What to do in the suburbs of Tokyo
On this page you will find some attractions located on the immediate outskirts of Tokyo.
Tomi Mäkitalo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Ghibli Museum, located in Mitaka, Tokyo, is a magical place for lovers of Japanese animation. Founded by the Ghibli animation studio, the museum is a unique attraction that transports visitors into the enchanting world of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata’s films. Inside the museum, you can admire original artwork from the films, explore interactive rooms that reconstruct the studio environments and discover the secrets of traditional animation. The Ghibli Museum is a place dedicated to imagination, creativity and the art of animation, and is a must-see experience for Ghibli fans.
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Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
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| 10:00-18:00 | |
| Tuesday New Year’s holiday Periodic closures for maintenance |
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| 1000 Yen (over 19) 700 Yen (13 to 18 years old) 400 Yen (7 to 12 years old) 100 Yen (4 to 6 years old) Free (0 to 3 years old) |
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| 20 minutes’ walk from JR Kichijoji or Mitaka stations. To get to these stations take the JR train from Shinjuku Station on the JR Chuo line. The line departs from Tokyo Station. From Mitaka Station there is a shuttle bus to the museum (200 Yen one way and 300 Yen round trip) |
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea are two theme parks located in Chiba, near Tokyo. Tokyo Disneyland is the first Disney park built outside the United States and opened in 1983, while Tokyo Disney Sea opened in 2001. These parks offer unique experiences to visitors, from classic Disney characters to Japanese characters like Duffy the Disney Bear and his friends. With activities for all ages, these destinations remain among the most sought-after tourist attractions in Japan and are a must for Disney fans visiting Tokyo.
Øyvind Holmstad, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-22:00 (from 8:00 on weekends and public holidays) Last admission 1 hour before closing |
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| No closing days | |
| 7900-9400 Yen (adults) 6600-7800 Yen (12 to 17 years old) 4700-5600 Yen (4 to 11 years old) |
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| 5 minutes’ walk from JR Maihama station on the JR Keiyo/Musashino line The train takes 15 minutes from Tokyo Station |
Mount Takao
Mount Takao, located a few kilometres from Tokyo, is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. With its imposing 599-metre peak, it offers spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. The route to the summit is fascinating, with paths through bamboo forests, ancient temples and sacred sculptures. At the top, visitors can admire the view, visit the Takaosan Yakuoin temple and enjoy local dishes in the restaurants at high altitude. Mount Takao is an ideal destination for a relaxing day in the open air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Rob Young from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Take the Keio company train (Japan Rail Pass is not valid) from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi, changing trains at Kitano. The ticket costs 390 Yen (one way) and the train takes about 50 minutes. Alternative: Take the JR train of the Chuo line (from Shinjuku or Tokyo) to Takao. From there, take the Keio train to Takaosanguchi. From Takao to Takaosanguchi, the ticket costs 130 Yen. |
Mount Mitake
Mount Mitake, located in Tokyo Prefecture, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and trekkers. At 929 metres high, it offers spectacular panoramic views and an extensive network of trails leading to enchanting places such as the Musashi Mitake Shrine and the Ayahiro Waterfall. Mount Mitake is also famous for its lush forests, perfect for a pleasant walk in nature. A perfect retreat for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
User: (WT-shared) NY066 at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Take the train from Shinjuku or Tokyo on the Chuo Line to Ome Station (about 70 minutes), from there take the train on the Ome Line to Mitake (20 minutes) These two lines are JR and the Shinjuku-Mitake cost is 920 Yen. You can use the Japan Rail Pass. From here take a bus (290 Yen) to the cable car (1110 Yen) which takes you to the top of the mountain. |
The Kiyosumi Teien Garden, located in Tokyo, is an oasis of tranquillity and beauty. With its fascinating combination of traditional Japanese gardens and modern landscapes, it offers visitors an amazing sensory experience. Serene lakes, stone bridges and elegant architectural constructions combine harmoniously to create an atmosphere of peace and calm. The Kiyosumi Teien Garden is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll, to admire the seasonal flowers and to find a moment of tranquillity in the heart of Tokyo.
Photo by Luca Rodegher
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official page |
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| 9:00-17:00 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| 29 December to 1 January | |
| 150 Yen | |
| 2 minutes’ walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa metro station (E14, Z11) |
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum, located in the city of Tokyo, is an open-air museum that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese history and culture. With an extensive collection of historical buildings, such as old warehouses and residences, it transports visitors back in time to the Tokyo of the Edo period. Besides the facilities, the museum also offers interactive exhibitions, theatre performances and a wide range of educational activities. It is an unmissable experience for anyone interested in discovering and better understanding Tokyo’s rich history.
Fumiya Fujihara, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:30-17:30 (until 16:30 from October to March) Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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| Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) 29 December to 4 January |
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| 400 Yen | |
| From Shinjuku take the train on the Seibu Shinjuku Line (private) and get off at Hana-Koganei Station (25 minutes – 260 Yen) or take the JR train on the Chuo Line and get off at Musashi-Koganei Station (25 minutes – 290 Yen). From either station you can either take the bus (5-10 minutes) or walk (15-30 minutes) |
Nakano Broadway
Nakano Broadway, located in the district of the same name in Tokyo, is a paradise for Japanese pop culture fans and collectors. This underground mall offers a wide selection of shops selling manga, anime and merchandise, as well as video games, action figures and rare gadgets. It is also famous for its vintage fashion shops and street food restaurants. Nakano Broadway is a must-visit place for lovers of Japanese culture and those looking for unique and unobtainable items.
Kentagon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| 12:00-20:00 (varies per shop) | |
| Some shops close on Wednesdays | |
| 5 minutes’ walk from JR Nakano station (Chuo and Sobu lines passing through Tokyo, Akihabara and Shinjuku) 5 minutes’ walk from Nakano underground station (T01) |
Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa, also known as ‘Shimokita’, is one of Tokyo’s trendiest neighbourhoods, prized for its bohemian atmosphere. This lively neighbourhood is famous for its narrow streets filled with vintage clothing shops, cosy cafés, live theatres, bars and restaurants. It has a strong arts presence, with live concert venues and theatres often hosting independent and underground shows. Despite its growing popularity, Shimokitazawa has retained its neighbourhood character, offering visitors a unique and authentic taste of local culture, distinct from the hectic pace of other areas of Tokyo.
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Stephen Kelly from San Francisco, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| JR Shimo-Kitazawa Station |