Written by Lily Crossley-Baxter
See another side of Japan with these top day trips from Tokyo.
From walking in the shadow of Mt. Fuji to gazing at extravagant temples and shrines, there are many interesting things to do and places to visit around Tokyo. If you’re looking for suggestions, here are 26 of the best day trips from Tokyo — by train, bus or private car — including some underrated gems.
Pro tip: Before buying any train tickets, see if the JR Tokyo Wide Pass will save you some money.
Note that all prices listed below are estimates.
1. Kamakura — Big Buddha and beaches
1 hour by train from Shinjuku Station¥950 (one way)
Recommended tours: Kamakura photo tour, or brunch with a guided temple tour
One of the more popular spots, Kamakura is well known for its traditional Kyoto style, with temples and shrines galore. There are great light hiking options, as well as plenty of delicious local street foods to try and beaches to lie on. You can easily cover the area in a day, with hikes taking you to see the famed giant Buddha, as well as beautiful shrines with bamboo forests, teahouses, and more.
Read more — Kamakura mega guide
2. Enoshima — Beaches, caves, and shrines
1 hour 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station¥650 (one way)
Recommended tour: Kamakura and Enoshima day tour
As one of the most popular Tokyo beach resorts (also see neighbor Kamakura), Enoshima offers sands to lie on and a stunning island to explore. You can walk to the island easily from the station and visit shrines, an observatory, and gardens, before cooling off in the caves on the other side. Be warned, there are quite a few steps, but you can also explore the island by boat.
Read more — Enoshima sightseeing
3. Nikkō — Breathtaking nature and temples
1 hour 50 minutes by train from Asakusa Station2-day Nikkō pass available: ¥2,120 (round trip, does not incl. limited express fare)
Recommended tour: Guided Nikkō day tour from Tokyo
Easily extended into a weekend trip but great for a busy day too, Nikkō is famed for its stunning scenery and numerous temples and shrines. You can explore the cultural spots or escape into nature, such as the nearby waterfall or lake. Make sure to visit the elegant Tōshōgū Shrine, dedicated to the founding ruler of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. See our our Nikkō transport guide for the best ways to get there from Tokyo.
Read more — Nikkō sightseeing guide
4. Hakone — Hot springs, mountain views, and museums
1 hour 40 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station¥2,470 (one way)
Recommended tour: Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train
Home to hot springs galore, onsen eggs, mountains, and teahouses, Hakone is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. Perfect for a nature-based escape, it has three great hiking trails, as well as gondolas to volcanic valleys and pirate ships that traverse a beautiful lake. There are over a dozen museums in the area so you can take your pick, from wandering around the Hakone Open Air Museum to Impressionist collections at the Pola Museum. It’s also a great place for Evangelion fans to see their favorite spots from the anime. You may need more than a day in Hakone to experience everything.
5. Kawaguchiko — Unrivaled views of Mt. Fuji
2 hours by train or bus from Shinjuku StationFrom ¥2,200 (one way)
Recommended tour: Mt Fuji Day Trip with Private English Speaking Driver
Mount Fuji is probably pretty high on your Japan list, and unless you’re climbing it, a view of the world-famous volcano is hard to beat. Enter Kawaguchiko. Here you can choose from views across fields of moss phlox, clear lakes, or lavender — in fact, there aren’t many places that won’t have Mt. Fuji somewhere in the background. The most iconic of these can be found featuring the Chūreitō Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park, or on top of a rollercoaster at Fuji Q Highland.
This Mt. Fuji day trip tour, which includes a visit to the fifth station of Mt. Fuji, plus a ride on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and a stop-off at Lake Kawaguchi, for ¥11,900, is a good-value way to see the sights.
With annual flower festivals, plenty of museums and nature spots, onsen, and more, Kawaguchiko is an easy day trip from Tokyo with lots to choose from. For all the info, especially on how to get there (highway buses may be a better option than trains for some visitors):
Read more — Kawaguchiko day trip guide
6. Kawagoe — Sweets and cultural treats in Little Edo
30 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station¥490 (one way)
Nicknamed Little Edo, Kawagoe is a charming town that has preserved the Edo feel with traditional buildings and plenty of great food. A 15- to 30-minute walk from Kawagoe Station, Kurazukuri Street is lined with preserved warehouse buildings characterized by clay walls and tiles. There are over 200 in the surrounding area and many have been turned into cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of traditional (and reasonable) lunch sets, with the local specialty being eel.
Editor’s note: Eel (unagi) is endangered, so you may want to think twice before ordering it.
There is also a whole street dedicated to sweets in Kawagoe. If you go on the 18th of the month, you’ll see plenty of kimono-wearers (and can wear one yourself if you like), as discounts are given to those sporting the traditional outfits.
Read more — mega Kawagoe guide
7. Mount Takao — Easy hike in Tokyo
60 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station¥430 (one way)
Recommended tour: Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring
Easy to get to, fun to hike, and home to a monkey park, Takao is a brilliant day trip for hikers and is only an hour from Tokyo. There is the lovely Yakuoin Temple around halfway up the mountain, with a creepy bird-faced Tengu standing guard. Once you reach the top, there are amazing panoramic views of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji to enjoy, as well as a wild plant garden and the aforementioned monkey park. Check out our guide to hiking routes near Tokyo, including Takao.
8. Odawara City — Castles and gardens
1 hour 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station¥910 (one way)
See one of the closest castle keeps to Tokyo. Odawara is a great day trip with a beautiful castle carefully restored from Edo-period drawings. You can also enjoy the fishing port for a slap-up lunch of freshly caught fish in a donburi (rice-bowl dish) at the Odawara Fish Market Den. Stroll in the relaxing Tsujimura Botanical Gardens to round off your afternoon before heading back to the big city.
9. Ibaraki’s Ushiku Daibutsu — A really, really big Buddha
2 hour 20 minutes by train and bus from Tokyo Station¥1,720 (one way)
An unusual day trip from Tokyo takes you to see the second largest Buddha in the world — and to explore its rather surreal insides. Situated in Ibaraki, the statue stands as a perfect excuse for a day in the country, plus a picnic. You can venture inside the Buddha to practice calligraphy, see 3,000 golden Buddhas, have your shrine book signed, and enjoy views from the observation deck. The surrounding gardens have a petting zoo, koi pond, and flower displays, which change with the season. So if you fancy scaling the beast:
Read more — Ushiku Daibutsu guide
10. Chichibu — Stunning flowers and shrines
2 hour 21 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station¥1,870 (one way)
Known mainly for its shiba-zakura festival in spring, Chichibu is a small-ish city in the west of Saitama and a very underrated day trip from Tokyo. Originally an industrial town, Chichibu is moving more toward tourism, and with its incredible mountains, that shouldn’t be a difficult transition.
There are plenty of shrines and temples to visit, as well as a pilgrimage route featuring 34 Buddhist temples. Chichibu has long had a reputation for meisen, a special silk produced only in the town and highly lauded in Edo times. You can still visit the Meisenkan to see original looms and purchase some locally made silk.
11. Kawasaki — Fun festivals and museums
20 minutes by train from Tokyo Station¥320 (one way)
Smaller and not as well known as Kanagawa Prefecture largest city (Yokohama), Kawasaki is still a lovely location with plenty to explore. While it might be best known for a certain “eggplant” festival, Kawasaki has other attractions, including the rather massive Daishi Temple, the Doraemon Museum, and the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum to stroll around (known as the Nihon Minkaen). Unfortunately, Kawasaki’s once-famous dystopian warehouse amusement arcade has long since closed.
12. Takasaki — Birthplace of daruma dolls
2 hours by train from Shinjuku Station¥1,980 (one way)
Takasaki is a laid-back city in Gunma, offering plenty of things to see and do. It is the home of Daruma — the angry-faced figures you will no doubt have seen on your travels, who bring good luck in accomplishing goals. A large majority of them are made here and you can find plenty for sale as souvenirs. There’s also the Takasaki Daruma Ichi, a market full of Daruma held on January 6 and 7.
You can visit the Jigenin Temple complex to see Daruma of every shape and size, which also happens to be near one of the biggest Kannon statues in Japan. The White-Robed Kannon stands at 40 m tall and you can enjoy views from the top for ¥300. Combine that with a walk along the traditional Ishiharamachi Shopping Street and you’ll have a grand day out!
13. Atami — Hot springs, art, and beaches
1 hour 40 minutes by train from Tokyo Station¥1,980 (one way)
Atami is a hot-spring resort and a brilliant day trip from Tokyo — it has plenty of unusual attractions to keep you entertained. As well as soaking in salt-water hot springs, lazing on the beach, and enjoying the views, you can also visit a fake castle, which houses displays about real castles, enjoy the trick-art museum, and even get the gondola up to the sex museum, aka Treasure House (that actually makes it weirder?).
Plus, there is the excellent MOA Museum of Art with a mixture of Eastern and Western pieces, including work by Monet, Rembrandt, and Ogata Korin. Atami is also a good destination for divers and plum blossom lovers. You can also explore other nearby Izu spots, too.
Pro tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can take the Shinkansen to Atami and slim the journey time down to 40 minutes.
Read more — day-trip guide to Atami
14. Mt. Nokogiri — Hike to hell and back
2 hours 20 minutes by train from Tokyo Station¥1,980 (one way)
Idea: Hike Mt. Nokogiri with a guide
For a real escape into nature, Nokogiriyama (aka Sawtooth Mountain) is an amazing hike filled with quarry drops, stunning views and plenty of Buddhas. The Nihonji Temple complex is stretched out across the mountaintop and has lots to explore. From the largest cliff-carved Buddha to a 30-meter Goddess of Mercy with 1500 (mostly decapitated) arhat in between, you’ll be happily distracted as you clamber up the stairs carved into the mountain. The famous View to Hell is really incredible, both to look at and enjoy yourself, and is right by the Goddess of Mercy, which might allay some vertigo fears.
15. Okutama — Adventures in the mountains
2 hours by train from Shinjuku Station¥1,110 (one way)
A beautiful haven filled with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and plenty more — Okutama is perfect for a long weekend or a quick escape. There are full-day hiking trails like this one, which takes you across three mountains, or you can try some of the more relaxed wanderings in the valleys.
The upper reaches of the Tama River are a brilliant place to relax away from the sweltering city heat in summer and also offer a wide range of water sports, like rafting. You can also visit Nippara Cave—the longest in the Kanto region.
16. Misaki Port Town and Jogashima Island
1 hour 40 minutes by train and bus from Shinagawa Station¥1,090 (one way)
If you really want to escape, there’s nowhere better than an island to really feel like you’ve put some distance between you and Tokyo. On the Miura coast of Kanagawa, the small fishing town of Misaki (known as Japan’s “tuna town”) has its own fish market early in the morning and plenty of fresh fish to fill up on too. The official market finishes at 9 a.m., but most stalls remain open till late afternoon.
Jogashima Island is connected to Misaki Town and is rocky with some swimming spots, plus a hiking trail that takes you all the way around — a distance of about 3–4 km. If that seems like too much work, get off early at Miura-kaigan Station and head to Miura Beach or visit the early-blooming cherry blossom festival in March.
Read more — Miura day-trip guide
17. Yokohama — Cosmopolitan port city just next door to Tokyo
25-60 minutes by train from Tokyo¥490 (one way)
The second biggest city in Japan with over 3 million people, Yokohama has plenty to keep you entertained if you’re after a city break from your city break. With stunning night views across the Minato Mirai waterfront area, not one but two ramen museums (the Cup Noodle Museum and the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum), an amazing art scene, the beautiful Sankei-en Gardens and a massive Chinatown, you can have a brilliantly busy day out in a more relaxed city.
Read more — how to spend a day in Yokohama
18. Mito — World-class gardens, plus art
1 hour 20 minutes by train from Ueno Station¥3,890 (one way)
The capital city of nearby Ibaraki Prefecture, Mito was once the stronghold of the Mito clan in the Edo period. It is now most famous for the stunning Kairaku-en Gardens, which are one of the top three gardens in the country.
The gardens were designed by Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth feudal lord of the clan, as one of the first public gardens (even though it was only for samurai level and above). Regular buses run from the station to the gardens and you can also enjoy the incredibly modern Art Tower and the Mito City Museum.
For a more nature-based day out, you could visit Lake Senba and cycle around as there are bike rental places nearby. If you’re there in spring, there’s a delightful plum festival.
19. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station¥230 (one way)
Among the more unique Disney resorts, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are markedly different from the others dotted across the world.
Aside from just enjoying all the usual rides and Disney stuff, you can visit the only DisneySea, try the variety of popcorn flavors, and enjoy all the matching costumes (and this time we mean the guests, not the characters). These two parks are (we’re told) the only ones in the world not wholly owned by Disney (although they do have creative control), so it is a great chance to see a Japanese twist on classics — although don’t worry, nothing key has been altered!
If you’re keen to head to the fun straight from the airport, check out our Narita to Disney guide. If you want pointers to good hotels in the area, check out our Disney accommodation guide and here are some tips for saving money at Disney.
Pro tip: You cannot buy tickets at the park anymore, so make sure to pre-book your Tokyo Disney Resort tickets online.
20. Nagatoro and the Arakawa River — Unspoilt nature
2 hours 15 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station¥1,950 (one way)
Nagatoro arguably offers some of the most stunning, unspoiled nature in all of Japan, as well as the chance to get involved. You can enjoy a riverboat tour through some surprisingly rapid waters, with over 200,000 visitors trying it every year. If you like a little danger, you can try white water rafting or paragliding, and if you don’t, there’s a riverside hiking trail too.
The small town is home to Hodosan Mountain Shrine and Iwadatami shopping street, which is filled with local produce. There’s an occasional steam train, the “Paleo Express” running on the Chichibu Railway, which stops for a while and lets off steam at Nagatoro. Remember to try the local specialty of walnuts and sun-dried tomatoes, as well as locally made soba and udon.
21. Chiba City — History, art, and a crazy monorail
40 minutes by train from Tokyo Station¥660 (one way)
One of the closest day trips from Tokyo, Chiba City is packed with all things traditional as well as some amazing modern creations too. The castle is a folk museum with plenty to learn, and Chiba Shrine is not to be missed. You can enjoy some great art at the Hoki Museum, which focuses on realism and has a variety of works. There is also the Chiba Museum of Art and the Science Museum, so no one is left wanting on the museum front.
To get around the city, you can ride the world’s longest-suspended monorail which feels wrong, but is definitely safe. One of the most visited spots is the Chiba Port Tower, which was built to commemorate the population reaching 5 million in the 1980s, and offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. There are numerous parks and even a zoo complete with pandas — so you can balance your day perfectly.
22. Katsunuma — Wineries galore
2 hours 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station¥1,980 (one way)
Fans of wine, look no further. Katsunuma is one of the top three wine producers in the country and is only a stone’s throw away in nearby Yamanashi Prefecture. Despite the humidity, wine has been successfully produced in Japan since the Meiji Period (with Emperor Meiji being a great fan himself). It does require a slightly different procedure compared to grapes grown in less humid countries, but is no less delicious!
With plenty of wineries nearby, you can enjoy unlimited tastings like the coin-operated wine machines from ¥100 at Budo no Oka, or just enjoy the hospitality of the different wineries on your route — although purchasing is recommended eventually. Along with the grapes, the area produces plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and you can easily pick up some delicious treats for dinner before heading home.
23. Shuzenji Onsen — History and hot springs
2 hours 10 minutes by train from Tokyo Station¥4,640 (one way)
Grab a rickshaw, rent a kimono, and bask in the tranquility of this sleepy onsen town. Shuzenji Onsen is known for its crimson foliage in autumn, when many of the already beautiful local sights get a dust of gold. Here you’ll find one of the oldest hot spring baths in Izu, Tokko no Yu (look, don’t touch); a bamboo grove down a narrow path; a vermillion “lovers” bridge; and Shuzenji Temple, which often holds events throughout the year.
You can take the Odoriko train directly to Shuzenji Station from Tokyo, but the journey is even quicker — around 1 hour 30 minutes — if you grab the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and change to the Izuhakone Tetsudo-Sunzu Line at Mishima Station. A special bus liner for ¥2,000 operates during the autumn season.
24. Jōgasaki Coast — Teddies and suspension bridges
2 hour 40 minutes by train and bus from Tokyo Station¥4,480 (one way)
This jagged coastal walk in Izu is a perfect day trip from Tokyo for those who like getting out into nature. Its scenic ocean views, lighthouse, and suspension bridges show the rugged side of Japan.
Get off at Jōgasaki-Kaigan Station and walk around 20 to 30 minutes to the start of the Jogasaki Picnical Course. You can then follow the coast to Izu Oceanic Park and end by getting a bus to Izu-Kōgen Station, where you can head back to Tokyo. If you are feeling adventurous, you could extend your hike along the coast or grab a 30-minute bus (Bus No. 108) from Izu Oceanic Park to extinct volcano Mt. Omuro. The area is also home to some fun museums, such as the Izu Teddy Bear Museum, so you might consider spending more than a day in the Izu Peninsula and see what else it has to offer.
Read more — Jōgasaki Coast Day Trip
25. Ashikaga — City of flowers
1 hour 30 minutes by train from Asakusa Station¥2,050 (one way)
Ashikaga City in Tochigi Prefecture is one of those cities that exists out of most visitors’ realm of knowledge, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. The best time to visit is in spring, when the flower festivals at Ashikaga Flower Park are in full swing (see e.g. the Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival), but the park also puts on a great illumination show in winter. The city also has Ashikaga Gakkō, Japan’s first organized school that includes an idyllic Japanese garden.
Read more — Ashikaga City guide
26. Bonus: Kyoto
2 hour 15 minutes by shinkansen from Tokyo Station¥13,320 (one way)
For those seeking a challenge, Kyoto makes an exciting bonus day trip from Tokyo. By hopping one of the first Nozomi trains of the day and taking the 2-hour journey, you’ll be in the old capital by 9 a.m. or so, giving you the luxury of the whole day to explore. While most people prefer to spend at least two days in Kyoto, it is possible to get a taste of the city in just one day if you’re short on time.
It is worth noting that you will only have time to see one side of Kyoto, meaning that you’ll miss famous spots like Arashiyama Forest and Kinkaku-ji Temple. Nevertheless, our recommended route does include wandering through Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, Nijō-jō Castle, and Gion.
Read more — Tokyo to Kyoto day trip
Seasonal day trips from Tokyo
The best Tokyo day trip for you may depend on the season. Check out our other articles for highlights across the year:
- Winter Day Trips From Tokyo
- Spring Day Trips from Tokyo
- Summer Day Trips From Tokyo
- Autumn Day Trips From Tokyo
Tokyo day trips FAQs
Which city near Tokyo is worth visiting?
There are so many amazing cities near Tokyo that are worth visiting — which one you should go to depends on what you want to see. For places steeped in history and heritage, we recommend Kamakura, Nikkō, and Kawagoe. For those who enjoy hiking, Mount Takao, Mt. Nokogiri, and Okutama may be better options.
What cities are under two hours away from Tokyo?
Most of the places mentioned on this list, including Kamakura and Enoshima, are 1-2 hours from Tokyo. You can get to some places, such as Atami, faster if you are willing to pay for a Shinkansen ticket.
First published in July 2017. Last updated in September 2024, by Jane Pipkin. All information is subject to change, including prices.
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