Subtropical islands, mountains, urban parks: Explore Tokyo’s surprisingly green heart

Tokyo has a well-deserved reputation for being a 24-hour-a-day metropolis of skyscrapers and neon, of energy and vibrancy. But scratch the surface and a visitor will find a very different side to the city.

Tokyo has towering mountains and valleys cleaved by waterfalls and fast-flowing streams. Its islands extend almost 1,000 km into the Pacific Ocean, where jungle-clad hills overlook deserted beaches and waters of a shade that even has its own name, Bonin Blue. And a city that is home to more than 9 million people is dotted with green oases of parks and traditional gardens that offer similar respite from the urban frenzy.

More than this, its outlying villages and pockets of “shitamachi,” or traditional old-style communities, are populated by people who are proud of their heritage and are keen to share ways of life that are often unchanged in centuries and include visitors in their unique festivals.

Three travel experts took part in a recent webinar organized by Tokyo Metropolitan Government designed to showcase the natural appeal of Tokyo to encourage visitors to get off the beaten path within the city and to explore the eco-tourism opportunities.

Tokyo’s overlooked islands

John Daub has lived in Japan for 25 years and says that while there are many places in Tokyo that he enjoys visiting, the 30 subtropical islands that make up the Ogasawara archipelago, some 1,000 km south of Tokyo Bay, are a clear favorite.

“The contrast between the cities and the islands is incredible,” said Daub, one of the leading foreign YouTube creators in the country and a regular contributor to national broadcaster NHK World.

Only accessible via a 24-hour ferry journey, the islands – some of which are volcanic - have been described as the Galapagos of Japan due to their remarkable flora and fauna. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and scuba diving, or simply relax on the beach.

The interiors of the islands – also known as the Bonin Islands and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - are criss-crossed by hiking trails, although mopeds are a great way to get around the islands for the less fleet-of-foot, Daub added.

The mountains of the metropolis

At the most westerly extremity of Tokyo are the peaks and valleys that surround the village of Hinohara, where Kristina Demina checks into a small, family-run “ryokan” whenever she needs to unwind from the stresses of the city.

Just 90 minutes from the hectic Shinjuku Station, the village is set amidst ancient forests that have provided the pillars for nearby mountain temples and shrines for centuries and where monks on pilgrimages still pray beneath tall waterfalls.

Demina, a creative director for tourism media company Matcha and a prolific social media content producer, says she typically stays at the same 300-year-old thatched inn and always takes a dip in the local “onsen” hot spring bath.

“The city of Akiruno is also nestled in the mountains and has activities throughout the year, from festivals to traditional dances, hiking in the surrounding hills and jazz in the cafes,” she said. “It’s a beautiful area and convenient because you don’t need a car to get there or to get around.”

A sustainable city

Sustainability extends beyond taking only photos and leaving only footprints, believes Robert Moran, the global sustainability manager for the Inside Travel Group.

As well as reducing our impact on the environment, visitors can contribute to local communities by choosing a tatami-mat room in a family-run “minshuku” or the unique experience of a “shukubo” overnight stay at a temple.

“Eco-tourism is also learning about the culture of the place you are visiting and how that intertwines with nature, supporting local businesses and meeting local people,” said Moran.

Tokyo’s stunning natural spaces can largely be reached by public transport, while the city centre is easily navigable with a hire from a bicycle rental agency.

Asked about his preferred green spaces in the city, Moran quickly identified Hamarikyu Gardens, the grounds of a former imperial residence alongside Tokyo Bay, as well as both Yoyogi and Shinjuku parks.

“The parks are fantastic places for a picnic, especially in the cherry blossom season in the spring and in the autumn when the leaves are changing,” he said. “Join the locals and take in the view.” 

See, experience, enjoy

In addition to the pristine beaches, dramatic mountain ranges and green spaces dotting the city center, Tokyo has eco-tourism options to suit every taste. Try “glamping,” or glamourous camping, or relax with a spot of “forest bathing,” indulge in a “kaiseki ryori” meal created from seasonal mountain vegetables or hike to the peak of Mount Takao to see the sun rise on another memorable day.

Tokyo really is a city of natural surprises.

Speakers