Tokyo has no shortage of things to see and do, but some of the most interesting experiences are outside the city center. Within a couple of hours, you can reach mountain villages, clear rivers, waterfalls, farms and hot springs.
The western Tokyo area, especially Okutama and Hinohara, is ideal for a day trip when you want nature and outdoor activities. Nearby areas of Kanagawa and Chiba also offer seasonal experiences such as strawberry picking.
Here are seven of the best things to do near Tokyo, from Trout Fishing in Japan to relaxing in a traditional onsen.
1. Try Trout Fishing in Japan
Trout Fishing in Japan is a great choice if you want to experience the Japanese countryside without planning a complicated trip.
The Okutama and Hinohara areas have several managed fishing spots along mountain rivers. One of the most convenient options is Hikawa International Trout Fishing Spot, located near JR Okutama Station. Another popular choice is Hinohara Kanoto International Trout Fishing Ground in Hinohara Village.
These fishing grounds are designed for visitors and beginners, so you don’t need previous fishing experience. Equipment can be rented at the facilities, and rainbow trout are commonly stocked in the fishing areas.
At Kanoto, visitors can have their catch prepared after fishing, depending on the current facility rules. Some locations also offer areas where you can enjoy a barbecue.
Trout fishing is particularly easy to combine with other activities. Spend the morning fishing, have lunch by the river, then continue to a waterfall, hiking trail or onsen.
Best for: beginners, families, couples and travelers looking for an outdoor experience near Tokyo.
2. Go Strawberry Picking in Tokyo
If you’re visiting Japan between winter and spring, add Strawberry Picking in Tokyo to your itinerary.
The Japanese tradition of ichigo-gari allows visitors to pick strawberries directly from greenhouse plants and eat them fresh. Many farms operate timed sessions, while some offer all-you-can-eat experiences.
Although there are strawberry farms in Tokyo, you can find more options by looking in neighboring Kanagawa and Chiba. Kawasaki, Yokohama and parts of Chiba are all accessible from Tokyo and have farms that welcome visitors during strawberry season.
Japanese strawberries are particularly popular for their sweetness and variety. Some farms grow several cultivars, allowing visitors to taste different types during the same visit.
Reservations are often required, especially on weekends and holidays. Opening dates and prices also vary between farms, so check the latest information before traveling.
Best season: generally December or January through spring, depending on the farm.
3. Explore Okutama and Hatonosu Gorge
Okutama is one of the best destinations for a nature-focused day trip from Tokyo.
Located in the western part of the Tokyo Metropolis, the area is known for mountains, forests, rivers and Lake Okutama. The journey from central Tokyo takes around 1.5–2 hours, depending on your starting point and connections.
One of the highlights is Hatonosu Gorge, where the Tama River runs through a forested mountain landscape. Walking along the gorge gives you a chance to see a much quieter side of Tokyo.
Okutama is also a good base for combining several activities in one day. You can go fishing in the morning, walk along the river in the afternoon and finish with an onsen.
A simple Okutama plan
- Morning: travel from Tokyo and go trout fishing
- Lunch: eat near the river
- Afternoon: explore Hatonosu Gorge
- Evening: visit an onsen before returning to Tokyo
Wear comfortable walking shoes and allow extra time for transportation between attractions.
4. Visit Hossawa Falls and Hinohara
Hinohara Village is another good destination for a day surrounded by forests and mountains.
The area’s best-known natural attraction is Hossawa Falls, a waterfall surrounded by woodland. The walk to the waterfall is relatively short, making it possible to combine the visit with other activities in the area.
Hinohara is also home to the Kanoto trout fishing area, so visitors can combine fishing and sightseeing in one trip.
Autumn is particularly attractive because the surrounding forest changes color, while summer offers a cooler alternative to central Tokyo.
If you want a quieter day in nature without traveling deep into the Japanese countryside, Hinohara is worth considering.
5. Explore Nippara Limestone Caves
For something different, head underground at Nippara Limestone Caves in Okutama.
The caves contain natural limestone formations and underground passages created over thousands of years. Inside, temperatures remain much lower than outside, making the caves especially appealing during Tokyo’s hot summer.
The caves are located farther into the Okutama area, so check transportation times before visiting. They work best as part of a planned day trip rather than a quick stop between other attractions.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket. The temperature underground can feel surprisingly cool even when it is hot outside.
6. Try Kayaking, SUP or a Riverside BBQ
If you prefer active outdoor experiences, Okutama and the surrounding mountain areas offer more than hiking and fishing.
During the warmer months, visitors can try activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding through local operators. Beginners should choose an organized experience, where equipment and safety instructions are provided.
Another option is a riverside BBQ. Several outdoor facilities in the Okutama and Akigawa areas have designated barbecue spaces. Some fishing facilities also allow visitors to prepare their catch on-site.
A combination of fishing, lunch by the river and a short walk makes for an easy full-day escape from Tokyo.
Always check the individual facility’s rules before bringing food, charcoal or cooking equipment.
7. Relax in a Japanese Onsen
After spending the day outdoors, finish with one of Japan’s classic experiences: an onsen.
Western Tokyo and the Okutama area have hot spring facilities where you can soak in warm mineral-rich water surrounded by mountains and forests.
An onsen is particularly enjoyable after hiking or fishing. In autumn and winter, the contrast between the cool outdoor air and hot spring water makes the experience even better.
If you’ve never visited a Japanese onsen before, remember a few basic rules:
- Wash thoroughly before entering the bath.
- Traditional baths are usually enjoyed without swimwear.
- Keep towels out of the water.
- Keep noise to a minimum.
- Follow the facility’s specific rules.
For a day trip from Tokyo, an onsen is an easy way to end the day before heading back to the city.
Best Time to Explore Near Tokyo
The best activity depends on the season.
| Season | Best activities |
| Spring | Strawberry picking, hiking, flowers |
| Summer | Fishing, kayaking, SUP, waterfalls |
| Autumn | Hiking, Hatonosu Gorge, autumn foliage, onsen |
| Winter | Strawberry picking, onsen, quiet countryside trips |
For strawberry picking, check individual farms because the season varies depending on the location and growing conditions.
For outdoor activities in Okutama and Hinohara, summer, autumn and spring generally offer the most options.
What to Bring
For a day trip into the countryside, keep your luggage light but practical.
Bring:
- comfortable walking shoes;
- water;
- sunscreen;
- a small towel;
- portable phone charger;
- some cash;
- a light jacket.
If you’re going fishing, kayaking or SUP, check beforehand what equipment is included.
For strawberry picking, confirm the reservation, opening hours and current prices before leaving Tokyo.
Conclusion
You don’t have to travel far from Tokyo to find mountains, rivers, farms and traditional Japanese experiences.
Trout Fishing in Japan offers an easy introduction to outdoor life in the Japanese countryside, while Strawberry Picking in Tokyo is a fun seasonal experience for couples, families and food lovers.
For a full day in nature, Okutama and Hinohara are among the best places to start. You can combine fishing, hiking, waterfalls, rivers and an onsen without leaving the Tokyo region.
Whether you want an active adventure or simply a quiet break from the city, these destinations make it easy to see a different side of Japan.
