Top 12 Places for Your Best Day Trips From Tokyo

Tokyo, an exciting metropolis, is usually the first stop on most travelers' tours of Japan, where you can take advantage of its busy transport to explore the whole city, or make it your perfect base for some day trips beyond Tokyo - whether you're seeking tranquillity in nature, or a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture, Tokyo is the perfect choice to get around. This article will take you through some of the most popular destinations for your day trips from Tokyo, including Atami, Nagano, and Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji - The Perfect Escape for Nature Lovers

From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji: 2-hour drive or 3 hours by train.

Heading to Japan in Spring? One of the most beautiful day trip destinations from Tokyo is Mt. Fuji. You can travel around the Fuji Five Lakes as well as the Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to famous cherry blossoms and the iconic 5-story pagoda with Mt. Fuji as its backdrop - one of the best spots for photographers.

While admiring the beautiful silhouette of Mt. Fuji, it's also worth taking a relaxing boat trip or cable car ride through Lake Kawaguchi for stunning panoramic views of the mountain. Or head to the nearby Maple Corridor in autumn, when the leaves turn and it's at its most stunning glory.

Visiting Oshino Hakkai is another top thing around Mt. Fuji. This serene set of crystal-clear lakes is perfect for wandering around, taking in the village views, and relaxing from the hustle and bustle of the capital city.

Mt. Fuji in Autumn

Hakone - Hot Springs & Scenic Beauty

From Tokyo to Hakone: Around a 1.5-hour drive or 2 hours by train.

A Hakone day trip from Tokyo is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Japan's stunning scenery, try some unique food, and relax in soothing hot springs.

Surrounded by valleys that are rich in geothermal volcanic activity, this small mountain town is famous for its onsen (traditional Japanese hot springs), as well as Lake Ashi, a scenic crater lake where you can enjoy a picturesque boat cruise with wonderful views of Mt. Fuji and a lakeside shrine.

Those who like art won't want to miss out on the Hakone Open Air Museum, which blends unusual sculptures with the surrounding nature. And Owakudani, the natural art, also creates the famous Hakone black eggs (eggs that are boiled in natural hot springs), which any visitor must try!

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Mt. Takao - A Hiker's Paradise

From Tokyo to Mt. Takao: Around 1 hour by car.

Mount Takao is a must-do day trip from Tokyo for anyone looking for a bit of peace, serenity, and nature. The mountain is located just outside the city and offers stunning views over the skyline and the surrounding area.

There are several different walking routes, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The most famous hike, which leads through Takato Castle Ruins Park and up to the summit, typically takes about 2 to 3 hours round-trip. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Central Alps, dense forests, and, in spring, cherry trees burst into colour.

You can also take the chair lift or walk to the Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple for more amazing views - you can even see Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The walks are beautiful all year round, but particularly in autumn.

Kawagoe - The Little Edo Step Back in Time

From Tokyo to Kawagoe: 1 hour by train or car.

Kawagoe is one of the best day trips from Tokyo, the perfect place to see Japan's old charm up close.

This historic town is made up of buildings from the Edo period. You can visit the iconic bell tower (Toki-no-Kane) and wander along Kawagoe Merchant Street, which is a beautiful part of town lined with traditional shops selling sweet treats, souvenirs, and crafts.

You can also see the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine with its particularly beautiful gardens, or sample the Taisho-Roman from the nostalgia street used for the Japanese period film set. Before you head back to Tokyo, make sure you try some traditional sweet potato snacks and sake!

Toki-no-Kane, Kawagoe's Iconic Bell Tower

Nikko - Famous for Its UNESCO Sites

From Tokyo to Nikko: Around 2 hours by car.

A day tour to Nikko is the perfect way to combine culture and nature. The Nikko National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, hiking trails, hot springs, and even wild monkeys!

You can visit the impressive Toshogu Shrine or go for a walk around Lake Chuzenji - be sure to look out for the iconic red bridge over the crystal-clear river, as well as the waterfall that pours about 100 meters down on your way!

For those looking for something a little different, you could visit Edo Wonderland, a fun Japanese cultural theme park that takes you back in time to the Edo period.

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Yokohama - Vibrant Port City

From Tokyo to Yokohama: 30 minutes by train.

Yokohama is a fun and bustling port city to the south of Tokyo, and it's any foodie's paradise. It's home to Japan's largest Chinatown, and the options for food there are endless. You can also head to Motomachi, a popular area in Yokohama with cozy cafes and stylish bars, which are perfect for relaxing in.

Beer lovers can tour the Kirin Beer Village, where they learn about the brewing process of one of Japan's most famous beers and enjoy free tastings. For those looking for some foodie fun and a hands-on experience, head to the Cup Noodles Museum, where you can create your own cup noodles!

Visitors looking for a little more culture can visit the Sankeien Garden to see traditional Japanese gardens and enjoy the peace and quiet.

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Kamakura - The Perfect Mix of Beach and Culture

From Tokyo to Kamakura: Around 1 hour by train.

Kamakura is a historic town famous for its shrines and temples, including the enormous bronze Buddha statue – the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

You can still capture the ancient heritage of arrow shooting and horse riding practiced at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, or take a glimpse of the Zen culture from carved lacquerware and temple meditation. However, blessed by the sea and mountains, Kamakura isn't only famous for its history and culture.

It's also home to some beautiful beaches where you can swim, relax, and even try water sports, making it a popular summer destination, especially in July during the fireworks festival season, when you can see over 4000 fireworks during the course of the evening.

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Enoshima - A Tranquil Scenic Island

From Tokyo to Enoshima: 1.5 hours by train or car.

Enoshima is a small, tranquil island a little further south of Kamakura. It might be small, but there are plenty of impressive temples, scenic walks, and stunning beaches to enjoy.

Arriving on the island is one of the most incredible parts - with a relaxing train ride along the winding coastline, which is full of charm and beauty, it a definitely worth taking for your day trip from Tokyo!

The heart of Enoshima is the Samuel Cocking Garden, a haven for botanical lovers. The garden's centerpiece is the Enoshima Sea Candle, a 60-meter-high lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coastline - you can even see Mt. Fuji on a clear day!

The island spa offers natural hot springs with ocean views, which are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The island is also full of stunning beaches, great restaurants, and coastline walks - everything you'd want from a honeymoon!

Atami - A Gem to See Early Cherry Blossoms

From Tokyo to Atami: 1 hour by high-speed train

Atami is another popular seaside town for those living in and visiting Tokyo. It's located in the southwest of Tokyo, and it is also the gateway to the Izu Peninsula, which draws crowds thanks to its famous onsen (hot springs), great beaches, and clear water.

It's worth going for a walk along Atami Sun Beach to feel the charm of this town, and you can even walk to the castle for views up the coastline with the floating petals of cherry blossom from February to March - an unexpected early cherry blossom viewing spot in early spring to paints the town pale pink.

Or, join scuba diving with locals during your summer holiday, which features soft corals and wrecks for further exploration.

Early Sakura in Atami

Nagano - Home of the Snow Monkeys

From Tokyo to Nagano: 1.5 hours by high-speed train.

Nagano is a beautiful city known for its snow sports, hiking trails, temples and hot-spring-enjoying monkeys! It's home to one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples too - the Zenko-ji Temple, which was built in 642 AD.

You can enjoy your leisurely hikes there from spring to autumn, whether the popular Nakasendo with wooden buildings or the charming Kamikochi surrounded by snow-peaks. As for your winter fun, anyone going to Nagano must go to Snow Monkey Park, renowned for its Japanese macaque population (known as snow monkeys), which enjoy taking a bath in the hot springs!

Snow sports enthusiasts should also head to the Hakuba Valley, which boasts 10 ski resorts and was home to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

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Chichibu - Perfect Mix of Culture, History & Beauty

From Tokyo to Chichibu: Around 2 hours by train.

Chichibu is one of the most popular trips from Tokyo, especially in spring when the famous pink moss fields (shibazakura) bloom against the vibrant, mountainous backdrop. You can also visit the Chichibu Shrine, a wonderful historic site with a rich local heritage and beautiful carvings. It's also the home of the Chichibu Night Festival that takes place every year in early December.

It's also worth taking the short hike to the Mitsumine Shrine to see the local vegetation and get the best views out over the surrounding mountains. For those interested in the cultural history of Chichibu, go to the Meisen Museum to learn about the town's silk weaving tradition.

Ibaraki - Nature Escape From Tokyo

From Tokyo to Ibaraki: Around 90 minutes by car.

Ibaraki is located northeast of Tokyo and is loved by locals for its diverse beauty, rich flora and iconic cultural landmarks. Probably the most famous thing to do in Ibaraki is to visit the Hitachi Seaside Park, a hilly landscape with amazing floral displays. In spring, blankets of small blue flowers cover the hills, and in autumn, fluffy red kochia bushes are dotted everywhere. It's a photographer's dream!

It's also worth exploring the Kairakuen Garden in Mito, which is one of the three great gardens of Japan. It's amazing to wander around, especially in the plum blossom season!

Fluffy Red Kochia Bushes in Hitachi Seaside Park

Enjoy Your Best Day Trip From Tokyo

Whilst Tokyo itself is incredible and well worth visiting, leaving an extra day for some day trips beyond the city is always worthwhile for your further exploration. Whether you want to see some of the most beautiful temples and shrines in Japan, lounge on the beach, or hike up Mt. Fuji, it's all possible within just a few hours from Tokyo.

For more information about tailored day trips from Tokyo, get in touch with the team at Odynovo. Contact us and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and plan the perfect tour for you!