For most travelers, spending 3–5 days exploring Tokyo's major highlights is ideal. To make your Tokyo trip more than just about city life, it's perfect to allocate 1–2 days for day trips outside the city.
Tokyo offers many easy-to-reach day-trip options. It allows you to explore nature, historical sites, countryside, and seaside views.
In this article, we've handpicked eight places that are great for day trips from Tokyo based on our experiences. Each has unique characteristics and can be reached within 2 hours from Tokyo.
1. Hakone: Famous for Hot Springs and Diverse Landscapes
- Distance from Tokyo: about a 1½-hour drive
Hakone is the most popular day-trip option from Tokyo. It offers abundant experiences for you to enjoy in one day, including Japanese onsens and views of Mount Fuji.
It usually takes 8–10 hours for a day trip to Hakone. You'd leave Tokyo at about 8am and be back by 5pm. The schedule might be a bit tight. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, staying overnight is recommended. That way, you would have more time to enjoy a ryokan with onsens and other attractions.
We suggest you explore three to four attractions to maximize your time and experience. The top four major highlights in Hakone are the Hakone Open-Air Museum (sculptures blending with nature), Owakudani (a crater emitting sulfur gas), Lake Ashi (enjoy a sightseeing cruise on a replica pirate ship), and Hakone Shrine.
These four must-sees in Hakone are quite concentrated, forming a circular route that allows exploration without having to backtrack. You're strongly recommended to follow the route in the infographic above to visit the major highlights.
Hakone is the perfect spot for relaxing in hot springs due to its excellent water quality. It offers many public onsens so you could unwind in one if you have extra time after exploring.
If you book with us, our Japan travel advisor could take care of everything to ensure you have a hassle-free trip.
Tips:
1) Depart from Tokyo by 8am or earlier. This gives you more time to explore the attractions in Hakone as most of them close by 5pm.
2) It's not easy to view Mount Fuji in Hakone. Since it is a mountainous area with more clouds, this limits the chances of viewing it. You could only see Mount Fuji on very clear days, usually from November to February. If you want to view Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is a better place.
3) It's better to stay in Hakone for one night. You could have more time to experience a Japanese ryokan with an onsen.
4) Having a private car to explore Hakone saves time and energy. If you opt for public transportation, buy a Hakone Free Pass, which covers all public transportation in Hakone.
5) Enjoy your dinner before 6pm as most restaurants in Hakone close by then. If you miss this window, you might have to eat convenience store food or return to Tokyo for dinner.
Wondering how to plan a day trip to Hakone? Check out our article about How to Plan a Hakone Day Trip for more details. Or you could contact us to create your day trip now.
2. Lake Kawaguchi: Best Place to View Mount Fuji
Lake Kawaguchi- Distance from Tokyo: a 1½-hour drive
Lake Kawaguchi is the best place to admire Mount Fuji, making it a popular choice for a day trip. Compared to Hakone, attractions in Lake Kawaguchi are spread out and cultural experiences are not very enriching. However, the schedule won't be as packed as it would be in Hakone.
Four major ways to admire Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi are boating on the lake, biking/walking around the lake, and taking a ropeway to an observation deck in Tenjoyama Park. Choose one to two ways based on your preferences.
We will arrange for our customers to enjoy a boat ride on the lake. It is interesting with a serene atmosphere and fewer travelers. However, we do not advise taking a ropeway as it is boring and crowded.
Don't miss Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. You could capture both the mountain and the pagoda in one frame, which is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season from early to mid-April. However, it's not suitable for those with mobility issues as you need to climb over 300 steep stairs to reach the observation deck.
Tips:
1) Leave Tokyo before 8am. The best chance to enjoy a clear view of Mount Fuji is in the morning. Departing earlier allows you to have more time to appreciate the mountain's beauty.
2) Check the visibility of Mount Fuji a week before your trip. Getting a clear view of Mount Fuji could be tricky due to frequent cloud cover. For real-time updates on visibility, visit the 'See MtFuji' website.
3) The best time to visit Mount Fuji is from November to February. During this period, you would have a better chance of enjoying a clear view of the snow-covered mountain. June to September is not recommended as visibility is at its lowest then.
4) Having a private car to get around Lake Kawaguchi is highly recommended. Public transportation there is not convenient and you may wait a long time for a bus.
For more detailed information on planning a Mount Fuji day trip, you could read our How to Plan a Mount Fuji Trip.
3. Kamakura: Great Buddha and Various Shrines
The Great Buddha in Kamakura- Distance from Tokyo: an hour's drive
If you enjoy exploring both cultural shrines and seaside views, Kamakura is the perfect choice for you. A day trip itinerary in Kamakura is easier than one in Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi.
The main attractions in Kamakura are the Great Buddha, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Hasedera, and Enoshima. We recommend visiting the cultural attractions in the morning and enjoying the island in the afternoon. Since you would have more energy to explore cultural sites in the morning, you could admire the seaside views in the afternoon when you're feeling a bit tired.
The Great Buddha is one of the must-sees in Kamakura. It's a bronze statue built in the 13th century. You could pay an extra US$4 to explore its interior. However, the park is small and there isn't much else to explore.
With numerous shrines in Kamakura, visiting one to two shrines in one day wouldn't leave you feeling exhausted. The top two recommendations are Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Hasedera.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: This is a small shrine that you could visit for free. It's filled with natural beauty, especially during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April). It feels like a mix of Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji because you could write your wishes on wooden plaques and also purchase lucky charms.
- Hasedera: The shrine is built against the mountain so be prepared to climb. Entry requires tickets. It looks exceptionally beautiful in June when the hydrangeas are in bloom.
Enoshima, a small island near Kamakura, is frequently mentioned. Although Kamakura is a seaside city, it's not the best place for beaches. You could experience a relaxing vibe on the shore but it could be crowded and commercialized.
Tips:
1) Having a private guide with you in Kamakura is recommended. Without a guide, you may only be able to admire the appearance of the Great Buddha and shrines without gaining insights into them.
2) It's the closest place to enjoy surfing from Tokyo. Many locals enjoy surfing there and you would find plenty of surfboard rental shops along the shore.
4. Nikko: Brimming with a Rich Historical Atmosphere
Nikko Toshogu- Distance from Tokyo: a 2-hour drive
If you're interested in Japanese shogun history from the Edo period (1603–1868), Nikko is the perfect place near Tokyo. It has preserved numerous buildings from the shogunate era. While it might be a bit tight for a day trip from Tokyo, the experience is definitely worth it.
The top three major shrines in Nikko are Nikko Toshogu, Rinno-ji, and Futarasan Shrine. Besides these cultural attractions, Nikko also boasts natural beauty. The top two natural beauties are Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. We recommend exploring the shrines first since ticket sales end at 3:30pm.
The top highlight is Nikko Toshogu, a heritage site in Japan. The entire building complex is covered in golden leaf, which gleams in the sunlight. During our visit, we spent nearly 2 hours admiring the elegant carved patterns and felt like it wasn't enough time. This is our favorite attraction in Nikko.
Two other shrines worth visiting are Rinno-ji (a traditional Buddhist temple) and Futarasan Shrine (which offers sacrifices to mountain gods). Visiting these three wouldn't leave you feeling exhausted as each one boasts its own unique beauty.
For a smooth trip, we recommend touring the following route: ancient Shinkyō Bridge – Rinno-ji – Nikko Toshogu – Futarasan Shrine. Visiting these temples might take half a day.
If time permits, you could explore the natural attractions of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
Tips:
1) Depart from Tokyo before 8am, especially if you plan to visit natural attractions. Otherwise, you wouldn't have enough time to explore them. Additionally, most attractions and restaurants in Nikko close by 5pm so arrive earlier for a more pleasant visit.
2) Visit temples first in Nikko. Temple ticket sales end at 3:30pm so it's best to explore the temples you're interested in first before moving on to enjoy other scenery.
3) Staying overnight is recommended. It allows you to experience more without feeling rushed. You could enjoy Kinugawa Onsen (one of the top three onsens in Japan) and explore natural scenery through jungle treks or hikes.
4) Having a private guide is recommended. That way, you could gain insights into the history and stories behind the historical buildings rather than just admire their appearance.
5. Mount Takao: Great for Hiking
- Distance from Tokyo: less than an hour by express train
If you are looking for a short hike during your trip, Mount Takao is excellent. It is one of Japan's most popular mountains to climb. As it's 599 meters (1,965 feet) above sea level, you wouldn't feel too exhausted in a day.
It offers six climbing routes catering to different visitors' needs. We recommend route 1 for most first-timers. This route takes about 3 hours for a round trip. It is wide, mostly paved with asphalt, and passes by major attractions of Mount Takao. It is an easy outdoor adventure for most travelers, including kids and seniors.
For travelers seeking a bit of a challenge and wanting to enjoy charming scenery, routes 4 and 6 are excellent options.
You could choose a different route to go up and down Mount Takao. The best time to visit the mountain is from late October to November when the maples turn red.
6. Kawagoe: Explore the Edo Vibe
Time Bell Tower in Kawagoe- Distance from Tokyo: an hour by train
If you're looking to experience an authentic Edo atmosphere (1603–1868) with fewer travelers, include Kawagoe in your day trip from Tokyo.
While this city isn't very large and doesn't have many attractions, it's enough to spend most of the day exploring it at a relaxed pace.
You could experience the Edo vibe the most in Kawagoe Ichiban Street. Lined with old-fashioned stores, it gives you a sense of being back in ancient Edo, especially if you wear a kimono. Don't miss Time Bell Tower, a centuries-old landmark that chimes four times a day. However, the street is quite commercial.
Another must-see is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Unlike other shrines in Tokyo, you could catch a ceramic koi in the fish pond to discover your fortune. It's quite interesting. If you're lucky, you might even witness a traditional Japanese wedding there.
Tips:
1) It's better to arrive at 10–11am. Kawagoe is not big and the attractions are concentrated so you could cover the main attractions in half a day.
2) Buy a Kawagoe Discount Pass if you prefer public transportation. The pass includes train tickets from and to Tokyo and unlimited bus rides in Kawagoe.
7. Izu: Best for Seaside Views
Izu- Distance from Tokyo: about a 2-hour drive
If you're seeking crystal-clear seaside scenery, Izu is the top choice for a day trip.
For the best experience, visit the top three highlights on your day trip: Mount Omuro, Izu Shaboten Zoo, and the Jogasaki Coast. Due to the distance between these attractions in Izu, you may need to spend some time on the road.
- Mount Omuro: It's an extinct volcano. The special experience is to take a half-hour stroll around the crater at the peak to enjoy the view. It's especially charming in spring and summer when the lush green grass on the mountain resembles the color of matcha.
- Izu Shaboten Zoo: It's nestled at the base of Mount Omuro. Apart from exploring cacti and other plants, you could interact closely with charming animals, such as capybara. You could enjoy watching them bathe in the onsens or even experience feeding and petting them.
- The Jogasaki Coast: It's the perfect spot to enjoy the sea in Izu. If you have a private car, you wouldn't need to walk much to get to the coast. If you take a bus, there are two walking paths to the coast: the forest walk (15 minutes) and the seaside walk (25 minutes). The seaside walk is recommended for a better view.
Tips:
1) Leave Tokyo before 8–9am. This would give you enough time to explore the top three highlights. Otherwise, you may only explore two of them.
2) Having a private car is strongly recommended in Izu. Taking a bus to get around isn't very convenient and, if you miss a bus, you would have to wait for an hour. A private car could save you a lot of time on the road.
3) Take some cash. Some restaurants in Izu do not accept credit cards.
8. Yokohama: Food Hub and Port City
Chinatown in Yokohama- Distance from Tokyo: 30–40 minutes by train
Yokohama is a lively port city that combines Eastern and Western cultures. It is a slow-paced city and offers something unique from Tokyo.
The must-do activity is to make some cupnoodles at the CUPNOODLES MUSEUM, which you couldn't experience in Tokyo. Get more ideas about the origin of cupnoodles by watching a 15-minute anime and try your hand at making cupnoodles.
We had a great time making cupnoodles. First, we painted the cup with watercolor pens for about 20 minutes. Then, we added the noodles and our favorite toppings. Finally, we sealed up our cupnoodles and it was all done!
Yokohama offers a variety of dining options. If you enjoy Chinese cuisine, don't miss Chinatown.
What's more, Yokohama Akarenga Soko is a must-visit historical building. Formerly a customs checkpoint, it now serves as a local community cultural center. You could enjoy views of the port and trade ships going to and from Yokohama.
Tips:
1) Gundam Factory Yokohama closed on March 31, 2024. Some people used to visit Yokohama to see the giant Gundam but it's closed now.
2) Biking is a great way to explore the city. Yokohama's flat roads and cycling lanes make it easy to discover the major highlights by bike.
Let's Create Your Trip Together!
Are you ready to plan your day trip from Tokyo? Our Japan travel advisor would help you to create a memorable trip based on your preferences. Contact us now!
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
|
Japan, Vietnam extraordinary
The professionalism and knowledge of their cities speak high of all the guides. Jennifer in Tokio was so special that on the last day in Tokio she went to the train station to make sure we boarded the right train, and brought us snacks to take with us. NG in Kyoto suggested us to make up a day to go to Hiroshima, we got the approval from Asia Highlights and he went with us to visit this historic city. More
Francisco Miranda, Oct 2024
|
Amazingly good experience!
Alisa was responsible for the Japan period and in a week at most we had figured it out as it was done 15 days before our trip; that said we are from Brazil which means that China is 11 hour ahead of us and that was no impediment at all. More
Andrea J, Sep 2024
|
Tokyo Meiji Shrine with a great guide, Johnny!
He explained colorful background stories -- more than this review can hold, but if you are fortunate enough to have Johnny as your guide, you will learn so much more (and enjoyably) than if you go on your own. His knowledge, friendliness and flexibility to conform a tour to his clients' needs is remarkable. We recommend him to family and friends alike who are traveling to Japan. More
Anne Green, Sep 2024
|
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
