 Probably the best place to go
sightseeing in the Tokyo-area is in Kamakura. An hour
south of Tokyo by train, Kamakura features scores of
historic shrines and temples along with the Daibutsu (the
Great Buddha). Virtually all Japan travel guides offer
more detailed information about touring Kamakura than can
be provided here.
Although
better known for its historic temples, shrines and
cemeteries, Kamakura (90 minutes south of Tokyo on the
Keihin Tohoku Line) lies along the Pacific Ocean. In
addition to beaches, there are a lot of places to hike
around. Consult your travel guide for more information,
or ask just about any native Tokyo resident for
suggestions. Kamakura is a popular place to go,
particularly in the new year.
Other
good places to absorb historic Japan are Asakusa (in
Northwest Tokyo), Meiji Jingu Shrine (near Harajuku
Station on the Yamanote train loop) and scores of smaller
sightseeing destinations. The Imperial Palace in central
Tokyo offers tours on rare occasions.
Tokyo
isn't known for having a rustic atmosphere. Japan does
have many beautiful natural settings, but few can be
found in Tokyo. If you want to take a hike, go camping,
visit a natural hot spring or climb Mt. Fuji, it's a good
idea to consult a guide book.
But
if you can't get out of the city, there are still a few
nice places to go. Yoyogi Koen (near Harajuku station)
and Shinjuku Koen and relatively nice parks to stroll
through. Behind Jingu Stadium are a lot of trees, and the roads are often
closed on weekends for families who want to ride bicycles
or go roller-blading.
About
an hour west of Tokyo on the Tobu Tojo line, you'll find
Shinrin Koen at Higashi Matsuyama station. If you rent a
bike, it will take you about two hours to ride through
the park. There's also a bike path that goes from Yoyogi
Koen to Seibu Stadium. If you're interested in renting
bikes or cycling around Tokyo, try to find Bryan
Harrell's book, Cycling Japan: A personal Guide to
Exploring Japan by Bicycle.
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