Day tripper

Japan's popularity shows no sign of waning, which encourages exploration beyond its major hubs. Here, JANE LAWSON explores the best short escapes from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

- JANE LAWSON

MAINTAINING FLAVOUR-OF-THE-MONTH STATUS for an astonishingly prolonged period has done nothing but intensify the global taste for Japan travel. As a well-trodden triptych, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka promise an exhilarating mix of traditional, modern and contemporary culture, and vast culinary range, however the surge of visitors armed with exhaustive bucket lists can tip even resolute travellers into temporary overwhelm.

Thankfully, delicious respite is closer at hand, thanks to a handful of nearby destinations that make for tempting and doable daytrips. Of course, true beauty lays in lingering, and we strongly recommend unwinding over a two- or three-night stay, and giving yourself the opportunity to observe more by doing less.

NIKKO

A sense of calm washes over you, just shy of two hours from Tokyo. Approaching Tobu-Nikkō station in neighbouring Tochigi Prefecture, majestic mountain ranges and lush cedar forests flood the picture windows of futuristic Spacia X - the most direct express train to the region. Stepping from the platform into the quaint village must feel similar to journeying from London to Hogwarts, but this is just the starting point for a choose your own adventure.