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What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo? Most Popular Ones You Will Love
BY Sibashree Mar 26, 2026
If you are like me, your first trip to Japan probably started off in Tokyo, surrounded by bright neon lights and an astounding number of people moving around to get from place to place. Tokyo is a logical starting point because of the many inexpensive daily flights that arrive, as well as its efficient public transportation, making it very easy to get around and communicate with those whom you meet there, because they speak some English. But let me tell you a little secret I learned from spending two different trips to Japan over the course of three weeks. Although I had fun in Tokyo, I’m definitely not a big progressive city person. The real beauty and the heart of Japan are found away from the chaos of Tokyo. The true essence of Japan can be experienced at its best in either the peaceful mountains high above the sea or in the salty air along the coast of Japan. So if you are planning on staying in Tokyo for more than three days, do yourself a favor and venture outside of the city limits. These are my favorite day trips from Tokyo. You can travel to each of these destinations within 1 to 2 hours. What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo? Tokyo is an incredible gateway. However, Japan’s true magic is often found in the places where the skyscrapers disappear. Whether you want the spray of the ocean in Kamakura or the mountain air of Hakone, I promise that leaving the city for just a day will change how you see the country. From Mount Fuji to Kyoto, the Soul of Japan, the day trips from Tokyo are as diverse as they can be. Here is a detailed account of my experience in those places. 1. Mount Fuji And Kawaguchiko: The Icon Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Reach There: Highway buses from Shinjuku or Shibuya (~¥1,250–¥2,000 one way). If I can only recommend one escape, it will be Kawaguchiko, a town located right at the foot of Mt. Fuji. "Shy" Fuji hides behind a curtain of clouds and can be quite elusive. While I visited, Fuji showed off for me on several occasions. I spent an entire day in this beautiful town, but would recommend an overnight stay at one of the many traditional ryokans situated on the lake if possible. There, you will notice the the juxtaposition of Fuji's reflection on Lake Kawaguchi at sunrise will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highlights From My Visit Climbing the 398 steps of Chureito Pagoda was strenuous. However, the meditation-like calm through the forest made it worthwhile. I was fortunate enough to see the iconic site of the Red Pagoda with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop, as the clouds rolled in and covered the summit of Fuji. Hōtō noodles are a local specialty and are made up of thick, flat noodles cooked in a Japanese miso broth. Eating them will feel like a warm hug! So, don’t forget to try it. 2. Nikko: A Place Of Mist And Masterpieces Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Tobu Railway from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko Station. When you visit Nikko, you will see all that it has to offer in the stunning, misty forests and cedar trees. Moreover, the detailed and ornate shrines seem to be jewelry boxes. Insider Tip: Arrive before 9 am at Lake Chuzenji to witness how the morning light creates an incredibly peaceful scene on the water. If you arrive later than 9 am, visit the Toshogu Shrine first, which is where Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried and features the famous three monkeys, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". Many people come to see Kegon Falls, but it can be crowded due to the high tourist volume. Unless you arrive at dawn, I would recommend skipping Kegon Falls and enjoying the calm waters of the lake instead. 3. The Coastal Soul Of Japan: Kamakura Travel Time: 1 hour How to Get There: JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (¥940 one way). Kamakura is also popular as the "Kyoto of the East," and I can see why. Although it is an hour from Tokyo, when you are there, you will be surrounded by the smell of salt and incense from the temples instead of exhaust from busy streets. Be sure to see the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in. This is a large bronze hollow statue located outside. Standing there, surrounded by trees and soft sea light, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility. After visiting the Great Buddha, I walked to Yuigahama Beach to watch the surfers and the sunset before enjoying a meal of sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. 4. Hakone: A Breath of Mountain Air Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Odakyu “Romancecar” from Shinjuku. I recommend the Hakone Free Pass. Tokyo is the pulse of Japanese culture, and it is in Hakone where you'll find peace after the city's frenzied pace. Hakone is a beautiful blend of modern and ancient. The first stop for my visit was at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where I walked among sculptures created by some of the most famous artists in the world, surrounded by natural beauty all around me. Then, I took the Hakone Ropeway across the Owakudani Valley. It is an active volcanic area where steam rises out of the ground, creating a picture of a living canvas. On clear days, you may see Mt. Fuji as well. The day was capped off with a boat ride on Lake Ashi aboard a vessel that resembled a "pirate ship." I was hesitant about it being cheesy, but the sights were gorgeous. 5. The Easy Escape To Yokohama Travel Time: 30 Minutes How to get there: JR Tokaido or Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station (¥480). When I need to relax from the chaos of Tokyo, I tend to go to Yokohama. Yokohama is the 2nd largest city in Japan. However, it has a much more relaxing atmosphere due to the harbor. I enjoy taking a stroll along Minato Mirai, which is another word for "harbor view," while enjoying the ocean breeze. For something "quirky", I went to the Cup Noodles Museum to create my own cup of noodles and to learn about the history of Nissin Food Products. However, the highlight was visiting China Town, which is the largest in Japan. My recommendation is to arrive at China Town around 4:00 or 5:00 PM. It will be early enough to beat the dinner rush and late enough to see the entrance of all the glow from the lanterns. Take a bag of roasted chestnuts and enjoy the view of the skyline from the water while riding on the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel. 6. A Trip Back In Time To Kawagoe Travel Time: 1 Hour How to get there: Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro or JR from Shinjuku. If you want a taste of the Edo period without trekking all the way to Kyoto, go to Kawagoe. It’s a walkable town full of clay-walled warehouses and wooden merchant houses. When I arrived at 8 AM, I heard the Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) tolling in the stillness of the morning. I went back 200 years in time. If you have time to go to Candy Alley, everything is made from sweet potatoes, cakes, chips, and even ice cream! I know it sounds strange, but I assure you that it is really good! 7. Kyoto: The Soul Of Japan Travel Time: 2 Hours (by Shinkansen) How to get there: Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (¥13,320 one way). I usually tell people to stay at least two days in Kyoto, but if a day trip is all you can manage, do it. It is expensive, but it is worth every yen. To appreciate Kyoto fully, you should focus on finding peace and serenity rather than simply marking off temples from a to-do list. Instead of fighting the crowds at the bamboo groves, I found my peace by sitting in the wonderful gardens of Kennin-Ji Temple and breathing the incense they burned there. 8. Enoshima: Islands And Icons Travel Time: 2 Hours How to get there: Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station. Enoshima is where Japan’s coastal charm meets its spiritual side. It’s a small island with a bridge and shrines dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Prepare to take many steps as you make your way to Iwaya Caves on the opposite end of the island. The sound of waves'll surround you as you leave the noise of the city behind. Furthermore, inside the caves, it’s a different world! After you leave the caves and head back, stop at a vendor and buy some grilled fish or seafood so you can enjoy the smoky aroma of the grilled fish while walking through Enoshima Island. 9. Chichibu: Mountains And Moss Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Seibu Line from Ikebukuro to Seibu-Chichibu Station. Chichibu is an outdoorsy place if you love the outdoors! It's got mountains and has a strong cultural heritage. If your timing is right in the spring, Hitsujiyama Park gets huge patches of pink and white moss phlox in bloom. This area has deliciously filling meals, including miso potatoes and waraji katsu (a pork cutlet that’s named after a straw sandal because of how large it is). 10. Karuizawa: The Alpine Retreat Travel Time: 1 Hour How to get there: Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Finally, there is Karuizawa. This is where Tokyo’s elite found an escape from the summer heat, and it still feels incredibly sophisticated. Renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to experience this area. I spent my first morning biking through beautiful pine tree forests until I arrived at Kumoba Pond. The pond has such calm water that it feels like looking into a huge mirror! In the winter, it turns into a beautiful, snowy retreat perfect for relaxing after spending several days in the city. Read Also: Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? 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