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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Is One of Japan's Best Beach Towns—and It's Only an Hour From Tokyo
Kamakura, a seaside town just over an hour from Tokyo, has serene Zen temples, bamboo groves, and hiking trails. While here, travelers could enjoy the seaside, participate in things like Buddha tracing at the temple, and walk scenic trails with views of Mount Fuji. There's also a thriving culinary scene here—there are "flowing noodle" experiences, omakase dining, and laid-back wine bars. Sometimes called Tokyo's 'Little Kyoto' for its abundance of temples and shrines, the seaside town of Kamakura has scenery in spades, a laid-back surf spot vibe, and a robust culinary scene. Tokyoites and tourists alike love Kamakura as a day trip because there's loads to do in every season. Kamakura has a long history—in the 12th century, it served as the de facto capital of Japan's first shogunate government. Even after power shifted to Tokyo, it remained a favorite retreat among the urban elite. Indeed, the imperial family still has a shorefront villa near Zushi Beach, a picturesque stretch of sand located just southeast of the city. Kamakura's combination of old money, natural beauty, and proximity to Tokyo made it an artistic mecca, too. Painters Yuki Ogura and Seiki Kuroda and Japan's first Nobel Laureate for literature, Yasunari Kawabata, have all called Kamakura home. Today's proliferation of galleries and museums clearly show that the town's art scene is still flourishing, although the modern iteration is more boho, influenced by American surf culture, which has permeated from the nearby United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka (a naval base) since the 1960s and onwards. The result of these diverse influences is a small beach town with outsize clout when it comes to culture and dining. I've lived in Tokyo for 20 years and like to visit Kamakura to escape the urban crush from time to time. I also tapped Chihiro Moriyama, a Kamakura-based graphic designer who's lived in the city for 16 years, for insider tips. Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Kamakura, Japan. Best Things to Do The Great Buddha at Kotoku temple in Kamakura, Japan. frenta/Adobe Stock Kōtoku-in, selected by Travel + Leisure as one of Japan's most stunning temples, is one of the biggest tourist draws in town, thanks to its 11-meter-tall bronze statue of Amitābha Buddha from the 13th century. It's a must-visit destination, but Moriyama is partial to Hasedera, a hillside temple with city views. 'Away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas, visitors can experience shakyo (sutra copying) and shabutsu (Buddha image tracing) in a serene venue surrounded by beautiful rock gardens,' she says. 'Shakyo and shabutsu are a way to calm the mind and reflect on yourself. Kamakura, the birthplace of Zen in Japan, with its historic temples and peaceful atmosphere, is the perfect place to try it.' Moriyama also recommends a stop at Hokokuji Temple, which has a towering bamboo grove similar to Kyoto's famous Arashiyama but without the hordes of tourists. 'Have you ever listened to the sound of bamboo? If you press your ear gently against it, you might hear the flow of water or the wind," she says. "There's also a peaceful teahouse where you can enjoy a bowl of matcha." Kamakura is actually nestled in a basin, ringed by low mountains that are threaded with hiking trails. If you are feeling up to a hike before hitting the beach, the two to three-hour Tenen Trail starts from Kencho-ji, the oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, and winds through woods of oak, beech, and maple before terminating at the rock gardens of Zuisen-ji Temple. 'On a clear day, you may catch a view of Mount Fuji,' says Moriyama. "The scenery changes with the seasons, and in autumn, the trail features beautiful fall foliage." And of course, there's surf and sand. Yuigahama is the most popular beach, thanks to its proximity to Kamakura Station. The official swimming season is quite short, and spans just July and August, but you'll find surfers and beachcombers year-round. Local board shops also offer stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and sea kayaking. During summer, beachfront shops serve drinks and food, along with showers and changing rooms so you don't have to ride back to Tokyo covered in sand. Best Restaurants People walk along the Komachi Street lined with craft shops and restaurants in Kamakura. James Witlow Delano/Bloomberg via Getty Images With so much foot traffic passing from the station to the beach, restaurants in Kamakura have perfected the art of the tasty takeaway picnic box. Moriyama recommends Antico Rondino, a panini shop specializing in Italian cured meats like mortadella, prosciutto, and porchetta. 'It's a casual and delicious shop located on the way to the Great Buddha that's great for a quick bite or takeaway,' she says. For a sit-down meal, crowds tend to flock to restaurants with views over the water, like Australian all-day diner Bills or pizzeria Amalfi Dellasera, but Moriyama suggests Matsubara-an for a more local vibe. 'It's in a beautifully renovated modern Japanese house with a welcoming terrace space, where you can enjoy delicious soba noodles and a variety of seasonal dishes,' she says. Although it doesn't have ocean views, it's close enough to Yuigahama to enjoy a post-meal walk on the sand. Another option for noodle fans is Chaya Kado. From April to October, they serve the beloved summertime dish nagashi somen or 'flowing noodles.' Thin, wheat-flour noodles called somen are washed down a bamboo slide; diners pluck them up as they pass, dunk them in a chilled dipping sauce, and slurp up as much as their stomachs can hold. Just five minutes from the station is the elegant Kamakura Fukumi, a tiny restaurant serving omakase courses for lunch and dinner. Kyoto-trained chef Ikeda draws on locally grown vegetables to produce elegant, jewel-like dishes paired with savory clay-pot rice from Niigata and seafood grilled over binchō-tan, a type of hardwood charcoal. 'Each visit brings new discoveries through the delicate flavors that reflect the changing seasons,' say Moriyama. And to finish off the day, the relaxed ambiance at wine bar Tres, run by husband and wife sommeliers, makes the case for lingering until the last train. Alternatively, a friendly pint or a can for the road awaits at Yorocca Beer Pub Sasameza, the taproom for hometown small-batch brewer Yorocca.
SoraNews24
4 days ago
- SoraNews24
Mobile battery fire breaks out on Tokyo's main commuter line
Battery began to burn after less than a minute of use, owner says. Tokyo's Yamanote Line, which loops around the center of the city, is Japan's most infamously crowded commuter train line, and a stressful should-to-shoulder stint on it is part of the daily trip to/from the office for many Tokyoites. The atmosphere tends to be more relaxed outside of rush hour, and on weekends in particular, but last Sunday was a startling exception. At around 4:10 in the afternoon on July 20, passengers on a train traveling on the Yamanote's 'inner'/counterclockwise route between Shin Okubo and Shinjuku Stations noticed white smoke rising from the bag of a passenger. The bag's owner, a woman in her 30s, reached inside, where she had her smartphone connected to a mobile battery for charging. She disconnected her phone, but by this time the battery itself was on fire. A passenger hit the emergency stop button while another quick-thinking individual grabbed the train car's onboard fire extinguisher and began spraying the bag. The woman sustained burns to her fingers and a total of four other passengers suffered injuries such as bruises and sprained ankles in the rush to evacuate the train, but all are expected to make quick and complete recoveries. ▼ A report showing images of the charred remains of the bag the battery was inside. In speaking with investigators from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the woman said that she'd only had her phone plugged into the battery for 'about 30 seconds' before it began to burn. While there's obviously ever a good time for a fire to break out in an enclosed space, it's fortuitous that the incident happened when it did, at a time when the train was comparatively uncrowded. During weekday morning and evening rush hours, it's the norm for the Yamanote Line to be so crowded that it's impossible to take a step in any direction unless the train is stopped at a station with its doors open and providing the bare minimum of wriggle room. The weekend mid-afternoon time also likely meant a lower ratio of sleepy, work-exhausted, on-their-way-home-from-drinking, or otherwise slow-reacting demographics that sometimes make up a sizeable amount of Yamanote ridership. Had the timing been different, the results of a fire inside a Yamanote train and subsequent hurried evacuation would have been far worse than a half-dozen or so minor injuries. The incident comes less than two weeks after Japanese airlines instituted new rules for passengers regarding mobile batteries onboard airplanes. Currently JR East/East Japan Railway Company, which operates the Yamanote Line, has no formal regulations about the use or transport of mobile batteries on its trains, but Sunday's fire may have the company considering adopting some, especially as the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation says that it has observed increased instances of mobile battery fires coinciding with higher temperatures during the summer months. Source: NHK News Web, Nihon Keizai Shimbun via Hachima Kiko, YouTube/ANNNewsCH Top image: Pakutaso ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
SoraNews24
6 days ago
- SoraNews24
Discover some of the best snacks in Atami, a wonderland of Japanese street food
There's a lot more to the city than just hot springs and seaside views. While there are beaches in the capital, most Tokyoites travel to one of the nearby seaside resorts in one of the neighboring prefectures to get their dose of sunshine with an ocean view. While Enoshima and Zushi are both excellent options for soaking up the rays nearby, if you're willing to go a little farther, Atami in Shizuoka is also an amazing location to enjoy. Of course, visitors will want to hit up Atami Sun Beach, but the city is also well known for its hot springs and museums. However, the one part that should not be missing from an itinerary involving Atami is the street food. As we discovered on our recent visit there, the shopping streets right next to Atami Station are packed with locations serving mouth-watering treats, and have a wonderful lively atmosphere even on weekdays. To the right of the bus rotary behind Atami Station, you will find the shopping arcade called Nakamise-dori Shotengai, as well as Heiwa-dori Meitengai, which runs parallel to it. First, we'll take a look at Heiwa-dori. Close to the entrance of the street, we spotted a line of people outside a shop named Maruten, which offers freshly fried iso-age (deep-fried fish cakes). With eyes sparkling in anticipation, we joined the line and picked up the Shrimp Mayo Stick for 420 yen (US$2.83). It was surprisingly hefty and piping hot. Biting into it, we were hit with the springy texture of the shrimp and oozing mayonnaise. It was unbelievably good. While there's no seating at this store — customers usually stand and eat outside stores like this — there are plenty of benches throughout the shopping street, so you can easily find somewhere to sit and eat comfortably. Continuing on, we passed by several shops selling Atami's specialties of hot spring steamed buns and dried fish, as well as a place where you can dip your hands into the local hot spring water, if you didn't get a chance to hop into the footbath near the station. We even spied cute square cream puffs at Atami Square Chou a la crème, and beautifully displayed fruit sandwiches at Atami Fruit King. Reaching the end of the street, we looped around to the outside and found ourselves surrounded by even more enticing shops like Atami Milchee's, where you can buy Basque cheesecakes and Bon Bon Berry, which looked to be stuffed full of strawberries. As hard as we tried to resist, we eventually caved and bought a standard pudding from Atami Purin for 400 yen. While there's usually a long line, we happened to pass by during a time when there were no customers at all, so if that's not a divine sign saying that we had to buy one, then what is? The only regret we had was that before we'd pulled into Atami, we had already eaten lunch, so we were pretty full. We decided to leave the pudding for the next day, and the bitter caramel made for a perfect pairing with the rich egg flavor. It was undeniably delicious. Following our jaunt down Heiwa-dori, we strolled around into Nakamise-dori, which is no less dangerous for the small-stomached, with shops like Atami Gelato King, Atami Yogurt, and Mataichian's Atami Butter An, all tempting us to indulge in just one more little treat. We were weak and we couldn't help ourselves — the sweetened yogurt from Atami Yogurt (400 yen) just looked too good to pass up on. It had this unique, stretchy texture that was akin to what you'd find in Turkish ice cream, which had us twisting and twirling it around. Despite being sweetened, it wasn't overly so, and had a mild tartness with a refreshing flavor. It was definitely worth purchasing. Passing by a dried fish shop called Aoki, we stumbled across something a little unusual: Dry-cured tuna (1,209 yen). We decided to pick some up as a souvenir, since it's not a product you generally see in Tokyo. We continued down the hill toward the ocean, reaching a third shopping street in about 15 minutes on foot. As we wandered through Atami Ginza, we were drawn to shops like Kiito, known for its thinly layered Mont Blancs, and Chabakka Tea Parks, a Japanese tea shop, but we held strong. We had a purpose to our journey, a destination that must be reached with room to spare in our stomach: The matcha dessert specialty store Atami Satori, which is known to serve crepes where you can fully enjoy the taste of matcha. Knowing that, we knew we had to check it out. We ordered the Big Atamai!!! Crispy Crepe for 850 yen. It's a crepe designed to highlight the natural aroma and flavor of matcha, so it comes without fillings, only matcha sauce and a sprinkling of nuts. Biting into it, it was thin and crispy, and the bitterness of the tea really came through. As we worked our way through the impressively sized crepe, a group of older ladies happened to pass by and spot it, prompting exclamations of 'Oh, my! What a large crepe!', 'Huh? There's nothing inside it?' and 'Is it tasty? Is it?' They seemed so adorably excited by the crepe that we offered a little bite to them, creating one of those fond little travel memories. Coming out of the final shopping street, we discovered a restaurant called Himono Dining Kamanari, which specializes in dried fish dishes, as well as offering dried fish chips and burgers for takeout. We've added it to our must-visit list for our next journey to Atami. Our final stop of the day was Atami Seaside Park, where we enjoyed a stroll along the promenade as we gazed out at the ocean. It's also a great location from which to watch Atami's fireworks displays. There were many shops that sold food, miscellaneous goods, and vintage clothing, so our excitement levels stayed high throughout the entire walk as we continued to discover new and interesting places that we absolutely must go to in the future. Atami is a fantastic destination for a holiday with family, friends, or even just by yourself. With so many things to do and delicious things to eat, you're bound to have a great time. Just be sure to arrive with an empty stomach and leave time for a leisurely walk once you're full. Related: Maruten, Atami Square Chou a la crème, Atami Fruit King, Atami Milchee's, Bon Bon Berry, Atami Purin, Atami Gelato King, Atami Yogurt, Mataichian's Atami Butter An, Aoki, Kiito, Chabakka Tea Parks, Atami Satori, Hoshimono Dining Kamanari Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
Metropolis Japan
27-06-2025
- Metropolis Japan
Day or Weekend Trip From Tokyo? Escape to Southern Chiba
"Micro-Tourism" Trend Puts the Spotlight on Chiba By Why Southern Chiba Has Become the Perfect Getaway From Tokyo Chiba is not exactly a hidden gem. While some travel influencers might be tempted to call it that—it's already a well-loved escape for locals. For centuries, Tokyoites (or Edoites) have flocked there, drawn by its history, nature and seaside charm, all conveniently close to the metropolis. Today, Chiba is gaining even more attention, particularly Southern Chiba, commonly known as Boso—the name of the peninsula where Chiba is located. This article explores the attractions of the Boso region and offers recommendations on what to do, along with a vision for Southern Chiba's tourism future. Why People Visit Chiba… But Usually Only the North Chiba is not short of attractions. Shinshoji Temple, founded in 940 AD in Narita, has reigned as Japan's most-visited temple for decades. Tokyo Disney Resort —despite the name—is also in Chiba, meaning countless visitors have set foot in the prefecture without realizing it. Chiba's culinary scene is equally impressive as Japan's center for both fishing and soy sauce production. It's home to Choshi Fishing Port, where the nation's largest fish hauls arrive, and is also Japan's top soy sauce producer — Kikkoman, founded in 1603, began its legacy here. However, you'll notice that these attractions are all in Northern Chiba. Despite Southern Chiba having its own long-standing sites, many visitors tend to focus on the northern half of the prefecture. This often comes down to factors like distance and transportation options. ・Undersea Tunnel Connects Southern Chiba and Tokyo Opened in 1997, the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line has transformed travel to the Boso area of Chiba. This innovative 'half-underwater, half-above-water' highway is so efficient, it made reaching Southern Chiba quicker than traditional land routes to Northern Chiba. The Aqua-Line itself is an attraction, offering stunning views and a unique driving experience. Although it has been operational for some time, its establishment laid the groundwork for the development of the Boso area by improving connectivity to Tokyo. Initially, only about 120,000 cars passed through daily, but the opening of the large-scale Kisarazu Outlet Mall in 2012 more than tripled that figure. By 2017, over 1.8 million cars were traversing this vital route. Along the route, visitors can stop at Umihotaru, an observatory deck on the water. This rest area is fully equipped with cafes, restaurants, shops and even a foot bath. ・ Umihotaru Nakajima, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0008 ・BOTANICAL POOL CLUB BOTANICAL POOL CLUB stands at the forefront of luxury travel in Chiba, offering an exceptional escape for visitors. Its stylish all-season pools are undoubtedly a highlight, but the resort's saunas draw young wellness-seekers as sauna culture experiences a revival in Japan. With tropical fauna and flora carefully curated by a professional plant collector, the resort takes full advantage of Southern Chiba's relatively mild climate. Dining here showcases the best of Chiba's renowned agriculture, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the nation's most self-sustaining prefecture. Since its opening in 2023, BOTANICAL POOL CLUB has already become a hotspot for locals and travelers alike, attracting attention from creative industries and fashion circles, with rave reviews from Vogue, WWD and Elle. Now, a growing number of secluded and exclusive retreats are opening in Southern Chiba, offering wellness-centered amenities such as saunas and onsens. BOTANICAL POOL CLUB exemplifies a new chapter for Chiba tourism, leading the region's evolution into a high-end destination. 1510-2 Shimosakuma, Kyonan, Awa District, Chiba Discover more about BOTANICAL POOL CLUB by reading the full article here. ・MUJI's Regeneration Projects in Chiba World-renowned lifestyle brand MUJI has contributed to Southern Chiba's appeal through its regeneration projects. In October 2024, MUJI BASE OIKAWA opened, repurposing a former elementary school into a unique accommodation that blends community engagement with minimalist design. Similarly, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA, launched in 2023, transformed a century-old Japanese house into a modern hotel. MUJI BASE OIKAWA includes co-working spaces and a library for staycations and work-ations, as well as workshops like soy sauce-making and beekeeping that connect visitors with the local community. Located near traditional terraced rice fields, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA offers views that have remained unchanged for centuries and visitors can connect with the local agricultural scene by visiting melon fields and dairy farms. These projects not only tap into Japan's retro trend but also emphasize sustainability by preserving and repurposing existing structures. ・Chiba's Roadside Stations (Michi-No-Eki) Michi-No-Eki, Japan's government-designated roadside stations, were introduced in the mid-1990s to enrich road travel with regional experiences. These stops offer local food, fresh produce, regional crafts and experiences. With a whopping 30 stations scattered across Chiba, the prefecture provides perfect routes for scenic drives. A standout among them is Roadside Station Hota Elementary School, a repurposed school building that brings together nostalgia and local pride. This station is especially popular for its community-driven vibe, with locals offering fresh produce, handmade crafts and delicious seasonal fare. The station's open layout allows visitors to explore classrooms filled with local goods, turning the nostalgic setting into an immersive experience. Also notable is Roadside Station Chikura Seabreeze Kingdom, offering fresh seafood and beach views. ・ ・ ・Viral Ghibli-esque Spots in Southern Chiba Another surge of tourism was fueled by internet trends, mainly on Instagram and TikTok. The tagline 'Ghibli-esque' has become especially popular, making destinations like Jiufen in Taiwan and Colmar in France go viral. Whimsical townscapes, nature reclaiming human-made structures and an overall sense of nostalgia—what we think of as Ghibli-esque encompass a wide range of aesthetics. Japan, too, has seen this trend and, coincidentally, many of these now-viral destinations are in Southern Chiba. Kameiwa Cave, dug nearly 400 years ago as a waterway, is a prime example of this. In the early morning, sunlight filters through the cave, creating a scene reminiscent of Princess Mononoke's godly forests The Kominato Train winds through countryside scenes straight out of My Neighbor Totoro, with one station even featuring a painting of Totoro himself. Tsukisaki Tunnel, Mukaiyama Tunnel and Kyoei Tunnel 's overgrown greenery and mysterious paths feel like portals to another world, while Kuzuma Beach, with its electricity pole stretching toward the horizon, creates an ethereal yet haunting scene—just like Spirited Away. Many of these spots aren't new, but the internet has helped rediscover their charm, shining a spotlight on places that might otherwise be overlooked. ・Chiba Leads the Micro-Tourism Trend of Japan 'Micro tourism' is a concept introduced by the CEO of Japan's leading hospitality company, Hoshino Resort, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea is simple: instead of rushing to distant destinations, take the time to explore places just an hour or two from home. It was initially popularized during the pandemic as a way to reduce travel across borders and prevent clusters. Today this concept has evolved into a sustainability-focused trend, now centered on small-scale, community-based tourism experiences perfect for weekend getaways. Chiba is leading this trend, thanks to its proximity to Tokyo and its multifaceted appeal, making it the perfect destination for a more relaxed travel experience.
The Mainichi
26-06-2025
- Health
- The Mainichi
Why are more women in Japan interested in freezing their egg cells?
The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about women freezing their egg cells in preparation for pregnancy and subsidies for the process. Question: Is the number of women interested in freezing their eggs increasing in Japan? Answer: Yes, more healthy women are interested in freezing their eggs in preparation for future pregnancies. Municipalities and companies are increasingly offering financial assistance for this process. In Tokyo, subsidies of up to 300,000 yen (about $2,070) for the process began being offered in September 2023. As of June 12 this year, a total of 13,314 Tokyoites attended information sessions on egg freezing, with 4,081 applying, indicating significant interest. This differs from egg freezing for medical reasons, such as before cancer treatment. Q: Why do women freeze their eggs? A: As women age, the number of eggs decreases and their quality declines, apparently making pregnancy more difficult. Even if they want to have children in the future, some women have various circumstances, such as wanting to prioritize their work or not having a partner. Egg freezing can be considered one option. Q: Is freezing eggs always beneficial? A: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology does not generally recommend it, stating the freezing does not guarantee future pregnancy or childbirth. Risks include side effects from ovulation-inducing drugs and the physical burden of giving birth at an older age. Q: Are frozen eggs actually being used? A: A survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government prior to the launch of its subsidy program found that out of 4,567 women who froze their eggs, only 384 used them, with over 70% remaining unused. Among those who used frozen eggs, about 30% -- or 114 women -- became pregnant. It is essential to thoroughly consider the advantages and disadvantages of egg freezing.
