Some of Japan’s most famous sights are just a short train or coach ride away from Tokyo, so don’t hesitate to add a few day trips from the city to your itinerary. At the top of the list should be a visit to one of Japan’s historic temple towns. Kamakura is a treasure-house of spectacular Zen temples, tranquil gardens, teahouses, and exquisite craft shops. And just a few hours north of Tokyo, the elaborate shrines, grand gates, and tombs of Nikko are overshadowed by towering forests of Japanese cedar, creating a mood of spiritual grandeur.

For a more cosmopolitan experience, the vibrant port city of Yokohama has a completely different feel to its neighbor Tokyo; the influence of its many foreign residents make it a real melting pot of a city. Nature lovers, meanwhile, will have plenty to enjoy in the regions around Tokyo. Hakone is the best place to go if you’re eager for a traditional hot spring experience, while fine hiking trails, cycling routes, and wildlife are easily accessed at Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, the Izu Peninsula, and the Fuji Five Lakes. It’s here that you’ll find some of the best photo ops of Mount Fuji, one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights in all of Japan.