Earlier this year, I traveled to the city of Atami, located in the eastern corner of the Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.Atami translates to “hot ocean” and is known for its famous hot springs.

Japan is home to some truly spectacular natural wonders, and the best-known is the iconic Mount Fuji.

Escape the city with a stunning Enoshima day trip.

Located on the Pacific coast in central Honshu and within a 3.5-hour drive from most military bases in the Kanto Plain, Hamamatsu is a large castle city that is home to many natural and historical attractions.

Selected as one of Japan’s most majestic castles, Odawarajo is a great day trip destination from bases in the Kanto Plain. From Camp Zama or NAF Atsugi, it is only a 40-minute drive away.

Camp Fuji, Japan hosts their annual Friendship Festival on August 23, 2025. The festival allows Japanese locals to come on base to enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, military displays and family fun.

Escape the city with open-air hot tubs, a fire pit, and a private theater just 90 minutes from Shinjuku.

Experience the tradition of indigo-dyeing near Lake Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Every year, thousands of hikers make the grueling trek for a view unlike any other atop Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji. This year, however, hikers will have to pay a higher admission fee to hit the trails of this majestic UNESCO site.