GREATER TOKYO

Even if you missed the cherry blossoms, you can still catch the powdered blue fields of Hitachi Seaside in Ibaraki.

Find your inner peace and a bit of fresh air at one of these four areas of natural wonder, each only an hour or two away from the city center of Tokyo.

While Tokyo alone could satisfy your craving for a yin and yang experience—say, a taste of city life in Shibuya coupled with the greenery of Shinjuku Gyoen—there's more to enjoy beyond the city limits of Tokyo!

From the world's biggest standing bronze statue to the nation's highest bungee jump, the North Kanto region sets records on both a national and global scale!

Blessed with numerous mountains, lakes and rivers, Gunma offers a wealth of outdoors activities in the summertime. Try mountain climbing, rafting, canyoning, canoeing and more—then rest your weary bones in one of the region's celebrated hot springs.

Not all cherry blossom trees are planted in Yoyogi, Shinjuku Gyoen, Inokashira or Sankeien. You'd be surprised to know that a lot of regular neighborhood areas in and around Tokyo also have Instagram-worthy spots for the perfect sakura shot.

It may not be as famous as Tsukiji, but Adachi Market is actually the only seafood-exclusive wholesale market in Tokyo. If you're looking for quality sushi without the long queues, we've got the new spot for you!

Planning to be in Japan in late July? JR East is offering a cheap three-day pass covering Tokyo and northeastern Japan for a limited time!