Beach season is coming! Summer is the favorite time of year for most travelers, and we’re sure yours too. And Japan over the past few years has become a very popular destination not only during the seasons of cherry blossoms and admiring autumn leaves, but also at other times of the year, including summer. It is believed that all the best Japanese beaches are concentrated in Okinawa. But that's not true! If you are studying at a language school or working in Japan, you have probably thought about escaping the bustle of the city for at least one day and spending it at the seaside. We will be happy to recommend several beaches that are easily and quickly accessible from Tokyo. We also hope that this information will be useful to tourists when the pandemic ends and Japan reopens its borders to travelers.
Isshiki Beach in Hayama
A very cool, cool beach that is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the beach. Isshiki Beach is surrounded by green rock formations that add a special touch to the landscape. It is not surprising that this is where the Imperial Villa is located.
How to get there: Take the JR Yokosuka Line to Zushi Station, then take a 20-minute bus to Isshiki Kaigan Stop.
Metropolises and prefectures of the Tohoku region
Translated from Japanese, Tohoku sounds like “northeastern lands.” The area is washed by the waters of the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Tsugaru Strait. In general, the region occupies almost a fifth of the state. Much of the region's terrain is covered with hills and mountain formations; The climate is continental.
Aomori
Aomori is the center of Japanese agricultural development. The area of Aomori is about 9650 square meters. km., population – 1.35 million people. The structure of the region consists of 8 villages, 22 towns, 8 counties and 22 cities. The basis for the development and economy of the region is agriculture, namely the cultivation of fruit crops. Fishing and forestry are also actively developing.
Among the features of the district are Lake Towada, known for its volcanic origin, and the Shirakami Mountains. These mountains are recognized as an official UNESCO heritage site.
The region is famous for its many ancient monuments. These include the Sanai-Maruima site, founded in the Neolithic era. In addition to the parking lot, the ancient settlement of Hirosaki should be highlighted - it is also a UNESCO-protected monument. The official symbols of the district are apple blossom, swan, cypress and halibut.
Iwate
Iwate County is located in the central part of the region. The center of the prefecture is the town of Morioka. From the east the region has access to the Pacific Ocean. The climate is mostly dry and quite cool. The district includes 5 villages, 16 towns, 11 counties and 13 cities.
The predominant sectors of economic development are livestock farming and rice cultivation. Fishing, food production, and logging are well developed. The prefecture is a center for copper and iron ore mining.
Among the popular tourist places, it is worth highlighting many national natural parks - Sanriku Fukko, Towada Hachimantai. Tourists pay special attention to the Tsunagi hot springs. Hanamaki and Geto. Cultural features of the district include dancing with swords, cast iron products, and kokeshi dolls. The symbols of the prefecture are the paulownia flower, red pine, Japanese pheasant and chum salmon.
Miyagi
Miyagi County is the smallest in terms of area and population density. With an area of 7280 sq. km., population is only 2.3 million people. The locality of Sendai serves as the capital of the prefecture. It is the political and economic core of the Tohoku region as a whole. The composition of the prefecture: 20 towns, 1 village, 10 counties and 13 cities.
The basis of economic development is the actively developing agriculture, namely, rice cultivation. Most of the rural products produced are sold to the capital. In addition to rice growing, wood processing, fishing, paper production and machine construction were widely developed. The symbols of Mayaga are the gray elm and the wild goose.
Akita
Akita occupies the northern part of the region. Akita City is the main administrative division of the prefecture. The area of the district is 11.6 square meters. km., population – more than 1 million people. Akita includes 3 villages, 9 towns, 6 counties and 13 cities.
The economic foundation of the region is made up of mechanical engineering, tourism, agriculture and trade. It is in the Akita district that mountain beech forests are located, a UNESCO protected site. The significant distance from economically developed areas played a role in the formation of the spiritual and material cultures of the region.
In the temples of the district, processions, masquerades, and ancient traditional holidays are held at least twice a month. It was in Akita Prefecture that the famous dog breed, the Akita Inu, began to be bred. The symbols of the prefecture are the copper pheasant, cryptomeria and hairtooth fish.
Yamagata
Yamagata County occupies the northern part of the island of Honshu. Literally translated, the name means “mountain shape.” The area of Yamagata is 9320 square meters. km., population – 1.1 million people. The city of Yamagata is recognized as the center of the prefecture. The western part of the region has access to the Sea of Japan.
The structure of the district consists of 3 villages, 18 towns, 9 counties and 12 cities. The official symbols of the region are the cherry tree, Japanese serow and mandarin duck.
Fukushima
Fukushima is located north of Yamagata County. The area of Fukushima is 11,630 square meters. km., population over 1 million people. The city of the same name, Fukushima, is the central population center of the district.
The mountainous terrain divided the district into three parts: Hamadori, Aizu and Nakadori. Fukushima includes 15 villages, 30 towns, 13 counties and the same number of cities. The most famous incident is the large-scale accident at a nuclear power plant in 2011.
The disaster occurred as a result of a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7, after which most of the nuclear power plant collapsed almost to the ground. The symbols of Fukushima are the rhododendron, elm and Japanese flycatcher.
Yuigahama Beach in Kamakura
If you're a party animal and looking for summer fun, this is the beach for you! The most crowded beach in Kanagawa Prefecture, where all the biggest events take place. Yuigahama Beach is over three kilometers long and equipped with beach huts. The easiest way to get to the beach is from Kamakura city.
How to get there: Take the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station, then take a bus or walk (about 20 minutes).
History in brief
People lived in the place where Tokyo is located back in the Stone Age. But for a long time we were talking about tribes and small settlements about which no historical data has been preserved.
The outlines of a modern city only emerged in the 12th century, when a man named Edo Taro Shigenadoi built a fort here. Edo Castle, built by his descendants in the mid-15th century, survives to this day and can be visited on tour.
At the beginning of the 17th century, Edo (that's what Tokyo was called then) became the capital of the shogunate. This was the impetus for its development, as a result of which the city quickly became one of the largest in Japan.
The name Tokyo appeared relatively recently - in 1868. At the same time, Emperor Mutsuhito decided to move the capital here. As a result, Tokyo officially became the most important city in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Shirahama Beach in Shimoda
The most popular beach on the Izu Peninsula, Shirahama stretches 800 meters and is famous for its light sand and crystal clear waters. If you are attracted by the beautiful and mysterious ocean, but do not have time to fly to Okinawa, we recommend visiting this wonderful beach.
How to get there: Take the Tokaido Line or Shinkasen to Ito Station, then transfer to the Izukyu Line to Shimoda Station. And then 10 minutes by bus to the Shirahama Kaigan stop.
Metropolitan areas and prefectures of the Chugoku region
Chugoku is the middle lands of the island of Honshu. The total area of Chugoku is 32,000 square meters. km., population - almost 8 million people.
The region consists of 5 districts:
- Tottori;
- Simane;
- Okayama;
- Hiroshima;
- Yamaguchi.
The region is considered to be quite developed in the agricultural and industrial areas. The region is actively mining copper, coal, tin, uranium ore, and molybdenum. The largest metropolis is Hiroshima, the center of the automobile industry.
Tottori
Tottori County is located in the northwestern part of Chugoku. The area of the area is 3500 sq. km., population – 0.57 million people. The city of Tottori is the central administrative unit. The structure of the district includes 4 cities and 14 villages.
The official symbols were the pear flower, the mandarin duck and the halibut.
Simane
Shimane Prefecture is located adjacent to Tottori District. Its area is 6700 sq. km., population – 0.7 million people. The city of Matsue is officially recognized as the administrative center of the district. Shimane consists of 10 villages and 8 large cities. The symbols of the district are the tree peony, pine, swan and flying fish.
Okayama
Okayama County is the southern neighbor of Shimane Prefecture. Okayama area is 8480 sq. km., population – 2.8 million people. The district consists of 2 villages, 10 towns and 15 cities. Residents chose peach blossom, densely flowered pine and Japanese pheasant as symbols.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is the central region of Chugoku. It is also adjacent to more than 100 islands of the Inland Sea of Japan. The main administrative unit is the city of Hiroshima. The area of the district is 8470 sq. km., population – 2.87 million people. The structure of Hiroshima includes 14 large cities and 9 towns.
Hiroshima has always been famous for its highly developed heavy industry, in particular the military-industrial complex. That is why Hiroshima was subjected to atomic bombing, as a strong, powerful and dangerous potential enemy. Atomic bombs were dropped on the city center by American bombers in August 1945.
However, this did not prevent the city from reviving and developing the entire urban infrastructure from scratch. There are about 350 monuments in the district, both of historical significance and landscape significance. These are mounds, canyons, seaside parks, gardens, and the remains of ancient castles. The county is also notable for its large number of officially recognized traditional holidays.
| February | big oyster festival |
| April | flower parade |
| June | celebration of music and flower planting |
| August | anime festival |
The officially chosen symbols of the district are the loon, Japanese maple leaves and oyster.
Yamaguchi
To the west of Chugoku is Yamaguchi County. Its area is about 6110 sq. km., population – 1.4 million people. The central administrative unit is the city of Yamaguchi, and the largest city of the district as a whole is Shimonoseki.
The district includes 6 villages and 13 cities. The official symbols of Yamaguchi County are the black crane, pine tree, sika deer and puffer fish.
On the island of Honshu it is difficult to identify the most and least developed megacities. Features of the relief, weather conditions, as well as comprehensive access to the seas and oceans allowed the Japanese to adapt to any type of activity. That is why the state is highly developed in both industrial and tourism areas.
Article design: Oleg Lozinsky
Iritahama Beach in Shimoda
Located next to Shirahama Beach, this beach is more of a hidden gem. It's cooler than other beaches and so cozy that you might feel like it's your own private beach. And in terms of transparency, the sea water on Iritahama Beach can compete with the azure ocean of Okinawa.
How to get there: Take a bus from Shimoda Station to Irita Station, then walk 3 minutes to the beach.
We hope you'll take our recommendations and find time to visit one of these great beaches during your summer holiday in Tokyo.
Tokyo
In Tokyo, every tourist will find something to his liking. Architecture lovers will love the unique temples and ultra-modern buildings of the Japanese capital, gourmets will appreciate the local cuisine, and those who want to learn more about the history and culture of Japan will go to museums and ancient districts of the city.
Here are 10 things travelers should do in Tokyo :
View of the city from Tokyo Tower
© Alexey YurovSee the city
from a bird's eye view from observation platforms (in the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree, in the Roppongi Hills skyscraper and in Tokyo City Hall).- Take a night "hanami" called "yozakura" - admire the cherry blossoms illuminated at night.
- Arrange an unforgettable photo shoot in a kimono in the Asakusa area, where there are many rental points for national Japanese costumes.
- Count the 13 bridges on the Sumidagawa River on a boat tour.
- Get a glimpse into the future by visiting the futuristic man-made island of Odaiba .
- Rustle the red fallen maple leaves in Tokyo gardens during the Momiji period .
- Try the freshest sea creatures at the Tsukiji market .
- Unravel the plot of a Kabuki theater .
- Attend a tea ceremony and learn how to brew tea like real Japanese.
- Find out your destiny with the help of omikuji , a popular Japanese divination practiced at Buddhist and Shinto shrines such as Senso-ji .
Japan is an amazing country, whose residents distinguish not four seasons a year, as in the rest of the world, but six: here they take into account the “hanami” season - the spring time of cherry blossoms, and the “momiji” season - the autumn period of red maples.
Hanami
In Tokyo, as throughout the country, admiring cherry blossoms is called “hanami” . This event is eagerly awaited every year not only by tourists, but also by local residents.
Sakura blossom
© Alexander Zhdanov
The season lasts from March to April, and the Japanese calculate the exact dates of flowering according to the so-called “sakura law”: they start counting on February 1, and when the daytime air temperature reaches a total of 600 degrees, flowering will occur. A special new application has been created for tourists who want to see the “hanami”.
The first stage of "hanami" is called "kaika" - the time when the flowers are just blooming. The second is “mankai”, when the flowers on the trees open fully. At this time, every self-respecting Japanese goes for a picnic in the park. Tourists can also bring food and have a picnic or simply stroll among the cherry blossoms in Tokyo's most popular parks:
• Ueno Park with 800 trees (free admission, picnics and boat rides available); • Shinjuku Park (entrance from 200 yen); • Eastern Gardens of the Imperial Palace - near the moat along Chidorigafuchi Alley (free admission); • Kitanomaru Park (free admission, festivals and boat rides available); • Sumida Park (free admission, hanami and river cruises available); • Inokashira Park (free admission, hanami and boat rides available); • Meguro River (free entry, festivals and evening illuminations available); • Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (entrance from 300 yen).
In addition, during the cherry blossom period in Tokyo, numerous festivals dedicated to it are held called Sakura Matsuri : on the streets and in parks, everyone is treated to traditional Japanese dishes and drinks, the gardens are decorated with lanterns and illuminated with bright illumination - the night “hanami” is called “yozakura”, and it's an absolutely amazing sight.
Momijigari
Red maples during the Momiji period
© Mikhail Wanderer
The Japanese, living in harmony with nature, are looking forward to another season - the time of red leaves, or "momiji". The word "momijigari" means hunting for red autumn leaves, a walk to find the most beautiful tree. At the same time, a walk among the maples also ends with a meal: for momijigari, the Japanese stock up on their favorite bento lunches.
The autumn leaf season occurs in Tokyo, depending on the average temperature of the year, in October or November. You can see red maples in the Japanese capital in the same parks where sakura grows: - in the Imperial Garden, in Rikyugen, Ueno, Shinjuku parks, in the Koishikawa Korakuen Garden - the oldest Tokyo landscape garden.
Onsen and sento
To feel the spirit of Japan, tourists should visit local baths or hot springs. The first ones are called sento, the second ones are called onsen.
Onsen is a traditional Japanese complex built around a thermal spring. The country, rife with volcanism, has more than 2,000 hot springs, many of them in and around Tokyo. Onsens are open, when visitors bathe in a natural pond with hot water from a spring, and closed, when special ofuro baths are filled with hot mineral water.
In addition, the Japanese love to visit sento - public baths, the water in which is most often not mineral, but regular, but heated.
Relaxing in an onsen
© Tatiana Dudarenko
The most famous and largest SPA complex in Tokyo is Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari on the island of Odaiba, which is a theme park based on a thermal spring. Visitors are invited not only to bask in hot water or receive medical treatment, but also to plunge into the atmosphere of old Japan. Inside the complex there is a whole city in the Edo style - with souvenir shops, restaurants, a landscaped garden, tea rooms, massage rooms, and a theater area. This onsen uses mineral water that rises from a depth of 1400 meters.
The complex is open from 11:00 am to 9:00 am the next day - so you can spend a day in it. The ticket price includes a robe, towels, a disposable razor, a toothbrush (already with toothpaste), lotions, etc. You can leave your things in the storage room; it is locked with a key that you need to carry with you. The key has a barcode, which is read when making purchases in the complex and a full payment is made at the exit from the bathhouse. You can get to this onsen by taking a free shuttle bus from the Rinkai Line - Tokyo Teleport Station.
In addition, you can soak in mineral water while in Tokyo in other places.
Setagaya Onsen Sanga-no-yu is famous for its views of Mount Fuji. It is part of a sports club located in a house that once belonged to the Mito Tokugawa clan. This onsen is a green oasis in the middle of bustling Tokyo.
Asahi-yu Onsen in Yokohama offers café-au-lait mineral water baths. The bathhouse is located in an old building with a traditional tiled roof.
Musashikoyama onsen Shimizu-yu is considered one of the best in the city, with yellow and black water baths. The first ones are called “golden baths” and are healing because they are saturated with iron and a lot of useful minerals. After them, it is recommended to dive into the “black bath” - the only one in Tokyo that also has a healing effect.
At Matsugashita Miyabi-yu , visitors can receive 24-hour service. The bathhouse is located on Shikine Island, not far from the port, and is open year-round.
Kabuki
Kabuki Theater (歌舞伎) is a famous traditional Japanese theater that originated in the Edo era. Together with theaters, Noh and Bunraku Kabuki belongs to the three main types of classical theater in Japan. Kabuki is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Kabuki Theater in Tokyo
© CSCG
Kabuki is a spectacular performance that uses complex theatrical costumes, bright makeup, unusual wigs and requires a certain expressiveness in the actions of the actors. Since the performance, as a rule, uses an outdated form of the Japanese language, which is difficult to understand even for the Japanese themselves, it is the movements of the actors that can convey the content of the plot to the viewer.
The performance uses live music and a whole system of unusual decorations: a moving stage with rotating platforms and secret hatches, a bridge (hanamichi) stretching across the auditorium, etc. The roles are played only by men, while some of them (onnagata) specialize in playing female roles.
The plot of the plays is usually based on historical events, dramas, morality and love stories. In some theaters, tourists are given an audio guide that will retell the content in English. If you hear someone in the audience shouting out the names of the actors on stage in the middle of the performance, you should not consider this a sign of disrespect - it is a sign of support.
A kabuki performance is usually divided into two or three parts, and the parts in turn are divided into acts. Tickets can be purchased separately both for the part and (in some theaters) and for the act. Price: 2,000 to 25,000 yen depending on location.
Here are some Kabuki theaters you can visit in Tokyo:
- The Kabukiza Theater is located in the Ginza area next to Higashi-Ginza Station. Despite the fact that it underwent reconstruction in 2013, its original appearance was preserved. It is considered the most accessible and convenient theater for foreigners, where you can see plays almost every day. Here you can buy a ticket for a separate act and take an audio guide.
- The Tokyo National Theater is located near Hanzomon and Nagatacho stations. Here visitors can see Kabuki plays year-round. Tourists have access to an audio guide in English.
Tokyo for children
If tourists come to Tokyo with children, they will also have something to do: there are plenty of interesting places for young travelers of all ages.
Disneyland in Tokyo
© Alexander Zhdanov
Thus, in Tokyo there is Disneyland - the first in the world built outside the USA, and one of the largest theme parks in Asia. The park, located on the shores of Tokyo Bay, covers an area of almost 47 hectares, it is divided into several thematic zones connected by a monorail railway. The park has hotels, shops, restaurants, etc.
Other popular amusement parks are Sanrio Puroland , dedicated to the cartoon cat Hello Kitty, DisneySea Park , focused on a marine theme, Tokyo One Piece Tower , dedicated to anime.
Children will also enjoy the museum of the anime Studio Ghibli - one of the world's largest animation film studios, founded back in 1985, with the legendary Hayao Miyazaki at its origins. Another popular children's museum is dedicated to the Little Prince, the world-famous hero of the novel by the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. You can also take your child to the zoo , located in Ueno Park, one of the best in the world.
Sumo
Often tourists traveling to Tokyo want to get to know the traditional Japanese sport - sumo wrestling .
Japanese sumo wrestling dates back to ancient times in the form of performances in honor of Shinto deities. Only men practice this sport professionally in Japan. Sumo wrestlers have observed many rituals for centuries, such as symbolically cleaning the ring with salt. Every year, the Japan Sumo Association holds six tournaments throughout the country, and three of them are held in Tokyo - in January, May and September. Tournaments last 15 days. Tourists can get to them by purchasing them in advance at the box office or on a special website. They can also be purchased at convenience stores or stadiums.
Festivals
Throughout the year, Tokyo hosts many different cultural events. Before traveling, tourists are advised to inquire whether any interesting event falls on the dates of their visit to the capital of Japan.
Sakura viewing festival in Shinjuku Gyoen park
© CSCG
So, here you can visit a variety of festivals: the Cherry Blossom Festival during the hanami period in Ueno Park, the summer Sumida-gawa Fireworks Festival on the Sumida River, when hundreds of fireworks soar into the sky of the Shitamachi region. the Chestnut Festival takes place in Tokyo , where you can see national shows - dances, music, and theatrical performances. In May, in the capital's Yoyogi Park, an unusual Zombie Festival - Zombiena, dedicated to the favorite characters of modern youth.
Also very interesting is the Thousand-Day Fortune Festival - the historical Sennichi-Mairi Houzuki Ennichi, held in the Minato district, at the Atago Shinto shrine, and the June Sanno Matsuri - one of the three largest festivals in the country, the history of which begins in the Edo era.
Those who find themselves in Tokyo in October should attend the grand classic tea ceremony , organized especially for tourists at the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum and in the Hamarikyu Detached Garden.
Tokyo food
The capital of Japan is not only filled with wonderful monuments and interesting places, but also food that is unique and one of a kind. Be sure to try sushi, tempura fried vegetables, and tofu served sweet or salty. A popular soup is Japanese ramen broth with pork. Japanese delicacies include cabbage pies topped with sweet sauce and gyoza dumplings stuffed with vegetables and meat.
Onigiri are triangular rice sandwiches wrapped in nori and stuffed with fish, caviar or Japanese apricot. The traditional dish is served in a bowl of kirashi - rice with fresh fish, soy sauce, wasabi, lotus roots and mushrooms.
A popular Japanese alcoholic drink is Sake, made from fermented rice and green tea, and is most commonly drunk in Japan.
There are very few green spaces, as well as perfect organization and order. It is also a very expensive city. Not only exclusive things are expensive, but also everyday life, for example, a subway ticket, food.
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is an unusual place with 2,200 cherry trees. This place seduces everyone who comes here. Alleys lined with cherry blossom trees, lush green lawns, animals and numerous attractions. Being here is an amazing experience. It is worth visiting the park in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom. You won't forget such views. The park has three museums, a zoo, a concert hall and temples. The park was created thanks to a grant given to the city in 1924 by Emperor Taishu.
We walk around the city
The first impression is a crazy city with constant crowds of people, non-stop shop windows, cafes, video screens, advertising in two languages. This applies to the Shibuya area - the center of Tokyo. The noise of cars, the cacophony of sounds, speech in all the languages of the world - it seems we are in Babylon.
The Japanese themselves walk with serious faces, but if they are addressed, they smile. It’s interesting that everyone understands English, but will answer the question in Japanese. This is their contempt for Americans.
The cleanliness is amazing! From childhood, the Japanese are taught respect for elders, asceticism, and cleanliness. A lot of interesting information can be obtained from cool guys who take videos and call themselves Eagle and Tails. Let's get away from this and go down to the subway.
