I've been living in Tokyo for 5 years now, and indeed, I have never heard of a single one of these places. You've definitely added to my list of things to see and do during weekends and vacation days! Thanks for the informative and upbeat video!
The horseback archery day out sounds blooming awesome! Not sure I could trust myself with a bow and arrow, never mind the horse riding. These places look great and very scenic. Great watch as always.
@ 100% and I’m definitely doing the horseback archery when I’m in Japan again next year, I’d seen you mention it before but it was great to get all details 😊
Done #1 & 2 Oct last year, the experience was so good. The walk to the last shrine along the cedar corridor was stunning. The early morning visit to Zenkoji after staying at Fuchinobo for one night was a new experience, esp the walk in the dark space!
It's good to hear about some different places! When I went to Jindaiji it was their annual drama market & there were SO MANY food stalls. Walking there from the station, it was really good to see just chill suburban streets too.
Been to Japan many times and I wouldn't have discovered Tokaguchi Shrine without her Travel Guide (IT'S WORTH IT). I hiked it in Winter all the way to the top...slipped a few times but worth it! Got some amazing photos, but not as much snow in mine...
Love all your videos but these ones are my favorite. I send every single one to my brother - who lives in Tokyo, and his wife, who is Japanese lol; and they always have new places to go. And naturally I have a bottomless list thanks to you for whenever I get to visit!
Nicely done highlighting the hidden gems along with how to prepare and what to expect ! 3:54 Hannah looked like a natural as a Yabusame warrior ! Loving the frequency of #CurrentlyHannah episodes ! Hannah does a fantastic job in her research and providing the needed information through the eyes of a first-time tourist .
"near Tokyo" hearing Nagano and getting confused ... looking it up on my phone seeing its 5 hours from Tokyo if you don't use a Shinkansen oO (at least from my area west of Shinjuku) .... super close and good day trip... ^^V maybe next summer holiday
I thought the same thing when I heard "Nagano." A day trip from Tokyo? A nice place to visit but I wouldn't call it a "day trip." Using a Shinkansen, it's almost 2 hours one way from Tokyo station and costs about 8000 yen each way (a bit more or less depending on which train you take). So a large part of your sight seeing will be watching the countryside zip past.
Yeah this bothered me all video long. Sure if you use a shinkansen all of japan is technically a daytrip from tokyo lmao If I'm spending shinkansen money I'd rather stay there a few days
Thank you as always for your efforts. I wish this had come out in October as a few on your list I would definitely have done when I was in Tokyo November. However, now on my November 2025 list. I miss that Bing Bong at the crossings already!!
Oh man this video is AMAZING! This is such a good list with a mix of nature/city activities. Unfortunately I left for Japan right as this video was released and just saw it after coming back. Definitely putting a handful on my to-do list for next time!
What a great list! I only have experienced one place and that is Genki’s Izakaya Restaurant. That was our personal best eating out experience in our whole trip to Japan a couple years ago. :) will have to try some of your other recommandations next time ;)
Jindaiji is awesome, I am recommending it for any years as almost noone seems to know about this, its a hidden Gem similiar to Myohoji which is also very unknown to tourists.
Love your content. Doesn't feel phony or fake. In a content topic that is so over crowded at the moment yours really does stand out. Hopefully going to be able to go in the next couple of years.
9:15 Nice Diamond Fuji :) When I read "near Tokyo" I surely didn't expect something like Nagano 250km / 3h away from Tokyo. In the same time you could get to Osaka etc. which I wouldn't call "near Tokyo" usually. I expected something like Kanagawa, or Saitama, maybe Tochigi (e.g. Nikko) as the furtherst, and I thought it'd be more casual (and not the 300$/night hotel - which looked nice though), but I guess the sponsor had a bit of a different idea. Anyways, "near" or far, you showed some great spots - some of which I've already marked as places I'd like to visit, like Togakushi Shrine or the Wanitsuka Cherry, but some interesting places were not on my list yet, like Mt. Ishiwari. I surely love a good view of Mt.Fuji! :)
Hope your trail race went well! Mt Ishiwari is something I haven't heard of 👀 might have to check it out next time if I can't squeeze it in before I move back to Australia
Amazing!! Whenever my partner daughter and I go to Tokyo we always stay in Tachikawa. We will definitely be trying those experiences next time we go i.e. the experiences coming from Tachikawa
Loved all the places.. I am planning a trip to Japan and I have been following your channel for quite some time. Can you please curate an itinerary for these places for someone like me who is travelling to Japan for the first time ! Thank you
11:17 Jing-digh-ji where I love, always makes me relaxed. I get energy after visiting there although I don’t know why. 深大寺ってなんでか知らんけど、行った後元気になる場所だから、日本人も疲れたら行ってみて。そいで蕎麦食べよ。ほんといいよ。
Wow, this is such a hidden gem of a guide! 🚆✨ Perfect for exploring off-the-beaten-path spots near Tokyo without the hassle of driving. Thanks for sharing these unique recommendations! 🌸🏞
Hi there, im also planning to visit Togakushi shrine, and would like to see the skyscraper trees. whats the nearest bus stop from there and how long would it take to walk it from bus station to the trees?
My first Japan trip was January 2024 and my 2nd will be January 2025 so I will have to save this list for the next time I come when it's not snowing 🤙🏼
Great video, some of the places are definitely gonna end up my Tokyo to-do list. Vowz Bar & Asobi Cafe seem pretty interesting. Any thoughts on doing a video regarding day hikes from Tokyo or with an overnight stay?
I was pleasantly surprised to hear a mention for Wanitsuka no Sakura. It's a stop for Yuru Camp fans. However, you gotta be careful following Google Maps to it.
I like your suggestion for a Mt Fuji view spot better than the one across the street from the Kawaguchi Lawson. Google maps shows a road leading up onto that ridge so you could rent a bike and ride it instead of walking.
Is there a direct link to the horseback archery experience? The link you provided in the description looks to be for a full day experience with a hotel room purchase. Love the video and thank you for all these fun recommendations!
Unless things have changed, you can access the final shrine of Togakushi Shrine in winter. It's just dangerous, because the stairs freeze over, so it's difficult to ascend. I did it years ago, and many others were there as well.
Oh really? I guess it depends what time of year and how much snow there is. I was there in January and it definitely wasn't possible haha there is also risk of avalanches so I'd prefer if people didn't try :)
@@CurrentlyHannahWhen you said you can't access it, I thought you meant it was forbidden by the shrine. I completely agree with advising people not to do it. I was shocked at how may children were playing there. It was really dangerous.
My suggestions for traveling to Japan is please go to country sides not just Tokyo, Osaka and, Kyoto. There you’ll find what you were expecting to Japan
@@CurrentlyHannah give the smoothies a try sometime you would have no idea its beer. I love the kobuchizawa store. There is a good burger place right down the street across from teh rakuten stay as well. Uchu alsonow has a store in azabudai hills as well
@CurrentlyHannah I will actually be going in the early part of January, but I understand that snowfall can vary wildly. Are there any websites where I can check the amount of snowfall there before heading for the hike ?
This makes me miss the Pandemic and the GoTo campaigns. Right now every hotel is priced so high that anyone living in Japan on a jpy paycheck is priced out of traveling. Hotel rates have gone up 400-500% in the span of two years.
@@CurrentlyHannah ok. My 4 hours was definitely an overestimate, but after looking it up I think 3 hours is a more reasonable number if the shinkansen is 1hour 40, and the bus 45 to 70 minutes, not including the transfer time.
The hike between the temples are not officially closed off but it’s inaccessible because the snow is crazy. The cedar corridor is accessible but don’t go too far beyond it because it’s at the base of a mountain and that area is prone to avalanches.
I've been living in Tokyo for 5 years now, and indeed, I have never heard of a single one of these places. You've definitely added to my list of things to see and do during weekends and vacation days! Thanks for the informative and upbeat video!
Thanks!
Thank you! 🤩
The horseback archery day out sounds blooming awesome! Not sure I could trust myself with a bow and arrow, never mind the horse riding. These places look great and very scenic. Great watch as always.
It was my favouuurrrite thing I did on this trip! 🤩
The title is definitely not click bait! All the suggestions are fantastic, I’ve learnt something new even if I’m already familiar with Tokyo 😊
Yay! Tokyo regular approved 😍
@ 100% and I’m definitely doing the horseback archery when I’m in Japan again next year, I’d seen you mention it before but it was great to get all details 😊
Highly recommended! Such a fun experience :)
This couldn't be more ON POINT ! We're going to Japan for the Hatsumode and we can't wait to visit all those
Not just hype-the recommendations are solid, and I actually learned something new!
Done #1 & 2 Oct last year, the experience was so good. The walk to the last shrine along the cedar corridor was stunning. The early morning visit to Zenkoji after staying at Fuchinobo for one night was a new experience, esp the walk in the dark space!
The dark space was so interesting (but also so intense lol)
Immediately saved the Mt. Ishiwari hike recommendation! Thanks a lot!
It's good to hear about some different places! When I went to Jindaiji it was their annual drama market & there were SO MANY food stalls. Walking there from the station, it was really good to see just chill suburban streets too.
Oh that sounds great! And yes, I also loved the chill but quite interesting looking neighbourhood nearby 😌
Thanks for putting this video together! Definitely bookmarking this for planning our next trip to Japan.
I'm here for the horseback archery. Looks fantastic!!
The other sights look great, too. 🍀
We are currently planning our trip in Feb/March and we bought your travel guide for inspo. Really grant info in there, thanks Hannah!
I love your videos! You have def. Given me some great ideas about how to shape my dream Japan trip. Thanks!
Been to Japan many times and I wouldn't have discovered Tokaguchi Shrine without her Travel Guide (IT'S WORTH IT). I hiked it in Winter all the way to the top...slipped a few times but worth it! Got some amazing photos, but not as much snow in mine...
SO happy to hear that ppl are enjoying these places as much as I did!
Love all your videos but these ones are my favorite. I send every single one to my brother - who lives in Tokyo, and his wife, who is Japanese lol; and they always have new places to go. And naturally I have a bottomless list thanks to you for whenever I get to visit!
so many interesting options in tokyo, not any other japan video, Thakfully. Much appreciated.
oh my gosh, that cedar corridor in winter from the first shrine??? absolutely gorgeous 🤩
Nicely done highlighting the hidden gems along with how to prepare and what to expect !
3:54 Hannah looked like a natural as a Yabusame warrior !
Loving the frequency of #CurrentlyHannah episodes ! Hannah does a fantastic job in her research and providing the needed information through the eyes of a first-time tourist .
Love this! More shrine trips rec please!
Looks so fun! Awesome cinematography, love the garden shots!
My son (15) and I dream of going to Japan and we love watching you videos. So thank you for the great content and congrats on your engagement.
what a lovely mix of locations to visit. two thumbs way, way up for Jindaiji Temple!!!
definitely the most insightful video I've seen - thought it might have been clickbait but I'm surprised!! thanks
Amazing Video, all of these places definetly make it on my Japan travel list. Espacialy Zenkoji, Yabusame, Mt Ishiwari and the Jindaiji Temple.
Just the sort of information that I was looking for! Thankyou
Wow, great video! ❤ thanks for the great recommendations!
I found the best suggestions from your channel!
Honestly this could’ve been a longer video or a series!! Great recommendations as someone living in Tokyo :))
"near Tokyo" hearing Nagano and getting confused ... looking it up on my phone seeing its 5 hours from Tokyo if you don't use a Shinkansen oO (at least from my area west of Shinjuku) .... super close and good day trip... ^^V maybe next summer holiday
I thought the same thing when I heard "Nagano." A day trip from Tokyo? A nice place to visit but I wouldn't call it a "day trip." Using a Shinkansen, it's almost 2 hours one way from Tokyo station and costs about 8000 yen each way (a bit more or less depending on which train you take). So a large part of your sight seeing will be watching the countryside zip past.
I second this- I was so excited for some of these just to find out there is no way to get to these in a day.
Yeah this bothered me all video long. Sure if you use a shinkansen all of japan is technically a daytrip from tokyo lmao
If I'm spending shinkansen money I'd rather stay there a few days
Great information, thank you. ❤
Thank you as always for your efforts. I wish this had come out in October as a few on your list I would definitely have done when I was in Tokyo November. However, now on my November 2025 list. I miss that Bing Bong at the crossings already!!
Oh man this video is AMAZING! This is such a good list with a mix of nature/city activities. Unfortunately I left for Japan right as this video was released and just saw it after coming back. Definitely putting a handful on my to-do list for next time!
So glad you like them! I hope you can check them out next time you’re here!
What a great list! I only have experienced one place and that is Genki’s Izakaya Restaurant. That was our personal best eating out experience in our whole trip to Japan a couple years ago. :) will have to try some of your other recommandations next time ;)
Isn’t it wild! 😛 I had the best time hahah
Jindaiji is awesome, I am recommending it for any years as almost noone seems to know about this, its a hidden Gem similiar to Myohoji which is also very unknown to tourists.
finally something that isn't the usual clickbait tourism stuff. Thank you for the new shrines to add to my march trip.
貴方のマニアックな感覚は私好みです。秘密基地のような素晴らしい場所を教えてくれてありがとう。
the traditional attire looks super cute on you
戸隠はいつ行っても素晴らしい。私は5～7月に行って小雨が降る新緑の中、参道を歩くのが好きです。
1月ごろ初詣に行って雪の中を歩くのもいい。
Nice list! Never heard of these places. Thanks for sharing!
Love your content. Doesn't feel phony or fake. In a content topic that is so over crowded at the moment yours really does stand out. Hopefully going to be able to go in the next couple of years.
Really great feedback to hear! Thank you 🤩
知らないところ ばかりだ😊
ありがとうございます🙇
This is amazing :). My wife and i will be over in the end of jan and we’ll be checking out some of your reccs ❤❤❤
9:15 Nice Diamond Fuji :)
When I read "near Tokyo" I surely didn't expect something like Nagano 250km / 3h away from Tokyo. In the same time you could get to Osaka etc. which I wouldn't call "near Tokyo" usually. I expected something like Kanagawa, or Saitama, maybe Tochigi (e.g. Nikko) as the furtherst, and I thought it'd be more casual (and not the 300$/night hotel - which looked nice though), but I guess the sponsor had a bit of a different idea.
Anyways, "near" or far, you showed some great spots - some of which I've already marked as places I'd like to visit, like Togakushi Shrine or the Wanitsuka Cherry, but some interesting places were not on my list yet, like Mt. Ishiwari. I surely love a good view of Mt.Fuji! :)
Hope your trail race went well! Mt Ishiwari is something I haven't heard of 👀 might have to check it out next time if I can't squeeze it in before I move back to Australia
Thank you Sota, it went really well actually! A bit sore now but proud of my effort haha.
Amazing!!
Whenever my partner daughter and I go to Tokyo we always stay in Tachikawa.
We will definitely be trying those experiences next time we go i.e. the experiences coming from Tachikawa
Zenkoji is awesome. Went there last year. Really love Nagano city
Loved all the places.. I am planning a trip to Japan and I have been following your channel for quite some time. Can you please curate an itinerary for these places for someone like me who is travelling to Japan for the first time ! Thank you
This video is great 🎉
We are currently for an extended layover in Tokyo 2 dayish and this is helpful
いつもありがとうございます、勉強になりますね、感謝感謝、ありがとうございます、ありがとうございます😊
Great finds and great presentation.
Thanks for the tips!
見せ方が洗練されているし、何よりも映像が素晴らしいね。どこも行ってみたくなってしまった。
very interesting and varied list! I only know about Tokaguchi shrine (from you) and the Sorano hotel.
11:17 Jing-digh-ji where I love, always makes me relaxed. I get energy after visiting there although I don’t know why.
深大寺ってなんでか知らんけど、行った後元気になる場所だから、日本人も疲れたら行ってみて。そいで蕎麦食べよ。ほんといいよ。
Brilliant💕
Great content !
Great video!
I need this! Thank you!
I'm in love with the first suggestion, do you know any other day trip shrine/temple pilgrimages?
Thank you for the interesting list.
TY
Wow, this is such a hidden gem of a guide! 🚆✨ Perfect for exploring off-the-beaten-path spots near Tokyo without the hassle of driving. Thanks for sharing these unique recommendations! 🌸🏞
Moose Hills Burger, longish day trip around the back of Mt Fuji, off the beaten trail.
Visited Togakushi Shrine this spring thanks to your guide. One of the most amazing experiences, and had great soba up there in the town!
Hi there, im also planning to visit Togakushi shrine, and would like to see the skyscraper trees. whats the nearest bus stop from there and how long would it take to walk it from bus station to the trees?
@@hellshire11 I believe the one she mentioned is at Togakushi Hokosha. This one: maps.app.goo.gl/kQ82FkNJJq8mhFfK9
+10 for Kanda and Jimbocho !!!
This could not have come at a better time for me, I’m going to Tokyo this month
Perfect!
偶然ですが、この動画とのカップリング番組として、Mt. Yarigatake: Explore the Pinnacle of Japan's Dream Peak - Let's Trek Japanを拝見致しました...極上の登山体験と山岳風景を堪能したあなたに思わず嫉妬しました...素晴らしい体験でしたね.....
amazing!
Thank you.
I saw you climbing Yarigatake in NHK WORLD!
Yeah a great day trip from Tokyo is catching a train to Osaka!
My first Japan trip was January 2024 and my 2nd will be January 2025 so I will have to save this list for the next time I come when it's not snowing 🤙🏼
Your samurai training begins!
Great video, some of the places are definitely gonna end up my Tokyo to-do list. Vowz Bar & Asobi Cafe seem pretty interesting. Any thoughts on doing a video regarding day hikes from Tokyo or with an overnight stay?
Yes! I’m hoping to get another season of hiking under my belt to get my list of favourite hikes fully bulked out 💪🏼
I was pleasantly surprised to hear a mention for Wanitsuka no Sakura. It's a stop for Yuru Camp fans. However, you gotta be careful following Google Maps to it.
Hanna, have you heard about Manganji Onsen Kawayu? This spot is totally for you 🙃
I like your suggestion for a Mt Fuji view spot better than the one across the street from the Kawaguchi Lawson. Google maps shows a road leading up onto that ridge so you could rent a bike and ride it instead of walking.
Ooh good call! I hadn’t even considered that 😅
goooo stuff
This will definitely be super handy for my next trip, probably 2026
Is there a direct link to the horseback archery experience? The link you provided in the description looks to be for a full day experience with a hotel room purchase. Love the video and thank you for all these fun recommendations!
Oh you’re right! I had the wrong link 😅 It’s updated now
@@CurrentlyHannahthank you!!
Togakushi Shrine is 3.5 hours from Asakusa. Tough day trip 😅
Photoshop is not responding and neither will i 😂 Great poster.
Unless things have changed, you can access the final shrine of Togakushi Shrine in winter. It's just dangerous, because the stairs freeze over, so it's difficult to ascend. I did it years ago, and many others were there as well.
Oh really? I guess it depends what time of year and how much snow there is. I was there in January and it definitely wasn't possible haha there is also risk of avalanches so I'd prefer if people didn't try :)
@@CurrentlyHannahWhen you said you can't access it, I thought you meant it was forbidden by the shrine. I completely agree with advising people not to do it. I was shocked at how may children were playing there. It was really dangerous.
My suggestions for traveling to Japan is please go to country sides not just Tokyo, Osaka and, Kyoto.
There you’ll find what you were expecting to Japan
Just went to Japan last month so a bit late but I wrote some of them down for next time 😅
Also do you have winter suggestions?
Personally i like being Kyoto but since Case Closed is portrayed in Tokyo.....so its good too..
Currently binging and crushing on Currently Hannah
How did you like the uchu beer? Almost like drinking a smoothie right?
I actually ended up getting the shochu cocktail 😅 I’m not much of a beer drinker haha
@@CurrentlyHannah give the smoothies a try sometime you would have no idea its beer. I love the kobuchizawa store. There is a good burger place right down the street across from teh rakuten stay as well. Uchu alsonow has a store in azabudai hills as well
日本人だし東京出身だし大分長いこと住んでるけどマジで参考になったのウケる
いつも楽しく動画を拝見しています。あなたが楽しんでいたボードゲーム、幼稚園の４，５歳の子ども達も遊んでいます。シンプルだけど、どんでん返しがあって面白い人気のゲームです。
Is it recommended to do the Mt. Ishiwari hike in winter ?
There will be snow but the timing of the year will dictate how much. I wouldn't recommend it unless you've got some snow hiking experience.
@CurrentlyHannah I will actually be going in the early part of January, but I understand that snowfall can vary wildly. Are there any websites where I can check the amount of snowfall there before heading for the hike ?
Nice recommendations! But does Nagano really count as "Near Tokyo"?
This makes me miss the Pandemic and the GoTo campaigns. Right now every hotel is priced so high that anyone living in Japan on a jpy paycheck is priced out of traveling. Hotel rates have gone up 400-500% in the span of two years.
Nagano is near Tokyo??!
nAGANO SEEMS LIKE A BIT OF A STRETCH TO BE 'IN OR AROUND' tOKYO?
I need the 'photoshop is not responding and neither will I' poster 😂
Hahaha elliothasacoolstore.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorSsSq1HyGYovTddc6g2XeV9aAoS32KNQBRulSaSRTJbjN_eEM0
What is your definition of "near tokyo"? The first one, Togakushi, is 4 hours away.
The definition is doable in a daytrip 😊 it’s 2.5hrs away by public transport.
@@CurrentlyHannah ok. My 4 hours was definitely an overestimate, but after looking it up I think 3 hours is a more reasonable number if the shinkansen is 1hour 40, and the bus 45 to 70 minutes, not including the transfer time.
Sure! It's still doable in a day-trip (I have done it!) but if it's not for you then I recommend staying overnight in Nagano :)
@@CurrentlyHannah ok, thank you. I guess I have shorter travel-time patience for daytrips than you, which is totally fair! 😅😊
1:02 is it closed off during the winter or are you saying it is just difficult to hike cause of the deep snow?
The hike between the temples are not officially closed off but it’s inaccessible because the snow is crazy. The cedar corridor is accessible but don’t go too far beyond it because it’s at the base of a mountain and that area is prone to avalanches.