Tokyo Metropolis includes the Izu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands. The destination thus ranges from museums and historic sites to island coastlines and hiking trails. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether you’d like to focus more on culture, nature or outdoor activities.

Islands, Coastlines and Nature

Almost the entire Ogasawara Archipelago is designated as Ogasawara National Park. These oceanic islands are home to unique flora and fauna, including rare flowers, birds and whales that visitors can experience. Habushi Beach lies on the eastern side of Niijima and stretches for 6.5 kilometers of white sand. Boardsailing, fishing and swimming are also possible on Niijima. Oshima Island combines volcanic coastal landscapes with opportunities for diving and snorkeling. The islands therefore offer a range of experiences, from a long sandy beach and water sports to nature watching.

Urban History in Museums and Historic Sites

The Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum presents the history of Edo and Tokyo through authentic materials, reconstructed models and interactive exhibits. The Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum offers a different perspective, with complete buildings reproduced or reconstructed in an expansive park. While historical materials and models illustrate the past in one museum, entire buildings take center stage in the other.

At the Tokyo National Museum, this exploration extends beyond individual historical periods. The Honkan provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese art and history, while the Toyokan showcases art and archaeology from across Asia. The two exhibition areas thus offer different perspectives on Japanese and Asian art and cultural history. Sensoji is another notable historic site: it is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo.

Hamarikyu Gardens preserve memories of their uses by feudal lords during the Edo period. These included performances, rice cultivation, military training and falconry. In Ueno Park, 800 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees shape the landscape; visitors can enjoy hanami there during cherry blossom season. Ueno Zoo opened in 1882 as Japan’s first zoo and is home to approximately 3,000 animals from 300 different species.

Hiking Trails and Nature at Mt. Takao and in Okutama

At Mt. Takao, hiking trails lead to the 599-meter summit. The Takao Visitor Center at the summit provides information about mountain trails and nature. The Takao 599 Museum focuses on the nature and ecology of Mt. Takao and its surroundings. The mountain is about 50 minutes away by train from Shinjuku Station; travel time may vary depending on the connection and conditions. Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, a hot spring, is located near the foot of Mt. Takao.

In Okutama, you can hike, fish, enjoy water sports and visit hot springs. Activities offered there include white-water trips on the Tama River, kayaking on Lake Shiromaru, canoeing, SUP, hydrospeeding and canyoning. The options range from river trips to various forms of paddling and water sports. Check the conditions and offerings of individual operators before taking part in water sports.

Ideas for Planning Your Trip

There are also practical points of reference for cultural and urban explorations. The Tokyo National Museum is a 10-minute walk from the park exit of Ueno Station; walking time may vary depending on the route and conditions. You can also rent a paddle boat in Ueno Park; check rental details in advance. The Tembo Deck at TOKYO SKYTREE offers 360-degree views extending as far as Mt. Fuji.

A network of river boats, also known as water buses, connects Odaiba and Asakusa via Tokyo Bay and the Sumida River. As route details may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before setting out. For another kind of outing, Showa Kinen Park offers age-appropriate playgrounds and a miniature railway. When planning your trip, you can weigh up culture, hiking trails, coastlines and family-friendly attractions, without limiting yourself to just one way of exploring Tokyo.

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, Inagi

For the main travel overview: Japan.