Tokyo offers a never-ending blend of nature and urban charm. Here are seven spots where you can experience the city’s seasonal beauty and vibrant soul.

There is a reason why Tokyo is one of those places you can’t just enjoy virtually. An endless number of reasons to visit Japan’s capital exist as the city has something to entice almost every kind of traveler. Yet among them all, the nature spots, though less expected, add a refreshing and worthwhile layer to the trip, for both first-timers or repeat visitors.

While the city is best known internationally for its fast-paced hubs, Tokyo is also home to nature spots that many have not discovered. Also, this city that never sleeps has become even more popular among travelers of every kind, with expanding resources that make visits easier — whether you’re looking for halal or vegetarian meals, or simply more tailored options.

Here are some of Tokyo’s perfect spots to enjoy both natural and urban attractions. Even better, there’s something to experience no matter the season, from summer highlights to winter charms.

1. Kichijōji & Inokashira Park – Spring

Spring serenity at Inokashira Park, Kichijōji.

The charming neighborhood of Kichijōji is regularly ranked at the top of Tokyo’s list of most desirable places to live, and is consistently voted one of Japan’s most livable places. It is known for its shops, cafés, and close proximity to Inokashira Park.

In Spring, Inokashira Park bursts into bloom. Visitors can enjoy strolling the paths, and seeing one of Japan’s key attractions at this time of the year: cherry blossom. Nearby shopping arcades provide the perfect spot for a late lunch, from stalls selling classic Japanese street food to trendy restaurants.

2. Meiji Jingu Inner Garden (Meiji Jingu Gyoen) – Summer

Iris flowers in Meiji Jingu Inner Garden (Photo: Meiji Jingu)

Nestled within the sacred grounds of Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, visitors will discover a hidden garden that feels worlds away from the city.

Rather than a traditional Japanese-style garden, this space evokes the nostalgic charm and distinctive atmosphere of old Tokyo in a hidden haven within the city’s bustling center. Spanning 700,000 square meters, it includes a tea house, gazebo, iris garden, koi pond, and several historic features in the garden evoke the spirit of Tokyo’s past.

In Spring (late April), the garden is ablaze with azaleas and trout lilies. Meanwhile, in summer season, from late May to June, travelers are able to see the iris garden in spectacular bloom, offering a vivid purple and white spectacle.

3. Mount Mitake Hike – Fall

Breathtaking panoramas from the sacred peaks of Mt. Mitake. (Photo: Ome City Tourism Association)

Located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Mount Mitake stands 929 meters tall with the historic Musashi-Mitake Shrine at its summit. Its sacred peak has been revered since ancient times, and the mountain is also a haven for wild birds, insects, and plants.

This area is especially beautiful during fall, with forested trails offering vivid foliage—perfect for a day-trip hike and a visit to the striking shrine, both beloved autumn pastimes in Japan.

The journey here is as interesting as the final destination. It involves a train ride to Mitake Station (80 minutes from Shinjuku Station), a bus to Takimoto Station, then a cable car to Mitakesan Station, followed by a 20-minute walk to the shrine. The area also offers everything from easy 40-minute walks to full-day hikes, as well as the unique experience of staying overnight at a mountain temple lodging.

4. Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai & Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club – Winter

Unwind in the glow of twilight at Senkyaku Banrai’s soothing footbath garden. (Photo: Manyo Club Co., Ltd.)

Next to the Toyosu Fish Market, a new must-visit destination is attracting visitors’ attention. Opened in February 2024, Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai recreates an Edo-style street scene with food stalls, seafood delicacies (like sushi and octopus snacks), sake tastings, and more. The rooftop has free ashiyu (public foot baths).

Next door, the Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club (run by Manyo Club) is a modern onsen and spa complex featuring both indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, massages, and more. Set across eight floors, the Club offers relaxing panoramic views of Tokyo Bay.

For an authentic experience, yukatas are available on entry (included in the set price along with a towel). Note: Tattoos must be covered with stickers (11cm x 20cm), which are available at reception for a small fee. Admission is permitted if they can be fully covered with up to two stickers.

5. Nezu Museum – Serene Year-Round

Nezu Museum’s striking entrance hall. (Photo: Nezu Museum)

In accordance with the wishes of the late Nezu Kaichirō, a Japanese businessman and passionate art collector, this museum in Minami-Aoyama opened its doors in 1941. Its current reconstructed building, unveiled in 2009, was the work of internationally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma.

The Nezu Museum houses over 7,600 pieces of Japanese and East Asian art, including national treasures. Just outside the museum building, the surrounding 17,000 square meter garden is styled in shinzan-yūkoku (influenced by deep mountains and mysterious valleys) and offers meandering walking paths, ponds, stone lanterns, and teahouses.

The museum’s NEZUCAFÉ offers the perfect spot to enjoy tea or a light meal while gazing at the lush greenery.

6. Chanoma Café, Ikebukuro – Anytime in Green Escape

*Left to right*: Exterior of a serene teahouse retreat at Chanoma; Rich Matcha Terrine and Matcha Latte.

Chanoma, nestled in Ikebukuro’s Nishi-Ike neighborhoud, is housed in a renovated kominka (traditional wooden house) that more than 70 years old. Surrounded by greenery, it features tatami seating, tokonoma, engawa, and a Shinto-style ambiance.

The café is known for top-quality matcha lattes (sourced from Wazuka, Kyoto), and its stylish desserts like hojicha or matcha terrines.

7. Kinsui at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo – All Year Round

*Left to right*: Ryotei seating at Kinsui; Kaiseki menu at the restaurant.

Kinsui is a refined ryōtei-style kaiseki restaurant nestled within Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s historic garden. It features private rooms, and sunken kotatsu seating with sweeping views of the garden and pond.

The kaiseki meals are deeply seasonal, not just in the use of ingredients but also in presentation. Even the dishware reflects the season. In Fall (September to November), the garden’s vivid foliage is mirrored in both the menu and tableware, creating a rich visual and culinary synergy.

In Winter, around December to February, visitors will be able to make the most of camellia season, when these elegant flowers bloom across the garden, especially on Camellia Mountain. This influence is reflected in thoughtful seasonal dishes served at Kinsui. Note: menu options include Muslim-friendly kaiseki, as well as vegetarian choices.

Tokyo Tokyo Official Website
tokyotokyo.jp

Official Tokyo Travel Guide GO TOKYO
gotokyo.org

This article was brought to you by DestinAsian and Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Partner Content: Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau

Seven of Tokyo’s Best Seasonal Attractions

Stay inspired with our DestinAsian newsletters