14 best day trips to take from Tokyo
Tokyo is well-connected to various fascinating destinations.
Are you running out of things to do in Tokyo? Why not use it as a base to explore nearby attractions?
As Tokyo is well-connected to various fascinating destinations, it is easy to embark on enjoyable day trips from Tokyo. Here are 14 places you can check out during your next adventure in Tokyo.
Related:
11 scenic train rides in Japan for an extraordinary sightseeing experience
1. Mount Takao (Tokyo)
Located within an hour of downtown Tokyo, Mount Takao is one of Tokyo’s closest natural recreation areas. You can hike Mount Takao for panoramic views, visit the Takao Trick Art Museum, and enjoy the traditional atmosphere.
Keio 1-Day Ticket with Mt. Takao Cable Car and Chair Lift Ticket
2. Kamakura (Kanagawa)
Kamakura is best known for its outdoor bronze statue of the Great Buddha in the seated position at Kotoku-in. You can also discover other serene temples, hiking trails and beautiful beaches in this area.
Kotoku-in Temple & Enoshima One Day Tour from Tokyo
3. Hakone (Kanagawa)
One of the areas to take in stunning views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is also known for Hakone Shrine, which has a red torii gate overlooking Lake Ashi, and the boiling sulphur springs of the Owakudani Valley.
Hakone Free Pass Voucher
4. Yokohama (Kanagawa)
Yokohama is where you can find beautiful waterfront attractions and stroll through the vibrant Chinatown.
Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden Ticket
5. Enoshima (Kanagawa)
An island off the Shonan coast of Kanagawa Prefecture, Enoshima is home to Enoshima Shrine with statues honouring Benzaiten, the Buddhist goddess. Enoshima is also known as a cat island due to the sheer number of cats living on the island.
Enoshima Aquarium Ticket in Fujisawa
6. Chichibu (Saitama)
Chichibu is a picturesque town celebrated for its serene landscapes, ancient shrines, and lush greenery. Consider hiking through the Mitsumine Shrine area.
Nagatoro River White Water Rafting, Old Street Chichibu, Chichibu Shrine Visit, Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park | Shinjuku Departure
7. Kawagoe (Saitama)
Nicknamed “Little Edo,” Kawagoe exudes charm with its well-preserved Edo-period architecture. It is famous for its kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse-styled buildings), quaint streets, and the iconic clock tower, Toki no Kane.
Seibu Kawagoe Pass
8. Chiba City (Chiba)
About a 30-minute drive from Tokyo, Chiba City is one of the best places to go for urban life near Tokyo minus the crowd. You can also travel further down to Kamogawa Sea World, a marine park ideal for families, or Mother Farm, which combines a farm, amusement park and zoo.
Kamogawa Sea World Ticket Admission Ticket in Chiba
Chiba Mother Farm Ticket Tokyo
9. Nikko (Tochigi)
You can visit the Edo Wonderland theme park, which recreates life in an Edo-period village, explore historic temples, including Toshogu Shrine, or enjoy the natural beauty of Nikko National Park.
Edo Wonderland Ticket
Nikko Toshogu Shrine & Kegon Waterfall One Day Tour from Tokyo
10. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)
This charming hot spring town is where you can soak in traditional hot springs and witness the Yubatake (hot water field).
Nikko/Karuizawa/Gunma/Yokohama Customisable Chartered Car Tour
11. Fujikawaguchiko (Yamanashi)
Another area to take in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi and the nearby Chureito Pagoda are some of the must-visit places.
Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Scenic Spots Day Tour from Tokyo
12. Izu Peninsula (Shizuoka)
Located south of Tokyo, Izu Peninsula is a captivating coastal region renowned for its natural beauty, hot springs, and picturesque landscapes. It is blessed with scenic coastlines like the Jogasaki Coast, dense forests, and volcanic terrain.
Izukyu-Line Pass
13. Mito City (Ibaraki)
Mito City is home to the peaceful Kairakuen Garden—one of Japan’s top three gardens—and the historical Tokiwa Shrine.
Hitachi National Seaside Park and Ashikaga Flower Park or Mito Kairakuen Park Trip from Tokyo
14. Karuizawa (Nagano)
A serene resort town in the mountains, Karuizawa is known for its mild summer and skiing and hot springs in winter.
Karuizawa & Kawagoe One Day Tour from Tokyo
Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia
Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined | LuxuryEscapes
Save big, get the all-inclusive pass & explore your destination in-depth: GoCity
General info here: Tripadvisor
Affordable data plans here
And while you are at it, get your travel insurance with Alliance Assistance | Income | Prudential!
