15 Best Day Trips from Tokyo: A Complete Guide for 2025

Estimated reading time: 18 minutes

We visited Japan and absolutely fell in love with the sights, the food, and the many day trips one can have around Tokyo!

From busy metropolitan areas to quaint, nature-filled countryside escapes – you can experience it all. After researching intensely for a few weeks and exploring many destinations myself, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best day trips from Tokyo.

These handpicked day trips will be the unforgettable highlights to your Japan itinerary, offering perfect escapes from central Tokyo without having to change hotels.

Why You Should Take Day Trips from Tokyo

While Tokyo itself is a vibrant city filled with endless activities, taking day trips allows you to experience diverse landscapes and rich Japanese culture. Many of Japan’s most spectacular attractions are just a short trip away from Tokyo station! Whether you’re craving mountain views, historic temples, or relaxing in divinely relaxing hot springs, these Tokyo day trips provide the perfect complement to city exploration.

For first time visitors to Japan, striking the right balance between urbanized cities and the natural beauty of surrounding areas will give you a more complete picture of Japan. Let’s define what qualifies as day trips:

• They can be reached within 1-3 hours
• Accessible by public transportation
• Enough activities to warrant a trip outside of Tokyo

Planning Your Tokyo Day Trip Adventure

Best Time to Visit!

Japan’s distinct seasons offer different experiences for day-trippers:

• Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom 🌸 season transforms many day trip destinations into pink wonderlands. This is the most popular time to visit Japan, especially early April when the blossoms are typically at their peak around Tokyo.
• Summer (June-August): Can be super hot and humid inside the city, so summer is perfect for escaping to mountain areas like Mount Takao or Mount Fuji, where temperatures are cooler.
• Autumn (September-November): The changing fall foliage creates stunning landscapes, particularly in plant-loving places like Nikko and Hakone.
• Winter (December-February): The colder months mean smaller crowds and beautiful snow-covered scenery in the mountains. Hot spring towns like Hakone are especially enjoyable during winter- soaking in hot springs in snowy days is heavenly!

Transportation Essentials

The Japan Rail Pass can be an excellent investment if you’re planning multiple day trips from Tokyo. Most destinations are accessible via:

• Express trains from major hubs like Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station (these trains make less stops = faster duration)
• Bullet train (Shinkansen) for more distant locations
• Local trains for more scenic train rides

For the best way to experience these trips, I recommend:

• Making an early start to your journey to maximize your travel time
• Checking train schedules in advance (the Japan Transit Planner app or even Google Maps are really helpful)
• Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass if you’ll take multiple trips (calculate per trip cost first!! My trips ended up cheaper without the JR Rail Pass)

Get more information on how to navigate Japanese trains in this article.

Mountain Escapes: Breathtaking Natural Beauty

1. Mount Fuji: Japan’s Iconic Peak

No list of day trips from Tokyo would be complete without mentioning Japan’s most famous landmark. On clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji creates an unforgettable backdrop for your adventures.

Getting there: Take the express train from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station (duration ~2 hours)

What to do:

• Visit Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖) for stunning reflective views of Mt Fuji
• Ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for breathtaking aerial perspectives (tickets cost 600 JPY one way and 1000 JPY for a round trip)
• Explore the Fuji Five Lakes region. The Chureito Pagoda is famous for iconic shots of the mountain.
• Visit during winter or early morning for the best chance of clear views

Mount Fuji is not just a mountain but a cultural icon and UNESCO World Heritage site. While climbing to the summit requires more than a day trip (and is only possible during summer months), the surrounding Yamanashi Prefecture offers plenty of fantastic viewing spots.

Pro tip: For the best view of Mount Fuji, visit during the colder months when skies tend to be clearer. Also try to arrive very, very early in the morning before clouds form around the peak. If you are short on time, it is best to take a guided tour of the 4 best spots around Mt. Fuji!

2. Mount Takao: Nature Lover’s Paradise

Just an hour from central Tokyo, Mt Takao (高尾山) offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and hikers. If you are seeking a break from the cityscape without having to travel too far, Mount Takao might be the perfect sanctuary.

Getting there: Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station (about 50 minutes)

What to do:

• Hike one of the eight trails to the summit (Trail 1 is the most popular and easiest)
• Take the cable car halfway up for spectacular views
• Visit Yakuoin Temple along the way
• Enjoy seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant autumn leaves

Mount Takao is a great place for all fitness levels, since you can combine the cable car with some walking. The mountain is particularly beautiful during autumn when the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and gold. For a personalized experience, take a private tour with your group.

Historical Towns: Step Back in Time

3. Nikko: Sacred Temples and Natural Beauty

Nikko is home to some of Japan’s most ornate temples and beautiful natural scenery, making it one of the most worth visiting day trips from Tokyo for history buffs.

Getting there: Take the Tobu Railway from Asakusa or JR trains from Tokyo Station to Nikko Station (about 2 hours)

What to do:

• Marvel at the elaborate Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• See the famous “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkey carvings
• Admire the intricate gold leaf decorations and wood carvings
• Explore Nikko National Park and its stunning waterfalls

The incredibly lavish Toshogu Shrine complex was built in the 17th century to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Its incredible build detailing and abundant use of gold leaf make it one of Japan’s most impressive religious sites.

Nikko is in Tochigi Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. For a personalized experience, take a customizable private tour from Tokyo or a guided group tour.

4. Kawagoe: “Little Edo” Experience

Sometimes called “Little Edo,” Kawagoe offers a glimpse into Japan’s past with its well-preserved Edo period architecture and charming atmosphere.

Getting there: Take the Tobu Tojo Line or JR Saikyo Line from Ikebukuro Station (about 30 minutes)

What to do:

• Wander down Kurazukuri Street with its traditional clay-walled warehouse buildings
• Visit the iconic Bell Tower that still chimes daily
• Take a walking tour to fully experience the historical city
• Try dishes made with sweet potatoes (satsuma imo), a local specialty. They are available as parfaits, cakes, course meals (kaiseki), and even as smoothies! 😱🍠
• Explore Kitain Temple with its 500 unique stone statues

Kawagoe is one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo, requiring just a short walk from the station. Despite its proximity to the metropolis, stepping into this historical town feels like traveling back several centuries to the Edo period.

Relaxation Retreats: Hot Springs and Resort Towns

5. Hakone: Hot Springs and Mount Fuji Views

Hakone is perhaps the most popular day trip from Tokyo, and for good reason. This hot spring town offers stunning mountain scenery, relaxing onsen baths, and on clear days, spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

Getting there: Take the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (about 85 minutes).

What to do:

• Cruise across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship replica
• Visit the 3000-year old Owakudani volcanic valley and its famous hot spring cooked eggs
• Ride the Hakone Ropeway cable car for panoramic views
• Visit the iconic red torii gate of Hakone Shrine
• Relax in one of the many hot springs
• Explore the Open Air Museum with its impressive outdoor sculptures

The Hakone Free Pass is a great investment as it covers round-trip transportation from Tokyo and unlimited use of eight transportation systems in the Hakone area, including the Hakone ropeway, cable car, and pirate ship. A guided tour is also a great option for those short on time!

6. Izu Peninsula: Coastal Beauty

The Izu Peninsula offers a perfect combination of hot springs, beautiful beaches, and coastal views just a short trip from Tokyo. They are also famous for their picturesque hiking trails, read my full review of the Jogasaki Coast hiking trail.

Getting there: Take the JR Tokaido Line or bullet train (shinkansen) to Atami Station (around 40-80 minutes depending on the train route you pick)

Pro tip: Get the fresh butter red bean butter bread just right by the Atami Station! I did get a few and can confirm that they are so delish! 😋

What to do:

• Relax at hot springs with ocean views
• Visit the small coastal towns along the peninsula
• Enjoy fresh seafood at local food restaurants (unagi / freshwater eels are also famous)
• Explore the rugged coastline and beaches

While the entire Izu Peninsula would take multiple days to fully explore, focusing on the eastern coast makes for a delightful day trip from Tokyo, with Atami being the most accessible city in this resort town area.

Fun and Entertainment Outside Tokyo

7. Tokyo Disneyland & Disney Sea: Magical Escape

Technically still within the city limits but feeling worlds away, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea provides a full day of entertainment and magic.

Getting there: Take the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station (around 15 minutes)

What to do:

• Experience unique Japanese twists on classic Disney attractions
• Try Japan-exclusive snacks and merchandise
• Watch spectacular parades and shows
• Visit neighboring DisneySea for a more adult-oriented theme park experience

While not a traditional “cultural” experience, Tokyo Disneyland offers an interesting glimpse into how Western entertainment has been adapted for Japanese audiences. It’s one of the most popular attractions near Tokyo.

8. Fuji-Q Highland: Thrill Seekers’ Paradise

For adrenaline junkies, Fuji-Q Highland offers some of the world’s most extreme roller coaster rides with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. One Day Pass retails for around 8800 JPY.

Getting there: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to Fujikyu-Highland Station (about 2 hours)

What to do:

• Ride record-breaking roller coaster attractions like Fujiyama and Do-Dodonpa
• Enjoy the view of Mt Fuji while experiencing thrilling rides
• Visit the haunted attractions, considered some of the scariest in the world
• Explore themed areas based on popular anime

Fuji-Q Highland is particularly enjoyable on weekdays when crowds are smaller, allowing more time for rides and less time waiting in lines. This amusement park is located in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Cultural Immersion Trips

9. Yokohama: Japan’s Port City

Japan’s second-largest city is only 30 minutes from Tokyo! Yokohama offers a different urban experience with its historic port, international influences, and chill atmosphere.

Getting there: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station (about 30 minutes)

What to do:

• Explore Japan’s largest Chinatown and sample delicious food
• Visit the Cup Noodles Museum where you can create your own custom instant ramen (admission is 600 JPY for kids and 1000 JPY for adults)
• Learn about Japan’s history of foreign trade at the Yokohama Port Museum
• Take a river cruise around the harbor area
• Enjoy spectacular city views from the Landmark Tower Sky Garden

Yokohama’s development as a major port city after Japan opened to foreign trade in the 19th century has given it a unique international character that sets it apart from Tokyo.

10. Kamakura: Temples and Beaches

Often called the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan,” Kamakura is the center of traditional culture. It is filled with ancient temples, traditional architecture, and breathtaking natural scenery. A guided tour from Tokyo and a local walking tour are available if you want to dive deeper into the charming city.

Getting there: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station (about 1 hour)

What to do:

• Visit the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues
• Explore Hasedera Temple with its thousands of statues
• Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the spiritual center of Kamakura
• Walk the bamboo path to Hokokuji Temple
• Relax at Yuigahama Beach (in summer)

The smaller size of Kamakura city makes it a perfect day trip. You can see many of the major sites just by going on foot or using the local Enoden train line.

Off the Beaten Path Day Trips

11. Enoshima: Island Adventure

The island of Enoshima is connected to the mainland by a bridge. This lovely island is famous for its temples, cave open explorations, and beautiful ocean views.

Getting there: Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station (about 70 minutes)

What to do:

• Hike up to Enoshima Shrine for good fortune
• Explore the mysterious Iwaya Caves
• Visit the Sea Candle observation tower
• Relax at the island’s beaches (in summer)
• Enjoy fresh seafood, especially shirasu (whitebait)

Pro Tip: Enoshima can be easily combined with nearby Kamakura for a full day of exploring coastal Japan. This guided tour combines both journeys into one convenient trip!

12. Kawasaki: Hidden Cultural Gems

Most tourists skip Kawasaki, but this city between Tokyo and Yokohama has some fascinating attractions. If you are a Doraemon fan, the author Fujiko F. Fujio’s museum is located right here!

Getting there: Take the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Kawasaki Station (about 20 minutes)

What to do:

• Visit the unique Kawasaki Daishi Temple
• Explore the bizarre but fascinating Anata no Warehouse (a gaming arcade styled after Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City)
• Check out the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum
• Visit the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum (creator of Doraemon)

Kawasaki provides a look at everyday Japanese urban life outside the main tourist areas.

Seasonal Highlights

13. Hitachi Seaside Park: Flower Wonderland

This stunning park is famous for its seasonal flower displays, particularly the blue nemophila flowers in spring.

Getting there: Take the JR Joban Line from Ueno Station to Katsuta Station, then a bus to the park (about 2 hours total). Another alternative is by bus, with a guided tour.

Pro Tip: Check the Official Flower Calendar before planning your day trip, to make sure that your favorite flower is currently blooming!

What to do:

• See over 4.5 million blue nemophila flowers in spring (late April-early May)
• View red kochia bushes in autumn (October)
• Ride the Ferris wheel for panoramic views
• Rent a bicycle to explore the vast park

While it’s a bit further from Tokyo than other day trips, the spectacular flower fields make this journey worthwhile during peak seasons. Walking around a sea of flowers is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!

14. Karuizawa: Mountain Resort Town

This upscale mountain resort town is a favorite escape for wealthy Tokyoites and offers a refreshing break from summer heat.

Getting there: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station (around 1 hour)

What to do:

• Shop at the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza outlet mall
• Visit Shiraito Falls, a beautiful waterfall designated as a natural monument
• Explore the old Ginza shopping street
• Hike the nature trails in the surrounding forests

Karuizawa is particularly popular in summer when its elevation provides relief from Tokyo’s heat and humidity.

15. Kusatsu Onsen: Premium Hot Spring Town

One of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, Kusatsu offers a traditional onsen experience. The unique yumomi (湯もみ) performance is done here, and is an interesting watch for sure!

Getting there: Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa, then a bus to Kusatsu Onsen (around 3 hours total)

What to do:

• Watch the yumomi performance where women stir the hot spring water to cool it
• See the Yubatake, the iconic hot spring field in the center of town
• Relax in various public baths with different mineral properties
• Try onsen eggs cooked in the hot spring water

While Kusatsu is at the limit of what we can call a day trip, the unique hot spring culture makes it worth the journey for serious onsen enthusiasts!

Practical Tips for Tokyo Day Trippers! 🌸

• Make an early start: Many popular destination sites get crowded by midday. Leaving Tokyo by 7-8 AM gives you more travel time to explore.
• Check the weather: For destinations like Mount Fuji, visibility is weather-dependent. Have a backup plan if conditions aren’t favorable on clear days.
• Consider a Japan Rail Pass: If you’re taking multiple day trips, a Japan Rail Pass or regional passes can save money.
• Pack light: Bring only essentials for your day trip to avoid being weighed down.
• Download offline maps: Google Maps works well in Japan, but having offline maps can be helpful in areas with spotty service.
• Check last train times: Be sure to note when the last train ride back to Tokyo departs, especially for more distant locations.

Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Tokyo

Tokyo is very much an amazing city with endless things to explore, but the surrounding area offers equally remarkable experiences that will show you the different faces Japan. From the historical temples of Nikko to the natural beauty of Mount Fuji, you can find the perfect day trips from Tokyo that best fit your itinerary.

My personal recommendation for first time visitors would be Hakone or Kamakura, since they’re relatively easy day trips. These destinations are convenient to reach and offer a wonderful contrast to central Tokyo’s urban landscape. For returning visitors (or seasoned ones!) looking to explore something off the beaten path, consider some of the lesser-known destinations like Enoshima, Izu Peninsula, or the beautiful Hitachi Seaside Park.

Whatever day trips you choose, you’ll come back with better understanding and appreciation of Japan.

What’s your favorite day trip from Tokyo? Please share your experiences or questions in the comments! I’d love to hear about your adventures or help you plan your perfect Tokyo day trip itinerary.

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