Living in Tokyo, it’s easy to get trapped within the sprawling metropolis, but when you have the urge to escape there’s luckily a plethora of options within an hour or two of the capital (75% of the country is uninhabited after all).
![Koburi Pass Shrine](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/18764437391_4405935886_b.jpg)
One of my favourite hikes is the Koburi Pass (顔振峠) in Saitama, just 90 minutes from central Tokyo by train. It’s a relatively easy three-hour walk with spectacular views and, best of all, very few people.
![Suwa Shrine](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/18574218960_9feb70e6c9_b.jpg)
After ascending through the forest and a beautiful bamboo groove you arrive at Suwa Shrine (諏訪神社). On a clear day, there’s a great view overlooking Saitama and if you’re lucky you might even be able to spot the Skytree.
![Suwa Shrine](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/18735671886_d6aeeb8fef_b.jpg)
You can find excellent directions at Tokyo Cheapo, however, I would recommend having Google Maps with you since some of the route isn’t very well marked.
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