
• Interactive Exhibits: The tower houses exhibits on the local area’s history and nature.

How to Get There

To reach Kamakura, take the JR Yokosuka Line. From Tokyo Station, it’s a 1-hour ride costing 950 yen. From Shinagawa Station, it’s 50 minutes and 740 yen. This direct train is the easiest way to get there.

3. Why Visit Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, offers a perfect blend of history, modernity, and international flavor.

Just about 40 minutes from Tokyo, it boasts a stunning waterfront, diverse culinary scene, and unique attractions.

From its historic port to futuristic architecture, Yokohama provides a different perspective on urban Japan.

a. Yokohama Cosmo World

Overview:

Yokohama Cosmo World is a compact amusement park located in the heart of Yokohama’s waterfront area.

It’s famous for its iconic Cosmo Clock 21, a giant Ferris wheel that doubles as the world’s largest clock.

Key Attractions:

• Cosmo Clock 21: The 112.5-meter Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of Yokohama’s skyline and bay area.
• Themed Areas: The park is divided into three zones – Wonder Amuse Zone, Burano Street Zone, and Kids Carnival Zone, each offering unique rides and attractions.
• Illuminations: At night, the park comes alive with colorful illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Waterfront Location: The park’s setting along the bay provides a picturesque backdrop for photos and relaxation.
• Family-Friendly Rides: A variety of attractions suitable for all ages, from thrilling roller coasters to gentle rides for younger visitors.

b. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Overview:

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a historical building complex that has been repurposed into a cultural and commercial space.

Built in the early 20th century, it now houses shops, restaurants, and event spaces.

Key Attractions:

• Architecture: The beautifully preserved red brick buildings offer a glimpse into Yokohama’s history as a prominent port city.
• Shopping: A variety of unique shops selling everything from local crafts to international brands.
• Dining Options: Numerous restaurants and cafes offering diverse cuisines, many with views of the harbor.
• Event Space: The complex hosts various events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, concerts, and seasonal markets.

c. Yokohama Chinatown

Overview:

Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest in the world.

Established in the 1860s, it’s a vibrant district filled with Chinese shops, restaurants, and cultural sites.

Spanning a vast 250,000 square meter area, this bustling neighborhood is home to more than 600 shops and eateries, offering an immersive experience of Chinese culture in the heart of Yokohama.

Key Attractions:

• Street Food: Numerous stalls and shops selling Chinese delicacies like steamed buns and dumplings.
• Colorful Gates: Ten elaborately decorated gates mark the entrances to Chinatown, each with unique designs and meanings.
• Hong Kong Road: This street is adorned with colorful arches and traditional Chinese buildings, offering a picturesque setting both day and night.
• Religious Sites: The area is home to significant religious structures such as the Kanteibyo (Kuan Ti Temple) and Mazu Miao (Mazu Temple), which reflect the spiritual heritage of the Chinese community.

d. Yokohama Landmark Tower

Overview:

The Yokohama Landmark Tower is a 296-meter skyscraper that held the title of Japan’s tallest building from 1993 to 2014.

It offers stunning views of the city and houses offices, shops, restaurants, and a hotel.

Key Attractions:

• Sky Garden Observatory: Located on the 69th floor, it offers panoramic views of Yokohama, Tokyo, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji.
• High-Speed Elevator: One of the fastest elevators in the world, reaching the observatory in just 40 seconds.
• Shopping Mall: The tower’s lower floors house a variety of shops and restaurants.

e. Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama

Overview:

The Cup Noodles Museum is an interactive museum dedicated to the history and innovation of instant noodles.

It offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, celebrating the invention of Cup Noodles by Momofuku Ando.

Key Attractions:

• Instant Noodles History Cube: A display of over 3,000 product packages, showcasing the evolution of instant noodles.
• Creative Exhibits: The museum features various exhibits on the innovation process behind instant noodles, including the story of its inventor, Momofuku Ando.
• Make-Your-Own Cup Noodles: You can create their own custom cup noodles, choosing flavors and ingredients to suit their tastes.
• Noodles Bazaar: A food court offering noodle dishes from around the world, allowing visitors to taste different cultures’ noodle cuisine.

How to Get There

• To reach Yokohama from central Tokyo, you have several convenient rail options. From Tokyo Station, the quickest route is via the JR Tokaido, Yokosuka, or Keihin-Tohoku lines. This journey takes approximately 40-45 minutes and costs 490 yen. These lines are also accessible from Ueno Station.
• If you’re starting from Shinjuku, the Shonan Shinjuku Line provides a direct connection to Yokohama. This trip typically lasts about half an hour and the fare is roughly 580 yen.
• For those departing from Shibuya, the most economical choice is the Tokyu Toyoko Line. This route to Yokohama takes just over 30 minutes and costs approximately 310 yen.

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