10 Best Day Trips from Tokyo (That Are Actually Worth It)
Tokyo might be your first stop in Japan, but it doesn’t have to be your only one.
Like most travelers, you’re probably arriving in Tokyo, thanks to regular cheap flights, convenient public transport, and how easy it is to get around in English.
And while I’m not usually a city person, I even enjoyed Tokyo. But after spending weeks in Japan on two separate trips, I found that it’s the smaller towns like Kawaguchiko and Kyoto that really gave me a deeper sense of the country.
So if you’re staying more than three days, I highly recommend not limiting yourself to Tokyo.
Even without a car, you can easily explore with quick bus or train rides. Whether you’re craving mountain air, ocean views, or a peaceful temple town, there’s a perfect escape just a short ride away.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my favorite day trips from Tokyo (all within 1-2 hours), how to get there, and what to do once you arrive. I also included my best tips to help you avoid tourist traps and make the most of your day trip.
1. Mount Fuji & Kawaguchiko
Travel time: ~2 hours away
Via Highway buses from Shinjuku or Shibuya reach Kawaguchiko in about two hours (~¥1,250–¥2,000 one way)
If I could only take one day trip from Tokyo, it would be to Kawaguchiko, the lake town that sits beneath Mount Fuji’s iconic peak.
Fuji is famous for being shy, often hiding behind clouds, but on our visit, we were lucky enough to see it peek through several times throughout the day.
We spent an entire day here and even stayed overnight at a traditional ryokan on the lake — something I highly recommend if you have the time.
Watching Fuji’s reflection shimmer across Lake Kawaguchi at sunrise felt like one of those moments that made our entire Japan trip worth it.
Like most travelers, we started at Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park. The 398 steps to the top are not so easy. But the view of the forest on the right made it a peaceful, almost meditative climb.
In the end, we saw that picture-perfect view of the red pagoda with a small peak of Mount Fuji because it was a little cloudy the day we visited
We skipped both to relax at our ryokan instead, soaking in our private onsen and ending the evening with a comforting bowl of hōtō noodles, a local specialty.
Pro Tip: If you’re not staying overnight, join either this guided group tour or book this private customized tour to make the most of your time. These include stress-free round-trip transport from Tokyo, plus stops at Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchi and even to the famous LAWSON Kawaguchiko Station.
2. Nikko
Travel time: ~2 hours one way
Via Tobu Railway from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko Station (¥2,700–¥3,000 round trip or use Nikko All Area Pass)
Just two hours north of Tokyo, Nikko feels worlds apart with its misty forests, ancient cedar trees, and colorful shrines.
If you arrive early (before 9 a.m.), start your day at Lake Chuzenji. The morning light reflecting off the water and the quiet mountain air make it feel like time has slowed down.
If you get to Nikko later, begin with Toshogu Shrine and save the lake for the return leg. Toshogu Shrine is the ornate resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and one of Japan’s most intricate works of craftsmanship.
The famous “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” carving isn’t just a cute photo spot. The monkeys are shown as children, representing innocence and the Buddhist wish that young people avoid evil by not seeing, hearing, or speaking it.
Many people also visit Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s top three most beautiful waterfalls. It’s stunning, a 100-meter drop into a gorge framed by fiery maples in autumn — but also crowded.
Go on a weekday or catch the 6 a.m. bus to beat the tour groups. Otherwise, skip the falls and enjoy the lake. The stillness there captures the spirit of Nikko better than any photo ever could.
Quick Tip: Bus schedules can be irregular, so check times before you go. Keep in mind that restaurants close early (often by 5 p.m.), so pack snacks or eat before heading back to Tokyo.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to juggle train and bus connections, I recommend joining this group tour instead that goes to three spots I’ve mentioned (Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji). If you’re already a group, you can book this highly-rated private tour. This saves you from timing headaches, especially if it’s your first time navigating Japan’s rural transport.
Why it’s worth the trip:
If you want Kyoto’s temple magic without the long journey or crowds, Nikko is the perfect substitute. It offers the same cultural depth in a more natural, introspective setting.
3. Kamakura
Travel time: ~1 hour away
Via R Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station (¥940 one way)
Even though it’s just an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura feels like stepping into another world with the sound of ocean waves and temple bells. That’s why this coastal town is a favorite escape for Tokyo locals.
The town’s highlight is the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in Temple. This 13th-century bronze statue is unique for being a large, hollow figure that sits in the open air rather than inside a hall, a rare sight in Japan. Standing before it, surrounded by trees and soft sea light, you can almost feel the weight of its calm presence.
Nearby, Hase-dera Temple offers hillside paths lined with hydrangeas and seasonal views of the coast. Visit in early summer to see the paths burst into color. It’s one of the most peaceful and photogenic spots near Tokyo.
After exploring, stroll down to Yuigahama Beach to watch surfers glide along the waves before sunset. End your day with a comforting meal at Kamakura Sukiyaki & Shabu-shabu Sasho. It’s rich flavors capture the heart of small-town Japan.
You can learn more about Kamakura by joining this walking tour with a local. It connects Kamakura’s temples with nearby Enoshima Island, just 20 minutes away, where you’ll find ocean views, coastal shrines, and even glimpses of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Pro Tip: Get the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass (~¥1,640 from Shinjuku) for unlimited local train rides and easy access to nearby sights. If you’d rather skip train transfers, then this Kamakura full-day tour from Tokyo is a perfect choice for you.
Why it’s worth the trip:
Kamakura is Kyoto by the sea — ancient temples, ocean air, and a slower pace that feels restorative after Tokyo’s intensity. It’s ideal if you want a taste of Japan’s history without the long train ride or heavy crowds.
4. Hakone
Travel time: ~2 hours one way
Via Odakyu Limited Express “Romancecar” from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (Use Hakone Free Pass: ~¥6,000 / $40)
If Tokyo is Japan’s heartbeat, Hakone is where you finally catch your breath. Just under two hours from the city, this mountain escape weaves together art, nature, and relaxation into one unforgettable day trip.
Start your morning at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, one of Japan’s most inspiring art spaces. Set against forested hills, its sculptures seem to breathe with the landscape.
With more than 2,000 glowing reviews, the Picasso Pavilion, encased in glass, is a must-see for art lovers. Sunlight streams through as if the mountain itself were part of the gallery.
Afterward, hop on the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic views of Owakudani Valley, where volcanic steam drifts from the earth like a living painting. On clear days, Mount Fuji appears in the distance. It’s breathtaking surprise if you catch it between the clouds.
For lunch, stop in Gora, a small town of steaming onsen baths and cozy tea houses. Once you slipped into an onsen here, you’ll feel the crisp mountain air meeting the rising steam.
End your day with a short cruise across Lake Ashi, framed by green hills and distant Fuji views. The pirate-style boats might look kitschy, but once you’re gliding across the still water, it’s pure calm.
Pro Tip: If you’d rather not plan the logistics yourself, you can join this guided day trip from Tokyo that includes transport and a Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise and the key sights I mentioned in Hakone.
If you’d prefer to slow down and soak in an onsen, then this private day trip to Hakone that includes a traditional Japanese lunch and visits to lesser-known local spots is better option for you.
Why it’s worth the trip:
Hakone offers everything travelers dream of in Japan — hot springs, mountain views, and peaceful moments of reflection — all within a few hours of Tokyo.
5. Yokohama
Travel time: ~30 minutes one way
Via: JR Tokaido Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station (¥480 one way)
When Tokyo’s fast-paced energy starts to feel overwhelming, Yokohama offers a perfect escape.
It’s close enough to feel familiar, yet calm enough to reset. Japan’s second-largest city combines modern harbor views, inventive food culture, and creative attractions into an easy day trip that never feels rushed.
Start in Minato Mirai, where glass towers reflect the bay and the gentle sea breeze softens the city buzz. Take your time along the promenade and watch the ferris wheel lights flicker to life before sunset. You’ll be in awe of this simple moment.
Food lovers will be in heaven here. The Cup Noodles Museum is nostalgic. You can design your own instant noodle cup and watch it sealed before your eyes, a favorite stop for both kids and adults.
Then wander over to Yokohama Chinatown, the largest in Japan. Follow your nose through alleys scented with sesame oil, dumplings, and roasted chestnuts. Getting lost here is part of the fun. Double the fun by doing it with a local!
As the sun sets, take a ride on the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel for a panoramic view of the illuminated skyline shimmering across the water. It’s a perfect finale before catching your train back to Tokyo.
Quick Tip: Visit Yokohama Chinatown around 4–5 PM. It’s early enough to skip dinner crowds but late enough to catch the lanterns lighting up. For an extra treat, grab a freshly roasted chestnut cone from a street stall before your Ferris wheel ride.
Pro Tip: If you’d rather explore Yokohama without worrying about train routes or missing hidden spots, I’d recommend this Yokohama full-day tour with a local expert. It includes visits to Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Sankeien Garden, plus insider stories that about the city.
Why it’s worth the trip:
Yokohama delivers the best of both worlds — big-city sparkle and laid-back harbor charm — without the crowds or chaos. It’s the easiest, most rewarding escape when you want a change of scenery but not a full itinerary.
6. Kawagoe
Travel time: ~1 hour one way
Via Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro (¥480) or the JR Kawagoe Line from Shinjuku
If you’re visiting Tokyo and craving a glimpse of old Japan without the long train ride to Kyoto, Kawagoe is the perfect alternative.
Just an hour away, this small, walkable town preserves its Edo-period charm with wooden merchant houses, clay-walled warehouses, and the Toki no Kane bell tower that still rings across the streets each day.
The town feels nostalgic yet lively. Paper lanterns sway outside sweet shops, shopkeepers greet you warmly, and the faint scent of roasted sweet potatoes fills the air. I still remember arriving around 8 a.m. and hearing the morning bell echo through the narrow lanes. It felt like stepping back in time.
Don’t miss Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley), where sweet potato snacks are the local pride. Try them every way you can — as cakes, chips, or even ice cream.
Quick Tip: Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the old streets before tour groups arrive. Most shops open around 10 a.m., so you can take photos of the quiet lanes and grab fresh sweet potato snacks as they come out of the oven.
Pro Tip: If I’m choosing to go to Kawagoe, I’d do it with this walking tour. The local guide will walk you through Kawagoe’s preserved streets, introduce local treats, and share the legends behind its “Little Edo” nickname.
Why it’s worth the trip:
Kawagoe offers Kyoto’s timeless beauty without the distance or crowds. It’s a day trip that feels personal and unhurried. A place where Japan’s past isn’t behind glass, but alive in every sound and scent.
7. Kyoto
Travel time: ~2 hours one way
Via Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station ( ¥13,320 one way)
Although I always recommend spending at least two days in Kyoto, it’s possible to visit on a day trip. Just be prepared for a long, slightly expensive, but deeply rewarding day.
If Tokyo moves at full speed, Kyoto feels like it’s walking instead. My partner, Matthias, didn’t understand the appeal at first. After an hour of wandering its quiet lanes, he turned to me and said, “I get it now.” Kyoto isn’t about checking off temples. It’s about slowing down, breathing in the temple incense, and simply being present.
Most visitors rush to Fushimi Inari Taisha (the thousands of crimson torii gates) or the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, but find them too crowded, so we skipped them.
Instead, we walked through the narrow streets of Gion. Joining this walking tour can help you understand the stories behind Kyoto’s most traditional neighborhood.
Then, we paused at Kennin-ji Temple. We didn’t go inside the halls but chose instead to enjoy its quiet atmosphere from the main grounds and outer gardens. We ended the day with a kaiseki dinner that felt almost ceremonial, definitely the favourite thing that I did in Kyoto!
This Izakaya bars walking tour is another great option to experience the city’s nightlife and sample local dishes with a guide.
If anyone asks me how to have a perfect day in Kyoto, my answer is simple: be in Kyoto. Don’t chase photos. Just walk, listen, smell the incense, and let the city show itself to you. That’s where its magic lies.
Pro Tip: Catch an early morning Shinkansen from Tokyo and return late in the evening to make the most of your visit. The JR Pass covers this route and can save money if you plan additional train travel. Then, if you want to see more of Kyoto’s highlights without the stress of navigation, this full day tour offers expert-guided access to its most iconic sights.
Why it’s worth the trip:
Even in just one day, Kyoto invites you to experience Japan’s soul, not through sights, but through stillness. It’s a reminder that travel isn’t only about what you see, but how deeply you feel it.
8. Enoshima
Travel time: ~2 hours one way
Via Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station (640 one way)
Enoshima is easily one of the most beautiful places we visited near Tokyo. Just two hours from the city, this small island offers the kind of calm you don’t realize you’ve been craving until you arrive. Ocean air, quiet shrines, and scenic walks come together in a way that feels effortless.
The crash of waves replaces Tokyo’s constant hum, while the smoky scent of grilled seafood drifts through the narrow seaside lanes. Above it all, the Enoshima Sea Candle lighthouse glows softly over the water — a beacon watching over the bay.
Start at Enoshima Shrine, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, where locals still stop to clap and bow before crossing the bridge. From there, continue toward the island’s western cliffs and descend into the Iwaya Caves. The air grows cool and damp as the tide echoes through the tunnels. It feels completely otherworldly. (Entrance: ¥500.)
In summer, the beaches fill with swimmers and surfers. By sunset, the view over Sagami Bay glows in warm light, and on clear days, Mount Fuji stands in the distance. The perfect reward for slowing down.
Quick Tip: Be ready for a workout! There are a lot of steps as you go up and over the island toward the caves and tidal pools. The path isn’t a loop, so you’ll climb it all again on your way back. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and take your time. The views are worth every step.
Pro Tip: Most travelers visit Enoshima together with Kamakura, and the easiest way to do it is on this Kamakura & Enoshima Day Tour from Tokyo. It includes round-trip transport, temple visits, and plenty of free time to explore Enoshima’s coastal views and shrines
Why it’s worth the trip:
Enoshima feels like a full vacation condensed into a single day — sea air, shrines, and sunset views, all within easy reach of Tokyo. It’s where Japan’s coastal charm meets quiet spirituality, and you leave feeling lighter than when you arrived.
9. Chichibu
Travel time: ~2 hours one way
Via Seibu Line from Ikebukuro to Seibu-Chichibu Station (¥780 one way)
If you enjoy gardens, mountain views, or seasonal flower displays, Chichibu is the place to go. Just two hours from Tokyo, this quiet town in Saitama Prefecture feels worlds away — a slower rhythm of life surrounded by rolling hills.
Chichibu takes deep pride in its traditions. Every December, the Chichibu Night Festival transforms the town into a glowing spectacle of lantern floats, taiko drums, and festival chants echoing through the streets. It’s one of Japan’s top three float festivals and has been celebrated for over 300 years.
Even outside festival season, Chichibu is beautiful. During spring, Hitsujiyama Park bloomed in waves of pink and white moss phlox. It’s a rare kind of calm that only small towns in Japan seem to offer.
The local food is just as memorable. Try miso potatoes (crispy, sweet, and savory) or waraji katsu, a giant pork cutlet shaped like a straw sandal. Both taste even better after exploring Chichibu Shrine or resting by the river.
Next time I visit Chichibu, I also plan do a hike to Mitsumine Shrine. It has the most scenic trails to one of Japan’s most spiritual mountain shrines.
Pro Tip: Visit in late April or early May for peak shibazakura blooms. The park gets crowded, so arrive early for the best photos and views.
Why it’s worth the trip:
Chichibu is perfect for travelers who crave mountain air and cultural depth in equal measure. It’s an easy escape into Japan’s countryside rhythm — where festivals, flavors, and quiet moments blend into something genuinely unforgettable.
10. Karuizawa
Travel time: ~1 hour one way
Via Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station (¥5,500 one way)
If you’re craving fresh mountain air and quiet elegance, Karuizawa is the perfect day trip from Tokyo. Just over an hour away in Nagano Prefecture, this resort town blends forest beauty with refined calm. Once a summer retreat for Tokyo’s elite, it remains one of Japan’s most sophisticated yet accessible mountain getaways.
The best way to explore is by bike. Ride through tree-lined paths where sunlight filters through tall pines and stop at Kumoba Pond — nicknamed Swan Lake — where autumn leaves ripple perfectly on the mirrored water. It’s one of those scenes that makes you pause and simply breathe.
Stroll along Karuizawa Church Street for charming bakeries, coffee shops, and local craft stores. For a bit of modern indulgence, the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza offers scenic outlet shops framed by mountain views.
In winter, the town transforms into a quiet snow retreat. Gentle ski slopes and warm cafés give it a cozy, storybook feel — the kind of place where you sip hot cocoa by a frosted window and forget Tokyo is just an hour away.
Pro Tip: If you’d rather skip the planning, this this guided tour offers a stress-free way to experience the town. You’ll visit peaceful spots like Kumoba Pond, Karuizawa Church Street, and the Prince Shopping Plaza, all with insider context and flexibility tailored to your pace.
Why it’s worth the trip:
Karuizawa captures Japan’s serene side — peaceful, polished, and easy to reach. Whether you visit for biking in autumn or snow in winter, it’s the kind of destination that lingers with you long after you’ve returned to the city.
Where Will Your Next Day Trip from Tokyo Take You?
Tokyo’s magic doesn’t end at the city limits. Just a short train ride away, you can step into peaceful temples, mountain villages, and coastal escapes that reveal a quieter, more authentic side of Japan.
Whether you crave misty hikes around Mount Fuji, historic shrines in Nikko, or the calm waves of Enoshima, each destination offers a new way to experience Japan beyond the crowds and neon lights.
Imagine soaking in an onsen in Hakone, tasting street food in Yokohama’s Chinatown, or biking through Karuizawa’s cool mountain breeze. Every trip lets you slow down, reconnect, and see Japan at its most soulful.
Before you head out, make sure you can travel stress-free. I personally use Airalo eSIM for reliable internet on trains, maps, and translations — no need to swap SIM cards or hunt for Wi-Fi.
Use code GLADIS15 for 15% off and explore confidently, wherever your next Tokyo day trip takes you. Because Japan’s best moments often start the moment you step beyond the city.
