Mt. Takao Cable Car
Mount Takao, located in the outskirts of Tokyo, is popular for casual hiking and climbing. The "Mount Takao Cable Car" connects the foot of the mountain to the middle in about 6 minutes, a journey that would take about an hour on foot, allowing everyone to comfortably enjoy the outdoors.
I hiked up using Trail 1 and took the cable car on the way back. If you're worried about your stamina, I definitely recommend taking the cable car both ways!!
Tsugaru Tetsudo “Stove Train”
Tsugaru Railway spans about 20km from north to south between Tsugaru-Goshogawara Station and Tsugaru-Nakasato Station. Limited to winter, from December to March, the tourism train called “Stove Train” runs, which uses coal stoves for heating passenger cars.
When I stopped by Tsugaru-Nakasato Station, the train was there. It really has that unique local line vibe. I definitely want to ride it during the stove season!
Cape Tappi (Tappizaki)
A scenic cape at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, jutting into the Tsugaru Strait and offering breathtaking panoramic views. Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Tsugaru Strait, and Mutsu Bay on three sides, it gets strong sea winds and is also known as the “Cape of Wind.” At the tip stands the Tappizaki Lighthouse, a symbol of the Tsugaru Strait, and on clear days you can see as far as Hokkaido’s Matsumae Peninsula and Mt. Hakodate across the strait.
Cape Tappi at the tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula had absolutely amazing views!
Since it was sunny, we could clearly see the Hokkaido side, and we could also see the Shimokita Peninsula!!
A lot of tourists come here, so depending on the time of day it might be tricky to find the right moment to take photos.
Also, the wind is strong, so on cold days make sure to bundle up before you walk around!!
Mt. Takao Sumika
Nestled in at the Takao-san Station of the Takao Cable Car, Mt. Takao Sumika is a well-frequented stop for everything from soba and café bites to souvenirs and more. The must-shop item here is "Tenguyaki" a regional treat shaped like the face of a crow tengu. Bite into this crisp, fragrant delight for scrumptious filling of subtly sweet red bean paste made from black soybeans. You won’t want to miss snagging a bite, especially when fresh from the oven!
I had the sansai soba and the Tenguyaki—both were delicious!! The location right in front of the cable car station is super convenient, so it's a perfect spot to take a break!!
Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu
Mount Takao is a Michelin 3-star destination that sees countless tourists from Japan and across the world. It’s also home to Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, a coveted daytrip hot springs spot located conveniently near Takaosan-guchi station so you can easily tack on a dip to your next hiking or sightseeing trip.
It's directly connected to the station, so the location is fantastic. Soaking in the hot spring after climbing Mt. Takao is just the best!! They even sell T-shirts at the front desk, so if you get all sweaty hiking, you can buy a change of clothes!! It's great to feel refreshed and hop on the train home!
Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden
The Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden is located in the midst of nature on the middle slopes of Mount Takao. The monkey park houses about 90 monkeys that form an orderly society, headed by the boss monkey. You can observe their lively lifestyles up close, including mutual grooming and huddling together for warmth on cold days. The commentary provided by the keepers is also popular. The adorable baby monkeys born from early April to early August each year are also a must-see.
There are so many Japanese macaques!! The baby monkeys were adorable. I tried to spot the boss monkey, but there were just too many monkeys to tell at a glance.
Kakeinoyu
For natural hot springs, look no further than this day-use hot springs inside "HANA・BIYORI," adjacent to Yomiuriland. Perched at an elevation of 100 meters, this hot destination is where you’ll find panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline, with the added perk of seasonal blooms all around from HANA・BIYORI, ensuring the utmost in luxe, unique experience.
The hot spring was fantastic!! Especially the open-air bath. There was plenty of water and the view was amazing! The water had an amber color, kind of like a moor spring, and it reminded me of the Tokachigawa Onsen in Hokkaido. It's such a treat to have a relaxing spot like this in Tokyo!
Shiraito Falls (Nagano Prefecture)
This is one of Karuizawa’s most popular tourist attractions, located along the “Shiraito Highland Way” driving route. It is a beautiful waterfall named after Mt. Asama’s snowmelt water, which gushes out from the rock and flows like thin threads. The water curtains flowing down are transparent, and the area is filled with fresh air.
Even in the middle of summer, it was cool and refreshing! Had a really pleasant time here.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, one of the largest in Japan, is held annually on the last Saturday of July. Its history dates back to the Edo period when the eighth shogun, Yoshimune, held a water god festival and launched fireworks to console the spirits of those who died during a great famine and to pray for the end of the epidemic.
It was a bit far, but I could still see the fireworks! It was really nice!!
SUWADA Seisakusho (SUWADA Blacksmith Works, Inc.)
Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, which has a world-renowned reputation as a "manufacturing town," still carries on the blacksmithing and metalworking techniques that have been cultivated since the Edo period.
You can tour the factory and buy metal products made right there! The quality is top-notch, so anyone who cares about craftsmanship will love it.