Looking for the best day trips from Tokyo? You're in for a treat. Tokyo is perfectly positioned for exploring Japan's most stunning destinations without changing hotels.
From ancient temples to natural beauty, hot springs to UNESCO World Heritage sites, incredible adventures await just a short train ride away. This guide covers the top day trip destinations, complete with transportation details, costs, and insider tips.
🚃 Best Day Trips from Tokyo
Top picks: Hakone (hot springs, Mt. Fuji views, 1.5hrs), Nikko (UNESCO shrines, 2hrs), Kamakura (Great Buddha, beach, 1hr), Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko (lakes, 2hrs), Yokohama (Chinatown, 30min).
♨️
Hakone
⛩️
Nikko
🗿
Kamakura
🗻
Mt. Fuji
🏙️
Yokohama
Why Day Trips from Tokyo Are Perfect
Tokyo day trips offer the best of both worlds. You keep your Tokyo hotel as a base while exploring diverse destinations across Japan. The country's incredible train network makes day tripping easy and efficient.
🚆 Benefits of Day Trips from Tokyo:
- • No need to pack and unpack at multiple hotels
- • Flexibility to adjust plans based on weather
- • Experience countryside Japan without sacrificing city time
- • Save money on additional accommodation
- • Cover more ground during your trip
Most destinations in this guide are reachable in about two hours or less. The Japan Rail Pass makes many of these trips even more affordable with unlimited rides on JR lines.
Getting Around: Transportation Tips
Using the JR Pass
The Japan Rail Pass is invaluable for day trips from Tokyo. A 7-day JR Pass costs around ¥50,000 and covers unlimited rides on JR trains. For a few day trips, the pass pays for itself quickly.
What the JR Pass Covers:
- • Shinkansen to destinations like Nikko and Karuizawa
- • JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura
- • JR Shonan Shinjuku Line to various destinations
- • JR Chuo Line to Mount Takao area
- • Most local train connections
Key Departure Stations
Tokyo Station
Hub for shinkansen and many JR lines. Best for Nikko, Karuizawa, and eastern destinations.
Shinjuku Station
Western Tokyo hub, convenient for Hakone, Mount Fuji area, and Mount Takao.
Hakone: Hot Springs and Mount Fuji Views
Why Visit Hakone
Hakone is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo, and for good reason. This mountain resort area offers hot springs, stunning Mount Fuji views, and diverse transportation experiences. The journey itself is half the adventure, featuring trains, cable cars, ropeways, and boat rides.
Getting to Hakone
🚃 From Shinjuku Station:
- • Odakyu Romance Car: Direct to Hakone-Yumoto (85 minutes)
- • With JR Pass: Shinkansen to Odawara, then local train
- • Round trip cost: ¥4,000-5,000
- • Hakone Free Pass: ¥6,100 for 2 days (includes all transport)
Hakone Highlights
- Hakone Open Air Museum: Outdoor sculpture park with stunning mountain backdrop. Allow 2-3 hours.
- Owakudani Valley: Volcanic valley with active sulfur vents. Try the famous black eggs!
- Lake Ashi: Scenic lake with pirate ship cruises and Mount Fuji views.
- Hakone Shrine: Photogenic red torii gate appearing to float on the lake.
- Onsen (Hot Springs): Day-use hot spring facilities throughout the area.
📅 Sample Hakone Day Trip Itinerary:
- Morning: Depart Shinjuku early, arrive Hakone-Yumoto by 10am
- Late Morning: Visit Hakone Open Air Museum (2 hours)
- Lunch: Traditional Japanese lunch near Gora
- Afternoon: Cable car and ropeway through Owakudani to Lake Ashi
- Late Afternoon: Boat ride, visit Hakone Shrine
- Evening: Return to Tokyo
Nikko: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Why Visit Nikko
Nikko offers Japan's most ornate shrine complex, set in a stunning mountain forest. The Toshogu Shrine complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring incredible carved details. Over 15,000 artisans worked on creating the elaborate decorations you see today.
Getting to Nikko
- From Asakusa (Tobu Railway): Limited express about 2 hours (not JR Pass)
- From Tokyo/Ueno (JR): Shinkansen to Utsunomiya + JR Nikko Line (~2 hours, JR Pass covered)
- Round trip cost: ¥5,000-6,000
Nikko Highlights
- Toshogu Shrine: Look for the famous "three wise monkeys" carving and the stunning Yomeimon Gate.
- Rinnoji Temple: Important Buddhist temple with three giant Buddha statues.
- Shinkyo Bridge: Sacred vermillion bridge spanning the Daiya River.
- Kegon Falls: One of Japan's three finest waterfalls at 97 meters tall.
- Lake Chuzenji: Scenic lake perfect for autumn foliage viewing.
Kamakura: The Great Buddha and Ancient Temples
Why Visit Kamakura
Kamakura was Japan's political capital in the 13th century. Today it offers ancient temples, the iconic Great Buddha statue, and charming beach vibes. The compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot. Many travelers rank Kamakura among their favorite day trips from Tokyo.
Getting to Kamakura
- From Tokyo Station: JR Yokosuka Line direct (about 1 hour)
- From Shinjuku: JR Shonan Shinjuku Line direct (about 1 hour)
- Round trip cost: ¥1,900 (or covered by JR Pass)
Kamakura Highlights
- Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha): The iconic 13-meter bronze Buddha. You can enter inside!
- Hasedera Temple: Beautiful gardens with ocean views. Hydrangeas bloom in June.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine.
- Enoden Railway: Charming vintage tram connecting to Enoshima.
- Hokokuji Temple: Famous for its tranquil bamboo grove.
Mount Fuji Area: Fuji Five Lakes
Why Visit the Fuji Area
Mount Fuji needs no introduction—it's Japan's most iconic symbol. The Fuji Five Lakes region offers the best views of the mountain from multiple angles. Lake Kawaguchi is the most accessible and developed for tourism.
Getting to Lake Kawaguchi
- From Shinjuku: Fuji Excursion train direct to Kawaguchiko (about 2 hours)
- Alternative: Highway buses from Shinjuku Bus Terminal (about 2 hours)
- With JR Pass: Covers JR portion to Otsuki; Fujikyu Railway extra ¥1,200
- Round trip cost: ¥4,500-5,000
Fuji Five Lakes Highlights
- Lake Kawaguchi: Rent bikes to circle the lake or take a boat ride. Classic Fuji reflection photos!
- Chureito Pagoda: Famous viewpoint with five-story pagoda and Mt. Fuji backdrop. 400 steps but worth it!
- Kachi Kachi Ropeway: Cable car ascending Mount Tenjo for panoramic views.
- Oshino Hakkai: Traditional village with crystal-clear spring water ponds.
🌤️ Best tip: Check the weather forecast—Fuji is often hidden by clouds! Winter offers the clearest views.
Yokohama: Japan's Second Largest City
Yokohama is Japan's second largest city, just 30 minutes from Tokyo. This port city offers a different atmosphere—more spacious and international. Being so close, you can visit even with limited free time.
Getting There:
Multiple JR lines reach Yokohama in 20-40 minutes. Round trip: ¥1,000-1,500 (or JR Pass).
Yokohama Highlights
- Cup Noodle Museum: Create your own instant noodles. Book tickets in advance!
- Yokohama Chinatown: Japan's largest Chinatown with hundreds of restaurants.
- Minato Mirai 21: Modern waterfront with shopping and entertainment.
- Sankeien Garden: Traditional Japanese garden with historic buildings.
- Ramen Museum: Sample regional ramen styles in a recreated 1950s street.
Mount Takao: Nature Close to Tokyo
Mount Takao offers hiking and natural beauty just one hour from central Tokyo. This is the easiest mountain experience near the capital. Multiple trails accommodate all fitness levels.
Getting There:
From Shinjuku: Keio Line to Takaosanguchi (50 minutes). Round trip: ¥800 (not JR Pass—private railway).
Mount Takao Highlights
- Cable Car/Lift: Two options for ascending partway up the mountain.
- Hiking Trails: Trail 1 is paved and easiest (90 min to summit). Trail 6 follows a stream.
- Yakuo-in Temple: Impressive temple complex near the summit.
- Summit Views: See Mount Fuji on clear days!
- Keio Takaosan Onsen: Relax at base onsen before returning.
Hitachi Seaside Park: Blue Flower Paradise
Hitachi Seaside Park features stunning seasonal flower displays. The famous nemophila (baby blue eyes) blooming in spring creates surreal blue hills. Autumn brings equally impressive red kochia bushes.
🌸 Seasonal Highlights:
- Nemophila (April-May): 4.5 million blue flowers covering the hills. Peak late April-early May.
- Kochia (October): Red-colored kochia bushes create autumn magic. Peak early-mid October.
- Tulips (April): Rainbow-like displays complement nemophila season.
Getting There: JR limited express from Tokyo Station to Katsuta (90 min), then local bus (15 min). Round trip: ¥4,000-5,000.
Kawagoe: Little Edo
Kawagoe is known as "Little Edo" for its preserved historic district. Traditional warehouse buildings (kurazukuri) line the main street. This glimpse into Japan's past is easily accessible from Tokyo.
Getting There:
- From Ikebukuro: Tobu Tojo Line (30 minutes)
- From Shinjuku: Seibu Line to Hon-Kawagoe (50 minutes)
- Round trip: ¥1,000-1,200 (private railways—not JR Pass)
Kawagoe Highlights
- Kurazukuri Street: Traditional clay-walled warehouses from the Edo period.
- Toki no Kane: Iconic wooden bell tower from the 1600s.
- Kashiya Yokocho: Nostalgic "Candy Lane" selling traditional Japanese sweets.
- Sweet Potato Everything: Kawagoe's famous specialty in countless variations!
- Hikawa Shrine: Beautiful shrine with tunnel of wind chimes in summer.
Enoshima: Beach and Island Escape
Enoshima offers beach vibes and island exploration close to Tokyo. The small island connects to the coast via bridge and features shrines, caves, and ocean views. Combined with nearby Kamakura, it makes a perfect coastal day trip.
Enoshima Highlights
- Enoshima Shrine: Collection of three shrines across the island.
- Sea Candle Tower: Observation lighthouse with 360-degree ocean views.
- Iwaya Caves: Seaside caves with Buddhist statues.
- Seafood Restaurants: Try shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl)!
- Shonan Beaches: Laid-back California-like beach vibe.
Getting There: From Shinjuku, Odakyu Line to Katase-Enoshima (70 min). Or from Kamakura, take the Enoden (25 min). Round trip: ¥1,500-2,500.
More Day Trip Destinations
🏔️ Karuizawa
Mountain resort town, 70 min by shinkansen. Outlets, waterfalls, cool climate. JR Pass covered.
🎎 Kawasaki
Kawasaki Daishi Temple, Folk Houses Museum, Doraemon Museum. 20 min from Tokyo.
⛰️ Chichibu
Mountains, Nagatoro River boat rides, Mitsumine Shrine. Shibazakura flowers in spring.
🐒 Jigokudani (Snow Monkeys)
Wild macaques bathing in hot springs. 3 hours each way but unforgettable! Best Dec-March.
Planning Your Day Trips: Practical Tips
Which Day Trips to Choose
Based on Interests:
- First time visitors: Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura
- Nature lovers: Mount Takao, Nikko National Park, Hitachi Seaside Park
- Japanese culture: Nikko, Kamakura, Kawagoe
- Mount Fuji views: Hakone or Fuji Five Lakes
- Easy access: Yokohama, Kawagoe
Combining Day Trips
Some destinations work well combined:
- Kamakura + Enoshima: Perfect coastal day
- Nikko temples + Okunikko nature: Full day tour
Best Seasons
🌸 Spring
Cherry blossoms everywhere. Hitachi nemophila in early May.
☀️ Summer
Mountain escapes (Hakone, Karuizawa). Beaches at Enoshima.
🍂 Autumn
Stunning foliage at Nikko and Hakone. Kochia at Hitachi.
❄️ Winter
Snow monkeys at Jigokudani. Fewer crowds everywhere.
Final Tips
- Start early to maximize your time at each destination
- Check weather forecasts, especially for Mount Fuji visibility
- Carry cash—rural areas may not accept cards
- Pack light—you'll be moving between trains all day
- Download offline maps for areas without good signal
Start Exploring Beyond Tokyo
Each destination offers something unique—from Japan's history to natural beauty. Whether you choose ancient temples, hot springs, or stunning mountain views, you'll create memories to last a lifetime.
Enjoy your next trip and the amazing adventures that await just a short train ride away!
Ready to Explore Beyond Tokyo?
Our self-guided tours include day trip recommendations, detailed transportation guides, and 24/7 support to help you discover the best of Japan.
Planning day trips from Tokyo? Share your questions in the comments, and we'll help you create the perfect Japan itinerary!