温丹萍

Tokyo is bursting with energy， excitement and an endless list of things to do. But as the nations capital and home to one tenth of its national population， its also a city of stifling1 crowds and general chaos. Especially when the summer heat sets in， sometimes theres nothing better than escaping this great city for a day and hopping a train to the oases of nature that surround it. Here are our picks of the best experiences that can be done in a day trip， including swimming， hiking， wine-tasting， farm tours and more.

Lake cruise， art museums and hot springs in Hakone

The mountain of Hakone lies about 90 minutes by train from Tokyo， which makes it a popular day-trip or weekend getaway2 from the capital. It has had a long and illustrious3 tradition as a hot spring town—its name even appears in Edo-era （1603–1868） rankings of Japans best onsen4.

But Hakone is about much more than just bathing. Its got everything from superb art museums to an active volcano—as well as a jaw-dropping5 view of Mt Fuji on clear days. See around the area， from central Hakone-Yumoto and beautiful Lake Ashi to the posh6 but relaxed Gora neighbourhood.

Sprawling temple grounds7 and a giant Buddha in Kamakura

This small coastal town is often referred to as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan for its multitude of temples， shrines8 and historical monuments. It was the countrys political capital during the Kamakura shogunate （1185–1333） and theres plenty to do and see here.

Top of the list should be a visit to the Great Buddha of Kamakura （Kamakura Daibutsu）. This towering bronze statue of the celestial buddha is the second tallest in Japan and stands at 13.35m. Originally cast in 1252， the buddha has been peacefully watching over its visitors since 1495.

If you have a little more time， pay a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu， Kamakuras largest Shinto9 shrine. You can reach it via a long， wide approach that leads from Kamakuras waterfront through the city centre， with multiple torii10 gates along the way. The grounds include the main hall， a museum and many secondary shrines as well as beautiful ponds and gardens. Look out for a horseback archery display during the Reitai-sai11 Festival in mid-September （September 14–16）， performed along the main approach.

Wine-tasting in the vineyards of Katsunuma

Although better known for its sake12 than vino13， Japan has actually been producing amazing wines using locally-grown grapes since the 1800s. Katsunuma， in Yamanashi Prefecture14， is home to 31 wineries15 which between them account for about 30 percent of all Japanese wine. Many offer tasting sessions and lessons in winemaking as well as tours.

Experience it yourself at Budo no Oka （Grape Hill）. Here， you can soak in magnificent views of the surrounding vineyards and the Japanese Southern Alps to the west—Yamanashi is home to Mount Fuji—while tasting more than 200 varieties of wine. At just ?1，520 for the tasting experience， theres a temptation to overdo it， but theres plenty else to enjoy on site， including a terrific barbecue restaurant and open-air hot spring.

Ski gondolas16 and crystal-clear ponds in Hakuba

Though best known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding， Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture offers a great escape into nature year-round.

During the warm months， Happo Mountain can be traversed17 via an eight-passenger 2000-meter-long gondola with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. When you arrive at the top， take a leisurely one-hour stroll along the summit to the glass-like Happo Pond.

Hakuba Happo Hot Springs are a collection of hot springs located at the mountain base. Be sure to stop in at one after winding18 your way back down the mountain. The hot spring water of Hakuba is renowned for its unique alkaline19 mineral composition that is said to have healing and beautifying properties.

Farm tours and markets in the rural village of Isumi

On the east coast of Chiba Prefecture， overlooking the Pacific Ocean， is the farming village of Isumi20. This region is renowned for its picturesque scenery and delicious organic produce.

Set up by a US-born photojournalist and his wife， a chef and author of several macrobiotic21 cookbooks， Browns Field Farm specialises in sustainable， organic farming blended with Japanese traditions. You can taste the farms incredible produce at their Rice Terrace Café or even spend the night in their guest cottage for ?7，000 per person.

Fromages Komagata is a dairy farm known for its 100 percent additive-free and preservative-free cheese. The proprietor has over 20 years experience in the dairy industry and makes his own artisan products as well.

To sample a host of farms all at once， head to Isumi on a Sunday and check out the Sunday morning market at Ohara Fishing Port where a range of local produce and seafood can be found.

Scenic hiking in the mountainous region of Chichibu

Located within Chichibu-Tama National Park in the mountainous western region of Saitama Prefecture， Chichibu is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.

The parks mountains are non-volcanic and have an average height of 1，000m， meaning river valleys beautifully showcase each season with their vibrant colours. With over 1，262 kilometres to explore， it can be difficult to know where to start. Mount Mitsumine is the most famous peak thanks to the ancient Shinto shrine at its top.

Hitsujiyama Flower Park is another must-see. Set against an impressive backdrop of Mount Buko and known for its sea of pink and white Shibazakura （moss phloxes）， it overlooks the entire city area of Chichibu. The park features around 1，000 cherry trees， including yoshino cherry， weeping cherry and double-petal cherry trees.

A day of shopping at the resort town Karuizawa

Nestled at the foot of Mount Asama， the most active volcano in Honshu， lies the upmarket22 resort town of Karuizawa. Many wealthier Tokyoites own second homes here. Start your day at Karuizawa Ginza in the old part of the town， with its traditional shops， cafés， restaurants and stalls selling locally-produced jams and honey.

Serious shoppers searching for serious discounts should head to the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza near the train station. This discount shopping outlet is home to over 200 stores set in a sprawling and beautifully landscaped area—great for kids to run wild while you splash23 the cash.

When your credit cards scream for mercy， escape to the open-air Tombo-no-yu bath house for a peaceful soak. Finish off your day at Harunire Terrace and order yourself a pint of the delicious locally-brewed Yona Yona ale24. ■

东京充满了活力和激情，有数不胜数的游玩项目。但作为日本首都和全国十分之一人口的聚居地，东京同时又是一座人群熙攘、喧嚣压抑的都市。尤其是在炎热的夏季，逃离这座大都市，坐火车到周边宁静的大自然中游玩一天，有时是再好不过的选择。以下是我们挑选的最佳一日游体验项目，包括游泳、徒步旅行、品酒、农场参观等等。

箱根的湖上游览、艺术博物馆和温泉

从东京坐火车到箱根山只需大约90分钟，这使得箱根山成为东京周边一日游和周末度假的热门目的地。作为温泉小镇，箱根有着悠久而辉煌的历史——早在江户时代（1603—1868），箱根的名字就登上了日本最佳温泉度假胜地的排行榜。

不过，箱根可不仅仅有温泉浴。从一流的艺术博物馆到活火山景观，这里应有尽有;在晴朗的日子里，这里还能看到富士山令人叹为观止的美景。从箱根汤本中心区和美丽的芦之湖，到豪华而悠闲的戈拉社区，四处走走。

镰仓的广阔寺院和大佛

镰仓这个沿海小镇因其众多的寺庙、神社和历史遗迹而常被称为日本东部的京都。它是日本在镰仓幕府时期（1185—1333）的政治首都，有很多游玩项目和观光景点。

必去景点榜单的第一位当属镰仓大佛。这尊庄严高耸的精美青铜佛像为日本第二高，达13.35米。佛像最初铸造于1252年，自1495年以来，这尊大佛一直平静地守护着来来往往的游客。

如果还有些时间，就去参观镰仓最大的神社——鹤冈八幡宫。可以通过一条从镰仓海滨出发、穿过市中心的长长大路前往此处，大路沿途建有多道鸟居。……