[Sangetsu]

Take the Keio line from Shinjuku Station to Takao-zan, and hike to the top. It's a good workout, you'll get to see a lot of interesting people, and the views from the mountaintop are great. It's nice to get away from the city once in awhile. The climb and descent only take about 3 hours.

When I first came to Japan, I couldn't get enough of Tokyo, now that I've been living here, I come to find that one part of the city is much like another. The city doesn't vary much, restaurants, shops, convenience stores, and traffic.

I find now that I enjoy the countryside/beaches/mountains much more than the city. The people outside the city are much friendlier, the prices are lower, and the atmosphere is much more relaxing.

If you have time, climb Takao-zan, it's close to Shinjuku, you can take a direct train there. You'll get to see the natural beauty that Japanese love instead of the concrete, aspalt, neon lights, and trendy poseurs of the city.