Free Online Tour! Discover Magnificent Nature in Greater Tokyo

Watch Online! Breathtaking Nature Destinations in and around Tokyo

The Nature, Canyoning, and History Walks - Greater Tokyo Virtual Tour was held on November 20, 2021, online with participants from all around the world. Thank you very much to everyone who took part in this event!

Those who missed it can watch the video recording of the tour online for free!

Read on to learn more about the content of this virtual tour.

Upper left and lower right pictures courtesy of Minakami Tourism Association; upper right picture courtesy of Saitama Prefecture; lower left photo by Pixta
Just a short train ride away from central Tokyo, you can encounter splendid natural scenery and outdoor adventures. The Greater Tokyo project will hold a free online tour titled Nature, Canyoning, and History Walks introducing three destinations that are ideal for those who wish to relax in the heart of nature.

The virtual tour features Tokyo's Okutama area, Minakami--a treasure trove of breathtaking natural scenery and outdoor fun, and Chichibu, a nature-rich area famous for its historical shrines and pilgrimage sites. The local guides will introduce the charm of each region with insider tips on what shouldn't be missed.

The three areas introduced in this tour can be easily reached by train and bus from central Tokyo. If you love nature and outdoor activities, we hope you'll include these destinations in your future trip itinerary to Japan.

Okutama - Splendid Gorges, Rivers, and Limestone Caves in Tokyo

Hatonosu Valley in Okutama. Photo by Pixta

The Okutama area is located in western Tokyo. For many, it's very surprizing to discover such rich natural scenery with rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and lakes just a short train ride away from the city center.

Nippara Limestone Cave. Photo by Pixta

The online tour will introduce one of the most exciting places to visit in Okutama: the Nippara Limestone Cave. The local guide will talk about the features of this cave and when is the best time to visit.

Wasabi field. Picture courtesy of Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Okutama is also famous for its production of wasabi (Japanese horseradish). An ingredient that is essential in Japanese cuisine, wasabi can only be cultivated in mountainous regions that have clear water and cool temperatures throughout the year.

Tour participants will watch a short interview of a wasabi farmer living in Okutama, who will share some of the secrets to growing truly delicious, fragrant wasabi.

Chichibu - Nature and Cultural Heritage on Historical Pilgrimage Routes

Mitsumine Shrine. Photo by Pixta

Chichibu is a city located at the foot of the Okuchichibu Mountain Range in Saitama Prefecture. It can be reached in a little over one hour from Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station by limited express train.

The rich nature of the area has been the inspirational source for local spirituality for centuries. Mt. Mitsumine was the object of mountain worship in premodern times. Mitsumine Shrine, which is located near the summit, stands as the legacy of those century-old traditions.

Picture courtesy of Saitama Prefecture

On the other hand, Chichibu has been a famous pilgrimage site. There are 34 temples dedicated to Kannon Boddhisatva, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and the route connecting these temples is known as the Chichibu Pilgrimage.

Picture courtesy of Saitama Prefecture

Tour participants will be able to watch video footage from some of the temples located in the city. A local guide will briefly introduce their history and highlights.

One of the temples to be featured is Kinshoji, which has an old statue of Kannon represented in a way that reminds of Saint Mary. It is thought that statues like this one were worshipped by hidden Christians in the Edo period (1603-1868) during the days when Christianism was banned in Japan.

Minakami - Exciting Outdoor Activities amid Splendid Mountain Scenery

Picture courtesy of Minakami Tourism Association

Minakami is a town in the mountainous regions of Gunma, north of Tokyo. It is an excellent destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, canyoning, canoeing, as well as snow sports in the winter.

Picture courtesy of Minakami Tourism Association

Your Minakami guide will be none other than Mike Harris, the CEO of Canyons Japan, a company that has been providing outdoor adventure activities in this region since 2000. Mike will introduce the charm of Minakami along with the whole range of activities that can be enjoyed here throughout the seasons.

Mt. Tanigawa Ropeway. Picture courtesy of Minakami Tourism Association

The online tour will show footage of Minakami in the fall. The breathtaking scenery of this region is a sight that shouldn't be missed during a trip to Japan!

Tour Roundup and Schedule

The Nature, Canyoning, and History Walks - Greater Tokyo Virtual Tour is free of charge! All you need is a reliable internet connection, as the tour will be held using Zoom.

The timetable is as follows, so feel free to join in to the part that interests you most!

Time	Tour Content
8:00 - 8:05	Greetings from our tour moderator
8:05 - 8:30	Okutama online tour
8:35 - 9:00	Chichibu online tour
9:05 - 9:27	Minakami online tour
9:27 - 9:30	Closing words

We hope you enjoy this online introduction to the magnificent nature in Greater Tokyo and that you'll take the chance to visit these destinations during your next trip to Japan!

Main image courtesy of Minakami Tourism Association