2 Best Sights in Side Trips from Tokyo, Japan

The largest of the recreational facilities at Lake Kawaguchi has an impressive assortment of rides, roller coasters, and other amusements, but it's probably not worth a visit unless you have children in tow. In winter there's superb skating here, with Mt. Fuji for a backdrop. Fuji-kyu Highland is about 15 minutes' walk east from Kawaguchi-ko Station. In addition to the entry fee, there are charges for various attractions, so it's best to get the one-day free pass.

This amusement-park complex claims—among its 30 or so rides and attractions—a four story high water-chute ride. The Ferris wheel towers over Yokohama. The park is west of Minato Mirai and Queen's Square, on both sides of the river.