Standing just short of 600 m, Mount Takao is a haven for hikers and nature lovers especially in Autumn, the best time to visit to watch the ‘changing of the colours’.

Looking out over Tokyo from one of the many observation decks, it might seem like there is no end to the urban landscape. One skyscraper after another, it can seem like a long journey must be undertaken just to escape the hustle and bustle and find some greenery. Thankfully (for any nature or hiking lovers), Chiba prefecture is surprisingly easy to get to, and offers a lush green panorama very much contrasting that of downtown Tokyo.

Tokyo isn’t often a city associated with peace and quiet. It may come as a surprise then, to find that there are in fact over 200 parks and gardens to explore, often a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of city life.