There are a million and one things to do inside the sprawling metropolis that is Tokyo, but sometimes you just want to get away for a while. Fortunately, the excellent transportation system that gets you around the city also excels at getting you out of it. Here are 4 easy trips you can do in a day out from Tokyo.

Light rain falls from the sky above the shrine and bridge, and suddenly my surroundings are enveloped by fog. The bright autumn foliage appears gloomier as everything gradually lose its visibility. But on other days the lake surface sparkles under the golden sunlight, and the sound of the waterfall is so soothing that it makes you want to stay as long as possible.

Meet Mt. Nakimushi (鳴虫山), a small mountain in Nikko that is about 1,200 meters high. Once there, you’ll immediately know where to begin since there are several signs in the area to point you in the right direction.

The summer may be the best time to hike in the area and the autumn may be its' most famed time for viewing, but winter in Oku-Nikko has a special feel to it – and the total lack of tourists makes that even better.

Nikko Toshogu holds two festivals a year.