Captivating Day Trips from Tokyo
Tokyo, the world’s biggest metropolis, also reigns as one of the most popular travel destinations on this round ball we call Earth.
While Tokyo offers an endless array of experiences within its urban confines, not all of the gems of the Kanto Area – as greater Tokyo is known in Japan – are in the 23 wards of Tokyo proper.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a honeymoon or visiting Japan as a family, day trips from Tokyo greet you with a wide array of local experiences and spectacular scenery. You can get virtually anything you’re looking for here, from viewpoints and leisure activities in the shadow of Mount Fuji; to temples, shrines and natural beauty in virtually any direction you go from Tokyo.
Each of these day trips offers a different glimpse into Japanese society culture, all within easy reach of Tokyo as a half-day, full day or even overnight as part of your self-guided tour of Japan.
Kamakura: Temples & Laid Back Vibes, a Popular Tokyo Day Trip
Just an hour to the south on your day trip from Tokyo lies Kamakura, a coastal town that once served as the political center of medieval Japan. Here, the past is palpable, with ancient temples and shrines nestled among rolling hills and scenic beaches.
The town's iconic symbol, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, sits in silent meditation at Kotoku-in Temple. This 13-meter-high bronze statue has weathered typhoons and tsunamis since the 13th century,
Nearby, Hase-dera Temple offers a different kind of calm. Known for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, this Buddhist temple's hillside location provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. In June, the temple's hydrangea garden bursts into a riot of color, attracting visitors from far and wide.
For those seeking a more active experience, the Daibutsu Hiking Trail connects the Great Buddha with the idyllic bamboo groves of Hokoku-ji Temple. This gentle 3-kilometer trek offers a perfect blend of nature and history.
As the day winds down, take a stroll down Komachi-dori, Kamakura's charming shopping street. Here, you can sample local delicacies like shirasu (whitebait) on rice or peruse artisanal crafts that make for perfect souvenirs.
You can also combine Kakamura with a stop in Yokohama, on the way from/to Tokyo; and or Enoshima. We talk about both of those next.
Enoshima: An Island of Leisure & Legend
For a taste of Japan's coastal culture on your day trip from Tokyo, head to Enoshima, a small island connected to the Kanagawa mainland by a bridge. Just over an hour from Tokyo, this picturesque spot offers beaches, shrines and coastal caves, all infused with local mythology.
According to legend, Enoshima rose from the sea at the behest of the goddess Benzaiten. Today, her shrine is one of the island's main attractions, along with the octagonal Enoshima Sea Candle lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sagami Bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
Adventure seekers can explore the Iwaya Caves, said to be the lair of a five-headed dragon in times past. Now, these wind-and-wave-carved caverns house Buddhist statues and historic artifacts.
For a truly unique experience, visit the Enoshima Island Spa. This modern onsen facility offers hot spring baths with ocean views, as well as a variety of beauty treatments utilizing locally sourced ingredients like seaweed and ionized seawater.
As the day winds down, find a spot along the western shore to watch the sun sink into the Pacific. The silhouette of Mount Fuji against the colorful sky creates a fitting finale to your island sojourn.
Yokohama: Japan’s 2nd Largest City, Right Next to Tokyo
As you begin your day trip from Tokyo and either ride in the car or bus, or take the train to Yokohama, you might be hard-pressed to tell where Tokyo ends and Yokohama begins. Oh sure, you'll cross a series of rivers, but really it's hard to know one from the other in the sense that it's all one big, giant, urban area.
Yokohama is Japan's second largest city by population. The fact that it is geographically right next to Tokyo makes this the largest metropolitan area not only in Japan but all across the globe. Still, Yokohama has a distinct identity of its own.
As one of the original port cities of japan, Yokohama has a history of being open to the world longer than most other places in japan. This has led to communities such as Yokohama chinatown, one of the largest chinatowns in the world.
Yokohama has a fairly diverse International population, and although it is sometimes seen as a bedroom community for people working in Tokyo, it offers a quality of life and a vibe that are uniquely different from the neighboring capital.
On the way to or from Kamakura/Enoshima, you can stop around Yokohama's Chinatown for a quick bite to eat (ramen fans love it here), and then visit Yamashita Park area as well as Minatomirai and the harborfront area.
How about a Cup Noodles Museum? Yes, it's a whole museum dedicated to instant ramen! You can even make your own custom cup.
Yokohama Cosmo World is a fun, local amusement park. Ride the giant Ferris wheel for epic bay views. If you're feeling brave, try the terrifying-looking diving coaster.
Cap off your day with a drink at the Sky Garden in the Yokohama Landmark Tower. The view of the bay at sunset is unbeatable.
Baseball fans can catch a game at Yokohama Stadium, home of the BayStars in Japan’s Central League. They’re one of five pro teams who play in the Tokyo/Kanto area (along with the Giants, Lions, Marines & Swallow); so, if you’re visiting between April and October, there’s a good chance you can see baseball in Japan.
Nikko: Land of Natural & Architectural Splendor
Two hours north on an overnight or day trip from Tokyo, Nikko presents a blend of natural beauty and architectural significance. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of Japan's most lavishly decorated shrines and temples, set against a backdrop of forested mountains and cascading waterfalls.
The crown jewel of Nikko is undoubtedly Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. This Shinto shrine complex is a Japanese craftsmanship masterpiece, with thousands of intricate carvings adorning its structures. Don't miss the famous "Three Wise Monkeys" carving or the sleeping cat, said to ward off evil.
For those drawn to natural wonders, Nikko National Park offers a vast playground. The sacred Shinkyo Bridge, straddling the Daiya River, serves as a picturesque gateway to the park. Further afield, Kegon Falls plummets 97 meters into a gorge, its thunderous roar a primal counterpoint to the delicate artistry of the shrines.
In autumn, Nikko features a canopy of fiery reds and golden yellows as its famous Japanese maples and ginkgo trees change color.
Before departing, indulge in a plate of yuba, a local delicacy made from the skin that forms on top of boiled soy milk. It's a fitting end to a day steeped in the flavors of traditional Japan.
Hakone: Where Art Meets Nature
Hakone, nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji, offers natural hot springs, world-class art museums and captivating mountain scenery for your day trip from Tokyo. This resort town, just 90 minutes by bus or train from Tokyo, has been a favorite retreat for centuries, its healing onsen (hot springs) drawing visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Begin your Hakone adventure with a ride on the Hakone Ropeway. As you ascend, watch the landscape unfold beneath you, from dense forests to the sulfurous vents of Owakudani, an active volcanic valley. Here, try the local specialty: kuro-tamago, eggs boiled in the hot springs and turned black by the sulfur. Legend has it that eating one will add seven years to your life.
Art enthusiasts particularly enjoy the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculptures by masters like Henry Moore and Rodin stand against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The museum's Picasso Pavilion houses an impressive collection of the artist's works.
For a unique experience, take a cruise on Lake Ashi aboard a replica pirate ship. On clear days, the sight of Mount Fuji reflected in the lake's mirror-like surface is nothing short of magical.
As the day draws to a close, soothe your tired muscles in one of Hakone's many onsen hot spring baths. In either a public bathhouse or a private ryokan (Japanese inn), the mineral-rich waters promise to wash away your cares.
Kawagoe: Historic Village in Tokyo’s ‘Burbs
Step back in time with a visit to Kawagoe, sometimes referred to as "Little Edo" due to its well-preserved Edo-period (1603-1867) architecture. Located within an hour by commuter train from central Tokyo, this charming town gives you a little peek at Japan's feudal past.
Start your day on Kurazukuri Street, lined with historic clay-walled warehouses that now house cafes, restaurants and craft shops. The street's most iconic landmark is the Toki no Kane, or "Bell of Time," a wooden clock tower that has marked the hours for Kawagoe's residents since the 17th century.
Kashiya Yokocho, or "Penny Candy Alley," has traditional sweets that are still made and sold as they have been for generations. Try the “imo” sweet potato treats, a local specialty that reflects Kawagoe's history as a major producer of the root vegetable.
Kitain Temple is an important Buddhist complex that is home to the only remaining structures from Edo Castle, moved here in the 17th century. The temple's gardens are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season as well as during peak autumn foliage.
Before you leave Kawagoe to head back into Tokyo proper, take a moment to admire the Warehouse District, where the sunset paints the old Edo-style buildings in warm hues, creating a scene that could have been plucked straight from a historical drama.
Mount Takao: Nature's Respite, with Easy Train Connections from Tokyo
Yearning for a highland escape? Mount Takao gives you spiritual sites and panoramic views, all just an hour from central Tokyo. At 599 meters, Takao-san, as it's affectionately known, is more of a hill than a mountain, making it accessible to hikers of all levels.
The most popular route to the summit is Trail 1, which passes by the 14th-century Yakuo-in Temple. Here, you might catch sight of long-nosed tengu, supernatural beings from Japanese folklore, carved into the temple's decorative elements.
As you ascend, the trail winds through forests of cedars and maples, offering occasional glimpses of Tokyo's skyline in the distance. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including the Japanese macaque and the vibrant Himalayan maidenhair fern.
Near the summit, the Takao 599 Museum provides insights into the mountain's diverse ecosystem and cultural significance. From the observation deck atop the mountain, on clear days, you can see all the way to Mount Fuji and the skyscrapers of Shinjuku.
For a unique descent, take the funicular or cable car, which offer sweeping views of the Kanto Plain. At the mountain's base, soothe your muscles in the carbonated waters of Keio Takaosan Onsen before heading back to the city.
Choosing Your Tokyo Day Trip
These day trips from Tokyo show that the area’s magnetism extends far beyond the main city limits. These excursions help remind us that sometimes, the most rewarding travel experiences lie just beyond the familiar.
On your next visit to Tokyo, why not set aside some time to venture beyond the big city?
It’s a great switch-off from your active urban itinerary, and an ideal way to charge the batteries while catching some different scenery and local experiences.