7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Yokohama

As a digital nomad living in Yokohama, you have the unique opportunity to blend a bustling city life with the serene escapades that the country offers. While Yokohama itself is a hub of activity with its beautiful harbor, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant Chinatown, the weekends are a perfect time to explore the surrounding areas. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, there's a getaway for every taste. Here are seven weekend destinations that offer a refreshing break from your work routine.

Kamakura

Just a short train ride away from Yokohama, Kamakura offers a glimpse into Japan's rich history and culture. This coastal town is famous for its numerous temples, shrines, and the iconic Great Buddha statue. Stroll through the historic streets, hike the forested trails, or relax on the beach. Kamakura is a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an ideal getaway for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

How to Get There: Kamakura is easily accessible by train from Yokohama Station. The trip takes about 30 minutes via the JR Yokosuka Line.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to try the local sweet treat, purple sweet potato ice cream, available at various shops around the town.

Where to Stay: The Kamakura Park Hotel offers stunning ocean views and traditional Japanese hospitality. For a more budget-friendly option, Guesthouse Kamakura Rakuan is a cozy choice.

Where to Eat: Visit the Komachi-dori Street for a variety of eateries. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine's vicinity has cafes that serve matcha-based desserts, a must-try in the area.

Hakone

Hakone is renowned for its hot springs, natural beauty, and the view of Mount Fuji. It's a popular destination for those looking to unwind in an onsen or explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The area also offers boat cruises on Lake Ashi and the Hakone Shrine. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Hakone has something for everyone.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Hakone is by taking the Odakyu Electric Railway from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which takes about 85 minutes.

Travel Tip: Purchase the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited travel on eight transportation services in the area, including the mountain railway, cable car, and pirate ship cruise.

Where to Stay: Hakone Ginyu features private onsen baths with breathtaking views. For a more traditional experience, stay at a ryokan like Hakone Suishoen.

Where to Eat: The Hakone area is famous for its tofu, so try the tofu kaiseki meals at restaurants like Tenseien or Hakone Yuryo.

Nikko

A bit further from Yokohama, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its lavishly decorated shrines and beautiful national park. The Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, is a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship. The area also offers stunning natural sights such as Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.

How to Get There: Nikko is accessible by taking the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Utsunomiya, then transferring to the JR Nikko Line. The total journey takes about 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Visit the Yumoto Onsen area to enjoy a hot spring bath surrounded by nature, especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season.

Where to Stay: Nikko Kanaya Hotel is the oldest resort hotel in Japan, offering a mix of Western and Japanese accommodations. For a luxury stay, consider the Kinugawa Onsen Ryokan.

Where to Eat: Hippari Dako is a cozy eatery known for its yuba (tofu skin) dishes and friendly atmosphere.

Enoshima

Enoshima is a small island off the coast, connected to the mainland by a bridge. It's a great spot for beachgoers, surfers, and those interested in marine life, thanks to the Enoshima Aquarium. The island also boasts the Enoshima Shrine, a botanical garden, and the Iwaya Caves. The Enoshima Sea Candle lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

How to Get There: Take the Odakyu Line from Yokohama to Fujisawa, then transfer to the Enoden Line to reach Enoshima. The journey takes about an hour.

Travel Tip: Try the local specialty, shirasu-don (whitebait bowl), at one of the many restaurants along the coast.

Where to Stay: Enoshima Guest House 134 has a laid-back atmosphere and is popular among surfers and young travelers.

Where to Eat: The Enoshima Island Spa offers a restaurant with ocean views, serving fresh seafood and local vegetables.

Mount Takao

For a quick escape into nature, Mount Takao is a popular hiking destination with well-maintained trails, a monkey park, and a beer garden at the summit during summer. The mountain is also home to the Yakuoin Temple, where you can learn about the mountain worship practices of Shugendo.

How to Get There: From Yokohama, take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Shinjuku, then transfer to the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station. The trip takes about 90 minutes.

Travel Tip: Visit during the autumn to witness the stunning fall colors, which are celebrated with the annual Mount Takao Maple Leaf Festival.

Where to Stay: There are no accommodations on the mountain, but you can find hotels in the nearby Hachioji area, such as the Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji.

Where to Eat: Near the base of the mountain, try the tororo soba (buckwheat noodles with grated yam) at one of the local restaurants like Takaosan Jyaran.

Yokosuka

Yokosuka, while known for its US Naval Base, offers a unique cultural blend and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Visit the Mikasa Park to see a historic battleship, explore the Yokosuka Museum of Art, or enjoy the scenic views from Kannonzaki Lighthouse. The city also has a vibrant culinary scene, with a mix of Japanese and American influences.

How to Get There: Yokosuka is easily accessible by train from Yokohama using the JR Yokosuka Line, with a journey time of about 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: For a unique experience, try the Navy Curry, a local specialty that reflects the city's naval history.

Where to Stay: Mercure Hotel Yokosuka is centrally located and offers comfortable accommodations. For a seaside option, Kannonzaki Keikyu Hotel has beautiful ocean views.

Where to Eat: Kuriya offers a great selection of local seafood dishes, while Yokosuka Navy Burger is famous for its American-style burgers.

Oyama

Oyama is a lesser-known destination that offers a peaceful retreat in the Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park. The area is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and paragliding. The Oyama Afuri Shrine, located on the mountain, is a serene spot with a history dating back over 2,000 years.

How to Get There: From Yokohama, take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Isehara Station, then take a bus to the Oyama Cable Car Station. The total travel time is around 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Visit during the Oyama Tofu Festival in February to enjoy the local delicacy in various forms.

Where to Stay: There are several guesthouses and ryokans in the area, such as the Oyama Guest House Fuji, which offers a traditional experience.

Where to Eat: The Oyama Cable Car Station has a restaurant that serves tofu dishes and soba noodles with a view of the surrounding mountains.