2 Exciting Area MapExciting AreaMAPKasai CanoeSlalom CentreYumenoshimaPark Archery FieldTatsumi Water PoloCentreAriake ArenaAriake GymnasticsCentreSea Forest WaterwaySea Forest Cross-Country CourseOi Hockey StadiumAomi Urban Sports ParkOdaiba Marine ParkAriake Tennis ParkAriake Urban Sports ParkTokyo Aquatics CentreTokyo International Kokugikan ArenaJapan National Stadium ForumTokyoMetropolitanGymnasiumYoyogi NationalStadiumNippon BudokanShiokaze ParkTokyo\u2022 About 1 hour by train fromNarita International Airport to Tokyo Station\u2022 About 30 minutes by train from TokyoInternational Airport (Haneda Airport) toTokyo StationP.4Exciting Area Map 3SaitamaPrefectureAbout 30 minutes bytrain from TokyoStation to OmiyaStation, SaitamaPrefecture’s mainstationFukushima AzumaBaseball StadiumEnoshima Yacht HarbourYokohama BaseballStadiumInternationalStadium YokohamaSaitama Stadium 2002Makuhari Messe HallChibaPrefectureTsurigasaki SurfingBeachSaitama SuperArenaAsaka Shooting RangeKasumigasekiCountry ClubTokyo StadiumMusashinonomoriParkMusashino ForestSport PlazaNaritaAirportYokohamaStationTokyoStationChibaStationOmiyaStationFukushimaStationAbout 1 hour by trainfrom Tokyo Station toChiba Station, ChibaPrefecture’s main stationKanagawaPrefectureAbout 30 minutes by trainfrom Tokyo Station toYokohama Station,Kanagawa Prefecture’smain station.FukushimaPrefectureAbout 1.5 hours byShinkansen from TokyoStation to FukushimaStation, FukushimaPrefecture’s main stationP.16P.8P.12P.20HanedaAirport4 TokyoTOKYOThe Kyunaka River flowsthrough Tokyo\u2019s shitamachiarea\u2014the low-lying area ofeastern Tokyo\u2014at a leisurelypace, thanks to the system ofsluice gates. The cleanlinessof the water is one of bestamong Tokyo\u2019s rivers. This90-minute kayaking coursestarts and ends around OjimaKomatsugawa Park, and isgreat for both beginners andsports enthusiasts alike. Thecourse takes you upriver,under various bridges,until you see Skytree risingmajestically in the distance.Once the sun goes down,the night views of the city aretruly spectacular. Please notethat jeans, chinos and skirtsare not allowed, and watersuitable sportswear is highlyencouraged.Tokyo, the capital ofJapan, is the centerof politics, economy,and culture. It is anideal area to enjoysightseeing andshopping, but thereare also many activitiesunique to the urban city!Discover a different side of Tokyo on a 90-minutejourney downriver.ReferenceWebsite:The Official TokyoTravel Guide11 Tokyo looks especially gorgeous whilecruising on a kayak.2 Two-person kayaks require bothparticipants to be in sync.3 Travel beneath many uniquely shapedbridges.Ninja Trick HouseAbout 25 minutes by trainfrom Tokyo StationKyunaka RiverAbout 30 minutesby train from TokyoStation to OshimaKomatsugawa ParkThe Imperial PalaceAbout 12 minutes bytrain from Tokyo StationAsakusaAbout 20 minutesby train from TokyoStation to AsakusaStationAkigawa ValleyAbout 2 hours by train and busfrom Tokyo StationTokyoStationKayak at the Foot ofTokyo Skytree23HanedaAirportTokyo 5Located in West Tokyo only 60 minutes from the heart ofthe city, the Akigawa Valley is abundant in nature. Visitorscan enjoy fishing for Ayu, trout and rainbow trout in thecrystal clear Akigawa River, which also has ample spacefor cookouts! There are also extensive strolling courses inthe mountains around Akigawa valley, and many hikers visitall year round. One local favorite is Konpirayama, which isabout a 60-minute hike if you start from Musashi-ItsukaichiStation. The highlight of the area is Ishibune Bridge, asuspension bridge that offers such beautiful views visitorscan\u2019t help but take pictures! Relax at the hot spring facility atthe end of the bridge, and soak your feet in the free footbathwhile listening to the gentle murmur of the Akigawa River.Be sure to stop by the tourist information center at Musashi-Itsukaichi Station at the start of your journey\u2014it\u2019s full of usefulmaterials about the area.Enjoy trekking and fishing just a stone\u2019s throwfrom the big city.Trekking and Fishingin Akigawa Valley1 A pedestrian-onlysuspension bridge, theIshibune Bridge is a symbolof Akigawa Valley.2 Many people gather for theopening day of Ayu fishingseason, an event thatsignals the start of summer.3 The riverside is great forcookouts and fun withfriends and family.Reference Website:The Official TokyoTravel Guide1236 TokyoKnock One Out ofthe Park in Tokyo!Become the ninja you were meant tobe with this unforgettable experiencethat\u2019s fun for the whole family!Feel Japan\u2019s undying love for baseball at thebatting cage!You know them from popular Japanese movies andanime, and the legends that surround them: ninjas!If you\u2019ve dreamed of entering the shadowy realmof the shinobi, the Ninja Trick House in Shinjukuis your dream come true! Go back through timein Tokyo and step into the shoes of the ninja\u2014accept your mission as told through charminganime movies, then learn about the mysteriousduties of the ninja, and the tools of the trade theyused to carry out their master\u2019s will. Actualizeyour true potential as a ninja master, and try yourhand at throwing shuriken ninja stars, and swiftlydrawing your sword. With information in 17 differentlanguages\u2014including English, Chinese, Korean,German, French and more\u2014the only thing you\u2019llhave to worry about is hitting your target!1 Rubber ninja stars aresafe, and kid-friendly!2 Can you draw yoursword as swiftly as aninja master?3 Discover the hiddenmysterious of the NinjaTrick House!1 This massivebaseball glove makesthe Asakusa BattingStadium easy torecognize.2 There\u2019s nothing likefinally knocking oneout of the park!3 Some batting cagesfeature virtual imagesreminiscent ofJapan\u2019s professionalbaseball leaguegames.Baseball is one of Japan\u2019s most beloved sports\u2014born from theobsession of baseball lovers, batting cages have also become acultural fixture. Sure it looks easy\u2014but looks can be deceiving!No matter how many times you might strike out, there\u2019s nothingbetter than finally knocking one out of the park. Many people visitfor exercise (as well as stress relief), and with locations in touristhot spots like Asakusa, they\u2019re the perfect place to stop whenyou need a break from sightseeing!12 3ReferenceWebsite:The Official TokyoTravel GuideReferenceWebsite:JAPAN SPORTSJOURNEYDiscover theMysterious Wayof the Shinobi atthe Ninja TrickHouse123Tokyo 7Some of the freshest fish from acrossJapan is sold at Tokyo\u2019s old Tsukiji Market,and the new Toyosu Market. There aremany restaurants that serveauthentic sushi made mymaster sushi chefs, so be sureto try some!The Imperial PalaceRunning Route\u2014AMecca for RunnersLocal Delicacies in TokyoSoak up the sights and historyof the Imperial Palace alongthis charming running route.With easy access and manynearby offices, it\u2019s easy to seewhy some 10,000 runners jogaround the Imperial Palace onbusy days. The route takesjoggers past many popularTokyo sights; the inner moat ofthe Imperial Palace grounds,the Sakuradamon Gate, theNational Diet Building, and aconstant view of Tokyo Tower inthe background. Another benefit?There are no traffic lights, so the5 km route isn\u2019t full of starts andstops. While there\u2019s no startingpoint, the unwritten rule is torun counter-clockwise in orderto prioritize pedestrians. Didn\u2019tbring your running shoes? Thereare rental services for shoes andsportswear, and also runningstations that are equipped withshowers and lockers!1 Many runners work upa sweat after clockingout of the office.2 Enjoy a pleasant run inthe heart of Tokyo.3 The wide lanes nearthe moat aroundthe Imperial Palaceare filled with lushgreenery.1 23Tempura\u2014battered and deepfriedseafood and vegetables\u2014is one of Japan\u2019s most populardishes. One bite of crunchy,juicy tempura is all it takes to fallin love!Popular around the world, ramen is oneof Japan\u2019s most beloved soul foods.There are more than 10,000 ramenrestaurants in Tokyo alone, soyou can spend your whole lifedining on different takes of thisdelicious dish!Sushi Tempura RamenReferenceWebsite:The Official TokyoTravel Guide8 Kanagawa PrefectureKANAGAWAPREFECTUREIn addition to a thriving fishing industry, Manazuru is also known as a diving hotspot, thanks to its rich variety of beautiful fish. Kotogahama, on the other hand,is known as the birthplace of scuba diving in Japan, full of colorful tropical fish.Meanwhile, the Ishibashi diving spot in Odawara is home to boulders that wereused to make the stone walls of Edo Castle\u2014you can actually see the ruins belowthe water\u2019s surface! Additionally, there are multiple diving spots in the area, as wellas diving schools and shops. Once you\u2019ve had your fill of the water, you can visitthe iconic Odawara Castle, soak it up in one of the many local hot springs, andenjoy some local sightseeing.Kanagawa is a place full of sightseeingspots such as the port city of Yokohama,the ancient capital of Kamakura, andHakone, surrounded by hot springsand beautiful nature. Various marinesports are available along the sea inKanagawa, and there are many coursesfor beginners, so check it out.Dive Deep into Odawara, Yugawara,and Manazuru!Whether a total novice or an old pro, these diving spotsoffer views on an incredible variety of marine life!ReferenceWebsite:Feel SHONAN1 231 Just one hour from the city, this diving spot is easily accessible.The unique geographical features and variety of fish make it amust-visit!2 There are also many diving shops and schools in the area, soeven if you\u2019re unexperienced or unequipped you can have anunderwater adventure!3 The seascape you discover depends on where you dive! Peopleoften find some of the rarest fish species in these areas.OyamaAbout 1 hour45 minutesby train andbus fromYokohamaStation toOyama CableStationHakoneAbout About 1hour 20 minutesby train fromYokohama Stationto Hakone YumotoStationOdawara,Yugawara, andManazuruAbout 50 minutes bytrain from YokohamaStation to OdawaraStationShonan and the MiuraPeninsulaAbout 25 minutes by train fromYokohama Station to KamakuraStationImai DojoAbout 15minutes bytrain and onfoot fromYokohamaStation to ImaiDojoYokohamaStationKanagawa Prefecture 9Kanagawa Prefecture\u2019s coastal areas are dottedwith places where visitors can enjoy marinesports, like the surfing mecca Kugenumakaigan,as well as Zushi and Hayama. Just a short trainride from Tokyo, many water sports enthusiastsactually move from the city to make the mostof these areas. In addition to the classics likesurfing, wind surfing, diving, yachting, kayakingand fishing, enjoy modern activities like standuppaddle boarding and flyboarding (which isbasically an aquatic jet pack!). There are schoolsfor beginners and wetsuit rentals, so even theinexperienced can give it a try! With summerfestivals and fireworks shows, a large, kid-friendlyswimming pool and an aquarium, it\u2019s easy tospend an entire day having fun in the sun.Test your mettle with a variety ofwater activities in Japan\u2019s marinesports mecca!Marine Sports in Shonan andthe Miura Peninsula1 Mount Fuji and Enoshimacan be seen in thedistance from the marinain Sagami Bay.2 There are plenty ofschools where you canexperience various marinesports3 You can\u2019t beat the beautyof the beach at sunset!ReferenceWebsite:Feel SHONAN12310 Kanagawa PrefectureHiking Mount OyamaImai DojoDiscover one-of-a-kind beauty on the peak of Mount Oyama.Train both your body and mind, and master both the spirit andfundamentals of the Japanese martial art, Karate.When the population of Japan\u2019s old capital, Edo, was onemillion people, some two hundred thousand would hike MountOyama\u2014a trip called the Oyama Pilgrimage\u2014every year.Towering 1,252 meters, the mountain has been featured inmany ukiyo-e paintings, and is steeped in culture and history,and incredible natural beauty. With easy access from the cityand a cable car that brings you deep in the mountains withease, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Aftertaking the cable car, it\u2019s about a 90 minute hike to the peak.The incredible panoramic view from the top offers views ofnot only Mount Fuji, but Tokyo\u2019s sprawling skyscrapers andeven Chiba\u2019s Boso Peninsula. There are hiking maps written inEnglish, Chinese, Korean, French, and more, as well as otherguides written in English available.1 The incredible viewfrom Oyama\u2019s AfuriTemple earned it twostars from the MichelinGreen Guide.2 Oyama was registeredas a Japan Heritagesite in April, 2016.3 Enjoy hiking in thefresh green of springor the vibrant colors ofautumn.1 Many group tours visit Imai Dojo forhands-on training as well.2 Instructor Imai is a tough fighter whohasn\u2019t received a point deduction in 10years!3 One advantage of martial arts is thatJapanese language isn\u2019t a requirement;simply watch and learn!Karate has gained increasing attention abroad, and as a result, agrowing number of visitors to Japan want to see and experiencetraditional martial arts. More than simply improving skills, karateprovides the means to strengthen both mind and body, and fostersa spirit of discipline and consideration for others. It is that uniquelyJapanese spirit that attracts martial arts fans from around the globe.Located right next to Yokohama Stadium, Imai Dojo is the perfectplace for tourists to get hands-on with this enduring martial art. A twohour trial self-defense course is only \u00a5 2,000 and includes Englishlanguage explanation materials.11223ReferenceWebsite:Isehara CityTourismAssociationReferenceWebsite:Imai Dojo3Kanagawa Prefecture 11Kanagawa Prefecture looks out over twoseas, so it\u2019s no surprise that regional cuisinefeatures a lot of seafood. Shirasu\u2014orwhitebait\u2014is especially popularin the Shonan area, and istypically served over rice.An Unforgettable Hakone JourneyLocal Delicacies in KanagawaHakone is easy to access from Tokyo, and offers incredible outdoor activities.A town greatly cherished for its exquisite hot spring resorts, KanagawaPrefecture\u2019s Hakone is a treasured tourist site, partly because of its easyaccess from Tokyo\u2014only an hour and a half from Tokyo and Shinjuku bytrain. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, lakes and wetlands, Hakone offersnumerous exhilarating outdoor activities, such as climbing, hiking, cycling,and kayaking. Some perennial favorites include climbing Mount Kintoki,which offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji from the summit, and hikingon the Old Hakone Road, which feels like going back in time. Other notablehighlights include gourmet eateries and long-established restaurants whereyou can enjoy delicate traditional Japanese cuisine. When you visit Hakone,be sure to stay at traditional Japanese inn and soak in a hot spring forunmatched relaxation.1 Featuring an almostunending stone trail,the Old Hakone Road isa popular hiking routesteeped in rich Japanesehistory.2 Board a pirate shipsearching for treasure onLake Ashi!3 Enjoy Owakudani on theHakone Ropeway, whereyou can see the dynamicvolcanic smoke rising.1 23Misaki Harbor is one of the leadingharbors that lands the most tunanationwide, so many dishes utilizethis freshly-caught delicacy.Whether served as sashimi, sushi,simmered or more, there\u2019s nowrong way to eat it!Yokosuka is home to an Americanmilitary base, and the U.S. Navy\u2019straditional hamburger recipe was sharedas a symbol of friendshipin 2008. The result is thewonderfully juicy YokosukaNavy Burger!Shirasu Misaki Maguro Yokosuka Navy BurgerReferenceWebsite:Hakone TouristInformation PortalWebsite12 Chiba PrefectureCHIBAPREFECTUREFrom the 1800s until the 1980s, Mount Nokogiri was known as a prosperousquarry that produced Boshuishi, a high quality stone used to build moatsfor castles, among other things. It was named Mount Nokogiri\u2014literally\u201cSaw Mountain\u201d in English\u2014for the bare, rigid rock that was exposed fromquarrying the mountain, said to resemble the teeth of a saw. The ropewaytakes you from the base of the mountain to the peak, which stands at 329meters tall, in four minutes. The peak hosts an observatory, and on cleardays visitors can see both Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. The southernslope of Mount Nokogiri is part of a 1,300 year old temple, Nihon-ji, andcan be accessed from the ropeway station at the top. The Jigoku Nozoki,or \u201cGaze into Hell\u201d from one of the peak\u2019s rocky cliff edges is thrilling, andquite popular among locals and tourists alike!Chiba has Narita InternationalAirport, so it is easy to stop bybefore or after your trip. As thethree sides of the prefecture aresurrounded by the sea, thereare many marine activities. Also,you can enjoy peaceful naturalscenery and historical andcultural heritage.HikingMountNokogiriMount Nokogiri is a place where nature and culture live inharmony to create truly beautiful scenery.Reference Website:Chiba PrefecturalTourism & Local ProductsAssociation1231 The ropeway station at the peak iscomplete with free Wi-Fi.2 Anyone with a fear of heights shouldbeware the \u201cGaze into Hell!\u201d3 One highlight is the 31-meter-tall Buddhastatue carved from the mountain.Kujukuri CoastAbout 1 hour by trainand bus from ChibaStation to KatagaiStationSawara\u2022 About 1 hour 20 minutes by trainfrom Chiba Station to Sawara Station\u2022 About 30 minutes by train fromNarita Airport to Sawara StationSakura and NaritaAbout 15 minutes toSakura Station, about 30minutes to Narita Stationby train from ChibaStationMount NokogiriAbout 1 hour 15minutes by train fromChiba Station toHamakanaya StationFuttsuAbout 1 hour 30 minutesby train and bus fromChiba Station to FuttsuPortChibaStationNaritaAirportChiba Prefecture 13Chiba Prefecture is one of the best places forcycling\u2014especially around Lake Inbanuma, whichhas a well-maintained cycling road, and in Sakura,which has four convenient bike rental locationsaround town. Sakura also has an old-style castletown, with a retro atmosphere straight out of theEdo Period. There are plenty of must-see historicalstops along the way, such as the former residenceof Masatomo Hotta\u2014the last lord of the SakuraDomain in the Edo Period\u2014as well as the streetof old samurai residences and Hiyodorizaka, agorgeous bamboo grove. For art lovers, there\u2019s theKawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art, whichhouses many collections centering on art fromthe 20th century. The nearby town of Narita isthe perfect place to bike to next. It\u2019s home to thefamous Naritsan Shinshoji Temple, and since it\u2019sso close to Narita International Airport, it\u2019s a greatplace to visit at the beginning or end of your trip!Cycle around the old castle town ofSakura and the temple town of Narita.Cycling inSakura andNarita1 You can enjoy different flowers every season atSakura Furusato Square.2 The cycling road is full of die-hard cyclists and bikerenters alike.3 More than 10 million visitors come from across thecountry to visit Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.Reference Website:Chiba Prefectural Tourism & Local ProductsAssociation12314 Chiba PrefectureFishing atFuttsu FishingPortExplore Japan\u2019s \u201cLittle Edo\u201don theOno River Sightseeing CruiseGreat for beginners and families, try seafishing on a real fishing boat!Ride the river and soak in the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese townscape.Thanks to its location close to the Kisarazu KanedaIC on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, Futtsu Fishing Portis easy to get to from both Tokyo and KanagawaPrefecture. Because of the relatively calm watersof this deep inner bay, high-quality fishing can beenjoyed year-round! Small octopi inhabit shallowwaters and can be caught without bait, which makesit an ideal experience for beginners and children!At the end of the summer, the Iidako OctopusFishing Tournament is held, bringing with it manytourists. Please note that you cannot fish at thequay wall of the Futtsu Fishing Port. Please makesure to use fishing boats provided by the FishingBoat Association in conjunction with the Futtsu CityTourism Association.1 Futtsu Fishing Port is thegateway to Minamiboso.2 The area is known for itsabundant fishing waters,with all sorts of fish tocatch!3 Bass, octopus andhairtail are commoncatches during thesummer fishing season.1 Soak in the historic scenery with a30 minute sightseeing cruise.2 Step back in time and get lost inthe enduring Edo era atmosphere.3 The guardian deity of KatoriShrine is said to bring greatfortune to visitors.Due to its location along the Tone River Basin, the town of Sawaraflourished as a shipping center for goods sent to Edo (present dayTokyo). The Ono River runs through Sawara, and the mortar-walledmerchant warehouses and traditional Japanese residences that linethe canal create a nostalgic atmosphere that hearkens back to thattime. Board the sappa bune\u2014small wooden boats\u2014and float gentlybeneath weeping willows. Be sure to stop by the Katori Shrine; thislocal power spot is a great place to recharge your spiritual battery.This idyllic blast from the past is only 30 minutes from NaritaAirport, so what are you waiting for?112233Reference Website:Futtsu tourismorganizationsReferenceWebsite:Suigo-SawaraTouristAssociationChiba Prefecture 15Several eel restaurants line the road leadingto Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, some of whichhave been in business for 300 years! There arequite a few long-standing restaurants that havepassed down their secret saucefor generations, so be sure to tryas many as you can.Have Fun in the Sun on theKujukuri CoastLocal Delicacies in ChibaEnjoy beautiful sandy beaches along Kujukuri\u2019sexpansive 66-kilometer-long coastline.Located in eastern Chiba along the Pacific coast, Kujukuri is Japan\u2019slongest coastal beach, stretching about 66 kilometers from CapeGyobu to Cape Taito. With its pristine white sand, deep blue watersand gorgeous pine trees, it\u2019s easy to see why Kujukuri has beenselected as one of Japan\u2019s 100 Most Beautiful Beaches. In additionto popular swim spots like Katakai Beach and surfing hotspots likeSakuta Beach, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy.The expansive beauty of the Kujukuri Coast provides an all-daysightseeing opportunity you won\u2019t want to miss!1 The entire coastline is partof the Kujukuri PrefecturalNatural Park.2 Every year the beachfills up with crowds ofswimmers and surfers.3 Create unforgettablememories horseriding onthe beach.1 23Minamiboso has a lot of fishingharbors, and is a great place to enjoyfresh-caught seafood. Recommendedmust-tries include rice bowls of freshsashimi, tender spiny lobster, grilledshellfish!Katsuura\u2019s tantanmen noodles havebecome the standard way to warmup after a cold day on the ocean.Each restaurant offers their ownunique spin on the dish, so it\u2019s fun togo from shop to shop to compare!Seafood from MinamibosoKatsuura Tantanmen Eel from NaritaReference Website:Chiba PrefecturalTourism & LocalProducts Association16 Saitama PrefectureSAITAMAMake the most of Nagatoro\u2019s natural beauty with a wide varietyof exciting outdoor activities; rafting, hiking, foraging and more!Glamping in Nagatoro is as easy as it is fun\u2014easily accessibleby train from Kami-Nagatoro Station, Nogami Station and HiguchiStation, getting to one of the many campgrounds in the area is acinch! Cottage rentals can include bedding, furniture, and cookingequipment and ingredients, which means you can have an immersivecamping experience without preparing anything ahead of time.Free Wi-Fi? Check! Free air conditioning? Check! And there\u2019s evennearby hot springs, which are the perfect way to relax after enjoyingthe great outdoors! English pamphlets are available at the TouristInformation Center at Nagatoro Station.Saitama has many mountains inthe west where you can enjoymany activities in the mountainsand rivers. Festivals are oftenheld as well, so check it outwhen you visit.Nagatoro is an all-inclusive glamping experience just astone\u2019s throw from the big city.Reference Website:Nagatoro TourismAssociation OfficialWebsite11 Bask in the beauty of the heart of nature.2 Enjoy glamping in cottages or cabins.3 Dive into fun aquatic activities, likekayaking and canoeing!NagatoroAbout 1 hour 30 minutes bytrain from Omiya Station toNagatoro StationMusashi Kyuryo NationalGovernment ParkAbout 45 minutes by train andbus from Omiya StationMinami KoshigayaAbout 30 minutes by trainfrom Omiya Station toMinamikoshigaya StationChichibu Geo Gravity ParkAbout 2 hours 15 minutes by trainfrom Omiya StationOmiyaStationCamping & Trekkingin Nagatoro23PREFECTURESaitama Prefecture 17Just a short stroll from Nagatoro Station rests the layeredrocks of Japan\u2019s special National Treasure, NagatoroGorge. The giant, layered rocks spread out over 600 metersalong the river, resembling Japanese tatami mats, with a50-meter-high cliff on the opposite side. The sky and treesreflect upon the river like a pristine mirror, combining witheverything else to give a dynamic view that is sure to be thehighlight of your trip. There\u2019s plenty to do on the river, andguided canoe rides are popular among people of all ages.In the summer you can enjoy rafting, kayaking, and evengive standup paddle boarding a try. The Arakawa River hasa strong current, so you can enjoy the spray of white waterand the thrill of rapids. The beautiful view tops it all off tocreate an unforgettable experience. Be sure to try some localspecialties near the station as well!A dynamic view woven into nature\u2014enjoysummer in Nagatoro!River activities in Nagatoro1 There are 3 km and 6 km routesdown the river.2 Enjoy the thrill of the rapids asyou head downstream.3 We recommend making areservation to plan your summerrafting adventure.Reference Website:Nagatoro TourismAssociation Official Website1 2318 Saitama PrefectureMinamikoshigayaAwa-OdoriDefy gravity in a variety of thrillingactivities surrounded by the beautyof nature!The Awa-Odori is fun to watch, but even morefun to dance, and anyone can join in!The Chichibu Geo Gravity Park is a place inJapan where you can enjoy a variety of gravitydefyingactivities! Whether it\u2019s the CanyonWalk\u2014where you walk across the planks of a 100meter suspension bridge across a river, strappedinto a safety harness\u2014the Canyon Fly\u2014whereyou dangle from a wire and zoom through thecanyon\u2014or the Canyon Swing\u2014a huge swingbetween two platforms in the canyon\u2014you\u2019resure to experience serious thrills! Want more? A400-meter zip line is scheduled to open in spring2020! Please make reservations in advance.1 Dive into nature! Tandem with friends is alsoavailable.2 Even if you aren\u2019t afraid of heights, thesuspension bridge is a daunting experience!3 There\u2019s nothing like the thrill of the wind on yourface during the Canyon Fly.1 Minamikoshigaya Awa-Odori is held every year in late August, andis one of Japan\u2019s three great Awa-Odori festivals.2 Beginners can learn the steps to the dance, and then join in on thefun with the Niwaka Ren dance troupe!3 Dancers perform up and down the streets, up close and personalwith the audience.The Awa-Odori is one of Japan\u2019s most enduring summertraditions, and the festivities in Minamikoshigaya are one ofthe country\u2019s greatest, alongside the events in Tokushima,and Koenji in Tokyo. Drawn by the unforgettable rhythmof the dance and the vibrant calls of the performers, over700,000 people attend Minamikoshigaya Awa-Odori everyyear. While the performance has deep historical roots, thebasic movements and two-beat rhythm means anyone canjoin in\u2014after all, locals say \u201cif you raise your hands and moveyour feet, you\u2019re dancing the Awa-Odori!\u201d Lessons are held forbeginners throughout the festival, and the general public canjoin the Niwaka Ren dance troupe to have an official part in thefestivities! Minamikoshigaya Awa-Odori is fun to watch, andeven more fun to join in!1223GeoGravityParkChichibuArea TourismOrganizationReferenceWebsite:MinamikoshigayaAwa-OdoriChichibu GeoGravity Park13Reference Website:Saitama Prefecture 19Urawa, in Saitama Prefecture, issynonymous with delicious eel. It hasa long history of eel fishing, and manyof the restaurants in the area have aproud heritage of servingthis delicacy to guests andvisitors.Activities at MusashiKyuryo NationalGovernment ParkLocal Delicacies in SaitamaEnjoy a variety of outdoor activitiessurrounded by greenery.Encompassing some 304hectares, Musashi-KyuryoNational Government Park isvast, hilly area full of woodedareas and swamps, and anideal environment for preciousanimals and plants to thrive.Visitors can enjoy a leisurelyhike through the seasonaltrees and flowers, but for thoselooking to work up a sweatthere\u2019s a 17 km cycling course,as well as an obstacle courseand the biggest air trampolinein Japan! With four cyclerental stations, a bicycle is theperfect way to see the entirepark. There\u2019s also restaurants,a botanical garden, abarbecue area, Segway toursand more!1 Enjoy the fresh air and hillyforests of Musashi KyuryoNational Government Park.2 There\u2019s a giant splash pondfor watery summer fun!3 Ponpoko Mountain is thebiggest air trampoline inJapan!12 3A local specialty, the unique thickness of thisudon is part of what makes it so photogenic!It hails from the city of Konosu in SaitamaPrefecture, and derives its name from thenearby Konosu River. It also differs fromstandard udon in terms of texture, whichis smooth and delicious\u2014a must-try whenvisiting!Negi niboto is a local gourmet dishmade from negi\u2014or green onions\u2014grown in Fukaya, Saitama which isJapan\u2019s largest producer of negi.The green onions are added to a richsoup of soy and vegetables, and flat,toothsome noodles.Eel from Urawa Kawahaba Udon Negi NibotoReference Website:Official Website ofMusashi-Kyuryo NationalGovernment Park20 Fukushima PrefectureFUKUSHIMAPREFECTUREFukushima has different climates andcharacteristics in each area, and itsattractions are diverse. Activities takefull advantage of Fukushima\u2019s naturalbeauty, and the warm hearts of localswill create lasting memories.Lake HibaraAbout 2 hours 30minutes by train and busfrom Fukushima Stationto Sugawara BandaiKogen Sales OfficeAizu Clan SchoolNisshinkanAbout 2 hours and 10minutes by train and busfrom Fukushima Stationto Aizu Clan SchoolNisshinkanUrabandaiAbout 2 hours by train fromFukushima Station to OnogawaLake entranceAbukuma CaveAbout 1 hour 20minutes by train andtaxi from FukushimaStation to AbukumaCaveGoshikinuma PondsAbout 2 hours by trainand bus from FukushimaStation to GoshikinumaentranceFukushimaStationCanoe & Kayakin UrabandaiThe perfect way to explore lakes,canoeing and kayaking are staplesof summer.Summer in Urabandai goes hand in hand withcanoeing or kayaking its many lakes, like LakeHibara, Sohara Lake, and more! These refreshingsummer activities perfectly complement thescenery of summer, with beautiful blue lakesand verdant mountains. With canoes andkayaks there\u2019s always the possibility of fallingin the water, but under the watchful eye of anexperience instructor, it\u2019s all part of the fun!There\u2019s even a tour that takes you to untraveledareas that you can only access by boat! Withbeginner programs that are suitable for childrenand seniors, you can enjoy summer fun for thewhole family.1 Travel deep into nature, and restsurrounded by greenery.2 The lake surface becomes mirror-likeon calm, clear days.3 Canoeing is a popular tourist activity!12 3Reference Website:Urabandai TourismOfficial WebsiteFukushima Prefecture 21\u201cGoshikinuma Ponds\u201d is a generic term fornumerous lakes and ponds which were formed byMount Bandai\u2019s volcanic eruption in 1888. Eachbody of water has a slightly different quality, andthe surface reflects a multitude of colors, such asemerald green, cobalt, turquoise or pastel blue.Goshikinuma Trail is a 3.6 km trekking coursethat runs east and west, and takes about 90 minsone-way. The hike is quite gentle and flat, andeven in summer the weather is quite cool and mild.If you\u2019ve had your fill of hiking, a bus runs alongRoute 459. Whatever you do, be sure to stop byYaginuma to enjoy the views from the highest pointalong the trail.Stroll through a forested area filled witha multitude of mysterious, blue-huedlakes.Trekking atGoshikinumaPonds1 Enjoy beautiful sceneryof Mount Bandai fromRurinuma Observatory.2 Go row boating onBishamonnuma,the biggest ofGoshikinuma\u2019s ponds.3 The hike is gentle, butthe path is unpaved,so please dressaccordingly.ReferenceWebsite:UrabandaiTourism OfficialSite123Fukushima Prefecture22Explore Abukuma CaveEnter another world\u2014the world of mysteriously beautiful limestone caves!1Various stalactites can be observed in the 29-meter-high hall Takine Goten.2The strangely shaped Kinoko-Iwa (\u201cMushroom Rock\u201d) on the slope of Ryugu Den.3The grand finale of the course is Tsuki no Sekai (\u201cThe Moon World\u201d.)Abukuma Cave is a natural work of art which was created over some 80 million years. Said to be one of the best in Asia, the tour through the cave traverses a 600-meter-long path and takes about 40 mins, during which you can see an incredible number and variety of stalactites. There are various highlights during the course, especially Tsuki no Sekai (\u201cThe Moon World\u201d), the first show in Japan to utilize theatrical lights in limestone caves\u2014it\u2019s so beautiful it\u2019ll take your breath away! Adventurous travelers should try the exploration course, where you squeeze through narrow spaces and traverse a log ladder and stepping stones. Dress warmly\u2014even in summer, the inside of the cave is around 15\u2103.12Reference Website:Abukuma Cave Official Website3Many lakes and ponds were formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai. Lake Hibara is the largest of those lakes, with a shore length of approximately 31 km (19.6 mi) and a max depth of approximately 30 m (100 ft) in Urabandai, along the mountain\u2019s north side. Large excursion boats operate on Lake Hibara from the end of April through the beginning of November, and these magnificent cruises offer views of Mount Bandai\u2019s rough crater, and float betweenthe islands that dot the lake. There are also motor boat cruises for anyone looking for a little speed and excitement. Urabandai is also recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird & Biodiversity Area, and visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wild mountainous birds and waterfowl.Cruise on Lake HibaraExperience the true majesty of Mother Nature with a cruise on the beautiful, island-filled Lake Hibara.Reference Website:Urabandai Tourism Official Website231Experience an elegant, 35-minute cruise for only \u00a51,300.2Feast your eyes on scenery only available here!3Enjoy incredible views of Mount Bandai\u2019s volcanic crater.1Fukushima Prefecture 23Local Delicacies in FukushimaThe Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan was built in 1803, and was used to educate thechildren of samurai in the area. More than 1,000 samurai children studied academicsand martial arts here, and the school produced many noteworthy graduates.Unfortunately, the school building was burned down during the Boshin War in 1868\u2014however it was rebuilt at its current location to oversee the education of young peopleonce more. In addition to a martial arts area, there is also an astronomical observatoryon the vast property, and visitors can get hands-on with culture by making traditionalcrafts. Visitors can also try Kyudo, or Japanese archery, which is quite popular. Eventhe inexperienced and children can try, since the bows visitors use are smaller thanthe bow used by practitioners. Although difficult, there\u2019s nothing more exhilarating thanfinally hitting the target!1 Even beginnerscan enjoy Kyudo,thanks to theinstruction of thestaff.2 The buildings looksmagnificent, andhearken back toold Japan.3 The red color of theroofing tiles comesfrom iron mixedin to prevent frombreaking in winter.1 23There are more than 50 sake breweriesin Fukushima Prefecture, many of whichproduce multiple award-winning sakevarietals! No two breweriesare alike, so we recommendsampling as many as youcan.Fukushima is a prefecture withorchards as far as the eye can see,and summer is peach season. Manyorchards offer visitors thechance to pick ripe, juicypeaches right from thetree!Kitakata Ramen originated in the city ofKitakata. One of Japan\u2019s \u201cThree GreatRamen\u201d, its soy sauce soup is surprisinglylight. There are about 120 ramenrestaurants and shops in thearea, so you should definitely doa taste test!Peaches Japanese Sake Kitakata RamenReference Website:Aizu Clan SchoolNisshinkan OfficialWebsiteTry Japanese Archeryat the Aizu ClanSchool NisshinkanExperience Japanese culture and spirit at the school wheresamurai children once learned.FUN AND SAFE SUMMER CHECKLISTMEASURES TO PREVENT HEATSTROKEIf You Think You Have HeatstrokeIf you notice symptoms of heatstroke, immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance. Move to a cooler environment, loosen your clothes and apply an ice pack to your neck, armpit, or base of your foot. Drink fluids and replenish your electrolytes. If someone is vomiting or unconscious, do not make them drink anything!BeveragesIn order to prevent heatstroke, be sure to rehydrate, even if you don\u2019t feel thirsty!Beware HeatstrokeJapanese summers are hot and humid, so please beware the risk of heatstroke. You are more likely to develop heatstroke in hot and humid weather, after intense exercise, or other situations in which the body\u2019s temperature regulating system is impaired, so exercise caution.Reference: Japan Weather Association, general incorporated foundationDizziness & Hot FlashesDizziness, vertigo and muscle cramps are all early symptoms of heatstroke. You may also feel languid, or nauseous. As the condition progresses you may also experience altered awareness, so recognizing these early symptoms is important.Swimsuit\/Change of ClothesBring a swimsuit for water activities, and a change of clothes for afterward.SunscreenUV rays are particularly strong in August. You can buy sunscreen at convenience stores and drug stores in Japan.Sun Protective ClothingExtended exposure to direct sunlight increases the risk of heatstroke. Don\u2019t forget to bring sun protective clothing like brimmed hats and light long-sleeve shirts.Rain GearBe prepared for sudden heavy rain. A poncho is useful for activities where you want to keep your hands free.For moreinformationplease visit:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Travel tips for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama and Fukushima, where upcoming major sports events will host. You may come to Japan to watch some great matches, but why don’t you try some activities at tourist spots? This booklet will make your journey more and more exciting.<\/p>\n