july-2012

When the going gets
hot, the smart folk of
Tokyo head out of town
to nearby getaways that
embrace all kinds of
culture — from beaches
and food to history,
music and the arts
Words ManaMi Okazaki
If the summer heat of Tokyo
gets too much to bear, relief
is close at hand. A plethora of
mountains and beaches just
beyond the outskirts of the capital
offer an easy escape into Japan’s
natural oases.
Hiking Heaven
Mt Takao, west of Tokyo, is an
easy 45-minute train ride from
Shinjuku station, and great for the
whole family. Here, there are eight
scenic hiking trails that take about
an hour and a half, or take the
cable car if you prefer a bird’s-eye
view. Popular with day-trippers
from Tokyo is the opulent Yakuoin
Buddhist temple, which was
originally built in 744. It’s nestled
in the woodland of Mt Takao and
is believed to house tengu, a goblin
deity that brings good fortune
— accordingly, the complex is
adorned with tengu statues
and paintings.
The area is famous for its
density of trees and wildflowers
hot spot //
— in fact, Mt Takao was awarded
three stars when the Michelin
Green Guide was first published
in 2009. Unlike the planted forests
that surround most of Tokyo,
its natural woodland is home to
numerous 100-year-old cedars,
and this biodiversity is more than
evident when taking one of the
hikes. Moreover, sitting on the
border of Japan’s subtropical and
temperate forest regions, there
are trees of both types in the
Takao woodlands.
Walking through the trails,
there’s ample opportunity to
see the local residents, such as
raccoons, squirrels, kingfishers
and owls. The monkey park next
Take the cable car if you prefer a bird’s-eye view
FROM LEFT: Fuji
Rock Festival;
view of Shonan;
Fuji Rock Festival
funky fans; Mt
Takao trail
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