Excursions

Exploring Tokyo’s Mysterious Underground

There’s a hidden world beneath Tokyo — not a subway or an ancient tunnel, but something out of a sci-fi epic. Fifty meters below the quiet streets of Saitama lies the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, known to locals as Shutoken Gaikaku Hosuiro. Built to protect Tokyo from floods, this colossal underground space has become one of Japan’s most intriguing offbeat attractions.

The flood control cathedral

The story begins with water. Each rainy season, rivers north of Tokyo swell and threaten to overflow. To prevent disaster, Japan constructed a vast underground network to catch and redirect floodwaters before they reach the city. The result is a 6.3-kilometer-long system of tunnels, connected by towering silos — each as wide as a Ferris wheel and as tall as a twenty-story building.

All that water eventually flows into a single pressure-control chamber, nicknamed the Underground Temple. The nickname fits: inside are fifty-nine massive concrete pillars, rising like stone giants from the floor to the vaulted ceiling. The space stretches 177 meters long and nearly 80 meters wide, and walking through it feels like stepping into another dimension — silent, echoing, and monumental.

When not in use for flood control, this enormous chamber opens to the public for guided tours. Visitors descend stairways into the dimly lit space, their footsteps ringing off the walls, the air cool and slightly damp. It’s both functional and oddly spiritual — a cathedral built not for worship, but for safety.

Lights, camera, discharge channel

The sheer drama of the space has made it a magnet for filmmakers and designers. The Underground Temple’s cinematic symmetry once starred in a Land Rover commercial, where the vehicle drove between the concrete pillars like a hero entering a mythic underworld. Gamers may also find it familiar — the space inspired a level in the futuristic shooter Mirror’s Edge, among others. It’s also a popular backdrop for Japanese sci-fi dramas and music videos, drawn by its monumental beauty.

Even when empty, the site seems alive — water dripping faintly in the distance, faint light shafts catching dust motes, and the constant reminder that above you lies an entire city, unaware of the silent colossus below.

A family-friendly adventure underground

Visiting the facility is surprisingly easy. From Tokyo, you can reach Kasukabe in less than an hour by train. From there, local buses take you to the site’s visitor center, where you’ll find scale models and videos explaining how the flood system works. Tours are small, often guided in Japanese but easy to follow visually — and perfect for both adults and kids fascinated by how cities tame nature.

Just remember: the tunnels are real infrastructure, so visits are sometimes canceled during heavy rain. Still, on clear days, it’s one of the most unique experiences you can have near Tokyo — a chance to explore the quiet power beneath Japan’s most dynamic city.

 Beneath the surface

The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel isn’t just an engineering wonder; it’s a glimpse into Japan’s obsession with precision and preparedness. Standing under those towering pillars, you can’t help but feel a mix of awe and humility. Tokyo’s mysterious underground isn’t about what lies hidden — it’s about what keeps the city standing tall above.

Just an hour from Tokyo’s neon rush, a mountain rises from the mist, wrapped in cedar forests and old legends. Locals say Tengu, the long-nosed, winged mountain demons, still roam its slopes — tricksters who guard the sacred realm of Mt. Takao. Their red faces glare from temple carvings and souvenir masks, reminders that this mountain is not just a hiking spot, but a place where myth still breathes.

Getting there and getting up

Reaching Mt. Takao is wonderfully simple — one of the reasons it’s among Japan’s most visited mountains. From Shinjuku Station, the Keio Line whisks you directly to Takaosanguchi Station in under an hour. The moment you step off the train, the air feels cooler, the city hum fades, and the scent of pine replaces exhaust fumes.

From the base, you have choices. You can hike up one of the well-marked trails — the most popular being Trail No. 1, a paved route winding past shrines and tea houses. It takes about 90 minutes to reach the top at a leisurely pace. Or, for a bit of old-fashioned charm, take the cable car — Japan’s steepest — which climbs halfway up the mountain in a thrilling, five-minute ascent. The alternative, a chair lift, gives an open-air view of the forest canopy, especially magical in autumn when the maples blaze red and gold.

Nature and scenery

Mt. Takao may only rise to 599 meters, but it holds an astonishing range of ecosystems. Over 1,200 plant species grow here, and birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, varied tits, and Japanese white-eyes flitting through the branches. Along the trail, you’ll see the famous “octopus roots” pines — trees whose gnarled roots twist and clutch the path like tentacles, shaped by years of erosion.

In spring, the slopes are veiled in cherry blossoms. In summer, cicadas buzz in the heat, and cool mountain breezes drift down from the higher ridges. Come autumn, the mountain glows with color — crimson maples and golden ginkgo — and in winter, the view from the summit often reveals Mount Fuji, clear and majestic in the distance.

Yakuō-in Temple and the Tengu spirits

Halfway up, the trail passes through Yakuō-in, a Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century. It’s dedicated to Izuna Daigongen, a deity associated with mountain ascetics and the Tengu. The atmosphere is thick with incense and mystery. Bronze statues of Tengu line the temple grounds — some with hawk-like beaks, others with impossibly long noses — each a guardian of the mountain’s spiritual energy.

Pilgrims and tourists alike pause to ring bells, light candles, or buy protective charms. The main hall, flanked by lanterns and ancient trees, feels worlds away from Tokyo’s concrete maze. Here, tradition and nature intertwine seamlessly — a glimpse into Japan’s mountain faiths that have endured for over a thousand years.

Food, souvenirs, and the view from the top

After exploring the temple, the summit awaits — a broad plateau with panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline. On clear days, you can even spot the Tokyo Skytree shimmering on the horizon. Small restaurants serve local specialties: steaming soba noodles, grilled mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed rice balls), and tengu-shaped snacks that make perfect souvenirs.

At the cable car station, stalls sell charms, hiking badges, and playful Tengu masks. It’s easy to linger, sipping matcha or beer while watching the sunset wash the city in gold.

A Day between worlds

Mt. Takao is that rare escape — close enough for a day trip, yet far enough to feel like another world. You come for the hike or the views, but you leave with something deeper: the sense that the mountain is alive, watching, guarded by unseen spirits with red faces and wide wings.

 Even as the last train hums back toward Shinjuku, a part of you stays behind — among the trees, the bells, and the whisper of Tengu in the evening wind.

After meeting your guide in the lobby, you will go to downtown to see the majestic building of the Parliament, the Imperial Palace Park with Japanese Matsu pine trees, plus the double-arched stone bridge of Nijubashi, the Asakusa Kannon temple, the Yagoda temple, and eight ancient Buddha statues, and, finally, Nakamise street, where you can buy authentic and inexpensive souvenirs. Then, you will relocate to Ginza to see the Sony exhibition center, the Smart toy store, and the Pearl Gallery.
Later, you will move to Odaiba island, built in Tokyo Bay in the 1850s to keep enemy ships out. Let's start a picturesque journey around the island: from Deisan Historical Park with the remains of defensive structures to the futuristic Fuji TV building. Finally, ride the giant 115-meter-high Ferris wheel to enjoy a stunning view of the evening Tokyo skyline.

Kamakura is Japan’s medieval military capital. It was founded by Minamoto Yoritomi, the first shogun of Japan. The era when Kamakura was the capital gave its name to the historical period of the same name in the history of Japan.

After meeting the guide at the reception, you will start your excursion to Kamakura, the ancient military capital of Japan. The city is located on the Pacific coast and surrounded by picturesque mountains, making it an impregnable fortress for enemies. You will see the Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, which is dedicated to the god of war. Then, you will walk the famous Wakamiya Oji road, which splits the city and leads to the shrine. The road runs between two ponds: one is called "Genji," which means life, and another is "Heike," which means death.

The next spot, the Kotoku family temple, includes the Great Bronze Buddha Daibutsu, which is 13.5 meters high. The shrine was created in 1252 and survived severe fires, powerful earthquakes, and tsunami. Then, you will see the three-level Hasedera temple. On top of a sacred hill is the famous gilded sculpture of the eleven-faced goddess Kannon, the tallest wooden sculpture in Japan, 9.5 meters high. Buddhist monks carved the sculpture from a single trunk of a camphor tree. Then, you will enjoy your lunch.

Moving to Fujisawa, the island of the samurai, on the top of the hill, you will see a sanctuary of the dragon of the seas, revered as the deity of loyalty and devotion. You will then visit the Cape of Love, where all lovers strive to strengthen their feelings. Iwaya Cave was carved out by water and served as a natural shelter during the samurai wars. After the tour is completed, you will come back to your hotel.

First thing in the morning, you'll meet your guide at the reception. The picturesque Ashinoko SkyLine mountain road has stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Then, you will move to the park; inside it is the museum of the imperial artifacts, plus an observation deck with the best views of Mt. Fuji.

You can also cruise along the mountain lake Asi on a pirate ship. Giant cryptomerias surround the beautiful Hakone Temple, located near the lake. The temple, built in 757, is magnificent any time of the year. Then, the mountain road will lead you to the footsteps of the sacred mountain Kami Yama. You can also try tasting eggs boiled in hot spring water in the nearby Owakudani Valley. According to local legend, each egg eaten extends life by seven years!

Finally, you can relax and enjoy yourself at the Yunessun hot spring resort. You can try up to 25 hot spring open baths, known as rotenburo, such as green tea, sake, coffee, cypress, charcoal with dead sea water onsen, and many more. There's also a spa resort that also uses hot spring water. You will have a ride to the hotel after the excursion.

In the morning, you will meet your guide at the reception. Then, you will have a two-hour drive to the Nikko National Park – a place that, as its name suggests in Japanese, means sunshine. Since the temple with the great Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu's tomb was built here in the 17th century, Nikko has been synonymous with splendor and grace.

The red Shinkyo Bridge, which could only be crossed by representatives of the Shogun or Emperor, was constructed on the spot where the founder of Nillo's first temple, the Buddhist monk Shodo, crossed a stormy mountain stream on the backs of two giant snakes. At least, this is what the local legend says.

The famous Hall of Three Buddhas in the Rinnoji Temple has a unique composition of three statues: Buddha Amida, the Goddess of Mercy Kannon, and the thousand-armed Kannon. Just behind the temple, there is a classic Japanese Shoyo-en landscape garden. Nearby is the sacred stable with a world-famous bas-relief of three wise monkeys, whose poses say: "I see no evil, I hear no evil, I speak no evil."

The Great Hall of the main shrine, Honden, contains the deified spirits of the three great shoguns of Japan: Ieyasu Tokugawa, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and Yoritomo Minamoto. Those who wish to worship it can climb 200 stone steps to the bronze Hodo Pagoda, where Ieyasu's ashes are buried. Climbing along the mountain track, you will see the cascade of Kagon waterfalls.

After the excursion, you will get back to your hotel.

For Relaxing Times: Discovering Japan’s Whisky Trail

There’s something quietly poetic about Japanese whisky. It’s not loud or smoky like a Scotch, nor as sweet as an American bourbon. Instead, it whispers — soft, balanced, touched by mist and mountain air. To understand it, you have to go where it’s born: deep into Japan’s forests, foothills, and alpine valleys.

From Scotland to Japan — a spirit reborn

The Japanese whisky story began with a dream and a voyage. In the early 1900s, Masataka Taketsuru crossed the sea to Scotland to study distillation. He returned with notebooks full of chemistry — and a Scottish wife — ready to bring the craft home. Partnering with Shinjiro Torii, founder of Suntory, he laid the foundations of Japan’s whisky tradition.

Today, Japanese whisky stands proudly alongside its Western cousins. Scotch carries the smoke of peat, Irish whiskey sings with lightness, and bourbon brings caramel sweetness. Japanese whisky, in contrast, is all about harmony — a balance so subtle it feels like tasting craftsmanship itself.

Suntory’s Hakushu Distillery — “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.”

Tucked away in the deep forests of Yamanashi Prefecture, the Hakushu Distillery feels like a hidden retreat. The air smells of pine and cool mountain water; birds call from the treetops. Fans of Lost in Translation will recognize its spirit — the Bill Murray character’s famous line “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time” captures that effortless calm perfectly.

A guided tour here takes you through the copper stills and maturation warehouses, where the scent of oak and malt lingers in the air. The highlight is the tasting room, a glass-walled haven overlooking the forest. Sip the crisp, green-apple freshness of Hakushu Single Malt, and you’ll understand why Suntory calls it the “mountain forest whisky.”

Kirin’s Fuji Gotemba Distillery — whisky beneath a legend

Farther south, at the foot of Japan’s sacred mountain, stands the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, operated by Kirin. It’s hard to imagine a more scenic setting: Mt. Fuji rises behind the warehouses like a guardian spirit. The distillery was founded in 1973 for its pure water and cool climate — the same elements that shape Scotland’s whiskies.

Tours reveal the journey from grain to glass, with stainless-steel stills gleaming under the soft light. Outside, the air is crisp and clean, carrying the faint scent of cedar and snow. Tastings here include whiskies infused with the minerality of Fuji’s underground springs — smooth, elegant, unmistakably Japanese.

Mars Iwai Distillery — whisky in the clouds

Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps, and you’ll find the Mars Iwai Distillery, one of the highest whisky-making sites in the world. Snow-capped peaks surround the small facility, giving its whiskies a rare purity.

The tour is intimate — fewer crowds, more charm. You can walk past the copper stills, peer into aging barrels, and breathe in the scent of sweet malt. It’s a world away from Tokyo — quite literally, as Mars Iwai lies farther than the other two distilleries — but worth every mile for travelers chasing Japan’s purest spirit.

A toast to Japan’s whisky soul

Each stop along Japan’s whisky trail tells part of a greater story — one of patience, precision, and reverence for nature. From Suntory’s forest sanctuary to Fuji’s volcanic foothills and the snowy serenity of the Alps, Japanese whisky isn’t just a drink. It’s a journey — best savored slowly, one golden sip at a time.

First thing in the morning, you will meet your guide at the reception. Then you will take a ride to the footsteps of the sacred Mt. Fuji, or Fuji-san.

As you reach the 5th station, located at 2,300 meters, the Fuji Subaru Line road will lead you to the Shinto shrine Sengen, dedicated to Princess Konohanasakuya. According to local legend, the spirit of the greatest mountain in Japan lives there. In the same area, you will find the Kachi-Kachi Ropeway, which leads to nearby Mt. Tenzo. From the observation deck, you can enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji and the whole Five Lakes region.

You can visit one of the volcanic caves, each with unusual names like Bat Cave, Ice Cave, and Narusawa Wind Cave. After that, you can visit Yasino Sato village, an open-air museum. There, you can get acquainted with the culture and lifestyle of ancient Japan: take part in a tea ceremony and try on an authentic kimono or samurai armor. Finally, you can visit the local winery to enjoy wines representing Mt. Fuji's best vineyards: a special complimentary tasting is a part of the program. Then, you will return to your Tokyo hotel.

You will meet your guide at 4 pm at the reception for a fancy Tokyo evening tour.

First, you will visit the trendy area of Shibuya, which was the location for famous movies like 'Tokyo Drift' or 'Hachiko.' Then, you will stroll down Omotesando Boulevard in the vibrant Aoyama district, which is full of stunning boutiques, such as PRADA or Chanel. Then, you will relocate to the Roppongi area, the main nightlife attraction for foreigners.
Your next stop will be elegant Ginza, Tokyo's most prestigious district. This genuinely chic area is even more stunning in the evening when you walk down the neon-lit streets.

Later, you will move to Odaiba island, built in Tokyo Bay in the 1850s to keep enemy ships out. Let's start a picturesque journey around the island: from Deisan Historical Park with the remains of the defensive structures to the futuristic Fuji TV building. Finally, ride the gigantic 115-meter-high Ferris wheel to enjoy a stunning view of the evening Tokyo skyline.

Visiting Tsukuba Space Center: “Houston, We’ve Got No Problem!”

There’s a famous line in space history that needs no introduction: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” Spoken by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970, it became a symbol of human resilience and ingenuity. Decades later, when the Houston Astros finally won the World Series in 2017, sportswriters playfully rephrased it — “Houston, we’ve got no problem!”

That same confident spirit could easily describe Japan’s own space ambitions. Just an hour from Tokyo, the Tsukuba Space Center is where the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency — better known as JAXA — designs, tests, and dreams of the stars. For anyone curious about rockets, satellites, or the future of human spaceflight, Tsukuba is a must-visit destination.

Getting there — Japan’s gateway to the stars

Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Tsukuba is often called Japan’s “Science City.” Reaching it from Tokyo is easy: take the Tsukuba Express from Akihabara Station and you’ll arrive in about 45 minutes. From Tsukuba Station, a short bus or taxi ride brings you straight to the JAXA Space Center — a sleek complex where real engineering meets imagination.

The grounds are open to visitors, and the first sight that greets you is jaw-dropping: a full-scale H-II rocket standing proudly at the entrance. It’s an Instagram favorite, but seeing it in person — tall, gleaming, and very real — gives you a sense of the scale and ambition behind Japan’s space program.

Inside, the main exhibition hall offers a journey through JAXA’s missions. Families can wander among life-size satellite models, peek into a replica of the International Space Station’s Kibo laboratory, and even try hands-on activities that explain how astronauts live and work in orbit. Interactive exhibits are in both Japanese and English, making it easy for international visitors to enjoy.

JAXA’s greatest hits — Hayabusa and beyond

What makes Tsukuba truly fascinating is its connection to real, history-making missions. JAXA’s Hayabusa probes — small, nimble spacecraft designed to collect samples from asteroids — have captured the world’s imagination.

Hayabusa1, launched in 2003, became the first mission ever to bring back asteroid material to Earth. Its successor, Hayabusa2, went even further, collecting samples from the distant asteroid Ryugu and returning them safely in 2020. Both missions are celebrated in the exhibits, complete with authentic components and detailed footage of their journeys.

You’ll also find models of Japan’s Earth-observing satellites, space telescopes, and even lunar exploration plans. It’s inspiring to see how JAXA’s work complements NASA, ESA, and other global partners — proof that space exploration is a shared adventure.

A family-friendly orbit

For families, Tsukuba Space Center offers a perfect blend of education and excitement. Kids can crawl through mock space modules, touch real meteorites, or join weekend workshops that teach how rockets fly. There’s even a gift shop where you can pick up “space ice cream” or JAXA-branded souvenirs to take home.

And when it’s time to unwind, the nearby Tsukuba Expo Center has a giant planetarium — one of Japan’s largest — where you can recline and watch galaxies drift across the dome.

Final countdown

A trip to Tsukuba isn’t just about technology; it’s about curiosity — the same force that pushed humanity beyond the clouds. So pack your sense of wonder and head to Japan’s city of science. At Tsukuba Space Center, you’ll soon find yourself saying: “Houston, we’ve got no problem!”