
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Machida, Tōkyō, Japan
1. Kawaguchiko
Lake at the foot of Mt. Fuji with scenic views and hot spring resorts.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and a serene lake.
- Hot Spring Resorts: Provides an opportunity to relax in natural hot springs.
- Convenient Transportation: Easily accessible by bus or train from Machida.
2. Hakone
Open-air museum and hot spring resort town with a scenic lake.
- Art Appreciation: Home to the Hakone Open-Air Museum showcasing contemporary art.
- Scenic Lake Cruise: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashi with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.
- Eco-friendly Transportation: Offers cable cars, ropeways and boats for eco-friendly transportation.
3. Kamakura
Historic town with temples, shrines, and scenic coastal views.
- Cultural Exploration: Rich in historical sites like the Great Buddha statue at Kotokuin temple.
- Nature Appreciation: Beautiful coastal walks with views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Easy Accessibility: Accessible by train from Machida in less than an hour.
4. Nikko
UNESCO World Heritage site with shrines and stunning natural beauty.
- Historical Significance: Home to the Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Nature Immersion: Offers hiking trails through lush forests and beautiful waterfalls.
- Spiritual Experience: A spiritual destination with numerous temples and shrines.
5. Odawara
Historic coastal city with a beautiful castle and hot springs.
- Castle Exploration: Offers an impressive castle with stunning views of the city.
- Onsen Experience: Provides a relaxing experience in traditional Japanese hot springs.
- Scenic Coastal Walk: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the picturesque coastal trail.
6. Atami
Seaside resort town with hot springs and a sandy beach.
- Beach Relaxation: Relax on the rare sandy beach in Japan.
- Onsen Experience: Experience hot springs with a view of the ocean.
- Seaside Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes at local restaurants.
7. Karuizawa
Mountain resort town with a scenic lake and alpine-style architecture.
- Nature Immersion: Offers hiking trails, skiing, and beautiful scenery.
- Alpine-style Architecture: Features charming European-style buildings.
- Shopping Destination: Home to an outlet mall with popular brands.
8. Matsumoto
Historic city with a beautiful castle and scenic mountain views.
- Castle Exploration: Visit the iconic black-lacquered Matsumoto Castle.
- Scenic Mountain Views: Enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains.
- Cultural Exploration: Discover traditional Japanese crafts and local delicacies.
9. Nagano
Ski resort town known for the 1998 Winter Olympics.
- Winter Sports: Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities.
- Historical Sites: Home to the Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most famous temples.
- Hot Springs Experience: Enjoy the natural hot springs in various locations around Nagano.
10. Shirakawa-go
Traditional village with gassho-style farmhouses and scenic mountains.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a traditional Japanese village lifestyle.
- Scenic Beauty: Feast your eyes on the breathtaking mountain vistas.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the traditional farmhouses and landscapes.
11. Takayama
Traditional town with well-preserved Edo-period buildings.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the atmosphere of Japan's Edo period.
- Food Exploration: Savor Hida-beef and other local delicacies.
- Historical Sites: Visit the Sanjō-no-Taki waterfall, Zen Buddhist temples, and historic houses.
12. Gero Onsen
Hot spring resort town known for its high-quality hot spring water.
- Onsen Experience: Soak in the mineral-rich waters of Gero Onsen.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Relaxation: A peaceful destination to unwind and relax.
13. Matsumoto Farm Stay
Experience rural Japanese life on a farm stay in the countryside.
- Rural Experience: Immerse yourself in the daily life of a Japanese farm.
- Cultural Immersion: Learn about traditional farming methods and local customs.
- Nature Appreciation: Enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside and the surrounding mountains.
14. Kanazawa
City with a castle, gardens, and traditional districts.
- Historical Sites: Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens.
- Cultural Exploration: Explore the Higashi Chaya District with traditional tea houses.
- Scenic Beauty: Feast your eyes on the stunning Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle.
15. Shibukawa Onsen
A peaceful hot spring town in the Fuji Five Lakes region.
- Onsen Experience: Soak in the natural hot springs of Shibukawa Onsen.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko.
- Relaxation: A peaceful destination to unwind and relax in nature.