The 7 Best Day Trips from Tokyo

For a trip to Japan, your entry point and / or the exit point would likely be Tokyo. This bustling metropolis is unique in its blend of ultramodern and the traditional. Tokyo offers everything from historic temples to bustling shopping districts, anime and manga culture, and world-class entertainment. What Tokyo also offers is connectivity to several areas nearby that give you a chance to see a different side of Japan and escape the urban chaos.

From natural landscapes and scenic beauty to Japan’s traditional culture and landmarks, there are several day trips that are worth your time. From mountains to coastal areas, from relaxing hot springs to hiking trails, here are some of the popular day trips to consider from Tokyo.

If you are doing several of Tokyo day trips, it is important to choose a hotel in Tokyo near a train station for connectivity.

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Most Popular Day Trips from Tokyo

City / Area	Travel time	Best for
Hakone	Approx. 1.5 hours	Natural scenery, views of Mt. Fuji, Hot springs, Art Museums
Mount Fuji area	1.5 to 3 hours	(Potential) postcard views of Mt. Fuji, Chureito Pagoda
Nikko national park	Approx. 2 hours	Toshogu Shrine, natural scenery such as Kegon Falls
Kamakura	Approx. 1 hour	Temples, shrines, hiking trails

1. Day Trip from Tokyo to Hakone

A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo offers a refreshing contrast to the city buzz, and it’s surprisingly manageable in a single day. It sounds complicated but is easy to follow in practice looping route around the area’s attractions.

How to reach

Getting to Hakone is easy. If you’re staying near Shinjuku then you can take the limited express Odakyu Romancecar in around 90 minutes. Or if you’re staying on the eastern side of Tokyo you can catch the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara and then a local train to Hakone-Yumoto. And if you pick up the Hakone Free Pass (unfortunately the pass itself isn’t free!) at Shinjuku or Odawara, all the transport is included.

Hakone Loop in a day

Once you arrive you’ll discover why the area’s so recommended. From the train station at Hakone-Yumoto it’s best to take a clockwise route. Head first to Lake Ashi, where you can admire the lakeside red torii gate of Hakone Shrine and get views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Cruise across the lake on a pirate ship, then continue up to the volcanic zone at Owakudani by ropeway. This is where sulphur vents hiss and famous black eggs are cooked in natural springs. From there you take a funicular down to Gora and then the scenic mountain railway back to Hakone-Yumoto. 

It sounds complicated, but the Hakone sightseeing loop is really well signposted. You can enjoy all this in a day, but it’s best to start early. If you’d like to relax a little along the way, there are a number of day onsen in the area. Here you can enjoy beautiful views while relaxing in naturally-heated water.

Best Day Tour from Tokyo to Hakone: Mt. Fuji area and Hakone Tour

Contributed by Helen from Helen on her Holidays

2. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo (Shimyoshida & Lake Kawaguchi Area)

If there’s one day trip from Tokyo that absolutely lives up to the hype, it’s to Mount Fuji, one of the most famous Japanese landmarks. Fuji day trip from Tokyo is one of the most popular tours. But we did this as a self guided adventure, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding days of our Japan trip.

How to reach

There is a direct train option. The Fuji Excursion Limited Express train from Shinjuku can take you to Kawaguchiko Station in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Or you can take the Highway Bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Shimoyoshida (around 2 hours, ¥2,200 one way). Return from Kawaguchiko Station by bus to Shinjuku.

What to do around Mt. Fuji in a day

Just 2 hours from Tokyo, the small town of Shimoyoshida is where the fun begins. Step off the highway bus and you’re instantly greeted by Mount Fuji towering over quiet streets and local houses, it’s surreal. Stroll along Honcho Street for that iconic “Fuji framed by town” photo. Or wander the nearby backstreets for a quieter version of the same view.

Next, climb the 400 steps to Chureito Pagoda. It’s a bit of a workout, but the view at the top of Mount Fuji rising behind the five-tier pagoda is pure magic. The pagoda and shrine are particularly stunning during spring and autumn.

From there, catch the local train to Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. The walk to Lake Kawaguchi takes about 15 minutes and is perfect for catching the sunset over the lake. If you’ve got time, ride the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for great views. If you’d prefer to plan it yourself, here is our complete Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo guide with transport tips, exact route, and where to catch the best views.

Best Fuji Day Tour from Tokyo: Mount Fuji 6 Scenic Spots Photo Tour

You can also combine Hakone + Kawaguchiko in one day tour

Contributed by Aiden of Aiden & Maddy Travel

3. Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko

Nikko is one of the best day trips from Tokyo, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture just a few hours away from Japan’s bustling capital. Nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, this is an UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers ornate shrines, tranquil forests (with great hiking trails) and stunning waterfalls, making it a refreshing escape from the city. This is especially true if you are visiting Nikko in summer season, what a relief to escape the heat and humidity of Tokyo.

How to reach

Getting to Nikko is pretty simple and convenient. From Tokyo, take the Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko Station (about 2 hours). Or the JR Nikko Line from Tokyo or Ueno station via Utsunomiya. 

Nikko national park in a day

For many people, a highlight is the Toshogu Shrine, a lavishly decorated complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Unlike many other Shinto shrines that are more modest, every inch of the shrine bursts with colour, gold designs and intricate carvings, including the famous 3 monkeys. Supposedly the 17th century carving birthed the famous phrase ‘See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.’ Beyond the shrine area, Shinkyo Bridge, a bright red sacred bridge arching gracefully over the Daiya River offers one of Nikko’s most iconic views.

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy as well. A short bus ride from central Nikko takes you to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. This 97m high waterfall is surrounded by lush forests that transform into a blaze of colour during autumn. Chuzenji is a wonderful place for kayaking, especially during the months where the leaves are bright red & orange. 

Whether you’re drawn by sacred architecture, mountain landscapes, or relaxing hot springs, Nikko offers a rich and varied experience. It feels worlds away from the bright lights of Tokyo.

Best Day Tour from Tokyo: Nikko Day Tour [This covers Toshogu Shrine, Iroha Mountain Trail, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls]

Contributed by Alex of A Life Well Travelled

4. Day Trip from Tokyo to Kamakura

One of the best day trips to take from Tokyo is to the temple and shrine filled city of Kamakura. Located along the coast just south of Tokyo, Kamakura is a popular tourist destination. From 1185 to 1333 it served as Japan’s political center. Today it’s filled with various temples and shrines, the most popular and well known being the Great Buddha. 

How to reach

Kamakura is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. This is a great option for exploring on your own time at your own speed. The easiest and fastest option is to use the Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station – a journey of 55 minutes. If you’d like to have a little structure and guidance for your visit, it’s also possible to take a bus tour from Tokyo and can be easily booked online.

What to do in Kamakura in a day

The Great Buddha statue is 13 meters tall and a part of the Kōtoku-in Temple. A few other popular, must-see temples and shrines in the area include Hokoku-ji Temple, which is famous for its surrounding bamboo growth. Kenchoji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kamakura. The Sasuke Inari Shrine is also worth visiting.  

In addition to its temples and shrines, Kamakura also has several hiking trails. One of the most popular routes is the Kuzuharaoka-Daibutsu Hiking Trail. This 3-km path begins near the Great Buddha at the Kōtoku-in Temple and ends by the Jochiji Temple. For a slightly longer and more challenging hike, opt for the Ten-en Hiking Trail. This path is about 4.5km long, starts at Kenchoji Temple and ends at Zuisenji Temple. Enjoy your day trip to beautiful Kamakura!

Best Day Tour from Tokyo: Kamakura Day Trip

Another option is Kamakura and Enoshima Day Tour from Tokyo

Contributed by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels.

5. Tokyo day trip to Kawagoe

A day trip to Kawagoe from Tokyo is easy to do. Also known as ‘Little Edo,’ Kawagoe is known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture and rich historical heritage. Kawagoe offers a unique journey back in time with its traditional kurazukuri warehouses and ancient temples. Beyond historical architecture, this charming city also offers a range of delicious Japanese foods and local souvenirs.

How to reach

This is an easy day trip to do, it takes only 40-45 min by train. If you are near Shibuya or Shinjuku, Ttake the Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro. Then, switch to the Tobu-Tojo Line for Kawagoe Station. From Tokyo station, you can take the Marunouchi or Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro. Then transfer to the Tobu-Tojo Line to reach Kawagoe Station.

What to do in Kawagoe in a day

Kawagoe is compact enough so you can walk between points of attraction without having to rely on other trains and buses. Exiting Kawagoe station from north side will lead you to Crea Mall. This is a pedestrian street lined with street food, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You can then explore the historic Kurazukuri warehouse district with its traditional black-tiled buildings. This gives the town its ‘Little Edo’ nickname. Now, many of these historical buildings have been transformed into souvenir shops and restaurants.

Walk down Taisho-Roman Dori for its unique architecture. This street is lined with buildings from the Taisho period, showcasing a mix of Japanese and Western architectural styles. Visit the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, known as a “power spot” for good luck in love and family happiness. And see the iconic Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower), originating from the 17th century in the Edo Period. Time permitting, you can explore the Kita-in Temple, which is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. Its most captivating feature is the 500 Rakan statues, representing Buddha’s disciples.

Best Day Tour from Tokyo to Kawagoe: Karuizawa & Kawagoe Koedo Day Tour

Contributed by Shweta of Zest In A Tote

6. Day Trip from Tokyo to Yokohama

Contrasting the busy city of Tokyo, Yokohama offers a quieter experience with all the charm of a coastal city. The port of Yokohama draws many tourists who cruise around Japan. Like many cities in Japan, Yokohama has historical and cultural attractions to explore.

How to reach

For a day trip, Yokohama is easily reached by bus, Japan rail, or the Shinkansen bullet train. The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is a great choice for those traveling from Tokyo to Yokohama station. This shinkansen is the fastest but also the most expensive. The trip takes 20 – 40 minutes depending on the route and transportation type.

What to do in Yokohama in a day

Chinatown, Minato Mirai 21, and Yokohama Cosmo World are a few of the attractions worth seeing. Cosmo World Park, built for the 1989 World Exposition, has the Clock 21 Observation Wheel to view the area from above. Nearby, visitors can explore the Yokohama Landmark Tower, which has an observation deck with stunning harbor views.

Then there is NYK Hikawa Maru Museum, a floating museum docked on the waterfront, that documents maritime history. The Sankeien Garden features traditional Japanese landscaping, historic buildings, and peaceful walking paths. Yokohama also features the beautiful Goodwill Gate and Kanteibyo (Kuan Ti Miao), a Taoist temple dedicated to the Chinese god of war and business.

For the younger crowd, the city displays painted Pokémon manhole covers, called Poké Lids. These covers are scattered throughout Yokohama and challenge visitors to find them all. For shopping and dining, there’s no better spot than the restored Red Brick Warehouses. They house boutique shops, art galleries, and fantastic eateries. Many restaurants feature outdoor patios to enjoy relaxation and waterfront views.

Best Day Tour from Tokyo to Yokohama: Enoshima and Yokohama Day Tour

Contributed by Karen of Forever Karen

7. Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto

Visiting Kyoto on a day trip from Tokyo is possible and allows you to experience the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years and is considered the country’s cultural and historical center. Kyoto deserves a trip for 3-4 days to explore it fully. But many folks do take a Tokyo day trip to Kyoto due to limited time. You need to make sure to take an early morning shinkansen and have a focussed itinerary to make the best of your day.

How to reach

The best way to travel from Tokyo station to Kyoto station by Shinkansen is on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. The fastest train is the Nozomi (around 2 hours 15 minutes), while the Hikari takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The Kodama is the slowest, making all stops. 

What to do in Kyoto in a day

You can see iconic sites like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha on a day trip to Kyoto. Taking the first Shinkansen from Tokyo gives you a lead on the tourist influx that descends on popular sites in Kyoto. From Kyoto station, take a taxi or bus to reach Kiyomizu-dera temple. This famous temple complex and the 2 popular streets leading to the temple – Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka – are awash with crowds once the tour buses arrive by 9 am. So make sure you reach before that. You can then walk to view Yasaka Pagoda and finally to visit Yasaka shrine. 

Time permitting, you can visit Nishiki Market if you are adventurous about local food. This bustling market offers an extensive range of street food, giving you a chance to delve into the city’s culinary traditions. From takoyaki balls to specialty matcha confections, each stall showcases a facet of Kyoto’s gastronomic culture.

Post lunch, go to the famous Fushimi Inari shrine, an Instagram sensation with crowds to match. But the heavy crowds at the base dissipate once you climb up. The hike to the mountain summit takes about 2-3 hours for a round trip, but you can turn back whenever you want.

Best Day Tour in Kyoto: Kyoto Golden Route Bus Tour

Contributed by Shweta of Zest In A Tote

If I can do ONLY one day trip from Tokyo

Any Tokyo trip requires 3-4 days to enjoy the bustling capital city for a first-time visit. Most visitors to Tokyo can add one day trip from Tokyo, so this is a common question. For nature lovers and those seeking relaxation, Hakone is a great choice. It offers scenic beauty, lake cruises on Lake Ashi, stunning views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting), volcanic hot springs, and unique art museums. For those wanting iconic Mount Fuji views, no better place than Kawaguchiko. Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the most accessible and photogenic spots to see Mount Fuji, on a clear day.

For those wanting a blend of culture and nature, Nikko is excellent. It’s a place where Japan’s deep spirituality meets the beauty of nature ideal for travellers seeking both adventure and serenity in a single day. Nikko park offers both UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, and beautiful natural sites like Kegon Falls. Alternatively, Kamakura provides a mix of historical temples, ocean views, and a charming seaside atmosphere with the iconic Great Buddha statue.

Planning a trip to Japan? Check out –

Start with Essential Travel Tips For Japan and 2 Weeks in Japan

City Itineraries: Tokyo 5 day Itinerary, 3 Days in Kyoto Itinerary, Osaka 3 Day Itinerary

Day Trips: Best day trips from Osaka, Day Trip To Hiroshima, Himeji Castle day trip, Ultimate Guide to Tokyo DisneySea, Overnight Trip to Koyasan Japan

And finally, 4 of Japan’s Luxury Hotels and What to pack for Japan

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