【Like a European cityscape】4 Exotic Scenic Spots in Kanto

Want to get away from your busy life and experience the feeling of traveling abroad, but can't take a long vacation and don't have your passport ready? For those of you who want to get away from it all, there are many “exotic” destinations near the Kanto region.

In fact, there are many places within a day trip distance from Tokyo that will make you feel as if you have wandered into Europe. Cobblestone alleys, Western-style buildings, streets with a sense of history.... This photogenic and unusual space is recommended not only for couples who are tired of their usual dates, but also for girls' trips and family sightseeing.

In this issue, we will introduce four carefully selected spots in Kanto where you can enjoy such “European” scenery. These places are perfect for a weekend getaway or a change of scenery, so please take a look at them for your next holiday!

1.LA CITTADELLA

LA CITTADELLA, located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a commercial complex that immerses visitors in the feeling of visiting a small town in Italy. With brick buildings, cobblestone alleys, fountains and plazas reminiscent of medieval Europe, the streetscape was designed after the Italian city of Cittadella, and is a recommended spot for those who want to experience an authentic European atmosphere in the Kanto region.

The site is home to Cinecitta movie theater, Italian restaurants, fashionable cafes, apparel stores, and even a live music hall and wedding hall, making it a great place to enjoy all day long. At night, the illuminated cityscape creates a fantastic atmosphere, perfect for dates and anniversaries.

Access is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from JR Kawasaki Station, making it possible to drop by on a whim. Why not experience an extraordinary experience that is just like being abroad, right in the heart of the city?

LA CITTADELLA

住所	4-1 Ogawa-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa
電話番号	044-223-2333
営業時間	11:00-21:00
公式サイト	https://lacittadella.co.jp/

2.State Guest House Akasaka Palace

The Akasaka Imperial Villa, located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, is one of the most beautiful neo-baroque buildings in Japan, reminiscent of a European palace, and was built in 1909 as the Crown Prince's Palace. The magnificent exterior of the building, as well as the gorgeous interior decorations, chandeliers, and delicate ceiling paintings, are all highly artistic in nature.

Reminiscent of European court culture, this building is truly a place where visitors can experience an exotic atmosphere while being in Japan. The museum is open to the public by advance reservation or on the day of the visit, and visitors can tour the interior of the main building and the gardens. The approach from the main gate, reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles in France, and the beauty of the Western-style garden are particularly breathtaking. It is a well-known tourist attraction that allows visitors to feel as if they are traveling in Europe, even though they are in the center of Tokyo. Please visit on a holiday when you want to experience something out of the ordinary.

State Guest House Akasaka Palace

住所	1-1-1, Motoakasaka 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-3478-1111
営業時間	Please check the official website for the latest information.
公式サイト	https://www.geihinkan.go.jp/en/akasaka/

3.Funabashi Andersen Park

Funabashi Andersen Park, located in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, is a large comprehensive park of about 38.3 hectares, developed in commemoration of the sister city affiliation with Odense, the hometown of Danish fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen. The park is divided into five zones: “Wampaku Kingdom,” “Melchen Hill,” “Children's Museum,” “Nature Experience Zone,” and “Flower Castle,” with a full range of facilities for children and adults of all ages to enjoy.

In particular, visitors can enjoy an exotic atmosphere in the “Hill of Melchen” zone.

The beautiful scenery of the Danish landscape, including windmills, farmhouses, and a children's storybook museum, evokes the countryside of Europe. Visitors are also enchanted by the seasonal flowers in full bloom and exhibits based on Danish fairy tales.

Access to the museum is also convenient, taking about 30 minutes by bus from JR Funabashi Station or about 15 minutes by bus from Misaki Station on the Shin Keisei Line, making it ideal for a day trip from central Tokyo. Funabashi Andersen Park, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, nature, and cultural experiences, is a favorite spot for many people to enjoy an extraordinary experience as if they were visiting the European countryside.

Funabashi Andersen Park

住所	525 Kanabori-cho, Funabashi-shi, Chiba, Japan
電話番号	047-457-6627
営業時間	9:30-16:00
営業日	Tuesday - Sunday
定休日	Monday (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday)
公式サイト	https://www.park-funabashi.or.jp/and/

4.Tove Jamsson Akebono Children's Forest Park

Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park, located in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, is a fairy-tale park in harmony with nature, inspired by the world of Tove Jansson, the Scandinavian Finnish author of children's stories and creator of the Moomins. The park opened in 1997, following an exchange of letters with Tove herself, and although it is not an official Moomin theme park, it is a world that makes visitors feel as if they have wandered into the Moomin Valley. The park is dotted with fantasy-inspired buildings such as “Mushroom House,” “Forest House,” and “Children's Theater,” and wherever you turn, you will find a picture-book landscape.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll in the forest surrounded by greenery, and on weekends and holidays, the area is lit up to provide a fantastic nighttime atmosphere.

Admission is free, and the park is very popular not only with small children, but also with couples and photography enthusiasts. With relatively easy access from central Tokyo, this is a relaxing spot where you can experience the feeling of Scandinavia on a day trip. Why not spend a relaxing time in a space where nature and art are fused together?

Tove Jamsson Akebono Children's Forest Park

住所	893-1 Asu, Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture
電話番号	042-972-7711
営業時間	Weekdays: 9:00-17:00 Weekends and Holidays: 9:00-20:30
公式サイト	https://www.city.hanno.lg.jp/section/akebono_en/akebono_en.html

Summary

How was it? In this issue, we have introduced four exotic spots where you can feel as if you are traveling in Europe, even though you are in the Kanto region. You don't have to go far to find an extraordinary world. All of these spots are easily accessible and can be enjoyed even on a day trip.

It is also a great place to take photos as if you were on a trip abroad. They are perfect not only for sightseeing, but also for special anniversaries, surprise dates, and outings to be featured on social networking sites. Why don't you go out and find a “little Europe” in Kanto on your next holiday? New discoveries and healing moments are sure to await you.