Notes on Unique Day Trips Around Tokyo

Overview

This video presents 20 unique attractions and experiences in and around Tokyo that are lesser-known and accessible via public transport. The host shares personal recommendations, highlighting beautiful locations, cultural experiences, and culinary delights that offer a different perspective of Japan.

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1. Togakushi Shrine

• Description: A stunning shrine surrounded by beautiful trees, offering a magical experience in all seasons.
• Access:
  • Train to Nagano Station, then a one-hour bus to Hokosha bus stop.
  • Recommended hike: 3-hour mini pilgrimage visiting five main shrines (not accessible in winter due to snow).
• Highlights: Cedar Corridor, serene atmosphere, fewer crowds in winter.

2. Zenkoji Temple

• Location: Near Nagano Station.
• Features:
  • Massive and beautiful temple.
  • Lined path with shops and restaurants.
  • Experience making personalized shichimi (hot pepper powder) for about 800 yen.
  • Traditional Shin Yori (monk's cuisine) - vegan, colorful, and flavorful.

3. Vowz Bar

• Description: A bar run by real monks, serving unique alcoholic drinks and traditional monk cuisine (shoji ryori).
• Experience: Mini Buddhism sermons and sutra chanting.
• Access: 5-minute walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station.

4. Yabusame (Horseback Archery)

• Historical Context: Traditional samurai training from the Kamakura period.
• Experience:
  • Lessons on archery and horseback riding.
  • Cost: 12,000 yen for the lesson, plus 4,400 yen for traditional attire (optional).
• Access: Limited Express train to Kabuchizawa Station, with private car pickup or bike rental options.

5. Scenic Spots (Driving Required)

• Manami Inaga Lake: Beautiful autumn leaves and swans (no public transport).
• Sakura Wanitsuka: Photo location with stunning views.
• Yamataka Jindai Zakura: Home to the oldest cherry blossom tree (approx. 2,500 years old).

6. Sorano Hotel

• Description: Modern Zen-style hotel with an infinity pool offering views of Mount Fuji.
• Cost: Approximately 42,900 yen, with off-season discounts.
• Access: 10-minute walk from Tachikawa Station.

7. Mount Ishiwari

• Description: Accessible mountain hike with stunning views of Mount Fuji.
• Hike Details:
  • Distance: 8-10 km, elevation gain: 400 m.
  • Duration: 4-5 hours without breaks.
  • Starting point: Yamanakako Hirano Bus Stop (2,350 yen, 2 hours 24 minutes from Shinjuku).
• Safety Tips: Wear grippy shoes, bring water, and check weather conditions.

8. Kanda Jimbocho

• Description: Area known for secondhand books and sports gear.
• Cafes/Restaurants:
  • Aabi Café: Board game café with English games.
  • Vegetable Izakaya Ganja: Unique dining experience with maximalist decor and vegan options.

9. Jindai Temple and Botanical Gardens

• Description: Non-touristy area with a goma daki ritual (wish writing and burning).
• Botanical Gardens: Entry fee of 500 yen, featuring unique flora and seasonal exhibitions.
• Access: Train to Chofu Station, then bus to Jindai.

10. Satologue

• Description: A luxury sauna experience with wellness amenities.
• Cost: 22,000 yen for half-day, 44,000 yen for full day (for two people).
• Access: Two trains from Tachikawa Station to Kori Station, followed by a 14-minute walk.

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Conclusion

The video showcases a variety of unique experiences and locations around Tokyo that offer a different perspective of Japanese culture and nature. These recommendations cater to diverse interests, from spiritual retreats to culinary adventures, making them ideal for travelers seeking something beyond the typical tourist attractions.

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Location	Type	Access	Cost	Highlights
Togakushi Shrine	Shrine/Hiking	Train + Bus	Free (hiking)	Cedar Corridor, beautiful scenery
Zenkoji Temple	Temple/Culinary	Bus from Nagano Station	800 yen (shichimi)	Traditional Shin Yori
Vowz Bar	Bar/Cultural Experience	Walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station	Varies	Monks serving drinks, sutra chanting
Yabusame	Archery Experience	Train + Pickup/Bike Rental	12,000 yen + attire	Horseback archery
Scenic Spots	Nature	Driving required	N/A	Autumn leaves, cherry blossom tree
Sorano Hotel	Accommodation	Walk from Tachikawa Station	~42,900 yen	Infinity pool, views of Mount Fuji
Mount Ishiwari	Hiking	Bus from Shinjuku	2,350 yen (bus)	Views of Mount Fuji
Kanda Jimbocho	Shopping/Cafes	Train to Kanda/Jimbocho Station	Varies	Secondhand books, unique cafes
Jindai Temple	Temple/Botanical Garden	Train + Bus	500 yen (gardens)	Goma daki ritual, unique flora
Satologue	Sauna	Trains + Walk	22,000 yen (half-day)	Luxury sauna experience