As the capital city of Japan, Tokyo welcomes millions of tourists per year. You might be among those who make repeated visits to the vibrant city.
But have you ever explored beyond the neon lights and manga cafes to see what else the metropolis has to offer?
There are plenty to discover around the Greater Tokyo Area, whose core comprises Tokyo and the Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures. The area’s coverage also extends to the Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma and Yamanashi prefectures.
If you’re planning a day trip in and around Tokyo, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) suggests checking out some unique local activities.
First is to have a meal and watch a live sumo wrestling at the same time... This takes place at the Sumo Live Restaurant Hirakuza in Tokyo’s Ginza district. You can watch a live sumo “show” as you enjoy your Japanese kaiseki (traditional, multi-course) cuisine – halal and vegan versions are available upon request.
You can participate in the sumo challenges, too. Or take a photo with the rikishi (wrestlers) if you’re not quite ready for the dohyo (fighting ring).
Also in Tokyo, but this time in its special ward Minato City, you can join the kintsugi workshops at art studios like Taku Nakano Ceramic Arts. This is located in Omotesando, a trendy upper-class avenue dubbed the “Champs-Elysees of Tokyo”.
Kintsugi is the traditional Japanese art of mending cracks in pottery using powdered precious metals, such as gold, platinum and silver.
For a “healing time” in nature, head to Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture. Going by bus is cost-effective but takes almost two hours of travel time. Meanwhile, the pricier train option takes less than 90 minutes.
The best time to visit would be mid-February to late March, if you want to see the city painted a pretty pastel pink. That’s when the plum blossoms (ume) are in bloom.
The city holds its annual Mito Plum Blossom Festival during the same period. This year, the festival celebrates its 130th anniversary, running for about five weeks until March 22.
If you want to go hiking, check out Mount Nokogiri. It’s located in Chiba Prefecture, which may be more known to tourists for its Disney theme parks.
Located around 40km from Tokyo, the most convenient way to reach Chiba – or specifically Mount Nokogiri – is by taking the JR Uchibo Line. The journey from the capital city until Hamakanaya Station takes around two hours.
From the train station, you can take the aerial lift Nokogiriyama Ropeway to ascend to the mountain’s summit area. Or you can start your hike from the base, going through trails that range from 1.85km to 3.85km.
Visitors are reminded to wear suitable clothing and proper shoes, and to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
To capture photos with fewer people and more serene nature, it is best to visit on weekday mornings.
