溫丹萍
Tokyo is bursting with energy, excitement and an endless list of things to do. But as the nations capital and home to one tenth of its national population, its also a city of stifling1 crowds and general chaos. Especially when the summer heat sets in, sometimes theres nothing better than escaping this great city for a day and hopping a train to the oases of nature that surround it. Here are our picks of the best experiences that can be done in a day trip, including swimming, hiking, wine-tasting, farm tours and more.
Lake cruise, art museums and hot springs in Hakone
The mountain of Hakone lies about 90 minutes by train from Tokyo, which makes it a popular day-trip or weekend getaway2 from the capital. It has had a long and illustrious3 tradition as a hot spring town—its name even appears in Edo-era (1603–1868) rankings of Japans best onsen4.
But Hakone is about much more than just bathing. Its got everything from superb art museums to an active volcano—as well as a jaw-dropping5 view of Mt Fuji on clear days. See around the area, from central Hakone-Yumoto and beautiful Lake Ashi to the posh6 but relaxed Gora neighbourhood.
Sprawling temple grounds7 and a giant Buddha in Kamakura
This small coastal town is often referred to as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan for its multitude of temples, shrines8 and historical monuments. It was the countrys political capital during the Kamakura shogunate (1185–1333) and theres plenty to do and see here.
Top of the list should be a visit to the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu). This towering bronze statue of the celestial buddha is the second tallest in Japan and stands at 13.35m. Originally cast in 1252, the buddha has been peacefully watching over its visitors since 1495.
If you have a little more time, pay a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakuras largest Shinto9 shrine. You can reach it via a long, wide approach that leads from Kamakuras waterfront through the city centre, with multiple torii10 gates along the way. The grounds include the main hall, a museum and many secondary shrines as well as beautiful ponds and gardens. Look out for a horseback archery display during the Reitai-sai11 Festival in mid-September (September 14–16), performed along the main approach.
Wine-tasting in the vineyards of Katsunuma
Although better known for its sake12 than vino13, Japan has actually been producing amazing wines using locally-grown grapes since the 1800s. Katsunuma, in Yamanashi Prefecture14, is home to 31 wineries15 which between them account for about 30 percent of all Japanese wine. Many offer tasting sessions and lessons in winemaking as well as tours.
Experience it yourself at Budo no Oka (Grape Hill). Here, you can soak in magnificent views of the surrounding vineyards and the Japanese Southern Alps to the west—Yamanashi is home to Mount Fuji—while tasting more than 200 varieties of wine. At just ?1,520 for the tasting experience, theres a temptation to overdo it, but theres plenty else to enjoy on site, including a terrific barbecue restaurant and open-air hot spring.
Ski gondolas16 and crystal-clear ponds in Hakuba
Though best known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture offers a great escape into nature year-round.
During the warm months, Happo Mountain can be traversed17 via an eight-passenger 2000-meter-long gondola with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. When you arrive at the top, take a leisurely one-hour stroll along the summit to the glass-like Happo Pond.
Hakuba Happo Hot Springs are a collection of hot springs located at the mountain base. Be sure to stop in at one after winding18 your way back down the mountain. The hot spring water of Hakuba is renowned for its unique alkaline19 mineral composition that is said to have healing and beautifying properties.
Farm tours and markets in the rural village of Isumi
On the east coast of Chiba Prefecture, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is the farming village of Isumi20. This region is renowned for its picturesque scenery and delicious organic produce.
Set up by a US-born photojournalist and his wife, a chef and author of several macrobiotic21 cookbooks, Browns Field Farm specialises in sustainable, organic farming blended with Japanese traditions. You can taste the farms incredible produce at their Rice Terrace Café or even spend the night in their guest cottage for ?7,000 per person.
Fromages Komagata is a dairy farm known for its 100 percent additive-free and preservative-free cheese. The proprietor has over 20 years experience in the dairy industry and makes his own artisan products as well.
To sample a host of farms all at once, head to Isumi on a Sunday and check out the Sunday morning market at Ohara Fishing Port where a range of local produce and seafood can be found.
Scenic hiking in the mountainous region of Chichibu
Located within Chichibu-Tama National Park in the mountainous western region of Saitama Prefecture, Chichibu is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.
The parks mountains are non-volcanic and have an average height of 1,000m, meaning river valleys beautifully showcase each season with their vibrant colours. With over 1,262 kilometres to explore, it can be difficult to know where to start. Mount Mitsumine is the most famous peak thanks to the ancient Shinto shrine at its top.
Hitsujiyama Flower Park is another must-see. Set against an impressive backdrop of Mount Buko and known for its sea of pink and white Shibazakura (moss phloxes), it overlooks the entire city area of Chichibu. The park features around 1,000 cherry trees, including yoshino cherry, weeping cherry and double-petal cherry trees.
A day of shopping at the resort town Karuizawa
Nestled at the foot of Mount Asama, the most active volcano in Honshu, lies the upmarket22 resort town of Karuizawa. Many wealthier Tokyoites own second homes here. Start your day at Karuizawa Ginza in the old part of the town, with its traditional shops, cafés, restaurants and stalls selling locally-produced jams and honey.
Serious shoppers searching for serious discounts should head to the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza near the train station. This discount shopping outlet is home to over 200 stores set in a sprawling and beautifully landscaped area—great for kids to run wild while you splash23 the cash.
When your credit cards scream for mercy, escape to the open-air Tombo-no-yu bath house for a peaceful soak. Finish off your day at Harunire Terrace and order yourself a pint of the delicious locally-brewed Yona Yona ale24. ■
東京充滿了活力和激情,有數(shù)不勝數(shù)的游玩項目。但作為日本首都和全國十分之一人口的聚居地,東京同時又是一座人群熙攘、喧囂壓抑的都市。尤其是在炎熱的夏季,逃離這座大都市,坐火車到周邊寧靜的大自然中游玩一天,有時是再好不過的選擇。以下是我們挑選的最佳一日游體驗項目,包括游泳、徒步旅行、品酒、農(nóng)場參觀等等。
箱根的湖上游覽、藝術(shù)博物館和溫泉
從東京坐火車到箱根山只需大約90分鐘,這使得箱根山成為東京周邊一日游和周末度假的熱門目的地。作為溫泉小鎮(zhèn),箱根有著悠久而輝煌的歷史——早在江戶時代(1603—1868),箱根的名字就登上了日本最佳溫泉度假勝地的排行榜。
不過,箱根可不僅僅有溫泉浴。從一流的藝術(shù)博物館到活火山景觀,這里應(yīng)有盡有;在晴朗的日子里,這里還能看到富士山令人嘆為觀止的美景。從箱根湯本中心區(qū)和美麗的蘆之湖,到豪華而悠閑的戈拉社區(qū),四處走走。
鐮倉的廣闊寺院和大佛
鐮倉這個沿海小鎮(zhèn)因其眾多的寺廟、神社和歷史遺跡而常被稱為日本東部的京都。它是日本在鐮倉幕府時期(1185—1333)的政治首都,有很多游玩項目和觀光景點。
必去景點榜單的第一位當屬鐮倉大佛。這尊莊嚴高聳的精美青銅佛像為日本第二高,達13.35米。佛像最初鑄造于1252年,自1495年以來,這尊大佛一直平靜地守護著來來往往的游客。
如果還有些時間,就去參觀鐮倉最大的神社——鶴岡八幡宮??梢酝ㄟ^一條從鐮倉海濱出發(fā)、穿過市中心的長長大路前往此處,大路沿途建有多道鳥居。鶴岡八幡宮有主殿、博物館、諸多次殿以及美麗的池塘和花園。9月中旬(9月14日至16日)的例大祭活動期間,大路沿途的騎射表演值得一看。
勝沼的葡萄園品酒
雖然日本清酒比日本葡萄酒更出名,但自19世紀以來,日本其實一直在用本土種植的葡萄來釀制美味的葡萄酒。山梨縣的勝沼有31家葡萄酒莊,日本出產(chǎn)的葡萄酒有30%左右來自這里。許多酒莊除了開放參觀之外,還會組織品酒會,提供葡萄酒釀造課程。
來葡萄山親自體驗一番吧。在這里,可以一邊飽覽周圍葡萄園和西面日本南阿爾卑斯山的壯麗風(fēng)光(山梨也是富士山的所在地),一邊品嘗200多種葡萄酒。試飲葡萄酒只需花費1520日元,讓人忍不住想要大喝特喝,不過,現(xiàn)場還有很多其他項目可以體驗,包括一家很棒的燒烤餐廳以及露天溫泉。
白馬村的滑雪場纜車和清澈的溫泉池
雖然長野縣白馬村最出名的是它那世界一流的滑雪和單板滑雪場地,但白馬一年四季都是親近大自然的絕佳去處。
在溫暖的季節(jié),可以乘坐纜車穿越八方山;全程2000米,每個吊廂可容納8名乘客。坐在吊廂里,周圍的群山風(fēng)光盡收眼底。到達山頂后,沿著山頂悠閑地漫步一小時,就來到了玻璃般清澈透亮的八方池。
白馬八方溫泉位于山腳,分為多處溫泉浴場。沿著蜿蜒山路下山之后,一定要到其中一處浴場去泡一泡。白馬的溫泉水以其獨特的堿性礦物質(zhì)成分而聞名,據(jù)說這種成分具有治療和美容功效。
夷隅鄉(xiāng)村的農(nóng)場之旅和農(nóng)貿(mào)市場
在千葉縣東海岸,有一座可以遠眺太平洋的農(nóng)業(yè)郡市夷隅。這個地區(qū)以如畫的風(fēng)景和美味的有機農(nóng)產(chǎn)品而聞名。
布朗田野農(nóng)場由一名美國出生的攝影記者與他的妻子共同創(chuàng)建,他的妻子是一名廚師,同時也是好幾本養(yǎng)生食譜的作者。布朗田野農(nóng)場致力于發(fā)展融合日本傳統(tǒng)的可持續(xù)有機農(nóng)業(yè)??梢栽谒麄兗业牡久茁杜_咖啡館品嘗農(nóng)場自產(chǎn)的美味,甚至可以在他們的客舍過夜,住宿費用是每人7000日元。
“駒形家奶酪”乳品場以100%不含添加劑和防腐劑的奶酪而聞名。乳品場老板在乳制品行業(yè)有20多年的經(jīng)驗,還會自己制作手工藝品。
要想一次性飽嘗眾多農(nóng)場的產(chǎn)品,可以在周日前往夷隅,逛一逛大原漁港周日的早市,在那里可以找到各種各樣的當?shù)剞r(nóng)產(chǎn)品和海鮮。
在秩父山區(qū)徒步旅行,欣賞美景
秩父位于埼玉縣西部山區(qū)的秩父多摩國立公園內(nèi),對戶外運動愛好者來說極具吸引力。
公園里的山并不是火山,平均高度為1000米,意味著這里的溪谷一年四季都能展示鮮艷美麗的色彩。可供探索的路線總長超過1262公里,可能很難知道從哪里開始。其中,最著名的山峰是三峰山,因為其頂部有古老的神社。
羊山花卉公園是另一必看的景點。公園以粉色和白色的芝櫻(即針葉天藍繡球)花海而聞名,背靠雄偉的武甲山,俯瞰秩父市的整個城區(qū)。公園里有大約1000棵櫻花樹,包括吉野櫻、垂櫻和重瓣櫻。
輕井澤度假小鎮(zhèn)一日購物游
輕井澤這座高端度假小鎮(zhèn)坐落于本州最活躍的火山——淺間山腳下。許多富有的東京人在這里購買了第二套住房。從老城區(qū)的輕井澤銀座街開始一天的行程吧,那里有傳統(tǒng)的商店、咖啡館、餐館和售賣當?shù)厣a(chǎn)的果醬和蜂蜜的攤檔。
真正想買東西、想要尋找大幅折扣的話,應(yīng)該去火車站附近的輕井澤王子購物廣場。這家折扣購物中心有200多家商店,這片廣場面積廣闊、景觀優(yōu)美——大人揮灑金錢的時候,孩子大可在附近自由玩耍。
待信用卡尖叫求饒時,可以溜到露天的星野溫泉浴場泡澡,享受寧靜時光。然后,在“春榆露臺”點一品脫爽口的當?shù)豗ona Yona麥芽啤酒,以此結(jié)束一天的行程。? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? □
(譯者為“《英語世界》杯”翻譯大賽獲獎?wù)撸?/p>