Numata City in Gunma Prefecture is one of the locations featured in the NHK Taiga drama Sanada Maru, which tells the tale of the famous Sanada clan. After visiting Numata Castle, why not make a visit to Fukiware Falls, which is also sometimes referred to as "Japan's Niagara?" It's approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo to Numata on the Kanegoshi Expressway.

Fukiware Falls

Fukiware Falls is about 20 minutes by car from Numata. There are three observation decks, and you can view the waterfall up close to get a true understanding of its incredible power! The splashback from the falls is really refreshing in the summer, which is part of what makes it a perfect day trip!

Iwana-an Aoki

After soaking up the scenery at Fukiware Falls, head over to Iwana-an Aoki to have some fresh soba noodles with salt-roasted char. What better way to end the day?

If you visit the Oya History Museum in Utsunomiya City, in Tochigi Prefecture, you'll be met with a scene that looks like an underground palace right out of a movie! It's as if you're exploring the inside of an Egyptian pyramid. The temperature inside is fairly cool, so it's an easy recommendation for a summer day trip. It's about 1 hour and 40 minutes on the outer ring of the Tohoku Expressway from Oizumi, on the edge of Tokyo.

Oya History Museum

It seems like this unique structure was created somewhat incidentally, left over from when the area was used to mine stones for construction. The temperature reaches highs of 12°C (about 54°F) even in summer so be sure to bring a jacket if you get cold easily!

Utsunomiya Gyoza

Utsunomiya is synonymous with gyoza, delicious fried pork dumplings. There are many gyoza restaurants and vendors around the JR Utsunomiya Station, as well as the symbol of Utsunomiya—a large gyoza statue made out of stone mined from Oya. Be sure to take a commemorative photograph of the statue if you eat gyoza on the way back from the Oya History Museum.

The ships from the US Navy and the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan have become a popular attraction in the city of Yokosuka, in Kanagawa Prefecture. It takes less than an hour to reach the port area near Shioiri Station from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo.

Visiting the Yokosuka Naval Port

There's a 45-minute sightseeing cruise that allows visitors to get a glimpse of the vessels of the 7th fleet of the US Navy, as well as Nagaura Port, where the headquarters of the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan is located. If you're lucky, you might also see huge aircraft carriers too!

Kaiji Curry

Yokosuka has become a town famous for its curry. In addition to the enduring "Navy Curry," in 2015 Yokosuka also birthed the "Maritime Self-Defense Force Curry!" Local restaurants remain committed to replicating the curry recipe used aboard both Self-Defense Force and US Navy vessels. Look out for the various curry vendors around the city!

Head over to Enoshima to enjoy fresh seafood and a state of the art aquarium. It's only an hour on the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station, which means it's super convenient to get to!

Enoshima Aquarium

This high-tech aquarium takes the concept into the digital age by using 3D projection mapping as part of its attractions. Witness the mysterious flickering of swimming jellyfish, or a rather peculiar dolphin show—there's plenty to keep you entertained for the whole day!

Fresh Seafood Bowls at Enoshima

There are long queues leading out of Shirasu Wholesale Tobiccho market before it opens at 11a.m., even on weekdays. Their most famous item on the menu is the Tobiccho-don, which is a fresh seafood rice bowl packed with flavorful ingredients.

Mishima Sky Walk opened in 2015 in Mishima City, on the Izu Peninsula. It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Tokyo via the Tomei Expressway, Odawara Atsugi Road and the Nishijo Bypass.

Mishima Sky Walk

The Mishima Sky Walk suspension bridge is the longest in Japan, and on a clear day, this 400-meter-long (1,312-ft) structure offers superb views of Mount Fuji. It's ¥1,000 to cross, but the scenery alone is worth it.

Eel (Unagi)

Mishima is famous for its grilled eel dishes. The area is rich with spring water flowing from Mount Fuji, and the purity and quality of the water helps account for the fantastic taste of local eel. There are plenty of restaurants between Mishima Station and Mishima Shrine, so be sure to stop by for a delicious meal.

Enjoy a stunning view of Mount Fuji right in front of your eyes! In Yamanashi Prefecture there are plenty of great viewing spots around the Fuji Five Lakes and Oshino—a small village famous for its eight ponds. The view of Mount Fuji is particularly beautiful in summer! It takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Hatsudai Entrance to Kawaguchiko via the Chuo Expressway.

Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko)

In the town of Fujikawaguchiko—located in the Yamanashi Prefecture within the Five Fuji Lakes area—there are plenty of hiking areas, as well as onsen hot spring resorts. The views of Mount Fuji and its surroundings also changes with the four seasons, which means repeat visits are a must! Oshino is home eight ponds that are fed from snow melt off of Mount Fuji, and are renowned for their purity. It's about a 20-minute drive from Kawaguchiko.

Cold Thick Noodles

A tasty variation of thick local noodles called hoto, ozara is served cold, and is synonymous with summer in Kawaguchiko.

Read the original article in Japanese from All About via the link below.