Times Of TIU

Writer: Chamodi W.
Editor: Rama K.
Translator: Kotomi T.

As the next vacation is coming, do you have any plans to go somewhere with your friends? Or simply do you have any idea where to go? If not, you came to the right place. When finding a location to visit, there are so many good options and it can be overwhelming. Also, you might wonder if there are any places that you can cover within a day.  So, here I will discuss some of the famous spots or places that TIU students go to that are not too far from the Ikebukuro station.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a city full of shrines and Zen temples and its history goes back to the Edo period.  This area is not only famous for its shrines but also for the stunning beaches with views of Mountain Fuji. Some temples charge a fare while some don’t, but of course, all the beaches are free . This is a great destination for a day trip as you can reach this ancient city just in 60 to 90 minutes from Tokyo depending on the train line you take. The fastest way to reach Kamakura is by the JR Yokosuka line and it goes directly to Kamakura station from Tokyo station, or you can take the same train from Shinagawa station. If you take the train from Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ikebukuro station, you should take the direct train from JR Shonan Shinjuku line to Kamakura. The area is pretty big, and there are several places that you can visit by train. Thus, depending on the places you want to go, it is recommended to buy a day pass to take the local Enoden train. You can reach all the stations on the same train line with the same ticket

MT. Takao

Mountain Takao is a famous destination for both worshipers and hikers. Hikers can climb to the top of the mountain in about 90 minutes and if you want to be more adventurous, you can climb Kobotoke which is connected to Takao Mountain. This scenic destination offers a beautiful view of nature and it is widely famous on January 1st for seeing the first view of the sun or to take the blessing from its ancient temple. Yakuoin is a temple in the center of the mountain that has been worshiped for more than 1,000 years. If you don’t want to walk, you can take the cable car or the chair lift to reach the center. The fastest connection between Tokyo to Takao station is by taking the JR Chuo line from Shinjuku station and transit to the Keio line to reach the Takaosanguchi station which is the nearest station to the Takao mountain. The trip will take around 40 to 50 minutes each way. Other than the temple and the hiking trail, you can also experience an onsen and monkey park with an admission.

Sunflower gardens

In between spring and summer, you can experience a variety of flower fields around Tokyo. Among those Musashi Kyūryō National Government Park is located in Shinrin Koen which is not so far from our Kawagoe campus. This is a national park forest that provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities. It includes bike trails, walking paths, a golf course, off-leash pet areas, and flower and herb gardens. Opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 9.30 to 5 pm. However, if you want to see sunflowers and other seasonal flowers, it is better to visit in March & April but visiting during autumn is also recommended. This may change each year, thus, check online to find out the flower blooming time of each area before you visit. The usual ticket price for adults is 450 yen to the date but this may change accordingly. If you like to explore nature, this place is recommended for you!

Teamlab Planets

Teamlabs is a museum that connects concepts such as immersion, art, science, and technology. This is a fun time activity to try if you are interested in art and science or simply want to take some nice snaps with your friends. The place is located about 5 minutes from Toyosu station and will take around one hour to cover all the conceptual rooms. The price for adults is 3800 yen (to the current date) but, normally the tickets are getting booked quickly, so don’t wait until the last minute or on the day to buy a ticket. It is open during weekdays from 10 AM to 8 PM and from 9 AM to 9 PM on weekends. 

Lake Kawaguchi (MT. Fuji)

Are you a fan of Mount Fuji? Lake Kawaguchi will give you a magnificent view of the mountain. Lake Kawaguchi is located near Mt. Fuji and it can easily be reached from Tokyo by bus or train and it is idle for a one-day trip or for a few days depending on your choice. The good thing about this place is it not only offers a significant view of Mt. Fuji but also other things such as parks, shrines, and hot springs. You can also go camping and hiking as well. One of the convenient ways to visit Kawaguchiko station is by highway bus which is about a 2.30-hour ride and it will cost around 2200 yen if you take the bus from Shinjuku station (source: https://highway-buses.jp/course/kawaguchiko.php). Also if you like some fun time activities, FujiQ is about one station before Kawaguchi and you can reach there by the express bus as I have mentioned before. You can visit this place all year but if you want to see the snowy mountain top of Fuji, winter is the best time to visit.

Disneyland & Disneysea

There is no doubt that every Disney fan’s dream is to visit these two places and have a memorable and fun time experience. Both places are located in the same area in Maihama, Chiba prefecture, and will take around the whole day to cover one place at a time. Normally these two places are filled with visitors and it will take some appropriate time to ride each ride. Recently the entrance fee has increased in both places and each will cost 8400 yen. Still, it is worth visiting as a day trip and one tip to cover all areas is to avoid peak seasons and weekends as it gets crowded. It is a 20-minute ride to Maihama station from Tokyo and has direct access from Maihama station to Disneyland. As DisneySea is located near the sea area it is suitable for people who are seeking adventurous experiences while Disneyland is more of a Disney castle experience and rides. However, both places are idle for enjoying your time with family and friends. 

         There are many other nice places that you can visit around Tokyo or outside of Tokyo but these are some of the recommended places for TIU students to experience. Depending on your preference you can find various places to hike, visit, or have fun and this article is just a reminder for you to enjoy your time while doing your studies at TIU. Give some space for other good memories too.