2 Best Sights in Side Trips from Tokyo, Japan

Although, like the beaches of Sagami Bay, the tiny island of Enoshima can be mobbed in summer and on sunny holidays, it's still worth a visit outside those times. While the island is only 4 km (2½ miles) around, with a hill in the middle and a long causeway connecting it to the mainland, there's quite a bit to see.

Partway up the hill is a shrine where the local fisherfolk used to pray for a bountiful catch—before it became a tourist attraction. Once upon a time it was quite a hike up to the shrine; now there are escalators, flanked by the inevitable stalls selling souvenirs and snacks. Some of the island's cafés and restaurants have spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and the Izu Peninsula.

To reach the causeway from Enoshima Station, walk south from the station for about 1 km (0.6 miles), keeping the Katase-gawa (Katase River) on your right. To return to Tokyo from Enoshima, take a train to Shinjuku on the Odakyu line. From the island walk back across the causeway, and take the second bridge over the Katase-gawa. Within five minutes you'll come to the Odakyu's Katase-Enoshima Station. Or you can retrace your steps to Kamakura and take the JR Yokosuka Line to Tokyo Station.

If you have the time and the inclination for a beach picnic, take the 25-minute high-speed ferry (¥2,800 round-trip) from the pier. There are ten departures daily between 7:30 and 5:20 from Atami, though the times can vary if one of the two boats is under maintenance. You can easily walk around the island, which is only 4 km (2½ miles) in circumference, in less than two hours. There is also an obstacle course adventure park, great for travelers with kids.