Tokyo is an incredible city, but sometimes, you just need a break from the fast-paced energy. Fortunately, Japan’s capital is perfectly located for some of the best day trips in the country! From historic temples and hot springs to coastal escapes and breathtaking nature, there are plenty of amazing destinations just a short train ride away.
Here are 10 unforgettable day trips from Tokyo that are easy, fun, and totally worth it!
1. Hakone: Relax in Hot Springs with Mount Fuji Views
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 1.5 hours
🚆 How to Get There: Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Onsen Hot Springs – Soak in steaming natural baths with stunning mountain views.
✔️ Lake Ashi – Take a scenic pirate ship cruise with a view of Mount Fuji.
✔️ Hakone Shrine – Visit the iconic red torii gate by the water.
🔥 Pro Tip: Get the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited transport on trains, buses, and ropeways!
2. Nikko: Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 2 hours
🚆 How to Get There: Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Toshogu Shrine – A beautifully decorated Shinto shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✔️ Kegon Falls – One of Japan’s most spectacular waterfalls.
✔️ Lake Chuzenji – A tranquil lake surrounded by autumn foliage in fall.
🔥 Pro Tip: Visit in autumn for breathtaking red and gold foliage.
3. Kamakura: Explore Ancient Temples & Coastal Charm
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 1 hour
🚆 How to Get There: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Great Buddha (Daibutsu) – A massive bronze statue of Buddha that’s over 750 years old.
✔️ Hasedera Temple – A stunning Buddhist temple with ocean views.
✔️ Komachi Street – A lively shopping street with local snacks and souvenirs.
🔥 Pro Tip: Combine Kamakura with Enoshima Island for a full day of adventure!
4. Mount Takao: Hike and Enjoy Panoramic Views
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 1 hour
🚆 How to Get There: Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Hiking Trails – Choose from several scenic trails leading to the summit.
✔️ Yakuoin Temple – Visit a historic Buddhist temple along the way.
✔️ Mount Fuji Views – On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji from the top!
🔥 Pro Tip: Visit in autumn for stunning fall foliage and seasonal festivals.
5. Yokohama: Experience a Modern Port City
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 30 minutes
🚆 How to Get There: Take the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Minato Mirai 21 – A futuristic area with a Ferris wheel, shopping malls, and waterfront views.
✔️ Cup Noodles Museum – Design your own instant ramen cup!
✔️ Chinatown – The biggest Chinatown in Japan, filled with delicious dumplings and street food.
🔥 Pro Tip: Visit the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum for a tasting tour of regional ramen styles!
6. Enoshima: Island Adventure & Coastal Relaxation
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 1 hour
🚆 How to Get There: Take the Odakyu Line to Fujisawa, then transfer to the Enoden Line
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Enoshima Shrine – A beautiful hilltop shrine with ocean views.
✔️ Iwaya Caves – Explore ancient sea caves by the coastline.
✔️ Beaches – Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the sand.
🔥 Pro Tip: Try shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl), a local delicacy!
7. Kawagoe: Step Back into the Edo Period
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 1 hour
🚆 How to Get There: Take the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Kurazukuri Street – Walk through streets filled with historic Edo-period buildings.
✔️ Kashiya Yokocho – Indulge in traditional Japanese sweets.
✔️ Kawagoe Castle – Explore a well-preserved samurai-era castle.
🔥 Pro Tip: Rent a kimono for an authentic historical experience!
8. Chichibu: Nature & Festivals Galore
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 1.5 hours
🚆 How to Get There: Take the Seibu Limited Express from Ikebukuro
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Mitsumine Shrine – A stunning shrine deep in the mountains.
✔️ Chichibu Night Festival – One of Japan’s top festivals, held in December.
✔️ Hitsujiyama Park – Famous for its pink moss phlox in spring.
🔥 Pro Tip: Try Chichibu soba noodles, a local specialty!
9. Minakami: Adventure & Hot Springs
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 1.5 hours
🚆 How to Get There: Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Rafting on Tone River – One of Japan’s best white-water rafting spots.
✔️ Takaragawa Onsen – A riverside hot spring in the mountains.
✔️ Tanigawadake Ropeway – Ride up the mountain for breathtaking views.
🔥 Pro Tip: Visit in winter for amazing snow-covered scenery!
10. Fuji Five Lakes: The Best Mount Fuji Views
📍 Distance from Tokyo: 2 hours
🚆 How to Get There: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line
Why You Should Visit:
✔️ Lake Kawaguchi – The most famous spot for stunning Mount Fuji views.
✔️ Chureito Pagoda – A picture-perfect viewpoint of Fuji with a red pagoda.
✔️ Oshino Hakkai – A traditional Japanese village with crystal-clear spring water.
🔥 Pro Tip: Visit in April for cherry blossoms or November for autumn leaves!
Final Thoughts: Escape Tokyo for a Day!
From mountain hikes and hot springs to historic temples and coastal getaways, these 10 day trips from Tokyo offer something for every kind of traveler.
✅ Love nature? Visit Mount Takao, Minakami, or Fuji Five Lakes.
✅ Want history? Explore Nikko, Kamakura, or Kawagoe.
✅ Prefer relaxation? Unwind in Hakone or Enoshima.
