Fuji Rock, before and after

The massive Fuji Rock Festival 2010 is set to start on Friday July 30, with three full days packed full world-class music acts all converging on Naeba in Niigata. With all the music fans from all over Japan and the world making the yearly pilgrimage to the music mecca, the crowds may get a bit intense; a short trip somewhere slightly further afield may make the perfect escape and change of scenery either before or after the festival.

Here are three day trips that make a great break from Fuji Rock and let you see a bit more of Japan.

Art Village in Kobuchizawa

Art Village in Kobuchizawa is located in Yamanashi prefecture, near the Yatsugatake Mountains. This complex is a combined resort, including a lodge with accommodation, aesthetic spa, hot spring (onsen), and restaurants boasting gourmet food nestled in quiet greenery and nature. The centrepiece of the village is the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, the world’s first museum dedicated to the work of pop and graffiti artist Keith Haring.

Art Village in Kobuchizawa (Full details & map)
Nakamura Keith Haring Collection (Full details & map)

Kobuchizawa Art Village Special Promotion

Period: Until Oct 2010
Includes: 1 night, 2 days accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transport to and from Kobuchizawa Station, Keith Haring Museum. Kurotel Spa (90 min), horseback riding (weather permitting, may be substituted during inclement weather)
Price: ¥29,800 per person

Note: Bookings must be made 1 week in advance. Weekend and national holiday surcharge (New Year, Obon, Golden Week) of ¥3,000 per person apply.

Izu Oshima

Izu Oshima is part of the Tokyo Metropolis, however lies about 100km south of Tokyo and 22km east of the Izu Peninsula. This volcanic island features black sand beaches and onsen (hot springs), and is considered to have some of the most beautiful beaches near Tokyo. The area is also a surfing destination with relatively stable point-breaks, though many of the surfing points do get crowded at the weekend. Travel to the island is easier than one might expect, with ferries that leave from Takeshiba Sanbashi Pier (in the Hamamatsucho area) and Atami (in Shizuoka prefecture).

Website: www.town.oshima.tokyo.jp/english/

Umi no Furusato Central Lodge Special Promotion

Period: Until Oct 2010
Includes: 1 night, 2 days accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transport to and from Izu Oshima Port, Half day of private van tour (including Mihara Mountain, Odorokinosato Museum and Panoramic view of Habu Port)
Price: ¥17,000 per person
Address: 2-1 Senzu-Azagenya, 2-1 Oshima-cho, Tokyo

Note: Bookings must be made 1 week in advance. Weekend and national holiday surcharge (New Year, Obon, Golden Week) of ¥1,000 per person apply.

Ise Grand Shrine and Toba, Mie prefecture

Approximately one hour and 40 minutes away from Nagoya is one of the most culturally significant regions in Japan, Mie prefecture. Here you’ll find Ise Grand Shrine, the central shrine in the Japanese religion of Shinto. Hotel Oyado The Earth is hosting a special campaign throughout the month of July and August (and until October) that combines accommodation with breathtaking views of the surrounding nature, spa treatment, gourmet meals and an excursion to Ise Grand Shrine. The 16 suite hotel is located on a cape in the Ise Shima National Park, with an aim to provide services that are in harmony with its environment. The two-day package starts from ¥97,000 for their Universal Suite to ¥116,000 for the Presidential Suite, and includes a one night stay, three meals, transfer from Toba Station to the hotel, a half-day with a private car and guide, 80 minutes of Aroma Healing treatment in their aesthetic spa, with service and tax in. With so much history to be seen at Ise Grand Shrine, the private guide is a special chance to get a more personal look at one of Japan’s most important cultural assets.

Oyado The Earth Special Promotion

Period: Until Oct 2010
Includes: 1 night, 2 days accommodation (based on two people), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transport from Toba Station to hotel, Half day of private car and guide for visit to Ise Grand Shrine, Aroma Healing treatment (80 min)
Price: Universal Suite ¥97,000; Forest/Ocean Suites ¥100,000; Relaxation Suite ¥104,000; Premium/Massenet Suite ¥106,000; Presidential Suite ¥116,000
Address: Ryunosu Nakanoyama Ijika-cho, Toba, Mie

Note: Bookings must be made 1 week in advance. Weekend surcharge of ¥5,000 per person and national holiday surcharge (New Year, Obon, Golden Week) of ¥10,000 per person apply.

Contact information for inquiries

F-ness Co., Rikisha Division (Tour Operator)
Email: jptour@rikisha.jp
Telephone: (03)3265 5931
Fax: (03)3265 4641