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Top 5 Summer Destinations Near Tokyo for the Outdoor Enthusiast

With the notorious heat of Tokyo summers, August is a great time to plan weekend getaways. There are many places not far from Tokyo where the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are thinner. For the nature lover and outdoor sports enthusiast, check out these summer destinations to beat the heat and have some fun.

Okutama (Tokyo)

White Water Rafting on the Tama River

From hiking to white water rafting to spelunking in Nippara Limestone Caves, the beautiful highland town of Okutama has it all. Take a cable car up Mount Mitake where you can hike the rock garden and see Nanayo Falls, or hike up Mount Odake to see Hossawa Falls. For those who enjoy water sports, the Grandex Okutama offers paddle boarding, kayaking and white water rafting guided trips. Or for a more relaxed time head to the Hikawa International Trout Fishing Area where you can cook the fish you catch in the outdoor BBQ area.

Kusatsu (Gunma)

Kusatsu Onsen

Famous for its incredible onsen, Kusatsu also has a variety of Summer activities to enjoy. There are beautiful hiking trails along a warm stream at The Sainokawara Park. Kusatsu Onsen Golf Course has views of the surrounding mountain range. There are Summer-friendly onsen related activities to try, like cooking soft boiled eggs in the thermal hot springs. You can also watch the famous Yumomi dance show. After a long day, wind down at the Yukemuri-tei Footbath.

Izu (Shizuoka)

Camp Baird

Taste the unique wine of the region at Nakaizu Winery Hills, or for those who love craft beer, a trip to Baird Brewery Gardens Shuzenji is a must. You can taste the wide selection of brews in their taproom, or visit property where many of the organic ingredients are grown at Camp Baird, where you can camp and enjoy fresh beer while you fish in the Kano River. Take a short hike from town to Asahi Falls, or explore Kawazu Seven Falls for a longer hike. To see a UNESCO Global Geopark, catch a boat from Dougashima to explore cliffs and caves made by a submarine volcano. Try your hand at “Zorbing”–rolling in a giant water balloon–at Izu Granpal Park, an amusement park which also features ziplines, go-karts and VR games, as well as playgrounds for the littlest ones in the family.

Yuzawa (Niigata)

Usually known for its skiing and snow resorts, Yuzawa hosts summer activities as well. Enjoy the coolest destination on our list while riding the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway over hundreds of varieties of wildflowers, or hike to see waterfalls in Daigenta Canyon. Rent stand-up paddleboards and canoes at Lake Daigenta. Finish the day off with a barbecue at one of the many provided BBQ pits, or glamp at the Daigenta Canyon Campground.

Myoko (Niigata)

Man windsurfing on Lake Nijiri
Windsurfing on Lake Nojiri

Get away from the crowds and have some fun on the many mountain biking trails surrounding Myoko and Nozawa. Here you can also enjoy a variety of water sports. Myoko has great wake-boarding, wind-surfing and boating on Lake Nojiri. There is also a series of zip-lining courses at Lotte Arai Resort, as well as an indoor rock climbing gym for rainy days.

From the cool climates of the mountains to the refreshing waves on the coastline, whether you’re interested in hiking, water sports or sight seeing, these hidden gems ensure an unforgettable last-minute summer adventure in Japan.

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