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Tokyo Excursions

Mt Fuji © JNTO

Mount Fuji

The dormant volcano of Mount Fuji, 62 miles (100km) southwest of Tokyo, has been revered since ancient times and no exploration of Japan is complete without visiting the mountain that is known fondly as 'Fuji-san' by the locals. Its symmetrical 12,388ft (3,776m) cone towers and Mt Fuji, with its snow-crowned summit, have become as symbolic of Japan as the country's own flag. Closest town to the volcano is Fuji Yoshida, from where buses leave frequently for Fuji's 'fifth stage' (the usual jumping-off point for hikes up the mountain) from outside the train station. There are six trails to the summit, of which the Kawaguchiko Trail is the easiest, being quite manageable even by children and the elderly as long as they have stamina and good shoes. Overnight huts are available. Official climbing season is from 1 July to end of August - in winter snow makes the ascent too dangerous.

Telephone: 55 572 0259 (Fuji Visitor Centre); Transport: Fujikyuko bus from Tokyo’s JR Shinjuku station to Kawagutiko station. From Kawagutiko, take the bus to Fuji Gogome

Great Buddha, Kamakura

Kamakura

The city of Kamakura, about 30 miles (50km) southwest of Tokyo at the base of the Miura Peninsula, was the political powerhouse of Japan in the middle ages and the seat of government for most of the 13th century. Because of its historic importance Kamakura boasts numerous monuments, temples and shrines of interest to tourists. As an added bonus the city sports some sandy beaches and good hiking trails in the nearby wooded hills. Kamakura's many sights are too numerous to detail individually, but most important of them all is the Great Buddha. This bronze statue of the seated Amida Buddha is located in the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple, and standing at almost 44ft (13,35m) high, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan after that found in the Todaiji Temple in Nara. The Kamakura Great Buddha was cast in 1252 and was originally contained in the temple hall. A tidal wave (tsunami) washed away the temple in the late 15th century, but the Buddha prevailed and since then has stood in the open.

Website: www.kamakuratoday.com/e; Transport: JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station, or the Enoden Railway, an unusual streetcar-like train service

Minato Mirai, Yokohama © JNTO

Yokohama

While visiting Japan's largest city, Tokyo, it is quick and easy to pay a visit to the country's second largest metropolis as well: Yokohama can be reached in less than 30 minutes by train from Tokyo, lying south of the capital. The main reason for visiting Yokohama is to marvel at its futuristic new city centre, and perhaps take a stroll through Japan's largest Chinatown. Yokohama's Chinatown, entered through four colourful gates and teeming with restaurants and shops, was developed after the city became one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade after generations of isolation ended in 1859. Chinese traders flocked to the city, establishing a cultural neighbourhood. Minato Mirai is the new central city area around the harbour, characterised by the Landmark Tower, rising to 971ft (296m). Visitors can ride to the tower's observation deck in the world's second fastest elevator, travelling at 41ft (13m) a second, for a view that on a clear day stretches as far as Mount Fuji.

Website: www.city.yokohama.jp/en; Telephone: (0)45 441 7300 (Tourist Information Center, Yokohama Station); Transport: Toyoko Line from Shibuya, JR Tokaido Line or JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station