Hear the name Tokyo and you might think of a dense urban environment with non-stop neon lights and Harajuku girls. But Tokyo Prefecture extends beyond the inner-city neighborhoods of Japan's capital. Heading west, the flat, concrete-covered city gives way to green rural land and eventually reaches the mountains of the sprawling Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, where you'll find a wealth of outdoor things to do. Once you’ve had your fill of bright colors and flashing lights, head to the mountains, shrines, and hiking trails in the west.
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most popular times to visit Tokyo Prefecture, and for good reason. The climate is just right: generally dry, not too hot or too cold, and beautiful flowers or foliage are on display. The hot, humid summers can be uncomfortable in urban Tokyo Prefecture, but more comfortable in the mountains. Winter is cold but travelers from other northern climates won’t find it that uncomfortable, and there are plenty of indoor attractions in the city.
Tokyo Prefecture is very easy to get around by train, but the variety of options in the city can be overwhelming for the first-time visitor. Note that numerous railway and subway companies operate in central Tokyo and more rural parts of the prefecture, and tickets are not always interchangeable. Even stations with the same name may have different physical buildings and platforms for different companies. Plan your route before heading out.
You can visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park on a day trip from central Tokyo. But for a more relaxing break, stay there for a night or two to take advantage of the trails, hot springs, and natural views. The national park falls in four different prefectures—Tokyo, Saitama, Yamanashi, and Nagano—and the Tokyo and Saitama sections are most accessible from central Tokyo. The towns of Akiruno, Hinode, and Okutama are good places to stay.
