Tokyo – from Edo history to island coastlines

Experience island nature and coastlines

Almost the entire Ogasawara Archipelago is designated as Ogasawara National Park. The oceanic islands are home to unique flora and fauna, including rare flowers, birds and whales that visitors can see. Habushi Beach, with 6.5 kilometers of white sand, lies on the eastern side of Niijima. Boardsailing, fishing and swimming are also possible on Niijima. Oshima Island offers a different coastal landscape: it is volcanic in character and offers opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

Hiking trails and water sports

Mt. Takao has hiking trails leading to its 599-meter summit. At the summit, the Takao Visitor Center provides information about mountain trails and nature. The Takao 599 Museum focuses on the mountain’s nature and ecology and that of its surroundings. From Shinjuku Station, you can reach Mt. Takao by train in about 50 minutes; journey times may vary depending on train services and conditions. Check current connections when planning your trip. The Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu hot spring is near the foot of the mountain; check operational details separately.

The Okutama region also offers a variety of activities: hiking, fishing, water sports and hot springs. Available water sports include whitewater rafting on the Tama River, kayaking on Lake Shiromaru, canoeing, SUP, hydrospeeding and canyoning. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check the conditions and offerings of the respective operators. In Tokyo, a network of riverboats, or water buses, also connects Odaiba and Asakusa via Tokyo Bay and the Sumida River. As route details may change, it is worth checking the current schedule.

Museums and history

The Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum presents the history of Edo and Tokyo through authentic materials, reconstructed models and interactive exhibitions. Those interested in religious architecture can visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Hamarikyu Gardens preserve connections to uses by feudal lords during the Edo period, including performances, rice cultivation, military training and falconry.

The Tokyo National Museum brings together different perspectives on art and history. Its Honkan offers a comprehensive overview of Japanese art and history, while the Toyokan presents art and archaeology from across Asia. The collection comprises more than 120,000 objects, including 89 National Treasures; collection figures may change as cataloging is updated. From the park exit at Ueno Station, the museum is about a ten-minute walk away, although actual walking time may vary depending on the route and conditions. Another way to explore architectural history is the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, which displays entire buildings relocated to or reconstructed in an expansive park.

Parks, views and wildlife

Ueno Zoo is home to approximately 3,000 animals from 300 different species; these numbers may change over time. The zoo opened in 1882 as Japan’s first zoo. Ueno Park has 800 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, and you can enjoy hanami there during the blooming season. Visitors can also rent a paddleboat in the park and go out on the water; check rental availability before your visit.

Showa Kinen Park has playgrounds suitable for different ages and a miniature railway. For a different perspective on Tokyo, visit the Tembo Deck at TOKYO SKYTREE, with its 360-degree views extending to Mt. Fuji. The places and activities mentioned offer different experiences: museum collections, historic sites, parks, hikes and island adventures.

Discover more destinations: Kōtō, Hachiōji, Tachikawa, Minato, Toshima, Chōfu, Musashino, Nakano, Machida, Ōta, Fussa, Higashiyamato, Hamura, Edogawa, Meguro, Ōshima, Tama, Hino, Nozawa, Fuchū, Chiyoda, Suginami, Hachijo, Oume, Taitō, Arakawa, Bunkyō, Akiruno, Nerima, Shinjuku, Itabashi, Shinagawa, Shibuya-ku, Kiyose, Ogasawara, Okutama, Akishima, Koganei and Inagi.

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