15 Healing Spots in Kanto: Popular Destinations Surrounded by Nature

The Kanto area is home to numerous beautiful natural spots that soothe the soul. This article carefully selects and introduces recommended places, such as forests, lakes, and shrines, where you can refresh your mind and body. We also focus specifically on the nature retreat 'Washinmura' and explain its charm in detail.

What are healing spots? Three scientifically proven healing effects of nature While 'healing spots' might sound like a vague concept, nature actually has specific, scientifically proven healing effects. The following three points are backed by numerous research results, so please keep them in mind.

- Dramatic stress reduction: Simply being in nature has been shown to reliably lower stress hormones (cortisol). This provides a solid reason to recommend nature walks to alleviate fatigue from work and daily life. - Stabilization of heart rate and blood pressure: Forest bathing and lakeside strolls help regulate the autonomic nervous system, stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure, which contributes to long-term health maintenance. Visiting during the quiet hours of morning or evening is particularly effective. - Promotion of brain relaxation: The chirping of birds and the sound of the wind bring rest to the brain, contributing to improved concentration and reduced anxiety. Consciously listening to natural sounds also leads to the practice of mindfulness.

As you can see, nature has the power to specifically heal the body and mind, far beyond just offering beautiful scenery. Below, we introduce highly recommended healing spots in Kanto, along with their natural characteristics and ways to enjoy them. For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reset their minds and bodies. Kanto offers many places that provide healing, including forests, watersides, and sacred shrines. This time, we will introduce 15 recommended spots that you can actually visit, divided into three themes: 'Forests', 'Lakes & Rivers', and 'Shrines'.

Recommended spots in Kanto to be healed by forests and greenery (5 selections)

1. Mt. Takao (Hachioji City, Tokyo) A popular hiking spot where you can fully enjoy rich nature just about an hour by train from the city center. It has many routes that are easy for beginners to climb, and you can effortlessly reach the summit using a cable car or lift. Visitors can enjoy beautiful seasonal landscapes: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall. The summit offers panoramic views of the Tokyo cityscape and Mt. Fuji, truly making it an urban oasis. Location: Takaomachi, Hachioji City, Tokyo Cable car operating hours: 8:00 - 18:00 (varies by season)

2. Mt. Mitake (Ome City, Tokyo) Known since ancient times as a mountain of faith, Musashi Mitake Shrine welcomes visitors at its summit. You can easily ascend using a cable car, and the mountain trails are lined with large cedar and cypress trees, allowing for pleasant forest bathing. The summit offers spectacular views across the Kanto Plain, making its harmonious blend of nature and sacredness highly appealing. It is also popular because you can hike with your dog. Location: Mitakesan, Ome City, Tokyo Cable car operating hours: 7:30 - 18:30 (varies by season)

3. Akigawa Valley (Akiruno City, Tokyo) A valley with vast nature that makes it hard to believe it is within Tokyo. Surrounded by the murmuring of clear streams and the scent of the forest, visitors can enjoy hiking, river play, camping, and hot springs. In summer, you are soothed by the cool sound of water, and in autumn, fiery red leaves color the valley. The scenery, especially when evening light reflects on the river surface, is magical and highly popular among photography enthusiasts. Location: Otsu, Akiruno City, Tokyo Operating hours: Open year-round (varies by facility)

4. Mt. Tsukuba (Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture) A famous peak at an elevation of 877m offering panoramic views of the Kanto Plain. Revered since ancient times, it is often compared to Mt. Fuji with the saying, 'Fuji in the west, Tsukuba in the east.' You can easily climb it using a ropeway or cable car, and the summit provides views of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. The mountain also houses Tsukuba Sanja Shrine, allowing visitors to enjoy both hiking and worship. It is one of Kanto's premier tourist spots where nature and history merge. Location: 1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture Cable car/ropeway operating hours: 9:20 - 16:40 (varies by season)

5. Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park (Namegawa Town, Saitama Prefecture) A vast national park equivalent to about 65 Tokyo Domes, featuring forests, grasslands, and flower fields. It offers a variety of activities including cycling roads, athletic facilities, and a dog run, making it popular with families and couples. Seasonal flowers bloom beautifully, with nemophila in spring and kochia in autumn. It is an ideal place for picnics and nature walks, providing a relaxing time. Location: 1920 Yamada, Namegawa Town, Hiki District, Saitama Prefecture Operating hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (varies by season)