Exploring the Nearby Prefectures of Tokyo: Kanagawa, Shizuoka, and Yamanashi
Hey there! Let's get right into it - here's an unbiased, uncensored, and more engaging travel itinerary with Matias, a Ph.D. candidate who explored the hidden gems of Kawasaki, Shizuoka, and Yamanashi prefectures near Tokyo.
- Matias - Kanagawa, Shizuoka and YamanashiMat, a Ph.D. Candidate researching Japanese literature, shares a 4-day itinerary he followed with our help to explore the lesser-known spots of Japan's beautiful prefectures.
- Day 1, Kanagawa Prefecture: Hakone YumotoTake the Romance Car from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto, Japan's famous hot spring spot. Visit the Evangelion store before relaxing in two amazing onsen - Yu-no-Sato Okada and Tenzan Tōjikyō. Don't miss the local soba noodles at Hakone and Yubadon tofu skin bowl at Naokichi!
- Day 2, SEA & CHERRY BLOSSOMS (Itōand Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture)From Itō's seaside views and Showa-era ryokan, follow the path to Kawazu - known for its early-blooming cherry blossoms. Nearby, you'll find endless onsen, beautiful beaches, and untouched natural scenery.
- Day 3, LAKES & MOUNT FUJI (Gotenba and Fuji, Yamanashi Prefecture)Step into Gotenba for stunning views of Mount Fuji at the outlet, then head to Yamanaka and Kawaguchi Lakes. Rent a bike, enjoy Kaba Bus rides, and taste Yamanashi's famous hōtō noodle soup at Hōtō Funari.
- Day 4, ART & WINE-TASTING (Kōfu and Katsunuma Budō-kyō, Yamanashi Prefecture)Discover local art at the Yamanashi Prefectural Art Museum, then venture into the countryside to Katsunuma Budō-kyō, Yamanashi's wine-producing region. Taste local wines and visit the famous Katsunuma vineyard.
- Some final words...According to Mat, traveling outside of Tokyo is a must! With so many amazing spots just 1 - 2 hours away from the city, you can find a more local feel compared to Japan's capital.
- Hotels he stayed during the trip
- Yumoto Station Hotel MIRAHAKONE
- Itoen Hotel
- Breezbay Lake Resort Kawaguchiko
For more hidden gems and unique travel experiences in Kawasaki, Shizuoka, and Yamanashi prefectures, check out these recommendations:
Hidden Gems and Local Travel Experiences near Tokyo
Kawasaki (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Tama River Riverside Walks
- Fujiko F. Fujio Museum
- Nihon Minkaen Open-Air Folk House Museum
Shizuoka Prefecture
- Miho no Matsubara
- Izu Peninsula Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches
- Local Wasabi Farms
- Shuzenji Onsen
Yamanashi Prefecture
- Fujikawaguchiko Area
- Shosenkyo Gorge
- Koshu Wine Country
- Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave
Happy Travels!
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- Matias recommended exploring the lesser-known spots in Kawasaki, Shizuoka, and Yamanashi prefectures during his 4-day travel itinerary.
- On Day 1, he visited Hakone Yumoto in Kanagawa Prefecture, where he enjoyed onsen at Yu-no-Sato Okada and Tenzan Tōjikyō, and tried local soba noodles and tofu skin bowl.
- On Day 2, he traveled to Itō and Kawazu in Shizuoka Prefecture, where he marveled at early-blooming cherry blossoms, visited seaside views, and unwound in countless onsen.
- On Day 3, he journeyed to Gotenba and Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, experiencing stunning views of Mount Fuji at outlets, visiting Yamanaka and Kawaguchi Lakes, and savoring Yamanashi's famous hōtō noodle soup.
- On Day 4, he discovered local art at the Yamanashi Prefectural Art Museum and vineyard-hopped in Katsunuma Budō-kyō, Yamanashi's wine-producing region.
- Matias encourages travelers to venture outside of Tokyo for a more authentic Japanese experience, as numerous hidden gems and unique experiences can be found within 1 - 2 hours from the city.
- Matias stayed at Yumoto Station Hotel MIRAHAKONE, Itoen Hotel, and Breezbay Lake Resort Kawaguchiko during his journey. For more travel recommendations in these prefectures, check out our website.
