Fringing the Sayama Hills to the north-west of Tokyo, Tokorozawa is a picturesque city on the Musashino Plateau. It’s home to lakeside hiking and cycling trails and a family-friendly amusement park, as well as Japan’s first airfield that’s now an aviation museum.

Things to do

Stroll along the forested shores of Tama Lake, a large reservoir with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Fuji on a clear day. It’s also ringed by an 11-kilometre-long bicycle path with secluded spots to rest and picnic.

If mountain biking is more your thing, head to the dirt trails of nearby Sayama Lake. Both lakes are protected within the Sayama Nature Park, where bird watchers can catch a glimpse of northern goshawks, meadow buntings and long-tailed tits.

Plane enthusiasts should visit the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum to see the aviation history of Japan showcased at the country’s first airfield. Admire the vintage commercial and World War II fighter jets and step into the IMAX theatre for an immersive movie experience. Afterwards, wander through the poignant memorial park surrounding the museum.

Travelling with kids? Spend a day at the Seibuen Yuenchi amusement park, home to roller coasters and family-friendly rides. In summer, it boasts a water park and swimming pools where you can cool off. The park transforms in winter with an outdoor ice-skating rink and trout fishing pond.

Getting around

Tokorozawa is around one hour by train from central Tokyo and 1.5 hours from Haneda Airport. Both trains and buses travel throughout the city.