Tokyo Walks, Hikes And Camping
It may be a metropolis famed for skyscrapers and high-rises, but Tokyo has an amazing variety of outdoor escapes and countless parks to choose from. If you want a ramble then these hikes are a great place to start, with lots of hiking groups around if you don’t fancy going it alone. For shorter and flatter walking, Tokyo has some good urban walking routes and a few oases of nature within the city limits. Perhaps you’re scouting a location for a date, or with family and want a weekend getting back to nature (for a night or two) so you’re looking for camping spots.
Looking for more of a challenge? Conquering Fuji is a great experience and can be done on a budget that won’t reach any dizzying heights. If it’s more of a relaxed day at the beach you’re after, this is a great place to start.
Sakura And Other Flower Festivals
Even if you’re not in Japan during the early Spring cherry blossom season, there’s many beautiful flower festivals throughout the seasons. As the winter fades away, the plum blossoms are first to flower, after the main sakura cherry blossom season comes the Yasezakura – late cherry blossoms, then follow the Ajisai (hydrangeas) of the rainy season, and of course the famous golds, reds and browns of Koyo (Autumn leaves). See the full calendar of Tokyo area blooms, on our Tokyo Flower Mega Guide.
Tokyo Parks
And finally the parks and gardens—there are dozens, and with relaxed laws on drinking and barbecues, you can enjoy them to their fullest (just remember to take your garbage home). You can find the best spots for picnics, barbecues, and even enjoy performances at Yoyogi Park—perfect for any sunny afternoon in the busy city.
