Region:Eastern japan / Japan Travel Videos

Tokyo before Olympic Games

Tokyo is the hosting city of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games postponed to July 2021. The video shows how local people are living ordinary lives dealing with COVID-19 wearing masks in major towns in Tokyo during the state of emergency which was lifted as of June 21, 2021.

Street Shopping Park

Things to do in Tokyo on a budget

Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with a number of iconic landmarks. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has two free observation decks with an excellent view of Japan’s capital and its surroundings. Other landmarks and shopping complexes also have good views. Caretta Shiodome overlooks Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Solamachi includes a terrace at the base of Tokyo Skytree. The tall tower has the highest viewpoints in Tokyo. Popular places to visit and take pictures range from futuristic architecture like Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harujuku to traditional landscaping like the beautiful Rikugien Gardens. Explore the cityscape. Tokyo is always changing and reinventing itself.

View Free Garden Shopping Landmark

Tokyo sumo experience by rugby legends

Sumo has a long tradition in Japan and is the country’s national sport. There are six professional sumo grand tournaments held each year, three of them in Tokyo (January, May, and September) at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Some sumo stables allow visitors to watch their morning practice sessions. Usually, only sumo wrestlers are allowed to step into a dohyo (sumo ring). At Raien Sumo Tokyo, you can try sumo yourself and dress and train like a sumo wrestler, a rikishi. A sumo experience lesson with former sumo wrestlers teaches sumo basics, including how to put on a mawashi belt.

Sumo Sports Training Culture

Asakusa, rugby legends' visit

Tokyo’s famous Asakusa district is home to the city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji. Many small shops, restaurants, and bars are located in the area surrounding the temple. Kappabashi Street is lined with shops that sell everything you might need in a kitchen or restaurant, including food sample imitations many stores use to show their menu. You can make some food samples yourself or learn how to cook real Japanese dishes here. For a special experience, go on a dinner cruise on Sumida River, which runs past Asakusa. Cruises include traditional Japanese meals and are a fun way to see Tokyo.

Fun Food Eat Culture Cruise

Tokyo, rugby legends' visit

Tokyo is a huge metropolis where old and new co-exist. It has many different areas. Roppongi Hills for example is the modern Tokyo, which you can see from Tokyo City View observation deck. In contrast, the Yanesen area is an old district with a retro feel that has escaped development. Tokyo has thousands of good places for eating and shopping and also excellent museums. The Samurai Museum is all about history, while a visit to the Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless is like taking a trip to the future. Explore both sides of this fascinating city

View Museum History Samurai Culture Art Sushi

Central Tokyo, rugby legends' visit

Japan’s capital Tokyo is a city of contrasts where the old and new live side by side. Tokyo Tower has a great view, overlooking temples, old buildings, and modern architecture. Meiji Jingu Shrine for example is one of the quiet spots in Tokyo, but next to it is the kawaii, pop, and futuristic Harajuku district. A visit to Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku and Tea Ceremony Room Toko-an are worlds apart, but at both places you can experience Tokyo’s culture. The city is also changing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 and now has the new Japan Olympic Museum.

View Culture Shrine Tea Kawaii Museum

How to get to Tokyo Stadium

Rugby World Cup 2019 will be held in 12 venues in Japan and Tokyo hosts eight matches including the opening game. Here's a short video to show you the directions from Shinjuku station to Tokyo Stadium.

Sports Stadium Rugby

Tokyo westside

For a day trip away from the busy districts of Tokyo, take a train to the green western side of the city. Mt. Takao is a popular destination for hiking. Different trails lead to the summit - trail #1 goes past Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple. From the summit of Mt. Takao you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day. After a long walk, relax with a leisurely onsen bath. Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu is an onsen spa located near Ishibune-bashi Bridge, a spot known for its gorgeous view across Akigawa River in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.

Nature Hiking National park View Temple Monkeys Onsen

Tokyo must see places

Japan’s capital Tokyo is a huge metropolis that is continuously reinventing itself. It is the main hub for Japan travel and offers seemingly endless options for eating out and shopping. Tokyo is also rich in culture, from traditional to kawaii, pop, and futuristic. The city combines new and old. From its iconic landmarks Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree you can see how modern architecture and historic structures sit next to each other in the sprawling cityscape. The forested grounds of Meiji Shrine for example are surrounded with some of the busiest districts.

View Culture Play View Shrine

Best 10 Tokyo spots

More than 9 million residents live in the capital city of Tokyo. Tokyo has various kinds of tourist attractions. The latest cultural trends can be found in Shibuya or Harajuku, Shinjuku and Ginza are known for shopping, and Tokyo is full of traditional sites including Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Tokyo Shibuya Harajuku Akihabara Asakusa Temple Shopping Observatory

Hakone Day Trip

Hakone is a popular onsen hot spring resort where you can reach from Tokyo within two hours by train. After the suspension due to the massive typhoon in Oct. 2019, the Hakone Tozan Railways resumed operation in Jul. 2020 which connects Hakone Yumoto, the gateway of Hakone and Hakone Cable Car at Gora Station. The destination is still popular among domestic visitors despite of the pandemic since 2020 with a lot of attractions such museums, parks, shrines and a magnificent view from the Hakone Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi.

Park Shrine Museum Lake Ship

Kanagawa day trip, feeling of discovery

Kanagawa Prefecture is situated next to Tokyo. Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone in Kanagawa are popular destinations for short trips from Japan’s capital. Kanagawa’s coast along Tokyo Bay has many beautiful spots you can explore. Sarushima Island is one place with excellent views of Tokyo Bay. Kamakura is also located on the coast. The many shrines and temples here let you explore Japan’s history and architecture. More traditional buildings can be seen at the open-air museum Nikon Minka-en. Another destination in Kanagawa is Lake Ashi in Hakone. It has great views of Mount Fuji, that you can enjoy during a cruise.

View Nature History Architecture Cruise

Yokohama, rugby legends' visit

Yokohama, the seat of Kanagawa Prefectural Government is located next to Tokyo. It has been an important port, made up of several distinct districts. A cruise or taking the Sea Bass (water bus) are the best way to see Yokohama’s cityscape from the water. It is a mix of old and modern buildings, with a look and atmosphere that sets it apart from Tokyo. Yokohama is a great destination for foodies. You could eat your way through the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum and Yokohama Chinatown then spend the evening exploring bars and jazz cafes in the Noge district.

Eat Ramen Nightlife Bars Cruise

Discover Yokohama, Kanagawa

Tokyo’s neighbor Yokohama is Japan's second largest city and a great destination for a day trip. It has historic districts and modern ones like Minato Mirai 21. The large Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel here has an excellent view of the bay. Yokohama has long been an international trading port and its atmosphere sets it apart from Japan’s capital. If you are a foodie, visit Cup Noodle Museum Yokohama, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum and Yokohama Chinatown’s approximately 500 restaurants and stores. Great with kids, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a whole island of fun including an aquarium and an amusement park.

Play Eat Ramen Museum View

Day trip to Kanagawa

Kamakura, Yokohama, and Hakone are very popular day trip destinations from Tokyo, all located in Kanagawa Prefecture. Yokohama is an international port and Japan's second largest city. Yokohama Chinatown is famous for its hundreds of restaurants. In contrast, Kamakura has an old city atmosphere with many temples and shrines like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Kotoku-in Temple, home of Kamakura’s iconic Great Buddha. Hakone is famous for its nature and landscape. Hakone Shrine is hidden in the forest near Lake Ashi, a famous viewpoint for Mt. Fuji. On clear days Mt. Fuji can also be seen from Yokohama Landmark Tower.

View Eat Shopping Temple Shrine History Mt. fuji

Things to do in Hakone, Kanagawa

Hakone is a beautiful nature spot, close enough to the big cities for a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. The area is known for its views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and onsen hot springs. The Torii gate built in the water of the lake belongs to Hakone Shrine hidden in the forest. Hakone’s mountain scenery also serves as background for the art exhibited at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. And in Owakudani Valley volcanic activity brings hot springs, bubbling mud, and steam to the surface. Getting around is part of the fun. Catch different views from Hakone Ropeway or the boats crossing Lake Ashi.

Nature Shrine Lake Museum Art Mt. fuji View

All about Yokohama, Kanagawa

Yokohama was the first port opened up to foreign trade in the mid-19th century. It is located south of Tokyo and can be reached in about 30 minutes from Tokyo by train. The Minato Mirai 21 area was developed in the late 20th century and features many tourist attractions such as hotels, shopping complexes, and amusement parks. The traditional international town atmosphere is alive and well in Chinatown which is also popular among visitors to Yokohama.

Kanagawa Yokohama Port Amusement park Museum Ramen Park

Kamakura, Kanagawa for first timers

Kamakura is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Tokyo. It is located about 60 km southwest of Tokyo and accessible by one-hour train ride. It used to be the seat of the Kamakura Government lead by Minamoto Yoritomo and his successors around the 13th century. Kamakura has an old town atmosphere similar to Kyoto with dozens of traditional temples and shrines. The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in is over 11-meters tall and is one of the most renowned landmarks in the town.

Kanagawa Kamakura Temple Shrine Buddha Shopping

Countryside in Chiba

Chiba Prefecture is known with Narita Airport, one of the two major airports as the gateway to Tokyo Metropolitan area. Not only the convenience of the transportation to the city, but the countryside places of the prefecture are worth visiting to experience traditional culture in Japan. Naritasan Omotesando Street is leading up to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple with many traditional shops and restaurants along the path. Sawara has historical streets and bridges over the river showing the old Japan atmosphere of the merchant city. You can experience Japanese traditional culture such as samurai and kimono at Sakura Bukeyashiki and Drum Village.

Sake Street Samurai History Kimono

Around the Airport in Narita

Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture is one of the two major gateways to Tokyo from overseas along with Haneda Airport. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita City is one of the popular Buddhist temples in Japan where about 3 million people visit in three days for the first prayer worship of the year. Strolling Omotesando Street leading up to the temple is a fun browsing many traditional shops and restaurants along the street. There are more historical towns and landmarks located in the surrounding Cities such as Sakae, Sakura, Katori and Shibayama.

Museum Temple History

Narita Airport transit & stay programs, Chiba

Within easy access from Narita International Airport are several interesting destinations for a short side trip. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of Japan’s largest temples. Omotesando Street leading up to it has many traditional shops and restaurants. Stroll the historical streets of Sawara and enjoy the old Japan atmosphere of this merchant city. In the past goods where transported to Edo (Tokyo) by boat through its canals. Visit Tako Town and walk or cycle through its surrounding rice fields. Nichihon-ji Temple here is famous for the many hydrangea flowers on its grounds. Visit Boso no Mura museum in Sakae where you can walk through a town from the Edo Period dressed in kimono or as a samurai or ninja.

Temple History Shopping Walking Cycling Nature

Best Things in Saitama

Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture is one of the most popular towns around Tokyo with its traditional architecture and old-fashioned streets that is called “Little Edo” named after the era of samurai feudal from 17th to 19th Century. Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel is a gigantic underground discharge channels stretching for 6.3km at 50 meters below ground constructed to prevent flood damage in Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding prefectures. The guided tours are offered to the general public. Reservation is required here (https://gaikaku.jp/).

History Shrine Eat Walk Architecture View

Journey through Japan

Not far from Tokyo, there are a lot of attractive destinations where you can feel unique atmosphere that you can't feel in other areas. One of the options is "Northward Golden Route" which includes Saitama, Gunma and Niigata Prefectures. There are both Shinkansen Line and expressways between these three prefectures from Tokyo and each prefecture. The video shows unique attractions in the three prefectures.

Shrine Outdoor Activity Onsen Culture History View

Journey through Saitama

Saitama Prefecture is located just north of Tokyo, and has a well-developed transportation network including railways and expressways, making for convenient access from neighboring prefectures and international airports. The prefecture is blessed with a variety of sightseeing resources represented by "Little Edo" Kawagoe which retains its appearance from the Edo Era (17-19th century) and the greenery of Chichibu and Nagatoro, as well as other food, drinks, anime spots, nature, industries, history, traditional culture, sports, and various experiences. In addition, international events were held all around the prefecture, such as the World Bonsai Convention in 2017, the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021 (soccer, basketball, golf, and shooting).

History Shrine Drink Beer Outdoor Activity View

Saitama City

Saitama City is the center of Saitama Prefecture located just north of Tokyo. Omiya Station is about 30-minute ride from central Tokyo that several Shinkansen Lines stop at where is next to the Railway Museum. There are more museums in the city such as Bonsai Art Museum and Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum which display traditional items such as bonsai trees and Japanese dolls collections which are getting more popular among international tourists. Minuma Tambo is a green park covering a vast area of some 1,260 ha that is popular among the locals with its beautiful landscapes and the history.

Shrine Temple Bonsai Museum Train Railway Park Visit

Weekend in Saitama

Saitama Prefecture is located just north of Tokyo. Kawagoe is popular because of its traditional architecture and old-fashioned streets and shops, known as “Little Edo” named after the former name of Tokyo during the Edo Period (1603-1867). Nagatoro is another popular destination in Saitama for Nagatoro River Cruise surrounded by natural landscape which is within 2-hour train ride from Tokyo.

Temple River Street View

Tokyo to Chichibu and Kawagoe

Saitama Prefecture is located just north of Tokyo. Kawagoe is a popular town because of its traditional architecture and old-fashioned streets and shops, known as “Little Edo” named after the former name of Tokyo during the Edo Period (1603-1867). Nagatoro is another popular destination in Saitama for Chichibu Shrine and Hodosan Shrine which is within 2-hour train ride from Tokyo.

Shrine History View

Saitama, rugby legend's visit

Saitama Prefecture is located just north of Tokyo. Omiya in Saitama City is easily reached from major stations in the capital. Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine gives Omiya its name, literally meaning large shrine. The city is also known for bonsai. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum showcases the Japanese art of cultivating small bonsai trees. Kawagoe is another popular day trip destination in Saitama. It is known as “Little Edo” because of its traditional architecture and old-fashioned streets and shops. Edo is the old name of Tokyo and here you experience a little bit of the Edo Period (1603-1867).

History Culture Bonsai Museum Shrine Eat

Kiyosato, Yamanashi

The Kiyosato Highlands in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture is located at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake mountains on the border between Nagano Prefecture. The resort town is popular for its old-fashioned atmosphere and beautiful views, especially famous for the Seisen-ryo Farm with its creamy ice cream. In several-minute ride from Kiyosato Station, JR Koumi Line passes the highest point of any JR line in the country. The view of the sunflowers in Akeno are observed between mid. Jul. and late Aug. Some others tourist attractions in the region are available during the limited period of the year. *The Yatsugatake Western Ranch suspended operation as of Apr. 2018.

Observatory Lift Railway Flowers Mountain View Nature

Things to do near Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration" is designated UNESCO's World Heritage Cultural Sites in 2013, which consists of 25 sites such as Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai Ponds, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and the mountain itself. You can find some of the best views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat, Tenku-no Torii, Fujiyosida City and Oshino Hakkai Ponds.

Shrine Lake Boat Pond Mountain Nature

Virtual Mt. Fuji Climbing Tour

The official climbing season of Mt. Fuji is usually from July 1st to early September. While the climbing routes are closed due to the pandemic in 2020, a mountain hut guide, Kenji started his virtual climbing tour to the summit of Mt. Fuji. Over a hundred enthusiastic guests from overseas participated in the 90-minute online tour.

World heritage Nature View Play Mountain

Tokyo westside, Yamanashi and Kanagawa

Tokyo’s west side is green and scenic and has many easily accessible day trip destinations. Explore Lake Sagami, take a boat out on the lake and visit the “Art Town” Fujino, famous for its huge outdoor Love Letter installation. For a panoramic view of the area and Mt. Fuji, go to the top of Mt. Iwadono in Otsuki. The unusually shaped Saruhashi Bridge here is a nationally designated place of scenic beauty. In Tsuru, water from Mt. Fuji creates the Taro Jiro Waterfall. And Kikuchi Wasabi Farm uses the fresh water to grow wasabi, an essential ingredient for making sushi.

Nature Hiking View Art Architecture Wasabi

Travel to Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi

Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and has long been worshipped as a sacred place. Pilgrimages to the top traditionally started at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine near Lake Kawaguchiko in the Fuji Five Lakes region (Fujigoko). You can find some of the best views of Mt. Fuji here within easy access from Tokyo. Great places to take pictures include the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and Arakurayama Sengen Park Chureito Pagoda. Another fun highlight in the area is Fuji-Q Highland, one of Japan’s best amusement parks with a huge haunted house and several record-breaking roller coasters and rides.

World heritage Nature View Shrine Play Lake Mountain

Nikko National Park, Tochigi

Nikko National Park has gorgeous nature with waterfalls, lakes, and forests. Among its famous scenery are Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. The park includes the UNESCO World Heritage “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”. One iconic spot is the red lacquered Shinkyo Bridge. Nikko is a popular trip from Tokyo and great as a two-day excursion. Stay overnight at Kinugawa Onsen and relax with onsen baths and local cuisine. In nearby Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura you can experience the Edo Period (1603-1868), walk the recreated Edo-period streets and dress up like a Samurai.

Nature Hiking National park World heritage History Play Onsen

Exploring Nikko, Tochigi

Nikko offers gorgeous nature and architecture. Located in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is a popular destination for a trip from Tokyo. The “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 200 years is enshrined at Toshogu Shrine, known for its intricately decorated buildings set among tall trees. Another famous spot is the red lacquered Shinkyo Bridge that belongs to Futarasan Shrine. Nikko National Park has good hiking and photogenic landscape. From the shores of Lake Chuzenji you can walk through Senjogahara Marsh to Yudaki Falls and Yumoto Onsen.

World heritage Architecture Shrine Nature Hiking National park

Seasons in Gunma

Gunma Prefecture is located over 100 km north of Tokyo. The prefecture is popular with its lots of major onsen hot spring resorts such as Ikaho, Shima and Minakami Onsen as well as remote onsen ryokan inns in Hoshi and Takaragawa Onsen. Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most renowned onsen resorts in Japan selected as the best onsen resort by professionals consecutively over a decade. You are advised to stay in multiple onsens in Gunma to enjoy bathing as well as walking around the traditional hot spiring resorts.

Lake Kayaking Outdoor Onsen

Journey through Gunma

Gunma is a mountainous prefecture in the center of Japan, two hours from Tokyo by car. In this short 4-minute video, you can see Gunma's natural blessings such as kayaking at Akaya Lake, Fukiware no Taki Falls and Kusatsu Onsen. You can feel the nature through the whole body through such activities and warm your heart by many kinds of onsen. Experience the deep emotions in Gunma that can't feel in big cities.

Kayaking Outdoor Onsen Lake Falls Craft Nature

Best things in Gunma

Gunma is a landlocked prefecture located over 100 km north of Tokyo. Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most famous onsens in Japan which offers various kinds of onsen inns, public bath houses and attractions such as Yumomi Show at Netsunoyu, cooling down the hot spring water in the traditional way adding no cold water. Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk mill in Japan built in 1872 that developed the spinning industry during the Meiji Period. It was designated the World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014. You can access most of the popular places in Gunma from Tokyo by the Shinkansen bullet trains and local buses.

Onsen Temple World heritage History Temple Craft

Hot spring town, Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

Kusatsu is one of the most famous onsen (hot spring) resorts in Japan. The hot water field Yubatake at its center is the source of Kusatsu’s waters, flowing with the largest water volume of all hot springs in the country. An onsen visit is a typically Japanese way to relax and refresh with leisurely baths and local cuisine. Netsunoyu demonstrates the traditional Yumomi method of cooling down the water and Otakinoyu offers Awaseyu bathing in pools of different temperatures. Try it for yourself at one of Kusatsu’s public baths, a ryokan, or the big outdoor Rotenburo bath in Sainokawara Park.

Onsen Hot spring Spa Relax Nature

Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki

Hitachi Seaside Park is located 120 km north-east of Tokyo. The 200-hectare park faces the Pacific Ocean and is flush with a variety of flowers of various colors that are in bloom all throughout the year. Among them are 4.5 million nemophilas (baby blue eyes) on hills that occupy some 3.5 hectares of the park’s total area. The flowers are very popular amongst international tourists who visit Japan.

Ibaraki Park Flower