If you’re looking to explore more of Japan, but aren’t so keen on sleeping in a different bed every other night, we’ve got the next best option for you – day trips! Here are 10 best day trips from Tokyo 👇
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in serene landscapes, explore historical towns, or enjoy thrilling activities, we’ve got 10 of the best day trips from Tokyo to escape the city hustle. These spots are accessible by both public transport and by car, and the best thing? They are all less than three hours away regardless!
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Overview of Day Trips from Tokyo (timing included):
It’s time to start planning your next off-the-beaten-track holiday in Tokyo. Here’s a breakdown of each city and the time it takes to get there from Tokyo.
| Destination | By Car | By Public Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Kamakura | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| Nikko | 2 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Kawagoe | 1 hour | 50 minutes |
| Hakone | 1.5 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Enoshima | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| Nagano | 3 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Hitachi Seaside Park | 2 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Yokohama | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Chiba | 1 hour | 40 minutes |
| Arakurayama | 2 hours | 2 hours |
*These times are estimates and may change based on traffic conditions and delays
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1. Kamakura
Ideal for: Nature lovers
Image credits: Unseen Japan
Enjoy a mix of history, nature, and coastal beauty all in one. Less than an hour away from Tokyo, Kamakura is also known as the Kyoto of Japan and is home to numerous temples, shrines, and historical monuments. More than just places of worship, these landmarks are usually surrounded by beautiful gardens that are worth spending the day at.
Many of the landmarks are also connected by serene hiking trails that will take you through the woods and along the coast. The best time to visit Kamakura are the spring months for the cherry blossoms and autumn months for the foliage.
Highlights: Hachimangu Shrine, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera’s Hydrangea Garden, Western Hills Hiking Trail
Getting to Kamakura via public transport: JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn months
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2. Nikko
Ideal for: Photography Enthusiasts
Image credits: The Gate
Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s full of stunning natural beauty and historical landmarks. It’s the perfect day trip for photography enthusiasts. Autumn is the best time to visit Nikko for shots of the majestic shrines and breath-taking waterfalls against the backdrop of vibrant foliage.
Highlights: Ryuzu Cascades, Tobu World Square, Mt. Hangetsu Observation Deck, Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa, Nikko National Park, Lake Chuzenji, Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Getting to Nikko via public transport: Express Trains from Asakusa
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn months
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3. Kawagoe
Ideal for: Photography Enthusiasts
Image credits: Milk & Dust
Go back in time to the Edo era of Japan’s past in Kawagoe. Also known as “Little Edo”, the Kurazukuri District has streets, alleyways, and buildings preserved to look as it did during the Edo era. There are kimono rental shops available around town, with the vibrant colours of the kimonos contrasting the monochromatic colours of the alleyways, making for perfect photo ops and memorabilias for the trip!
Kawagoe is a great place to visit all year round, but the Kawagoe Festival in October is definitely a highlight for both tourists and locals alike.
Highlights: Kurazukuri Warehouse District, Ichiban Gai Shopping Street, Toki no Kane Bell Tower, Kashiya Yokocho, Edo Starbucks
Getting to Kawagoe via public transport: Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station
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4. Hakone
Ideal for: Authentic Japanese Experiences
Image credits: Agoda
Hakone is known for its relaxing ryokans and some of the most scenic views of Mount Fuji. Visit art museums, or take an idle cruise along the lake, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and get away from the bustle of city life.
Visit Hakone in autumn for the foliage, or during winter for some of the clearest views of Mount Fuji while a nice warm dip in the onsen.
Be sure to check out these YouTrip Perks as you book your flights and experiences to save while you spend!
Highlights: Hakone Hot Springs, Open Air Museum, Gora Park, Owakudani Volcano, Okada Museum of Art, Hokone Ropeway
Getting to Hakone via public transport: Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station
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5. Enoshima
Ideal for: Seafood Island Adventure
Image credits: Tokyo Day Trip
A charming island escape, Enoshima features beautiful coastal views, unique shrines and local seafood delicacies. Just a short train west of Kamakura, Enoshima is connected by bridge to the mainland and it offers a variety of attractions like shrines, parks, an observation tower, and caves.
Shrines around the island are dedicated to Benten, a goddess believed to have created Enoshima before killing a dragon that terrorised the area. Visit Enoshima in the summer to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea!
Highlights: Iwaya Caves, Enoshima Shrine, Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle Observation Tower, Southern Coast, Enoshima Aquarium
Getting to Enoshima via public transport: Odakyu Line to Katase-Enoshima Station
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6. Nagano
Ideal for: Unique Explorers
Image credits: Go Nagano
What do ninjas, monkeys and the Olympics have in common? These are some of the features and highlights of Nagano, once the host of the Winter Olympic Games back in 1998. It started off as a temple town, built around Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most popular temples. Take a trip around town to visit some of the olympic facilities that are kept around to this day, and visit the forested mountains in the city.
During the later parts of the year, you might even get to observe snow monkeys taking a dip in the hot springs to get out of the cold!
Highlights: Zenko-Ji Temple, Snow Monkey Park, Togajushi’s Soba Shops, Yamanouchi, Ninpo Museum, Kids Ninja Village,
Getting to Nagano via public transport: Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station
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7. Hitachi Seaside Park
Ideal for: Sun, Sea & Flowers
Image credits: TripAdvisor
Nestled along the coast of Hitachinaka overlookingthe pacific ocean, Hitachi Seaside Park is a national park with a stunning array of seasonal flowers all year round. Rent a bike and enjoy the views of one of Japan’s best kept secrets and gardens. There is also The Pleasure Garden, featuring over 25 rides and attractions for the little ones. It’s not really a conventional city to explore, but it’s definitely worth spending a day out in nature with loved ones.
The flowers bloom pretty much all year round, but spring and autumn is always the best time to visit when the temperature is just right.
Highlights: Seasonal flowers, Barbeque Zone, Athletic Zone, Pleasure Garden
Getting to Hitachi via public transport: JR Joban Line to Katsuta Station
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8. Yokohama
Ideal for: Versatile Travellers
Image credits: Yokohama Japan
Yokohama combines urban excitement with cultural charm with something for everyone. Yokohama’s Chinatown highlights the history of Yokohama as one of the first Japanese ports that opened to foreign trade in 1859. The serene Sankeien Garden is home to preserved Japanese residences from different times in history. But if you’ve already had your fill of nature and history, there is the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama for you to create your own rendition of everyone’s favourite comfort food.
The best time to visit Yokohama is in the summer for its fireworks and festivals, as well as winter for the winter illuminations
Highlights: Minato Mirai District, Chinatown, Sankeien Garden, Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama
Getting to Yokohama via public transport: JR Keihin-Tohoku Line
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9. Chiba
Ideal for: Family Fun
Image credits: Klook
Chiba has a good mix of nature, coastal beauty, cultural experiences and unique attractions that will keep the little and the not-so-little ones entertained. From off the beaten track adventures to the Nomizo Waterfall and the Oyama Senmaida Rice Terraces, to the fun and interactive Mother Farm and serene Kujukuri Beach, holidays for the little ones can be entertaining for the whole family!
There are things to do all year round so you don’t have to worry about finding the right time to visit the city. If you’re looking to spend more than just a day there, the Tokyo Disney Resort is definitely something to do while in Chiba.
Highlights: Mother Farm, Chiba Port Tower, Boso no Mura Open-Air Museum, Oyama Senmaida Rice Terraces
Getting to Chiba via public transport: JR Sobu Line from Tokyo Station to Chiba Station
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10. Arakurayama
Ideal for: Fuji Views
Image credits: Agoda
No trip to Tokyo is complete without catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji, and Arakurayama is the perfect day-trip destination just for that. And while you’re there, the Fuji-Q Highland theme park is also in the vicinity and worth a visit, so be sure to add a stop there along the way.
The grandeur of the mountain makes it a sight to behold throughout the year, but the most optimal time for breath-taking views is in spring for the cherry blossoms that will literally be the cherry on top!
Highlights: Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fuji-Q Highland
Getting to Arakurayama via public transport: Fujikyu Railway
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Time to hit the road!
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Safe Travels!
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