DAY TRIPS TO CONSIDER IN TOKYO

Tokyo is one of the largest megacities in the world and you will never be bored with what it offers. It doesn’t stop there, though. There are many places that are easily accessible from Tokyo that a lot of travelers miss before moving to other popular destinations such as Kyoto or Osaka. Here are some ideas for day trips from Tokyo to add to your bucket list.

Nikko

Tobu-Nikko Station is easily accessible from Tokyo's Asakusa and Shinjuku stations in about two hours. Travelers can reach Nikko from Gunma  Prefecture, with buses running from Oze between mid-spring and mid-autumn.

The World Heritage site Shrines and Temples of Nikko consists of 103 structures spread over three complexes. They are all within easy walking distance of each other, making for an unforgettable day absorbing some of Japan's most gilded religious architecture. One of the most impressive and rightfully most visited is the Toshogu Shrine  complex. Toshogu is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the powerful Tokugawa Shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Lavish, colorful, and intricately carved, Toshogu Shrine stands in stark contrast to many of Japan's more stoic religious structures. Take plenty of time to absorb the detail of its five-storied pagoda, colorful storehouses, and dazzling, flamboyantly carved Yomeimon Gate. Walk up to the Toshogu graveyard for a beautiful view over the Toshogu complex. Do not miss the Toshogu Treasure Museum on the approach to Toshogu, with an animation depicting the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Eighth-century Futarasan-jinja Shrine is dedicated to the worship of Nikko's three sacred mountains. You can wander the impressive main grounds for free, and check out the inner garden with its ancient trees for a small fee. Futarasan-jinja Shrine  has a branch at nearby Lake Chuzenji , and hardy hikers can visit a third branch on the summit of Mt. Nantai in the warmer seasons. Rinnoji Temple , also founded in the 8th-century, houses three regal Buddha images said to represent Nikko's three sacred mountains. They are a perfect example of the era when elements of Buddhism and Shintoism were strongly intertwined. Its garden is a popular spot for viewing colorful leaves in the autumn. Shinkyo Bridge is a part of the World Heritage Futarasan-jinja Shrine . Legend has it that when the first priest attempted to ascend sacred Mt. Nantai, the Daiya river stood in his path. He prayed for a safe crossing, and the river god spawned giant snakes that formed the bridge. For much of its existence, only Futarasan-jinja Shrine parishioners and the imperial court could make the crossing. Now, it's commonly regarded as the gateway to the major Nikko shrines and temples.

Nikko National Park  is home to an ancient tradition of mountain worship. The three sacred peaks of Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyoho, and Mt. Taro, known collectively as Nikko Sanzan, dominate the area, and you can get in touch with the area's mystical side by trekking these mountains. Towering over Lake Chuzenji , 2,486-meter Mt. Nantai is one of Nikko's highest, as well as most sacred, and frequently climbed peak. The steep trail to the top starts from Futarasan-jinja Shrine at the foot of the mountain. It serves as a branch of the World Heritage shrine of the same name. Climbers going to the summit are asked to pay a small fee. When you arrive at the top, soak up the view over Lake Chuzenji, and congratulate yourself on reaching the Okusha, Futarasan-jinja Shrine's most outlying structure.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a short and easy trip from Tokyo with direct links to area airports and Shinkansen service for cities further afield. Visitors coming from downtown Tokyo can take JR or one of several private rail lines to reach Yokohama Station, which is more central than Shin-Yokohama, in an hour or less. The fastest rail link from Western Japan is the Nozomi Shinkansen stopping at Shin-Yokohama Station. The journey takes about one hour and 25 minutes from Nagoya, two hours from Kyoto and Osaka, and three hours and 40 minutes from Hiroshima. Between Haneda Airport and Yokohama Station, the Keikyu train lines take about 20 minutes each way. A shuttle bus takes 30 minutes.

Yokohama has an incredible profusion of restaurants offering every conceivable kind of cuisine and enough shopping to keep you busy for a lifetime. Fans of Chinese cuisine should peruse the 300 or so restaurants in Yokohama Chinatown. The Motomachi district offers a varied mix of dining establishments and boutiques with both domestic and international food, drinks, merchandise, and services. Check out the brewery at Kirin Yokohama Beer Village at the north end of the area, and get ready for free beer. The Sakuragicho district has its own array of shopping and dining options. It is also a central location from which to explore the expansive and beautiful Yokohama waterfront. 

The Minato Mirai 21  district and the bayside area both have plenty of historical sites and museums. The iconic and sprawling Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a former customs house. Like many of the older buildings in the city, it dates to the late 19th century, when Japan opened its markets to the world. Now it houses a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and event spaces. It even has a jazz club. Climb up to the third-floor balcony for great views over the harbor.

The NYK Hikawa Maru is a passenger ship that went into service nearly a century ago. It acted as a medical ship during World War II and miraculously survived damage from mines on three occasions. Now it's a floating museum, giving visitors a close-up view of Japan's maritime history. For food aficionados and noodle enthusiasts, Yokohama has two museums dedicated to the ever-irresistible ramen noodles. The Cup Noodles Museum is all about the instant variety, while at the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, near the Shinkansen station, you can sample several types prepared the traditional way.

Down at Yokohama's waterfront, you don't have to spend money to have fun. Yokohama Bay and the development along the shore make for gorgeous photos from just about anywhere along its stretch, day or night. Osanbashi Pier is one popular picture spot because of just how far out over the water it is. Half the fun on the waterfront is just strolling along absorbing the atmosphere and changing view. On the south side of the city is Sankeien Garden, where an art-loving merchant relocated historic buildings from across the nation and had them reconstructed in a traditional Japanese landscape. To the west of Yokohama is the Sagamiko Lake Resort Pleasure Forest, where you can take in an extravagant winter light show during the annual Sagamiko Illumillion that runs from November until April. Walk the grounds and marvel at the nearly six million LED bulbs illuminating the park in a splendid display.

Kamakura

Less than an hour south of Tokyo is Kamakura, once the political capital of Japan, famous for its temples and literary heritage, as well as its beaches and hiking trails. Don't Miss attractions such as The Great Buddha of Kamakura, some of the oldest and most beautiful Zen temples in Japan, as well as the Museum of Modern Art. Visitors can go Shopping along Komachi-dori, the street leading from Kamakura Station. The symbol of Kamakura is the approximately 11-meter tall (not including its pedestal), 13th-century bronze statue of Amida Buddha, in Kotoku-in Temple. Initially housed in a huge wooden hall, it was restored in the Edo period (1603-1868) after being damaged over the years by typhoons and earthquakes. Today it is the most popular site in Kamakura as well as the second largest seated Buddha in the country. 

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the heart of Kamakura and the spot around which the city developed. In 1180 Minamoto no Yoritomo, who established the Kamakura Shogunate, moved the shrine from Yuigahama Beach to its present location, thus laying the foundation for Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Today, the shrine is a popular destination for many visitors. Various events are held throughout the year, including festivals, weddings, and exhibitions. It is also famous for its spring and fall yabumsame (horseback archery) festivals. In addition to its beautiful ponds and gardens, the temple also houses many National Treasures. Food stalls selling sweets and other treats can be found along the approach to the shrine. It is about a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station along a beautiful tree-lined approach. makura also has many other temples and shrines. Hasedera, near the sea and close to the Great Buddha, is a temple with a beautiful garden. Don't miss the Zeniarai Benten Shrine where you can wash your money in the sacred water of a spring and pray for more. There are also other temples such as Engakuji , Jochiji, and Kenchoji. Together they are called the "Kamakura Gozan" (the "Five Mountains of Kamakura"), and are famous Zen Buddhist temples. They are great for walking.

Enoshima  has long been a popular day trip spot from Tokyo. From the Enoshima Candle Lighthouse, you can get a 360-degree panoramic view of the island that includes Mt. Fuji. The island is home to the famous "Naked" Benzaiten," Myo-on Benzaiten, one of Japan's "Three Great Benzaiten," worshipped by many people. The Kamakura coastline has five main areas, including Yuigahama, Zaimokuza, and Kashigoe. In summer the area overflows with visitors looking to enjoy the sea, sun, surfing, and fresh seafood. There are restaurants and cafes on the beach during the Summer months. This area is often compared to the beaches of Southern California for its lifestyle, especially the surfing community that developed and flourished during the '50s, '60s, and through the '70s, along with popular music.

Kawagoe

Kawagoe is most famous for its many traditional buildings, which have earned it the nickname Koedo (literally "Little Edo"). With its many sights, traditional shops, and popular seasonal events, the area truly comes alive on the weekend, making it a great day trip from the heart of Tokyo. Be sure to check out Kawagoe's Warehouse District, the Toki no Kane bell tower, and traditional candy shops. Taisho-Roman Street's elegant and nostalgic buildings from the Taisho (1912-1926) and Showa (1926-1989) eras, and Kawagoe's many intriguing temples and shrines. You can access Kawagoe's main station, Hon-Kawagoe, by taking the Seibu Shinjuku Line express train from Seibu Shinjuku Station. Seibu Shinjuku Station is a 5-minute walk north of JR Shinjuku Station. It takes under an hour to get to Hon-Kawagoe from Shinjuku. Kawagoe is called Koedo, which means "Little Edo" in Japanese. Its streets have been maintained since Japan's historic Edo period (1603-1867). The Warehouse District on Kurazukuri Street is lined with old earthen storehouses, unique two-story buildings from the time the city flourished as a major transportation and commerce hub. A sight not to be missed is the Toki no Kane, or "Bell of Time." This bell tower has marked the time for centuries, and continues to ring four times daily.

There are several beautiful temples and shrines in Kawagoe worth visiting, most notably Kitain Temple . It was built about 1,200 years ago. The most striking aspect of the temple is its 538 stone statues of Buddha, each with its own face and unique posture. No two statues look exactly alike, and according to popular belief, there is a statue that resembles anyone who visits the temple. Kawagoe Hikawa-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dating back to the 6th century that has a torii gate 15 meters tall. Kawagoe Kumano-jinja Shrine is a place with fortunes and points of interest on its grounds that are fun for both children and adults. The shrine is within walking distance from Hon-Kawagoe Station.

Kawagoe also introduces visitors to the relatively recent history of Japan as well. Taisho-Roman Street is lined with old, retro western-style buildings from the Taisho and Showa eras. Luckily there are also no overhead power lines, which makes it great for photographs and film shoots. This street has been used for shooting many of the Japanese period films set in these eras. Kawagoe has many other things to see, including Candy Street, a street lined with stores where traditional Japanese candies are made the old-fashioned way.

Hakone

The town of Hakone is situated in western Kanagawa Prefecture, and is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park . It is famous both inside and outside of Japan as a resort area brimming with natural hot springs of the highest quality, and for its stunning views of Mt Fuji. Don't Miss Soaking in some of the country's finest hot springs, boat tours around Lake Ashinoko, the life-prolonging black eggs at Owakudani, and outdoor art installations at the first open-air museum in Japan.  The gateway to Hakone, Hakone-Yumoto Station, is located in western Kanagawa Prefecture, and is easily accessible from Tokyo. You can take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (about 90 minutes).

Hakone is made up of seven hot spring resorts, one of which is Miyanoshita, which began operating in the Edo period (1603-1867). Miyanoshita's Fujiya Hotel opened in 1878 to attract foreign visitors, thus increasing the popularity of the area. Many well-known celebrities, including John Lennon, have stayed at this hotel over the years. Like Hakone's other hot spring towns, the retro atmosphere of the town works in its favor. Another popular destination in Hakone is Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a kind of hot spring theme park. Here, you can bathe in a host of hot spring baths somewhat unusual such as the coffee, red wine, and green tea tubs. There are both swimsuit-friendly and non-clothed areas, making it great if you aren't quite ready to bare everything.

The most iconic view in the area is arguably that of Mt Fuji from the southeastern shore of Lake Ashinoko. Take one of the sightseeing boat tours to explore and enjoy views from the lake. The pirate ship-shaped boats operated by Hakone Sightseeing Boats add a little extra fun to the experience. Alternatively, ride the Hakone Tozan Railway through the area. Trains pass through dense forests and across bridges high up over picturesque gorges. Budget some time to visit Owakidani, a volcanic valley with active hot springs and sulfur vents. The scenery is surreal with volcanic gas and steam billowing up from all around. If you can stomach the strong smell of sulfur and feel like a snack, you may want to try one of the black eggs sold in the valley. They are boiled and blackened by a chemical reaction in the hot springs. Eating one is said to prolong your life by seven years.

Arakurayama Sengen Park

Arakura Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine and its pagoda sit proudly in beautiful Arakurayama Sengen Park. The pagoda is perfectly positioned for spectacular views of distant Mt. Fuji and if you visit during the cherry blossom season you can fit three Japanese icons all into one shot. Get off at Shimoyoshida Station on the Fuji Kyuko Line. There are several routes you can take if traveling from the Tokyo area, but all require a few changes. Perhaps the simplest way is to head for Takao Station in the far west of Tokyo and take the 40-minute Chuo Line train to Otsuki. From there, ride the Fuji Kyuko Line. You can reach Arakura Sengen Shrine in 10 minutes on foot. The pagoda is a further five-minute climb up the hill.

Why Take Day Trips in Tokyo

Taking day trips from Tokyo offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse regions surrounding the city, each with its own distinct charm and attractions.  Tokyo is an exciting but bustling metropolis. Day trips to places like Nikko, Hakone, or Arakurayama Sengen Park allow you to immerse yourself in nature, offering a peaceful contrast to the city's fast pace. Many day trip destinations are located in mountainous or coastal regions, providing fresh air, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor activities like hiking, hot spring bathing, or lake cruising. Areas like Kamakura and Nikko are rich in history, offering ancient temples, shrines, and monuments that provide a deep dive into Japan’s cultural and religious heritage. These locations offer experiences that complement the modern attractions of Tokyo. Visiting places like Kawagoe, often referred to as “Little Edo,” lets you step back in time and experience what life was like in the Edo period, with well-preserved architecture and historic districts.

While it’s visible from Tokyo on clear days, seeing Mount Fuji up close from places like Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes area offers a more breathtaking and memorable experience. This iconic bronze statue is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and is easily accessible from Tokyo, providing a glimpse into the country’s Buddhist traditions. Japan is famous for its onsen (hot springs), and while Tokyo has some options, the best onsen experiences are usually found in natural settings outside the city. Hakone and Izu Peninsula, for example, are renowned onsen destinations where you can soak in mineral-rich waters with stunning views. A day trip to an onsen resort offers relaxation and rejuvenation, a perfect way to unwind after exploring the city. Many destinations around Tokyo, such as Nikko, Kamakura, and Chichibu, are famous for their seasonal beauty. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are particularly spectacular in these areas. While Tokyo is a dynamic city with much to offer, exploring the surrounding regions gives you a broader perspective of Japan’s geography, culture, and way of life. Taking day trips from Tokyo allows you to experience the best of both worlds: the excitement of a modern metropolis and the tranquility, history, and natural beauty of the surrounding regions.