Discover Traditional Japan Just a Train Ride Away
Japan isn’t just about Tokyo’s neon lights and skyscrapers—beyond the city lie charming towns and cultural pockets that offer a glimpse into the country’s Edo-period roots. Best of all? You can reach them within an hour from central Tokyo by train!
Here are three incredible day trips that let you escape the crowds, slow down, and discover the hidden side of Edo Japan—all without leaving the Tokyo area.
1. Kawagoe: Tokyo’s Little Edo (小江戸・川越)
Travel time: ~30 min from Ikebukuro on the Tobu Tojo Line
Kawagoe is one of the best-preserved Edo-period towns near Tokyo. Nicknamed “Little Edo,” this nostalgic city boasts classic wooden warehouses (kurazukuri), cobbled streets, and a rich merchant history.
🧭 Highlights:
- Kurazukuri Street: Historic storehouses turned into sweet shops and craft stores
- Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley): Retro alley filled with traditional Japanese candies
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine: Known for matchmaking and summer wind chimes
👘 Travel Tip: Visit in summer and you’ll see many people wearing yukata (light kimono). I once visited in July and truly felt like I had time-traveled to another era.
2. Kamakura: Temples, Bamboo, and Beaches
Travel time: ~55 min from Tokyo Station via JR Yokosuka Line
Kamakura is a small coastal city with a deep spiritual past. Once the political center of Japan, it now invites travelers to explore its Zen temples, giant Buddha statue, and nature trails.
🧭 Highlights:
- The Great Buddha (Daibutsu): A 13-meter bronze Buddha you can enter
- Hokokuji Temple: A hidden bamboo grove that rivals Kyoto’s
- Komachi Street: Perfect for trying matcha soft serve and handmade goods
- Yuigahama Beach: Enjoy a seaside walk or relax with a beer by the waves
🌿 Travel Tip: Combine culture and relaxation—visit a temple in the morning and chill at the beach in the afternoon.
3. Takahata Fudoson: Tokyo’s Underrated Temple Escape
Travel time: ~40 min from Shinjuku via Keio Line
Far less known to tourists, Takahata Fudoson in Hino City is a large Buddhist temple complex with over 1,000 years of history. The peaceful surroundings and pagoda views are perfect for those who want to escape Tokyo’s fast pace.
🧭 Highlights:
- Fudo Hall and 5-story Pagoda: A stunning blend of color and tradition
- Nature Trails: Easy hiking paths leading to panoramic city views
- Daruma Market in January: One of the biggest in Japan
🧘 Travel Tip: If you’re feeling stressed, come here to recharge. Fewer tourists mean more time for reflection.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into history, nature, food, or just curious about traditional Japanese life, these Hidden Edo spots offer the perfect balance of old and new. Best of all, they’re affordable, beginner-friendly, and make for unforgettable day trips.
Grab your IC card, hop on a train, and time travel into the heart of Edo—just one hour from Tokyo.
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