10 Best Day Trips from Tokyo: Easy Getaways You Can’t Miss

Japan’s efficient public transportation makes day trips easy and stress-free, allowing you to explore cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and hidden gems outside the bustling capital. Whether you prefer temple hopping, hiking, or seaside strolls, these 10 best Tokyo day trips will add unforgettable experiences to your itinerary.

Get ready to discover must-visit destinations near Tokyo, complete with travel tips, key attractions, and the best ways to get there!

1. Kamakura: The Ancient Coastal Town

Just an hour south of Tokyo, Kamakura is a historic coastal town famous for its serene temples, iconic Great Buddha, and beautiful beaches. Once the political center of Japan, it now offers visitors a perfect blend of history, nature, and local charm. Often called the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan,” Kamakura is a must-visit for culture lovers looking for a relaxing escape from the city.

🏯 Top Things to Do in Kamakura

📍 Visit the Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu) at Kōtoku-in Temple – The Great Buddha of Kamakura, a 13.35-meter bronze statue, is one of Japan’s most famous icons. Built in the 13th century, this serene Buddha has withstood earthquakes, typhoons, and centuries of history, making it a symbol of resilience and peace. You can even step inside the statue for a small fee to see its interior structure.

📍 Explore Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine at Central Kamakura – As Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū sits at the heart of the city. Dedicated to the god of samurai and warriors, this shrine offers a beautiful blend of history, nature, and tradition. Walk along the iconic vermilion torii gate-lined approach, visit the sacred lotus ponds, and enjoy seasonal cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

📍 Stroll Through Komachi Street for Local Treats – Kamakura’s Komachi Street, near Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, is a food lover’s paradise, lined with charming shops selling local delicacies and souvenirs. Be sure to try:

📍 Discover the Zen Serenity of Engaku-ji Temple Near Kita-Kamakura Station – Engaku-ji is a peaceful Zen temple surrounded by lush nature. It’s stunning in autumn when maple leaves turn bright red. Founded in 1282, this temple is perfect for meditation, quiet reflection, and scenic photography.

📍 Relax at Yuigahama Beach – If you’re visiting in summer, Kamakura’s Yuigahama Beach is a great place to unwind by the ocean. While it’s not as tropical as Okinawa, it’s a popular spot for surfing, beach cafes, and sunset views. It is a 20-minute walk from Kamakura Station.

🚆 How to Get to Kamakura from Tokyo

Kamakura is one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo, with multiple train options:

📆 Best Time to Visit Kamakura

2. Hakone: Nature and Hot Springs

Hakone is one of the best day trips from Tokyo, offering a perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation. Located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, scenic hot springs (onsen), volcanic landscapes, and traditional Japanese ryokan stays. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape from Tokyo or a day of adventure, Hakone is the ideal getaway.

🏯 Top Things to Do in Hakone

📍 Enjoy Stunning Mount Fuji Views from Lake Ashi – Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is Hakone’s most iconic spot, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji reflecting on the lake’s surface (on clear days). Take a pirate ship cruise across the lake or stroll along the shoreline for the best views.

📍 Visit Hakone Shrine – The Famous Torii Gate on the Water – Nestled along Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is known for its red torii gate standing in the water. The shrine is surrounded by misty forests, giving it a mystical atmosphere. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Hakone!

📍 Soak in an Onsen (Hot Spring Bath) – Hakone is famous for its natural hot springs, making it the best place near Tokyo to experience a Japanese onsen. Some popular options include:

📍 Ride the Hakone Ropeway Over Volcanic Landscapes – The Hakone Ropeway offers spectacular panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley). Owakudani is an active volcanic area where you can see sulfur vents and try the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago), which are said to add seven years to your life!

📍 Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum Near Chokoku-no-Mori Station – One of Japan’s most unique museums, the Hakone Open-Air Museum features impressive sculptures, interactive art installations, and a Picasso Pavilion. The outdoor setting blends art with nature, making it a must-visit for art lovers.

🚆 How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo

Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo using the following options:

📆 Best Time to Visit Hakone

3. Nikko: Spiritual Sites and Natural Beauty

Located about 2 hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning shrines, breathtaking waterfalls, and serene mountain landscapes. It’s an ideal day trip for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.

🏯 Top Things to Do in Nikko

📍 Visit Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine – Tōshō-gū is one of Japan’s most beautifully decorated shrines, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Its intricate golden carvings and colorful gates make it a must-visit in Nikko.

📍 Admire Kegon Falls and Lake Chūzenji, 30 minutes from Central Nikko – Kegon Falls is one of Japan’s most spectacular waterfalls at 97 meters high. Just nearby, Lake Chūzenji offers serene views and peaceful walking trails.

📍 Walk Along Shinkyo Bridge – Shinkyo Bridge, a beautiful red-lacquered bridge at the entrance to Tōshō-gū Shrine, is considered one of Japan’s most picturesque bridges. It’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season and autumn.

🚆 How to Get to Nikko from Tokyo

📆 Best Time to Visit Nikko

4. Yokohama: Urban Excursion

Just a 30-minute train ride from central Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city and a perfect destination for those looking to experience a modern waterfront city with rich cultural attractions. Known for its stunning bay views, vibrant Chinatown, futuristic architecture, and lush gardens, Yokohama is an easy and rewarding day trip from Tokyo.

🏯 Top Things to Do in Yokohama

📍 Explore Minato Mirai: Yokohama’s Futuristic Bay Area – Minato Mirai, meaning “Harbor of the Future,” is Yokohama’s most iconic district, known for its skyline views, shopping centers, and entertainment attractions. Here, you can:

📍 Wander Through Yokohama Chinatown: The Largest in Japan – Yokohama’s Chinatown is the largest and most vibrant in Japan, offering a huge variety of authentic Chinese food. Be sure to try:

📍 Relax at Yamashita Park & Enjoy the Waterfront – Yamashita Park is a serene green space along Yokohama’s waterfront near Minato Mirai. It’s a great spot to relax, take a leisurely stroll, and enjoy views of the Bay Bridge.

📍 Visit the Cup Noodles Museum & Make Your Own Ramen – At the Cup Noodles Museum in Minato Mirai, you can design your own instant ramen package and create a custom cup noodle! This interactive and fun experience is a must for food lovers.

📍 Explore the Historic Red Brick Warehouse – The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Minato Mirai is a former port warehouse transformed into a shopping and dining complex. It’s a great place to:

🚆 How to Get to Yokohama from Tokyo

Getting to Yokohama is fast and easy, with multiple train options:

📆 Best Time to Visit Yokohama

5. Enoshima and Fujisawa: Island Adventure

Located just an hour from Tokyo, Enoshima and Fujisawa offer a beautiful coastal escape with sandy beaches, scenic ocean views, and historic temples. Whether you’re looking to explore sea caves, hike to breathtaking viewpoints, or try fresh seafood, Enoshima is an ideal day trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

🏯 Top Things to Do in Enoshima & Fujisawa

📍 Cross the Enoshima Bridge & Explore Enoshima Island – Enoshima is a small offshore island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Walk across and enjoy:

📍 Discover the Mysterious Iwaya Caves at the Southern tip of Enoshima Island – These natural sea caves are filled with legends of dragons and offer a mystical experience. Inside, you’ll find Buddhist statues, lantern-lit tunnels, and ocean views.

📍 Relax at Shonan Beach & Try Surfing in Fujisawa, near Enoshima Island – Shonan Beach is one of Japan’s most popular surf spots. You can:

📍 Ride the Enoden Train for a Scenic Coastal Journey – The Enoden Line is a charming old-school tram that runs along the coast, offering stunning ocean views. It connects Kamakura and Fujisawa, making it a great way to explore both destinations in one trip.

🚆 How to Get to Enoshima from Tokyo

Getting to Enoshima and Fujisawa is easy by train:

📆 Best Time to Visit Enoshima & Fujisawa

6. Mount Takao: Hiking and Scenic Views

If you’re looking for a nature escape from Tokyo, Mount Takao (Takaosan) is the perfect hiking destination just one hour away from the city. Known for its stunning views, peaceful temples, and seasonal foliage, Mount Takao is one of the most accessible and rewarding day trips from Tokyo. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual traveler, there’s a trail for everyone.

🏯 Top Things to Do on Mount Takao

📍 Hike the Trails to the Summit – Mount Takao offers several hiking trails leading to the summit. The most popular route is Trail 1, a paved path that takes about 90 minutes to reach the top. For a more adventurous experience, try:

📍 Visit Yakuo-in Temple – A Sacred Mountain Shrine – Mount Takao is home to Yakuo-in Temple, a historic Buddhist temple dating back over 1,200 years. Dedicated to Tengu, the long-nosed mountain spirits, this temple is the hike’s spiritual and cultural highlight. It is along Trail 1, near the summit.

📍 Take the Cable Car or Chair Lift Near Takaosanguchi Station for a Scenic Ride – Not in the mood for a full hike? You can take the Takaosan Cable Car or the Chair Lift, which will bring you halfway up the mountain, where you can enjoy the scenic city and forest views.

📍 Enjoy Seasonal Views – Cherry Blossoms & Fall Foliage – Mount Takao is breathtaking in every season:

📍 Try Takao’s Famous Mountain Food – Tengu Yaki & Soba – After your hike, reward yourself with:

🚆 How to Get to Mount Takao from Tokyo

Mount Takao is easily accessible by train:

📆 Best Time to Visit Mount Takao

7. Kawagoe: Little Edo

Step back in time with a visit to Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo” for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and architecture. Located just 30 minutes from Tokyo, Kawagoe offers a charming old-town atmosphere, delicious street food, and unique cultural experiences.

🏯 Top Things to Do in Kawagoe

📍 Explore Kurazukuri Street – Edo-Style Warehouse District – The heart of Kawagoe is Kurazukuri Street, a historic area filled with traditional merchant warehouses from the Edo period. Walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the dark wooden facades and tiled rooftops.

📍 Visit the Famous Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower) on Kurazukuri Street – The Toki no Kane, or Time Bell Tower, is the symbol of Kawagoe. It has been ringing for over 400 years, marking time for the city. The best time to visit is during sunset when the tower glows in the evening light.

📍 Try Traditional Sweets at Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho) – Kawagoe is famous for its sweet treats, especially its sweet potatoes! Stop by Candy Alley near Kurazukuri Street to sample:

📍 Explore Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine & Its Instagrammable Wind Chimes – Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, 15 minutes from Kurazukuri Street, is famous for its beautiful ema plaques and seasonal wind chime displays. In summer, thousands of colorful wind chimes decorate the shrine, creating a peaceful and photogenic scene.

🚆 How to Get to Kawagoe from Tokyo

Kawagoe is a quick and easy day trip from Tokyo:

📆 Best Time to Visit Kawagoe

8. Chichibu: Nature and Festivals

Nestled in the mountains of Saitama Prefecture, Chichibu is an underrated gem known for its stunning natural landscapes, seasonal flower fields, and traditional festivals. Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, this peaceful countryside escape is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Whether you visit during spring for the pink moss fields or in winter for one of Japan’s most spectacular night festivals, Chichibu is a hidden paradise worth discovering.

🏯 Top Things to Do in Chichibu

📍 Admire the Stunning Pink Moss at Hitsujiyama Park – Every April and May, Hitsujiyama Park transforms into a sea of vibrant pink, white, and purple flowers known as shibazakura (pink moss phlox). With Mount Buko in the background, it’s one of the most photogenic spring destinations near Tokyo.

📍 Explore Chichibu Shrine in Central Chichibu – A 2,000-Year-Old Cultural Landmark – One of Saitama’s most important shrines, Chichibu Shrine features intricate wooden carvings and a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. It’s also the main venue for December’s famous Chichibu Night Festival.

📍 Experience the Spectacular Chichibu Night Festival (December 2-3) – Held every December, the Chichibu Yomatsuri (Night Festival) is one of Japan’s top three float festivals. Gigantic illuminated floats, fireworks, and traditional performances create an unforgettable winter festival experience.

📍 Take a River Rafting Adventure in Nagatoro – For outdoor lovers, the Nagatoro River, 20 minutes from Chichibu, offers exciting white-water rafting and boat rides with breathtaking gorge views. It’s a great way to experience Chichibu’s natural beauty from the water.

📍 Visit Misotsuchi Icicles in Otaki, Chichibu – A Winter Wonderland – In January and February, the Misotsuchi Icicles form an otherworldly frozen landscape, illuminated at night for an enchanting winter spectacle.

🚆 How to Get to Chichibu from Tokyo

📆 Best Time to Visit Chichibu

9. Fuji Five Lakes: Scenic Retreat

The Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) region is one of the best places to see Mount Fuji up close. It offers breathtaking landscapes, hot springs, and traditional villages. Located at the base of Mount Fuji, this area is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and those looking for a relaxing escape from Tokyo.

🏯 Top Things to Do in Fuji Five Lakes

📍 Enjoy Spectacular Mount Fuji Views at Lake Kawaguchi – Among the five lakes, Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko) offers the most iconic and postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji. The lake’s calm waters create a stunning reflection of Japan’s most famous mountain. Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or in autumn for fiery maple leaves.

📍 Explore Chureito Pagoda – The Most Famous Fuji Viewpoint – Chureito Pagoda, at the Arakura Sengen Shrine, is one of Japan’s most photographed spots, offering a panoramic view of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. The breathtaking scenery is well worth the 400-step climb to the top.

📍 Visit Oshino Hakkai – A Traditional Village with Crystal Clear Springs – Oshino Hakkai, between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, is a charming village with eight natural spring ponds formed by Mount Fuji’s melted snow. The village offers thatched-roof houses, traditional tea shops, and a peaceful countryside setting.

📍 Relax in a Traditional Onsen with a View of Mount Fuji – The Fuji Five Lakes region is home to some of Japan’s best onsen (hot springs), offering stunning views of Mount Fuji while you soak. Top choices include:

📍 Experience the Fuji Shibazakura Festival (April – May) – Every spring, fields of pink, purple, and white moss phlox (shibazakura) bloom at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, creating a vivid floral carpet with Mount Fuji in the background.

🚆 How to Get to Fuji Five Lakes from Tokyo

📆 Best Time to Visit Fuji Five Lakes

10. Izu Peninsula: Coastal Beauty

Just two hours south of Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking coastlines, volcanic landscapes, onsen resorts, and fresh seafood. Whether looking for dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches, or historical hot spring towns, Izu offers a perfect coastal escape from the city.

🏯 Top Things to Do in the Izu Peninsula

📍 Relax on the White Sands of Shirahama Beach – Shirahama Beach in Shimoda is one of Japan’s most stunning beaches, featuring crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. It’s a favorite spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing during the summer.

📍 Explore the Scenic Jogasaki Coast & Kadowaki Suspension Bridge – The Jogasaki Coast is one of Izu’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, featuring volcanic rock formations, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking ocean views. A must-see attraction here is the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge, which stretches over the cliffs and offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

📍 Experience the Healing Waters of Shuzenji Onsen – Shuzenji Onsen, one of Izu’s most famous hot spring towns in the Central Izu Peninsula. It offers traditional ryokan stays and historic onsen baths. The town is named after Shuzenji Temple, a beautiful Zen temple surrounded by bamboo forests and a peaceful river.

📍 Visit the Stunning Kawazu Nanadaru Waterfalls – The Kawazu Nanadaru (Seven Waterfalls) are a series of seven picturesque waterfalls, each varying in height and shape. This area is famous for its scenic walking trails and peaceful natural surroundings.

📍 Witness the Early Blooming Kawazu Cherry Blossoms – One of Japan’s earliest cherry blossom festivals takes place in Kawazu, where cherry trees bloom as early as February! The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival attracts visitors with its bright pink sakura lining the riverbanks.

🚆 How to Get to the Izu Peninsula from Tokyo

📆 Best Time to Visit the Izu Peninsula

Conclusion: The Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Tokyo is an exciting and dynamic city, but a day trip can provide a refreshing change of scenery. Whether you want to explore historic towns like Kamakura and Kawagoe, soak in hot springs in Hakone, enjoy nature in the Fuji Five Lakes and Mount Takao, or relax on the beaches of the Izu Peninsula, there’s an incredible variety of destinations just a short train ride away.

📌 Key Takeaways:

With Japan’s efficient transportation system, these incredible destinations are easily accessible from Tokyo, making them perfect for first-time and returning visitors.

📖 Planning your Tokyo adventure? Check out also our 7-day Tokyo itinerary for the ultimate guide to exploring Japan’s vibrant capital, and discover the best time to visit Japan to make your trip unforgettable!

📖 Planning a longer trip to Japan? Check out our Japan Itinerary for First-Timers for a 10-day guide covering Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

📖 Exploring more of Japan’s destinations? Read our 15 Best Places to Visit in Japan for more travel inspiration!

💬 Which Tokyo day trip is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 😊

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For a visual journey through Japan’s top destinations, don’t miss the YouTube video “Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Japan”. It showcases some of the country’s most breathtaking spots, giving you a sneak peek at the incredible places you’ll want to add to your bucket list!