The Other Side of Tokyo

We often imagine a megalopolis like Tokyo living at a frantic pace. However, this is one of the surprises upon arrival:?calm and serenity appear to be ubiquitous, or almost!

Set back from the main boulevards, the quiet streets of the city encourage you to take your time and be surprised by the unexpected discovery of a temple, a garden or a stall frozen back in time, all so?emblematic of Tokyo's unique charm. The huge parks and gardens in the heart of the capital are true oases of greenery, providing a peaceful and welcome escape.

Gradually, the hidden beauty of another Tokyo, calm and serene, is revealed.?Here are our favorite places!

DISTRICTS TO STROLL

The?Shimo-Kitazawa district, near Shibuya, will immerse you in the?bohemian and creative atmosphere of the capital.?It?is a favorite among artists and musicians and is renowned for its vintage shops and cozy cafes.

Not far from Shinjuku,?Koenji?is known as an alternative district with its izakaya bars and numerous concert halls.

Daikanyama, an?upscale neighborhood?of Tokyo, also has a peaceful atmosphere featuring contemporary architecture, art galleries and restaurants.

If you're looking for?a taste of traditional Tokyo, take a stroll through the narrow streets leading to historical temples of?Yanaka district - the charming atmosphere is sure to capture your heart.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PARKS AND GARDENS OF THE CAPITAL

The heart of Tokyo is brimming with opportunities to embrace nature, with?large parks and traditional Japanese gardens?inviting to contemplation.

Experience the great outdoors in the city by visiting the renowned?Yoyogi Park- the bustling heart of Tokyo?- or?exploring the lush forests around Meiji-Jingu shrine.

To appreciate all the Japanese refinement, discover the?Koishikawa Garden, the most prestigious botanical garden of Tokyo dating from the Edo era. Don't miss out either on the?Imperial Garden of Shinjuku-Gyoen, with its ten thousand trees and its various landscaped gardens!

FOCUS ON UENO PARK

Ueno Park, established in 1873, is one of?Tokyo's largest and most popular parks, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

It is especially known for its??Shinobazu pond which is partly covered by lotus flowers, its Toshogu shrine which overlooks it, its zoo and the nearby Kanei-ji Buddhist temple.

Pleasant throughout the year, Ueno Park draws?millions of visitors annually for its cherry blossom season. As soon as the weather gets fine, you can also?enjoy a boat or pedal boat ride on its large lake!

THE BEST GETAWAYS AROUND TOKYO

Tokyo's extensive transportation network makes it incredibly easy to take day or weekend trips to explore the beautiful countryside or stunning coastline.

The small coastal towns of?Kamakura?and?Enoshima?are among our favorites and only 1 hour away from Tokyo by train. With their numerous temples and sanctuaries, their culinary stores, their beaches and their surfers, you will also fall under their charm in no time.

Many foreign travelers are not aware that the Tokyo islands offer a verdant landscape to discover, only a 1 hour and 45-minute ferry ride?away for the nearest. For hiking and open space enthusiasts, the?mountainous Tama region with its century-old forests is a must-visit destination.

STOPOVER IN THE JAPANESE ALPS

Nestled?in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Nagano Prefecture is the perfect destination to escape into nature. Accessible from Tokyo with just a 1.5-hour train ride, the region is renowned for its mountains, hot springs, diverse landscapes, and wildlife, including the famous Jigokudani hot springs snow monkeys.

Our favorite activities in Nagano in spring

· Hiking in the mountains: although Nagano is known for its ski resorts, the region's mountains come alive in the off-season with verdant greenery and spectacular hiking trails boasting breathtaking views. Togakushi Mountain and Karuizawa Waterfalls are two of our top recommendations for hiking enthusiasts!

· Temples and shrines visits: the Nagano area is a place of Buddhist pilgrimage and offers a unique cultural experience. Zenko-ji Temple is the most famous in the region and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan.

· Stroll through the charming villages of Tsumago and Narai, where time seems to have stood still since the Edo era.

DISCOVER OUR NATURE AND TRADITION TOUR ??

Embark on a 14-day private tour to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture of Japan,?exploring its must-visit destinations.

Start your journey with a brief stay in?Tokyo?before venturing out to?Nikko?to explore its breathtaking mountains and natural wonders. Continue on to the former capitals of?Kyoto?and?Nara, followed by a visit to the?Ise region, considered the spiritual heart of Japan. Finally, wrap up your trip in the vibrant city of?Osaka.

And that's not all! Our team will?warmly welcome you, you'll have the chance to?spend a day with Ama, the legendary Japanese divers, and you'll have the opportunity to?stay in a traditional?ryokan.

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