So what can you do if you want to see a bit of nature under a real sky and feel some free space? Here comes my three-plus recommendations, all personally tested:
Tip 1: Green riversides
Go to the overflow areas of the big rivers. Maybe you have seen them already from a train if you crossed a river? At least in the north at the Edogawa River and the south at the Tama River, there are huge areas where you can go war a walk, play with your kids or do your workout. The Arakawa River, a bit more in the center, looks also nice, but I haven’t been there.
Often they have a dam on both sides and some people walking, exercising or cycling there. There are also a lot of sports fields. However, I have never seen these areas really crowded. It seems most of the locals don’t find them that attractive like I do.
Tip 2: Train to the countryside
Twice already I took the train to the Yokusuka peninsula, or more exactly Miura. It takes a bit more than an hour, however there you can see fields, villages, nice gardens, farmers, bamboo woods, normal woods and two sea sides!
There seems to be also some nice touristic spots, but i haven’t tested them yet. I just walked from the station to the sea, to the sea on the other side of the peninsula and back to a train station. And loved it.
I took the train from Shinagawa to Misakiguchi Station. Already the train ride is enjoying, especially in the first car because you have an excellent front view from directly behind the driver. The first part is quite straight and fast through suburbs. After Yokohama, it is getting more curvey with hills, tunnels and landscape.
Tip 3: The beach in Odaiba
In Odaiba is also a beach. Yes, like the whole island of Odaiba, the beach is artificial and just take a dip with your feet. Nevertheless, it is a nice spot. You have water, sand, a bit of green, relaxed people and you can see nice sunsets.
Bonus Tips: Find your nearest shrine or park
For the everyday dose of space, nature or calmness you can look out for a shrine. The often have a bit of space with a bench, sometimes even a playground or some trees.
Also, don’t forget the parks! There are not that much and often it is not allowed to sit on the grass. Nevertheless, there is green and fresh air.
After writing this, I recognized one additional plus for all of these locations. They are all for free and with no queues.
Concrete Warning
Be aware. If you really don’t like concrete, buildings and crowds — then Tokyo is just not the right place.
Because it is exactly these massive structures, skyscrapers and all the people that makes Tokyo so amazing.