Tokyo

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Renowned for its culture, the trip to Mount Takao is one that the Japanese have been making for over 1,200 years. This cherished mountain is one that is now a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the old country. From the 599 peak, weather permitting, it’s possible to see Tokyo and Mount Fuji. There’s also a chairlift halfway up the six hiking trails for visitors who are less active. 

Since Takao is an active religious site, it’s common to see devoted Buddhists on the trails as they make their way to Yakuo-in Temple for prayers or the frigid waterfalls of Biwa-daki or Hebi-daki to cleanse themselves. If you’ve always wanted to try fire walking, you can join them in March when this ritual takes place. If you’ve never done this before, be sure to wait for the ashes to glow before making your walk as this minimizes the pain of the coals.

Biking

Regarded as one of the world’s best cities for bicycle tours, Tokyo is fairly flat with excellent air quality and some hills to ensure that your explorations remain interesting. Even cycling for a week, you’d only cover a fraction of the entire area of this region. We recommend starting in the Tokyo Bay area, which is popular with the locals. However, if you’re looking for more privacy on your ride—as well as cycling lanes that are well-marked—head to Yoyogi Park in the fashionable neighbourhood of Harajuku. You can rent bikes for a day from Tokyo Rentabike for less than £10.

Towers

You can also visit the famous Tokyo Tower, which stands at 333m in Shiba Park and was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It is orange and white in colour (to meet air safety regulations) and has two observation decks that are 150m and 250m respectively. The tower has been repeatedly demolished by Godzilla as well as had its antenna bent by the 2011 earthquake. In today’s digital age, the tower has been cast aside as old-fashioned, but it still offers incredible views of the city.

Similarly, Tokyo Sky Tree, which is now Japan’s tallest man-made structure, stands at an incredible 634m high and holds much appeal for people who love heights as you have to climb to the very top of the structure. After such exhilarating heights, a relaxing walk on the path around gardens of the Imperial Palace is ideal as it offers unobstructed views of the nearby skyscrapers while being shielded from the traffic. Japan’s 47 prefectures are all marked along the route.

Boating

Not your common boats, the Yakatabune resemble traditional Japanese homes with tables that are long and lie surrounded by tatami mats and laden with delicious sashimi and tempura. There are numerous companies that operate these boats specifically for business gatherings. In addition, the summer firework festivals are best viewed from the Yakatabune as are the night views of Odaiba Island and illuminated Rainbow suspension bridge.

Tokyo’s streets are also best navigated by boat with the Sumida river busses that weave their way through the city to three destinations of which the route connecting Odaiba and Asakusa—passing Asahi Beer Hall and the infamous “golden turd” statute—is the most popular. Odaiba is renowned for its Rainbow Bridge and Fuji TV’s headquarters that seem to be from out of this world. You’ll also enjoy the narrow streets and old-world charm of Asakusa while Sensoji Temple is easy to spot with the large akachochin red lantern that heralds visitors inside.  Try a beer and Denki Bran chaser at Kamiya Bar in Asakusa, too, as it’s a memorable experience.

Fishing

Fishermen can enjoy early-morning freshwater catches in the heart of the city. Ichigaya Fish Centre is the best choice for tourists. The waters of the Kanda River feed the five rectangular pools where you can catch small carp. You’ll particularly enjoy it if you’re competitive as there are hourly weigh-ins of catches by the local anglers with the prize of a free hour’s fishing for catches of 7kg or more.

Temples

Kamakura, the ancient capital of Japan, is not even an hour from the heart of Tokyo. Nevertheless, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world where you see the natural and cultural attractions this majestic and old-world city has to offer. It combines the beauty of Kyoto with the tranquility of the northern parts of the country. Take in the amazing view of Mount Fuji as you explore the Engakuji Temple and the Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple or stroll along Yuigahama Beach. The fartherest temple is Kenchoji Temple, which is not only the most significant Buddhist structure in the city, but also offers breathtaking views of the city. Make sure you dine on a shojinryori vegetarian meal before attempting the uphill hike to this temple.

Hakone

Centred around Lake Ashi is a national park that is volcanically active. Hakone is predominantly in this park where you’ll find a wide choice of inns and public bath houses. To make the most of your explorations in this area, look for an inn with a good price so that you can explore Owakudani’s volcanic geysers, the cherry blossoms and botanical gardens in the spring and Hakone Shrine, which is located on the lake’s shore.