When pandemic restrictions impacted the English school that Kengo Enomoto ran for doctors, he decided to try content creation. His goal was to give tourists a glimpse of Japan.
The 44-year-old, who grew up on the outskirts of Tokyo, started the YouTube channel @tokyokenchan in 2021, where he regularly posts videos about his country.
“I thought it was very difficult for tourists to enjoy Japan fully, so I decided to manage a YouTube channel so people could enjoy it and come back again,” said Enomoto, who is not associated with any travel agency or tourism board.
Two years since Japan reopened its borders, the Japanese yen has weakened, and tourists have flocked to Japan in full force.
In March, the Japan National Tourism Organization reported a record high of 3.08 million visitors, surpassing the previous 2.99 million set in July 2019.
However, many of the tourist hot spots visited to see Mount Fuji, often suffer from overtourism. In April, officials from Fujikawaguchiko erected an eight-foot-tall barrier to prevent tourists from overcrowding a popular photo spot of Mount Fuji.
And while Tokyo is a must-see for first-time visitors, it can get busy, Enomoto said. “Day trips are a great opportunity to see a different side of Japan,” he added. Since starting his YouTube channel, the content creator has made day trips to around 15 Japanese towns to shoot travel content.
Here are Enomoto’s five lesser-known destinations and his suggestions for the best transportation. Prices are from japan-guide.com.
1. Hike and chase waterfalls in Nikko
Trip: Take the Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko station
Duration: 2 hours
Price: 1,400-3,340 yen, or $9-$21.50, one-way.
Nikko is perfect for hikers and nature lovers, Enomoto said. It’s also one of his favorite day trip destinations.
The mountainous town has various hiking trails to visit its three main waterfalls, Yudaki, Ryuzu, and Kegon. It’s also famous for the Toshogu shrine, a lavish complex that combines Shinto and Buddhist elements.
Enomoto suggests visiting in the fall for the best weather and scenery. He also recommends stopping by a street stall to try yuba, a local delicacy made from tofu skin.
2. Unwind in the hot springs and beaches of Atami
Trip: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Atami Station
Duration: 45 minutes
Price: 4,000 yen, or $25, one-way
When the weather gets chilly, Enomoto suggests heading to Atami, a hot spring destination. The seaside town was famous among locals in the 1990s and 80s. Now, its charming old hotels remain, giving the area a sense of nostalgia.
In the summer, locals stroll along the beach and enjoy fresh seafood. “You can see steam coming up from all over the town because of the hot springs — it’s beautiful,” he said.
3. Explore the rustic countryside of Chichibu
Trip: Take the “Red Arrow” limited express train by Seibu Railway from Ikebukuro Station to Seibu Chichibu Station
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: 1,700 yen, or $11, one-way
For travelers who need a break from city life, Enomoto recommends Chichibu, a small town with a feel of “old Japan.”
Located in the Saitama prefecture, Chichibu has forested mountains and valleys for outdoor activities like river rafting. In the late Spring, Hitsujiyama Park blossoms into a field of pink when shibazakura, or moss pink, is in full bloom.
4. Take a short ride to Kawagoe to shop and eat sweet potatoes
Trip: Take a train along the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station
Duration: 30 mins
Price: 490 yen, or $3, one-way
Enomoto said Kawagoe is perfect for young people who enjoy shopping and street food. Although the town is popular for its Edo-period buildings at Karazukuri Street, few know about its sweet potato and eel dishes.
During sweet potato season, from September to early November, tourists can even try digging sweet potatoes at farms.
“This is a great destination for someone who cannot wake up early,” Enomoto added, as the town is only 30 minutes from central Tokyo.
5. Snack on sashimi along Miura Peninsula
Trip: Buy a Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket from Shinagawa and take the Keikyu line to Misakiguchi
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: 4,250 yen, or $27, for unlimited trips on the Keikyu line
The Miura Peninsula is a great place to stop for seafood and sea views.
Enomoto suggests walking around its famous Misaki port to enjoy tuna and stopping by the nearby Jogashima Island for coastal walking trails.
He recommends purchasing a Misaki Tuna Ticket, which covers the cost of transport tickets and exclusive tuna dishes at selected restaurants.
Enomoto advises checking the transportation schedule in advance for a successful day trip, as buses and trains are less regular outside Tokyo. “I also made a mistake like that,” he said.
And although day trips are a great way to explore off the beaten path, Enomoto recommends not completely skipping Tokyo if this is your first time in Japan.
“By seeing Tokyo, I think you can have contrast in your itinerary and appreciate more of the day-trip destinations.”
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