Tokyo Summer Escape｜Skip the Crowds at Omuroyama

Discover a better way to breathe in fresh air and enjoy stunning matcha-green landscapes. Here are two perfect summer getaway spots near Tokyo: Utsukushigahara Highlands and Kirigamine. Both of these famous mountains are located in Nagano Prefecture, just under a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. The terrain is gentle, making hiking easy and ideal for a weekend trip. Utsukushigahara Ranch Many people suggest setting your GPS to "Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum," but I personally recommend setting it to "Nagawa Town Parking Lot," which is closer to the ranch—only about a 10-minute walk away. Every frame here looks like a painting, especially during sunset. I was lucky to witness the breathtaking scene of cows and sheep grazing under the golden hues of the setting sun, which was even more stunning than during the day. 🍃 Kirigamine Here are two recommended locations: Kirigamine Venus Line Free Parking Lot Right across from the parking lot is a walking trail where you can enjoy a summer landscape reminiscent of a Hayao Miyazaki film, complete with blue skies and green grass. You might even spot gliders soaring in the sky—cue the song "A Whirlwind" in your head! Kurumayama Highlands Parking Lot For 2,500 yen, you can take a round-trip cable car 🚠 directly to the summit of Kurumayama. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket for just the mid-point (around 1,000 yen) and hike to the top. At the summit, there’s a sacred and beautiful aerial shrine, along with a terrace where you can sit and leisurely admire the mountain views. I was lucky enough to catch a rainbow 🌈 over the highlands when it rained on the opposite mountain—truly a magical moment. Between Utsukushigahara and Kirigamine lies the famous Venus Line, a scenic route that takes about 40 minutes to drive. Along the way, there are several observation points perfect for stopping, strolling, and enjoying the breeze.