Top 10 Popular Nature Drive Spots for Day Trips in Kanto: Highly Recommended for Travel

The Kanto area, easily accessible from Tokyo, is dotted with numerous nature drive spots perfect for a day trip. The charm lies in being able to refresh while gazing at seasonal spectacular views of oceans, mountains, lakes, and valleys from your car window. There are many cafes and hot spring resorts to drop by along the way, giving you outstanding freedom on your driving journey. In this article, we have carefully selected 10 popular nature-rich drive spots in Kanto, introducing the highlights and access information for each.

## What is the Appeal of a Nature Drive Day Trip in Kanto? 4 Points to Understand the Enjoyment

The Kanto region is packed with nature spots that offer great access from the metropolitan area, making it the perfect place when you want to quickly forget the stress of work or daily life and refresh yourself. Driving by car allows you to move freely without being restricted by location, and it is appealing to be able to comfortably access your destination while enjoying diverse landscapes.

Here, we have summarized four appealing points that you should definitely keep in mind:

- Good Accessibility: Many spots are within about an hour's drive from central Tokyo, allowing you to experience great nature in a short drive.
- Beauty of Seasonal Landscapes: You can enjoy the expressions of nature unique to each season, such as cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, fresh sea breezes, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter.
- Diverse Nature Experiences: Activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, cycling, and glamping are abundant, making it ideal for creating memories with family and friends.
- Mental and Physical Refreshment: Running through nature provides mental peace, allowing you to spend a healthy holiday combined with your drive.

By actually touring the popular spots in Kanto, you will be able to feel the diversity of nature, the characteristics of each region, and the charm of each season. For your next holiday, please feel free to go out for a nature walk by car.

## 10 Recommended Nature Drive Day Trip Spots in Kanto

Why not leave the hustle and bustle of the city and refresh yourself in nature? There are many spectacular drive spots in the suburbs of Kanto that you can easily visit by car.

In this article, we have carefully selected 10 "nature-based drive spots" where you can fully enjoy greenery, oceans, lakes, mountains, and more! We will introduce routes perfect for day trips and weekend outings.

### 1. Washinmura (Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture)
An experiential retreat facility surrounded by the nature of the Boso Peninsula, fusing old folk houses and glamping. Animals such as cats, dogs, and goats live on the premises, and you can spend a peaceful time interacting with them. Day use is also possible, with plenty of activities such as bonfires, BBQ, and wood-chopping experiences. A shuttle service is available from the station, bus stop, and Mother Farm, so you don't have to worry even if you don't have a car.
Location: 14 Takamizo, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: About 15 minutes from the Futtsu-Chuo IC on the Tateyama Expressway. Shuttle service available (reservation required).

### 2. Hitachi Seaside Park (Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
A floral paradise where colors change with the seasons, featuring nemophila and kochia. From "Miharashi no Oka" in the park, you can overlook the Pacific Ocean and enjoy driving or walking while feeling the sea breeze. Blue nemophila spreads in spring, and crimson kochia in autumn, creating a painting-like scene. A popular nature park for families and couples.
Location: 605-4 Mawatari Onuma, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access: About 15 kilometers from the Hitachi-Minami Ota IC on the Joban Expressway, about 13 kilometers from the Tokai Smart IC on the Joban Expressway, or right off the Hitachi Seaside Park IC on the Hitachinaka Toll Road from the Kita-Kanto Expressway.

### 3. Fukuroda Falls (Daigo Town, Ibaraki Prefecture)
One of Japan's top three waterfalls, boasting a height of 120m and a width of 73m. The waterfall flows down in four tiers and is also called "Yodo no Taki" (Four Times Waterfall). It shows different expressions throughout the year, with autumn foliage, winter ice falls, and fresh spring greenery, offering new excitement every time you visit. The experience of looking up at the waterfall up close from the observation tunnel is a masterpiece.
Location: Fukuroda, Daigo Town, Kuji District, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access: About 50 minutes from Naka IC on the Joban Expressway, about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Utsunomiya IC on the Tohoku Expressway, about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Yaita IC on the Tohoku Expressway.

### 4. Mount Tsukuba (Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
A famous peak in Kanto, praised as "Fuji in the West, Tsukuba in the East." From the 877m summit, you can overlook the Kanto Plain, and on a clear day, you can even see the Tokyo Skytree. Ropeways and cable cars are also available, making it appealing to drop by easily during a drive. There are hot springs and Tsukubasan Shrine nearby, allowing you to fully enjoy a day of nature and healing.
Location: 1 Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access: About 40 minutes from Tsuchiura Kita IC on the Joban Expressway, about 40 minutes from Sakuragawa Chikusei IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway, about 45 minutes from Tsukuba Chuo IC on the Ken-O Expressway, about 45 minutes from Tsukuba Nishi Smart IC on the Ken-O Expressway.

### 5. Boso Flower Line (Minamiboso City to Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture)
A spectacular driving road representing the Boso Peninsula where you can enjoy the sea and flowers at the same time. While driving along the approximately 46km coastline, you can fully enjoy seasonal flowers and the blue sea. Especially from winter to spring, rape blossoms and poppies are in full bloom, a beauty that makes you want to hold your camera. There are few traffic lights, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable drive.