[4-Day Weekend Outings] If You’re in Kanto, Here’s Where to Go! Prefecture-by-Prefecture Low-Crowd Spots

The four-day weekend in July 2021. Here are some day-trip spots in each Kanto prefecture. In Tokyo, a state of emergency has been declared due to the effects of infectious disease, and with the Olympics being held, tolls on the Shuto Expressway have been raised. Traveling through Tokyo has become more difficult, but how about visiting day-trip spots within each prefecture instead?

In this article, we introduce recommended spots in the Kanto region for the four-day weekend. Since many spots have been temporarily closed as an infection control measure, we have carefully selected only those that are still scheduled to be open during the holiday. We also chose places that seem less likely to become crowded, so if you’re thinking of going out, please use this as a reference.

[Ibaraki – Oarai Sun Beach]

The four-day weekend in July marks the arrival of full summer! With extreme heat expected, why not enjoy swimming at the beach — a classic choice? Oarai Sun Beach is a swimming beach located on the Pacific coast in Oarai, central Ibaraki Prefecture. It has even been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches.

Last year, all swimming beaches in Ibaraki Prefecture were completely closed. Faced with a difficult decision about whether to open for the 2021 summer season, Oarai Sun Beach decided to open from July 22 to August 22 for one month, with lifeguards stationed on-site. Measures to prevent infection include a ban on selling or bringing in alcoholic beverages.

Oarai Sun Beach is also a popular destination for surfing and cooling off, and it’s famous for clam digging. It’s perfect for first-time clam digging, and a great choice for families. Known for its vast size, the beach allows plenty of space to maintain distance from others.

Many Ibaraki beaches remain closed this season

While it’s great news that Oarai Sun Beach is open this season, many other beaches in the prefecture have canceled for the second year in a row. Even “Hasaki Beach,” also selected among Japan’s Top 100 Beaches, will not open this season.

If you plan to visit other beaches in the prefecture, be sure to check in advance whether they will be open.

[Chiba – Tokyo German Village]

If you want to avoid crowds and also escape the heat during the four-day weekend, Tokyo German Village is a great choice. It’s a popular spot located in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture, in the middle of the Boso Peninsula. Despite having “Tokyo” in its name, it’s quite far from the city center, making it a good option for those who want to avoid urban crowds.
During the four-day weekend, Tokyo German Village remains open while taking strong measures against infection. It is an entirely outdoor facility with excellent ventilation, and disinfection is thorough. Some higher-risk attractions are closed, as a precaution. Because visitors primarily move around the grounds by car, close contact with large numbers of people can be avoided. Even with many visitors, it remains a relatively safe spot.
The charm of Tokyo German Village lies in its simple concept as a beautifully maintained, nature-rich park. Visitors can enjoy fluffy green lawns, lily fields, and, depending on the season, rose gardens and other flower-filled landscapes. As for souvenirs, the Baumkuchen here is a must-buy.

A “Tokyo” spot located in Chiba

Facilities that carry the “Tokyo” name but are actually located in Chiba include not only Tokyo German Village but also Tokyo Disneyland, Shin-Tokyo Circuit, and Tokyo Survival Game Park. The latter two are located far from central Tokyo, making them great choices for those who want to avoid activities in the city.

[Kanagawa – Odawara Castle]

During the four-day weekend, famous spots near stations might surprisingly be hidden gems. One such recommended place is “Odawara Castle.” Located in the center of Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, it is a city landmark visible from Odawara Station.

Odawara Castle was under the control of the Hojo clan for nearly 100 years during the Sengoku period. At times, it repelled forces of up to 100,000 soldiers, and even brought Toyotomi Hideyoshi, on the verge of unifying the country, to his greatest challenge. As one of the strongest castles of its time, it has great historical value, rich archives, and excellent park facilities, making it a highly recommended spot.

While some events usually held on holidays may be canceled during the four-day weekend, visitors can still enjoy the castle interior with its historical displays and panoramic views from the main keep, as well as the Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum, which offers insights into the world of samurai. In the evening, don’t miss the sight of Odawara Castle illuminated at night. Though it is popular with tourists every year, it’s not so crowded as to feel cramped, allowing for comfortable spacing. Behind the castle, there is a spacious park and pond, providing plenty of photo opportunities. There’s a lot to enjoy here beyond the exhibitions.

Children’s Amusement Park

Within Odawara Castle Park, there is a facility for young children called the Children’s Amusement Park, equipped with battery-powered cars and a mini train. It’s a great spot for families.

[Gunma – Doai Station]

During the four-day weekend, Gunma Prefecture offers many great spots. First, let’s introduce the unique railway station, Doai Station.

Located in Minakami Town in northern Gunma, Doai Station may make some wonder, “A station as a tourist spot?” But this station is known as Japan’s largest “mole station” due to the extraordinary number of stairs required to go up and down. It takes nearly 10 minutes to reach the underground from the ground-level station building. Descending the stairs for 10 minutes feels like exploring a cave, offering a scene quite unlike any normal station.

The inbound platform is above ground, while the outbound platform is underground. If you’re arriving from within Gunma Prefecture, you’ll land on the underground platform. The temperature difference between underground and above ground is significant — in fact, going from ground to underground can be so chilly that you might risk catching a cold even in summer. The temperature difference truly earns it the label of a summer retreat.

[Gunma – Minakami]

With the scorching heat of July lingering over the four-day weekend, how about cooling off with an activity in the mountains of Gunma?

In northern Gunma, Minakami is known as a popular spot for river rafting. The average temperature here is lower than in the city, making it a perfect summer retreat. River rafting is one of the most recommended activities in the summer season. There are various tours available, some including BBQs, making it suitable not just for families but also for group trips.

Not only during the July four-day weekend, but it’s also available during the Obon holidays. Depending on the tour, certain preparations may be required, so booking in advance is a good idea. Some tours even offer camping accommodations, making Minakami a great area for those who want to fully enjoy the outdoors in Gunma Prefecture.

[Gunma – Oze]

Gunma is an area with many places where you can fully enjoy nature. Oze National Park, located in the northeastern part of Gunma, is one such place — a spot where you’ll be overwhelmed by the vastness of the land and its nature beyond what you might imagine.

Oze is a high-altitude marshland, with some parts reaching an elevation of around 1,660 meters. Even in midsummer, it can get cold at times, so there’s little worry about heat. Around the time of the four-day weekend, one of the highlights is the sight of over 100 species of alpine plants, including the Nikkōkisuge (daylilies). You can enjoy hiking while taking in these natural wonders. The sheer scale of the natural beauty is too great to explore in a single day, so take the time to let it soothe you.

If you plan to enjoy Oze, hiking gear is essential. Be sure to prepare shoes suitable for physical activity.

[Tochigi – Nikko]

Nikko is undeniably one of Tochigi’s most famous tourist destinations. It’s a group of sightseeing spots located in a green, nature-rich area far from the city center, and it’s also a classic school trip destination. Many people probably have fond memories of visiting. From the famous Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine to Kegon Falls, Lake Chūzenji, and Senjōgahara, there are numerous renowned spots. This four-day weekend might be your chance to fully enjoy them.

The attractions in Nikko are spread out — while you’ll walk inside the Tōshōgū grounds, traveling between other spots is usually done by car. If you want to visit them all, consider planning a one- to two-night trip. Even though it’s a famous tourist destination, its distance from central Tokyo means it’s less likely to be crowded, allowing you to enjoy the sights with comfortable spacing.

If you’re planning a longer trip of two or three nights, Oze — mentioned earlier — is nearby, making it possible to combine the two in one trip. Just be careful not to overload your schedule while trying to avoid crowded spots.

Tōshōgū is a must-visit

Tōshōgū Shrine was built in the Edo period by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, to enshrine his grandfather, Tokugawa Ieyasu, as the main deity. It’s registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the head shrine of all Tōshōgū shrines across Japan. The “Yōmeimon” Gate, so grandly decorated that you could gaze at it all day without getting bored, and the “Three Wise Monkeys” (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil) carvings are just some of the many highlights worth seeing.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced recommended sightseeing spots across the Kanto region that are perfect for a four-day weekend. In each prefecture, there are many places located far enough from Tokyo that you can visit without worrying too much about crowds. While midsummer heat is expected in Kanto during the holiday, there are plenty of spots where you can forget about the heat — or even enjoy cooler weather.

During this four-day weekend in the midst of ongoing concerns over infectious diseases, why not skip long trips to other prefectures and instead take your time enjoying local sightseeing spots? We hope you find this helpful as you plan your outings.