The most attractive places for tourists are cities with rich history, numerous temples, shrines and castles, but during such trips some relaxation may be very important and there are a lot of such options in Japan. I eagerly share my own experience of visiting some quiet places that I’ve visited on breaks between crowded places of interest.
From busy Tokyo I made a trip to Takao-san where I took a hiking trail that stretched along a wooded mountainside with breathtaking views. Heading to Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture by chance I discovered spacious and very quiet Omiya Park with giant trees creating nice shadows and providing relief from the bright sunshine.
Sometimes I took my time and escaped to small towns by the Pacific Ocean such as Ito and Bentenjima where I enjoyed walking on the coast. I was nearly alone.
Visiting Mito for the purpose of seeing the blue flower fields of Hitachi Seaside Park and Kairakuen, Garden I found a very nice walk along the river with a peaceful view and a lot of swans around. And there I still a special place in my heart for Nagano Prefecture with grand views of the mountains, rocks and open landscapes.
Hachijojima is technically Tokyo, but very far away. It gets few visitors in winter, yet it can be warm and sunny. I had onsen and beach views all to myself.
In Japan you can balance trips between exciting and spectacular destinations and quiet, peaceful retreats.