30 Tokyo Area Travel Spots
Here are 30 unique ideas in and around Tokyo to enhance your campervan trip itinerary. Perfect for those planning a weekend trip from Tokyo or anyone looking to add an extra stop to a longer journey starting or ending in the city!
1) Fuji View Campsite
📍Yamanashi, Japan
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a full-on view of Mt. Fuji—this is the place. Fumotoppa (ふもとっぱ）is a Fuji view campsite in Yamanashi prefecture that’s locally famous for its views of Mt. Fuji from anywhere on the campsite. It’s a super chill site with wide open fields, clean facilities, and zero bad angles of the mountain. There was also an onsen free to use on the site. ♨️ We made coffee, roasted marshmallows, watched the clouds roll over Fuji, and just… slowed down for once. We went during rainy season so the views of Mt. Fuji were fleeting. If you want a real amazing view like in the AI clips, I recommend going in the Spring or Fall when the skies are more clear. Definitely bring a good blanket—it gets cold at night!
2) Tokyo Forest Cafe
📍Akiruno, Tokyo
I was map surfing around a nature spot in Tokyo when I came across this one. It’s the “sound of water” terrace cafe at 📍Kurochaya located in Akiruno, Tokyo. The terrace is right above a stretch of river of the Iwasekyo Gorge. Kurochaya is an old style Japanese restaurant housed built in a centuries old farmhouse. I treated myself to a blueberry yogurt shake and ice cream parfait. It was good but I was mostly there for the views and the playing in the river afterwards.
3) Okutama Mountains & Rivers
📍Okutama, Tokyo
Today we took the van up to Okutama 🌿 There’s so much to do and see here for outdoors people, it’s the perfect place to see Tokyo’s nature side. 🚣♂️There’s a few different companies that offer river rafting adventures here, you can find a good one with a quick google search. I didn’t do it this time but I have done it once last summer and it’s really fun! (I don’t remember which company I used 🙇🏻♀️) Just walking around the area is nice too with all of the river and flower views. My personal favorite though are the riverside cafes. Theres a few in the area with different offerings but my favorite (pictured in the video) is 📍Shizu Cafe. This area is famous for tofu so they have a tofu cheesecake and iced soy latte that I get every time 🍰 The cafe is part of the sake brewery where you can do sake tasting and a try a few other local foods. I got the tofu and it was really good!🍶✨
4) Shiraito Falls
📍Shizuoka, Japan
Shiraito Falls in Shizuoka just outside of Fujinomiya, is one of those spots that’s way more magical in person than in any photo or video. The falls are super wide, and the water literally flows out of the mossy cliff walls like little silver threads (hence the name “shiraito” = white threads). It’s peaceful, powerful, and just... calming. It’s an easy stroll from the parking lot, so no big hike required. Great stop if you’re road-tripping around Mt. Fuji and want something beautiful but low-effort. 💧🚗 Bring snacks, take your time, and soak it all in. Highly recommend going early morning or on a weekday if you want the place mostly to yourself.
5) Flower Viewing
📍Akiruno City, Tokyo
Ajisai, or hydrangea, season is really popular in Japan and a lot of the places for flower viewing in and around Tokyo get super crowded, but this spot is like a quiet little haven. Over 50 years ago, a local man named Chikara Akiguchi began planting hydrangeas on this mountain slope, one by one, hoping to create something beautiful for future generations. What started with a few seedlings has now grown into a breathtaking sea of 10,000+ blossoms every rainy season. 🌧💠 Now known as Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain (南沢あじさい山), it’s one of Tokyo’s most magical early-summer escapes, especially during peak bloom in June and early July. 📍 Akiruno City, Tokyo 🌸 Best seen during the rainy season 👣 A 40-min walk or short bus ride from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. I took a taxi from the station. During the Ajisai Festival there is a free shuttle from the station.
6) Mt. Fuji Views
📍Yamanashi, Japan
Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama-dai (山中湖明神山パノラマ台) The views from here are truly amazing. You get clear, wide-open Mt. Fuji views all day long (as long as it’s not cloudy lol). We went at sunset in early spring and Fuji had that perfect snow cap. 10/10 recommend that timing if you want the full cinematic vibe. ⚠️ PSA: If you go, be cool. Don’t block people’s shots. Don’t leave trash. I know I don’t have to say that since if you’re watching this, you’re probably already the respectful traveler type, but tell your friends! Also: make sure to stop by 📍Paper Moon Cafe nearby! Their cheesecake is still the best one we've had in Japan.
7) Traditional Japanese Village
📍Chiba, Japan
We spent the day exploring Little Edo (Sawara) in Chiba, and it truly felt like stepping back in time. Old wooden houses, quiet canals, and even a boat you can ride through the town like they did in the Edo period. Sawara used to be a major merchant hub, and it's also where Inō Tadataka (the guy who made the first full map of Japan!) was born. You can still see his old house by the river and even go inside of it. I also stopped by NIPPONIA Sawara, a restored merchant house, and had this amazing amazake-flavored kakigori. It was light, creamy, not too sweet, seriously one of the best shaved ices I’ve ever had. 🍧 There are also lots of little shops selling handmade goods and local treats, perfect for wandering with no real plan.
8) Hike with a Fuji View
📍Yamanashi, Japan
If you’re looking for an easy day hike with ✨unreal✨ Mt. Fuji views, this is the place to go. 📍Mt. Ohira near Yamanaka-ko in Yamanashi is the closest mountain to Mt. Fuji, and from the top you get a full-on, clear no-obstruction view of Fuji just chilling in the background. It’s kinda magic. The trail is beginner-friendly, with a chill incline and well-marked paths. It took us about 1.5 hours to reach the peak. We had plenty of snack + photo breaks at the top. 📸🍙 It’s perfect if you want a rewarding hike and still have time for exploring the surrounding area. Bring good shoes, some water, and maybe a thermos of coffee to sip at the summit—trust me, the vibe hits different up there.
9) Mt. Nokogiri Buddha Hike
📍Chiba, Japan
We took a day trip to Mt. Nokogiri in Chiba and it was one of the most dramatic and peaceful places I’ve been in Japan. 🏞️ We took the ropeway up and climbed around the rocky trails to see the Hyaku-shaku Kannon, a towering statue carved into the cliffside. It stands about 30 meters tall and was carved in 1966 to honor those who died in war and to pray for peace. There’s a real sense of quiet power when you stand in front of it. Further along the trail is the Great Buddha of Nihon-ji, one of the largest seated stone Buddhas in Japan at over 31 meters tall! It was originally carved in the 18th century and restored in the 1960s after being weathered down over time. The mountain itself has a long history too, it was once a quarry during the Edo period, which is why the cliffs look so sharp and jagged. Also the views from the top are insane. You can see all the way to Tokyo Bay on a clear day. 🌊 If you go, I recommend stopping at the nearby ocean view cafe 📍 Music & Coffee Shop Misaki. You can drive your van there since there's a parking lot that's a 15 minute walk from the Nokogiri ropeway.
10) Mountain Shrine Tea House
📍Kanagawa, Japan
This is one of our favorite nature spots near Tokyo. Mt. Oyama in Kanagawa is only 2-ish hours away from Tokyo. It’s home to Oyama Afuri Shrine, a sacred place that’s been worshipped for over 2,000 years. 🌿 After walking through the shrine grounds, we stopped by Saryo Sekison, a tea house right beside the shrine. We ordered a matcha latte and their signature matcha tiramisu. If you explore the shrine we recommend getting the sacred spring water known as gojinsui. You can collect it yourself from a dragon-shaped spout nearby, it's said to bring good health and long life. You can bring your own bottle or buy one there for 200 yen 🐉💧 Mt. Oyama was once a major pilgrimage site during the Edo period, people would hike up carrying huge wooden swords to offer at the shrine, praying for rain and protection. The shrine’s name “Afuri” even comes from ame-furi, meaning “rainfall.” It’s amazing how that spiritual history still lingers in the air today. If you’re looking for a peaceful day trip filled with nature, tradition, and good matcha, this is the place.
11) Drifting Adventure
📍Chiba, Japan
You might want to add drifting to your Japan itinerary because this was a lot of fun. Personally, I was too scared to drive this time, so I just rode along in the passenger seat… but even that was so much fun. Sliding around corners, tires screeching, adrenaline pumping, I totally get the hype! This experience is run by @TokyoSupercars, and you don’t need a license to try it. Anyone can join, even beginners. You’ll learn the basics of drifting on a real track, in a drift-spec Mazda Miata or Toyota GT86, with a pro instructor showing you the ropes and an English guide. Next time, I’m definitely getting behind the wheel. 😤💨 Highly recommend if you’re looking for a unique Japan experience off the usual path!
12) Tiny Mountain Museum
📍Akiruno, Tokyo
In the mountains of west Tokyo is one of the most magical places we’ve ever visited . It's called the Fukasawa Tiny Museum. 🌿✨ Just a short walk from Ajisai Mountain (famous for its 10,000+ hydrangeas), this ghiblie-esque spot is home to around 100 hand-crafted puppets by sculptor and artist Akimitsu Tomonaga, who is best known for his work on the NHK puppet show “The Tale of Purinpurin” (1979–1982). 🎎 The museum sits in a peaceful forest garden, with koi ponds, mossy stone paths, and handmade wooden carvings scattered throughout, like stepping into a storybook. Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved puppets, woodblock prints, lamps, and quirky sculptures, all made with incredible care and creativity. The road heading there was filled with his wooden fairy carvings guiding the way! We enjoyed watching them from the camper van. Tomonaga-san built this space after retiring, turning it into a quiet sanctuary where his characters and creations could live on. He even hosts puppet performances here from time to time. 🎟️ Details Open Friday to Tuesday, 10:00–17:00 (closed Wed & Thu) Entry: 500 yen (cash only) Located in Akiruno City, about 10–15 min on foot from Ajisaiyama and near Hinohara village Best accessed by bus from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station (JR line) — the ride through the mountains is gorgeous too! You can also grab a tea or coffee inside the cozy café corner after exploring the grounds (only available on weekends). It's a perfect day trip for art lovers, nostalgia seekers, or anyone needing a peaceful escape.
13) Treehouse Adventure
📍Chiba, Japan
Not too far from Tokyo, you can eat lunch in a treehouse. There’s a lot of good campsites in Chiba so if you’re visiting one of those, this is a good one to add to your list of things to do nearby. The place is called Tsubakimori Komuna and it's just a short walk from Chiba Park. This place feels like stepping into a secret forest in the middle of the city. Two treehouses are perched among the trees, connected by a rope bridge, with hammocks, tiny houses, and a café tucked underneath. You can buy something from the cafe and enjoy it in the tree house overlooking Chiba park. What makes it even more special is the land was originally going to be developed, but the community came together to protect the trees and turn it into a shared public space instead. Since 2015, it’s been a creative, eco-friendly hangout for people of all ages, and it's totally free to visit. 🚙There's a parking lot near Chiba station to park your van. ⏰ Open daily (hours vary — usually until 17:00, or later on weekends) 🐕 Pet-friendly, family-friendly, and just super relaxing
14) Lotus Viewing Park
📍Chiba, Japan
We recently went to see the Ooga Lotus (大賀ハス) flowers in Chiba. These lotus flowers were grown from a 2,000-year-old seed discovered right here in Chiba in 1951 by botanist Dr. Ichiro Oga. Only one seed sprouted, and it gave life to every lotus blooming in this pond today. How cool?? 🌸 The lotus bloom only in the early morning, around 7–9 AM, and close up by noon, so come early if you want to see them at their most beautiful. We walked along the pond, soaking in the calm and watching petals gently sway in the breeze. It felt like time slowed down. 🛕 During peak season (late June to early July), the park hosts the Ooga Lotus Festival, with guided tours, pop-up food stalls, and even a chance to drink from a lotus leaf in the traditional 象鼻杯 (elephant trunk cup) ritual! 📍 Chiba Park (千葉公園) 🚙 There's plenty of parking in the lot near Chiba Station for your camper van~ 🎟️ Free to enter, open daily
15) Shiromaru Nature Park
📍Okutama, Tokyo
On this van adventure, we’ve discovered so many gems in western Tokyo. Shiromaru village was definitely one of them. They don’t only offer SUP though, they also have a campfire experience, BBQ, sauna and cold plunge, & so much more. Make sure to book ahead of time on their website before you go! 📍@shiromaru_village
16) Riverside Camping
📍Saitama, Japan
We can’t believe this is so close to Tokyo and yet no one was there!! It’s accessible by train, but we recommend coming by camper van because there are SO many amazing auto campgrounds along the river. Here’s where to visit if you go: 📍Hodosan Shrine 📍Kakigori Cafe (ギャラリー喫茶やました 📍(Boat ride) Nagatoro Line Kudari (長瀞ラインくだり): 📍Onsen (西武秩父駅前温泉): Not featured in the video but you should check it out if you go during the colder months. 📍Chichibu Shrine (秩父神社)
17) Fresh Fruit Picking
📍Mitaka, Tokyo
Fruit picking is one of our favorite Japan activities. The fruit here is SO good! And it’s the perfect snack on the go when you’re doing your Japan van life. There are so many spots for fruit picking in Japan, honestly all of them are good and different fruits will be in season at different times. The one featured in this video is a blueberry farm in Mitaka City (Tokyo) called📍Ishiinoen.
18) Noodles in the Mountains
📍Saitama, Japan
This Nagashi Somen spot in the mountains was SO fun and delicious!! We left feeling so full 😆 Heads up this is only open seasonally in the summer and you’ll need to make a reservation online like 2 weeks ahead of time. It’s a really locally popular spot. It’s called 📍Choseikan and the website is Soumen.choseikan.com. It’s located in Chichibu, right outside of Tokyo. It’s accessible by train but we recommend going by camper van because the campgrounds in the area are SO good! You’ll need to reserve the campgrounds at least 2 weeks ahead of time as well to get a spot with the best river view! Should we also make a video about the campgrounds here?
19) Mitake Gorge
📍Ome, Tokyo
Mitake Gorge is the perfect summer spot in Tokyo and there’s a lot of great campsite nearby so it’s a great place for a van trip! We recommend having a picnic near the river where you can take a dip. It’s super refreshing! Just be careful of river rafters! Don’t forget to stop by the museum to see the local art and Kakigori!! Seriously one of the best Kakigori that we’ve ever had. 📍Gyokudo Art Museum 📍Hyo Emon (氷石衛門) - Kakigori
20) Showa Kinen Park
📍Tachikawa, Tokyo
Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park is beautiful in every season but we highly recommend bookmarking it for your Spring Japan trip because that’s when the flower festival runs. It takes place every year around March. The park is also a great place to do Hanami during cherry blossom season if you want to see an amazing view without the crowds. This year there were also fun bubble photo zones on certain days, so look out for those next year too. Plus, there’s always lots of snacks and seasonal treats around the park 🌸🍡
21) Ghibli Park
📍Kichijoji, Tokyo
If you go to the Ghibli museum in Tokyo but skip out in the park that it’s in, then you’re missing out! Wandering through Inokashira Park feels like stepping into a Ghibli movie, shaded paths, still ponds, and that peaceful, slightly magical air you can’t quite explain. Just a short walk from Kichijōji Station, this place is perfect for a slow afternoon. Grab a Totoro cream puff from Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory nearby (yes, they're as cute as they sound 🐾), then find a quiet spot in the park to sit, snack, and people-watch. Don’t forget to ride the swan boats too! Just beware if you’re visiting as a couple because there’s a superstition that couples will break up after riding the swans! Between the rowboats, the forest-like trails, and the soft summer light through the trees, it honestly feels like Totoro could show up at any moment.
22) Tokyo Cat Village
📍Kichijoji, Tokyo
✨ Welcome to Petit Mura, Tokyo’s own tiny Ghibli-esque cat village in Kichijōji! 🐾 This whimsical spot feels like stepping into a fairy tale, tiny crooked houses, lanterns, and storybook details at every turn. 🌿 Inside, you’ll find the magical Cat Cafe Temari no Oshiro, where over 20 cats roam freely in a cozy castle setting. There’s no time limit, so you can stay, relax, and sip tea while the cats keep you company. ☕ Don’t miss the charming Tea House Happa for a quiet break, or browse the shops filled with cat-themed trinkets and handmade accessories. 📍 Hours: Weekdays: 11 AM – 8 PM Weekends & Holidays: 10 AM – 8 PM (Last café entry 7:30 PM) 💡 Tip: It’s free to wander the village grounds, perfect for photos and soaking in the Ghibli vibes. ✨ If you’re looking for a magical, offbeat Tokyo experience, Petit Mura is a must-visit.
23) Camp Nishitanzawa
📍Kanagawa, Japan
🌿 Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, 📍Well Camp Nishitanzawa in Kanagawa is the perfect nature escape. Hidden in the mountains, this campground lets you experience something rare in Japan, you’re actually allowed to swim in the crystal-clear river that runs right through the site. The spot near our campsite was shallow so you could only really splash around, but there were some deeper areas too where you could actually swim!💧 ⛺ Spend the day cooling off in the river, BBQing by the water, and at night, enjoy stargazing under the mountain skies. ✨ 📍 Well Camp Nishitanzawa, Kanagawa 🚐 About 1.5 hours from Tokyo by driving
24) Mt. Shirane Hike
📍Nikko, Japan
⛰️ This one is a must visit for hikers. Mt. Shirane (白根山) is one of Japan’s stunning alpine hikes and the highest peak in the Nikko area. 🌿 Just a few hours from Tokyo, this trail rewards you with sweeping mountain views, volcanic landscapes, and a chance to breathe in that crisp high-altitude air. 🥾 The hike is intermediate level, it’s a steady climb, but the panoramic views from the summit make every step worth it. On a clear day, you can even spot nearby peaks and the shimmering lakes below. 📍 Location: Nikko, Tochigi
25) Enoshima Island
📍Enoshima, Japan
When most people think of Japan they think of the mountains, shrines, and onsen, but Japan has some good seaside spots too. Just over an hour from Tokyo, Enoshima is a small island that packs a full day of experiences. You can stroll along its scenic coastline, take in panoramic views of Sagami Bay, and, if you’re lucky, glimpse Mt. Fuji rising in the distance. Explore charming shrines tucked into the island’s cliffs, wander through the botanical gardens, or climb the observation tower for sweeping views. Foodies will love the fresh seafood, from grilled shirasu to local specialty dishes, served at cozy island eateries. 💡 Pro tip for van travelers: Parking fills up quickly around 5 PM. Plan to leave a bit earlier, or linger and enjoy a quiet evening on the island.
26) Jindai-ji Temple
📍Chofu, Japan
Jindai-ji Temple (深大寺) is Tokyo’s second oldest temple, founded in 733 AD. Surrounded by trees, koi ponds, and charming old streets, it feels like stepping into a different era, just on the outskirts of the city in Chofu. The area is especially famous for its soba noodles, made with spring water that flows from the surrounding hills. After visiting the temple, you can enjoy a bowl at one of the many soba restaurants nearby, or try something hands on at the local pottery workshop where you can paint and create your own piece to take home.
27) Ancient Temple Ruins
📍Kokubunji, Japan
Just west of central Tokyo, Kokubunji (国分寺) is a town with deep history and a surprisingly slow, relaxing vibe. Its name comes from the ancient Kokubunji Temple, founded in the 8th century as part of Emperor Shomu’s plan to build temples across Japan. Today, you can still see temple ruins and cultural artifacts preserved in the 📍Kokubunji City Museum, a great spot to learn about the area’s long history. For a slower pace, stop by 📍@cafeslow_9 , a cozy spot perfect for recharging, or relax with a cup at the traditional tea cafe nearby, where you can enjoy Japanese tea in a peaceful setting surrounded by greenery.
28) Waterfall Onsen
📍Shizouka, Japan
Amagiso Onsen (天城荘) is a unique spot where you can soak in an outdoor hot spring after taking a cold plunge in a stunning blue waterfall 🌊♨️ We’ve seen this place all over instagram so we had to check it out ourselves. And while sometimes on instagram things can be made to look better than they really are, this spot delivered. The parking lot was full when we got there at 10am so we were expecting huge crowds, but when we went in, it was pretty peaceful and spacious. One observation was that because of its virality, more than half of the guests were foreign tourists, which wasn’t a bad or good thing, just an observation, so it’s not necessarily a “hidden gem” but if you don’t like crowds, we can still recommend this place since it was so big it really didn’t feel crowded. Oh also we should note that this place is completely tattoo friendly so you don’t have to worry if you have tattoos! 📍 Access by van: Amagiso Onsen is about 2.5–3 hours from central Tokyo via the Tomei Expressway and local roads. There’s on-site parking available, making it convenient for those driving from Tokyo or surrounding areas. If the free parking lot is full, there’s one across the street for just ¥500.
29) Izu Seaside Adventure
📍Shizouka, Japan
Izu is only 90 minutes away from Tokyo by van, it’s the perfect escape for seaside views! Here’s our recommended itinerary: 🌁 Start your trip with a walk across Kadowaki Suspension Bridge, which has amazing views of the ocean and geological rock formations to explore. 🍵 Next, for even more amazing views, head to the Izu Panorama Park Ropeway & Ocean-View Cafe. You’ll take the ropeway to the summit of Mount Katsuragi. On a clear day, you’ll catch views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay. At the top, enjoy a drink at Ao Terrace. I got a matcha latte~ 🪵 For lunch head to Hodohodo Base, a cozy log cabin cafe, which is near the famous cherry blossom festival area. Everything here was so good and they even had vegan options!
30) Mt. Omuro
📍Shizouka, Japan
Mt. Omuro is an extinct volcano shaped like a giant upside-down bowl located in Shizuoka. It’s an iconic natural landmark that’s fun to explore. While hiking isn’t allowed, a chairlift takes you straight to the rim of the crater, where a walking trail circles the summit and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Sagami Bay, and the Izu Islands on clear days. Inside the crater, you’ll discover a small shrine and even an archery range, while seasonal flowers and charming statues dot the summit. If you visit in February, you can witness the centuries-old Yamayaki (mountain burning) festival, when the entire mountain is set alight, a truly unforgettable spectacle that we hope to see next year. 🎟️ Chairlift: Round trip costs ¥700 for adults / ¥350 for children.