Few cities capture my attention more than Tokyo. But even with all the action in the city itself, one of my favorite reasons to extend my stay in Japan’s capital is to explore beyond the city on some of the must-do day trips from Tokyo.
The regions surrounding the Japanese megapolis are ripe for exploration. In mere hours from Tokyo, I discovered some of Japan’s most interesting travel destinations. From marveling at the Great Buddha in Kamakura to exploring blissful temples & shrines in Nikko, I simply love all the experiences surrounding the city.
Need a little help planning your own getaway? Here’s a complete guide to some of my favorite Tokyo side trips…
Kamakura
If it’s your first time in Japan, I’d recommend at least spending one extra night in Tokyo to explore Kamakura. The town is one of the most popular travel destinations in Japan for both foreign travelers and Japanese city-dwellers.
And there’s one (really) big reason.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) stands as one of the most famous images of ancient Japanese Buddhism. Located in front of Kōtoku-in, the 11.3-meter copper Buddha statue was one of the most enchanting sights I saw on my trip to Japan.
I approached the Great Buddha from the Daibutsu Hiking Trail. It’s a less common route, but one I’d highly recommend if you’ve got the time.
(Will tell ya more about that in a sec…)
When I finally arrived, I dodged the dense crowds to soak up its immense size and graceful details from up close. (Even the incessant spring rains on my entire trip couldn’t sour my experience.)
Kamakura doesn’t start and end here, though. While exploring the former medieval capital of Japan, I stumbled upon several Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Best of all, you can start exploring them within minutes of hopping off the train at Kita-Kamakura Station.
The first Kamakura temple I spotted close to Kita-Kamakura Station is Engaku-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple originally built in the late 13th century.
What stands at Engaku-ji now, unsurprisingly in earthquake-prone Japan, is no longer the original temple. The reconstructions, however, still impressed me. If you’re looking for the perfect place to start your day in Kamakura, I’d recommend a walk around the grounds.
After exploring Engaku-ji, I swayed across the railway tracks towards the Daibutsu Hiking Trail. On the way, I passed by a couple of important temples, including Tōkei-ji and Jōchi-ji. Both temple grounds are worth wandering around before setting course for the Daibutsu Hiking Trail.
Although it wasn’t easy, I finally found the trailhead for the Daibutsu Hiking Trail near the entrance to Jōchi-ji Temple. Following this hiking trail, I embarked on a 3-kilometer trek through a lush forest leading to the Great Buddha of Kamakura. The walk should take an hour and a half or less.
The Daibutsu Hiking Trail was well-maintained, but as I was visiting during the rainy season, it was a tad muddy. I’d recommend bringing along some waterproof hiking shoes and rain gear just in case.
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Along the way, you’ll stumble upon a couple of Kamakura’s most impressive Shinto shrines, including Zeniarai Benten Shrine and Sasuke Inari Shrine.
I’d recommend opting for a slight detour to explore each of these before continuing along the Daibutsu Hiking Trail towards the Great Buddha.
Getting to Kamakura
The easiest (and quickest) way I found to travel from Tokyo to Kamakura is by taking the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station. The ride to Kamakura takes about an hour and costs ¥950. I’d suggest stepping out at Kita-Kamakura Station, one stop before Kamakura, if you want to check out Kamakura’s temple scene.
As a side note, I wouldn’t recommend whipping out your JR pass to save some money. The Japan rail pass is worthwhile in many situations, but short trips in & around Japanese cities aren’t one of them.
I’d hold off on activating your JR pass until undertaking a longer journey, such as the Tokyo-Kyoto shinkansen.
Nikko
Wandering around Nikko slips travelers into a mystical world that we’d all believe had disappeared long ago. Nikko’s temples and shrines, planted upon the misty woodlands, offered the most rewarding escape within reach of Tokyo that I could have imagined.
Unfortunately, shortly after arriving, I discovered that the secrets that belie Nikko’s beauty and grandeur are hardly secret anymore. During summer and on weekends, Nikko isn’t the quiet woodland getaway its moss-blanketed ancient structures imply.
To enjoy a day trip to Nikko at its finest, I’d recommend visiting outside of high season or early in the morning on weekdays.
(Or even better, I’d suggest staying in Nikko to take it all in at a more relaxed pace.)
The town’s famous red bridge, Shinkyō Bridge, is the original gateway to Nikko’s historical area. An age-old rule prevented anyone except the shogun from crossing the bridge. Up until the turn of the century, they seemed to stick to the no-pedestrian rule.
Today, however, visitors can cross for ¥300. (Although, if you ask me, you get better views of the bridge itself from the roadway pedestrian path to the east.)
To reach Shinkyō Bridge, it’s a 30-minute uphill walk (or 10-minute bus ride) from either JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station.
Once I got over the Daiya River (Daiyagawa), the first temple I spotted was Rinnō-ji. Over a dozen buildings sit on the temple grounds.
The most important is Sambutsu-dō (Three Buddha Hall). Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations during my visit, but it has since reopened. As I learned afterward, this hall is famed for three large statues that represent three of Nikko’s mountain deities, who are enshrined at Futarasan Shrine.
After checking out the hall, I’d wander through Rinnō-ji’s other attractions, including Shoyoen. I thought this small Japanese garden, centered upon a pond and flanked by trees, was stunning. And although I was visiting out of the season, I’ve heard that it erupts into transcendent autumn colors every year.
Another of my favorite sites in Nikko is Tōshōgū, a Shinto shrine and the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Inside the complex, I couldn’t get enough of strolling through the over 40 structures springing from the thick forest.
Besides the main stone entrance gate (Ishidorii), the imposing Gojūnotō, a five-story pagoda, introduces Tōshōgū in grand fashion.
Further afoot, you’ll walk under Omotemon into the main shrine area. As I walked past Sanjinko (Three Sacred Storehouses) and Shinkyūsha (The Sacred Stable), I immediately felt as if I was transported to medieval Japan.
Even more impressive, though, is Tōshōgu Shrine’s famous Yomeimon Gate. I loved gawking at the intricate and ornate details and decorations covering every inch of this stunning structure.
Getting to Nikko
If you’ve purchased a Japan Rail Pass, JR East Pass, or Tokyo Wide Pass, the Tohoku Shinkansen and JR Nikko Line are the only options to get to Nikko from Tokyo without paying an additional fare. It’s also one of the most inconvenient ones I’ve found, as the trip involves a transfer at Utsunomiya from the shinkansen line to the JR Nikko Line.
A better option for travelers without a rail pass is the Tobu Railway. The Tobu Railway Limited Express “Kegon” train to Nikko leaves from Asakusa Station.
It’s not the most convenient train station in Tokyo, but the area around Asakusa is worth exploring in its own right. At ¥2,120, it’s cheaper to grab a 2-Day Nikko Pass than to pay for a return ticket from Asakusa to Nikko.
Hakone
Want to truly escape into the Japanese countryside while visiting Tokyo? I’d stick Hakone on my Tokyo day-trip bucket list.
The Hakone region is famous for its views of Mount Fuji and its traditional Japanese onsen. (And I think you’ll understand why the second you show up on a weekend and can’t find a quiet corner anywhere.)
If it were up to me, I’d always pick a weekday to go on a day trip to Hakone. The whole appeal to travel over here, to me, is the breathing room.
Hakone is also, thanks to its incredible natural attractions, one of the best places to cycle in Japan, and bike rentals are available in town. (I’d save this for a longer stay than a single-day trip, though.)
The town of Hakone lies within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The area bubbles with geothermal activity, and I’d argue the onsen culture alone is reason enough to pick a visit here over most of the other options on this list.
The most famous views of Mount Fuji arise from Lake Ashi (Ashinoko Lake), formed within a volcanic crater teetering on the edge of town. If I only had time for one thing here, it’d be a boat tour on Lake Ashi. I can’t think of a better way to spend a couple of hours than sailing amid mountain scenery like this.
Looking for something a little more otherworldly, I’d send you next to Owakudani, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park’s steamy geothermal cauldron and, in my opinion, one of the strangest, most striking sights in the region.
For the full experience, I’d hop on the Hakone Ropeway to get to Owakudani. I’d budget about 30 minutes on foot from the ropeway station into the volcanic area itself.
Getting to Hakone
There are plenty of options to get from Tokyo to Hakone. My pick would be the Odakyu Electric Railway. It’s got direct trains that run from Shinjuku Station, terminating at Hakone-Yumoto for ¥2,470 (Limited Express Romancecar). The journey only takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes.
I’d also look at combining the return fare from Shinjuku with unlimited local transportation in Hakone via the Hakone Free Pass. It costs ¥6,100 for a 2-day pass. It’ll more than pay for itself if you’re hitting more than one or two sights.
Yokohama
Day-tripping between two megacities might not sound exciting, but I think visiting Yokohama from Tokyo is about as easy as travel comes. You can zip between the city centers in under 30 minutes, so there’s little to lose by giving it a shot.
While I can’t claim that Yokohama competes with Tokyo on the sheer scale of must-see attractions, I’d still call it a pleasant city to stroll around for an afternoon or evening.
Despite Japan’s proximity to China, Chinatowns aren’t commonplace, which is why Yokohama’s Chinatown stands out so much to me. It’s actually one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world.
The food in Yokohama Chinatown leans closer to Hong Kong or Shanghai than anywhere else in Japan. If I were planning my day in Yokohama, I’d time it so dinner falls in Chinatown to make the most of it.
At night, I’d make time for Minato Mirai. This seaside urban restoration project set out to create a futuristic vibe. Minato Mirai is jam-packed with high-rises, including Landmark Tower, which once held the title of Japan’s tallest building.
Although it can’t compete with the cyber-skyline of Pudong in Shanghai, Minato Mirai is still a fantastic spot for an evening walk.
If I could only fit in one thing, it’d be the Sky Garden observation deck at Landmark Tower. From the 62nd floor, the 360-degree views over Yokohama are the kind I’d plan an evening around.
Two more Yokohama attractions I’d try to work in on a day trip are the Cup Noodles Museum, a short walk from Minato Mirai, where you design and make your own instant ramen cup to take home, and the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga Sōko), a pair of early-1900s customs warehouses turned into shops, restaurants, and event space right on the harbor.
Getting to Yokohama
From Tokyo Station, I’d take the JR East trains to Yokohama. Fares run as little as ¥500, and the ride only takes about 24 minutes
I’d double-check the timetable first, though. I’ve noticed that some of the slower local trains can take up to an hour and a half.
Narita
If your only experience with Narita is flying into the airport, you’re missing out. It doesn’t get talked about much as a destination in its own right, but a side excursion to Narita is a surprisingly interesting escape from the city, or even from the airport.
If I had a couple of hours to kill before a flight, and I didn’t have enough time to get to and from Tokyo, I’d be happy to spend it exploring Narita.
The small city’s historic center charms with an ancient Japanese style that I wouldn’t have expected this close to an international airport.
I’d pop into Narita City, grab a map, and head for Omotesando, a historical street lined with traditional wooden Japanese shops and restaurants. The street leads to Narita-san Shinshō-ji, a Buddhist temple complex and, in my opinion, one of the most rewarding in the whole region.
I’d wander the temple grounds slowly, taking in architectural gems like Kōmyō-dō and the Great Pagoda of Peace.
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A huge bonus of visiting Narita and Shinshō-ji is the chance to stroll through Naritasan Park on its stone paths that snake through woodlands alongside ponds and pagodas.
I’d time a visit to Narita for spring, when the city’s plum and cherry blossoms are out; get it right, in late February or early March, and you’ll catch the Ume Festival in full swing.
That’s the exact window I’d build a trip around, festival or not. Plum blossoms without the cherry blossom crowds of the big city would feel like a huge win, even if that’s the only thing I could squeeze into a layover at Narita International Airport.
Getting to Narita
My pick for getting to Narita from Tokyo is the Keisei Main Line. Trains depart Keisei Ueno Station roughly every 20 minutes throughout the day, and I’d budget about 70 minutes and ¥860 for the ride to Narita City.
From Narita International Airport, it’s as little as a 7-minute train ride into town.
Kawaguchiko
Looking for the best views of Mount Fuji? I don’t think there’s a better spot to catch them than Lake Kawaguchiko. It’s the easiest of the Five Fuji Lakes to reach from the capital, and in my opinion, it throws in the most postcard-worthy views of Japan’s most iconic sight at every turn.
Besides the scenery around Kawaguchiko, I’d carve out time to check out a couple of other things here too, namely the nearby hot spring onsen, or, if you’re traveling with kids, Fuji Q Amusement Park.
Given the choice between the two, I’d take the onsen every time. Nursing tired feet with a Fuji view beats a rollercoaster line, in my book.
To time a visit with the finest views and smaller crowds, I’d aim to start a day trip to Kawaguchiko before 9 am. If clear Fuji views are the whole point of the trip (and they would be for me), I’d build my entire day around that early start and skip the amusement park altogether.
Visiting during cherry blossom season or autumn, when the fall colors are out in full force, makes a truly majestic scene, too. Just expect the crowds to follow as well.
Getting to Kawaguchiko
Kawaguchiko is a little more involved to reach than some of the other destinations here. From Shinjuku Station, I’d take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station (fastest train: 65 minutes, ¥2,360), then switch to the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station (54 minutes, ¥1,700).
I should warn first-time visitors that the Japan Rail Pass doesn’t cover the Fujikyu Line, whereas the JR Tokyo Wide Pass does.
Kawagoe
One of the most fulfilling outings within reach of Tokyo, the delightful small town of Kawagoe would charm even the crankiest traveler.
I’d start a day trip to Kawagoe with a stroll along the town’s atmospheric Kurazukuri Street. Fringed by well-preserved clay-tiled warehouse buildings turned into shops, cafés & restaurants, the street feels like stepping back into a long-lost era of Japanese history. I’d happily spend half a morning here with no particular agenda.
After grabbing a bite along Kurazukuri Street, I’d save room for the town’s Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokochō). Along this narrow alleyway sit over 20 small shops doling out traditional Japanese sweets, from red bean cakes and ice cream to rice crackers and deep-fried cookies. If I only had an hour in Kawagoe, I’d spend the whole thing right here rather than rushing to see more of the town.
Getting to Kawagoe
There are several different ways to get to Kawagoe by train from Tokyo. My pick for quickest, and surprisingly cheapest, is the Tobu Tojo Line. Tobu trains depart frequently from Ikebukuro Station for Kawagoe Station, taking 27 minutes for ¥490.
From Shinjuku, I’d take the Seibu Shinjuku Line instead. Seibu trains between Hon-Kawagoe Station and Seibu Shinjuku Station run the route in about 58 minutes for ¥1,700 return.
Flexing a Japan Rail Pass instead? Rapid JR trains ply the JR Saikyo/Kawagoe Line in about 64 minutes (¥876). It’d be my fallback if I already had the pass in hand and activated.
Odawara
If dreaming about the castles in Osaka, Himeji, and Matsumoto keeps you up at night, I’d put a visit to Odawara in the cards.
The city’s namesake, Odawara Castle, doesn’t quite hold a candle to Japan’s other castles, in my opinion, but it’s handsome enough that I’d make the detour anyway.
Visiting Odawara in spring, I’d time it around the castle and its surrounding Odawara Joshi-koen Park (Castle Ruins Park). It’s an excellent place to catch Japan’s cherry blossoms in season. I’d build in extra time for the park’s flower garden too: a tropical dome greenhouse alongside a plum grove (the “Bairin of mountain stream”) that blooms in late winter.
While on the castle grounds, I wouldn’t skip the Ninja Museum (Ninja-kan) near the main entrance either. Through digital exhibits, interactive games, and an obstacle course, it digs into the history of the Fūma ninja clan, who served the Hōjō clan during Japan’s Warring States period. It’s a fun stop for kids and adults alike.
Odawara is also popular among locals for fresh seafood, and I’d try to plan lunch around it.
Odawara Fish Market Den serves up a sushi and rice bowl lunch that’s worth the trip on its own. If you’re around on the second or fourth Saturday of the month, I’d swing by the morning market at nearby Hayakawa Fishing Port (a 5-minute walk from Hayakawa Station), too. It’s a good excuse to pick up dried fish, fish cakes, and whatever the boats hauled in that morning.
Getting to Odawara
Odawara lies along the JR Tokaido line, where both shinkansen and local or rapid trains run the route. I’d take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen myself. The trip from Tokyo Station (or Shinagawa Station) via Shin-Yokohama takes about 35 minutes, for ¥3,220 each way, covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
If you’re not in a hurry, the regular, slower local and rapid trains on the JR Tokaido Main Line cover the same route in about 1 hour 40 minutes for ¥1,500 each way. It’s a fine trade if you’d rather save the yen.
Enoshima
Beach bums feeling trapped by Tokyo’s urban sprawl can get much-needed fun in the sun at Enoshima, an island off the Shonan coast just west of Kamakura.
While I won’t claim that Enoshima competes with Bali or even Okinawa, in the densely populated Tokyo area, where options for shore time are limited, this pretty little island is as pleasant an escape as you’ll find.
Besides the popular beaches (actually located on the mainland on both sides of the causeway), Enoshima rewards nature lovers and culture-seekers who explore further.
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On the island sits Enoshima Shrine, spread across three different sites and home to one of Japan’s most important Benten statues. I’d make time for at least one of the three.
Elsewhere on Enoshima, I’d seek out the mysterious Buddhist statues inside the Iwaya Caves on the island’s rugged southern coast, or relax in the hot spring baths at the Enoshima Island Spa.
Getting to Enoshima
From Tokyo, my transportation pick would be the Odakyu Railways Romance Car limited express trains from Shinjuku Station, running directly to Katase Enoshima in 80 minutes (¥650). Check the timetables here.
Kawasaki
Wedged between the megacity giants of Yokohama and Tokyo, Kawasaki is used to getting overlooked and overshadowed. Spend just a day here, though, and I think you’ll find this city of 1.5 million people has more going for it than it gets credit for.
I’d stick to the Kawasaki city center, starting at Kawasaki Daishi, a handsome temple featuring beautiful reconstructions of its Heian-period architecture. The avenue leading to the front gate, Kawasaki-Daishi Nakamise Shopping Street, is worth a walk to check out its dessert spots and souvenir shops.
For something different, I’d make time for the Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum) too. This open-air museum has relocated 25 traditional Japanese farmhouses and structures from across the country, some dating to the Edo Period, spread across a wooded 30,000-square-meter site. It’s a peaceful, photogenic counterpoint to Kawasaki’s industrial reputation.
The Nihon Minka-en is open 9:30 am to 5 pm (March–October) or 9 am to 4:30 pm (November–February). It’s closed on Mondays, and admission runs ¥550 for adults.
The main reason I added Kawasaki to this list was for the Anata no Warehouse, a massive arcade built in an abandoned warehouse that re-created the notorious Walled City of Kowloon in Hong Kong. Labeled the scariest arcade in Japan, Anata no Warehouse closed in late 2019.
(And I’m a little bummed I can’t send you there, to be honest.)
Getting to Kawasaki
With a location between Japan’s two largest cities, several train lines serve the route between Tokyo and Kawasaki. I’d take the JR Tokaido Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station. From Shinjuku and Shibuya, I’d take the Odakyu Line or the Tokyu Toyoko Line there instead.
Mount Takao
If Nikko or Hakone sound like more time than you’ve got to spare, I’d point you to Mount Takao (Takao-san), the easiest hiking day trip within reach of Tokyo. (It’s one of the most popular hiking trails near Tokyo, so I wouldn’t expect much solitude on weekends.)
At 599 meters, Takao-san is an easy climb no matter your fitness level, with a network of numbered trails to choose from.
Trail No. 1 is the most walked, threading past the mountain’s nature and history in about 90 minutes each way. Trail No. 4 leads across a suspension bridge. I’d pick it over Trail No. 1 for the extra scenery at roughly the same effort.
Prefer to skip the climb entirely? A cable car and chairlift both run to the upper section of the mountain, each costing ¥490 one-way or ¥950 return. Given the choice, though, I’d still hike at least one direction rather than ride both ways. (The views along the trail are half the reason to come, in my opinion.)
Partway up sits Yakuoin Temple, a working Buddhist temple that’s been drawing pilgrims for centuries. I’d treat it as a natural stopping point on any of the trails.
I’d plan a visit to Takao-san for autumn, when the foliage turns, and the mountain’s food stalls are in full swing. I would recommend avoiding weekends and public holidays, though, if you actually want to enjoy the trail instead of queueing for it.
Getting to Mount Takao
From Shinjuku Station, I’d take the Keio Line’s direct Limited Express to Takaosanguchi Station. With no transfers, it takes about 50 minutes to get there, costing ¥430 one-way.
There’s also a discounted ticket covering the round-trip fare plus the cable car/lift round-trip for ¥1,450 for adults. I’d grab it if I were doing the round trip anyway.
Okutama
It’s easy to forget Tokyo has a rural side at all. But at the western edge of the prefecture, Okutama delivers wilderness without technically leaving Tokyo.
Okutama is a longer haul than most of the destinations on this list, but it’s also the least touristy. The extra travel time is the one thing that would give me pause about picking Okutama over some of the closer options here. But if getting out of the city is your goal, I can hardly think of a better place to do it.
I’d build my day in Okutama around Lake Okutama, a reservoir ringed by mountains with well-maintained walking trails along its shore. Nearby, Hatonosu Gorge cuts a dramatic path through the Tama River. I’d budget 1 to 1.5 hours for the hiking trail between Hatonosu and Shiromaru stations, through rugged rock formations and thick forest.
For something underground, I’d make the extra trip to the Nippara Limestone Caves. This network of karst caves, with striking rock formations, opens between 9 am and 5 pm from April through November and 9 am and 4:30 pm the rest of the year, with adult admission at ¥900.
(I’d bring a jacket, as Nippara Limestone Caves stay around 11°C inside year-round.)
If I wanted to get the most out of my day trip to Okutama, I’d time a visit for autumn (October–November), peak season for fall foliage in Tokyo. (Summer has its own appeal, though, if you’re looking to escape the city heat in the cool of the valley.)
Getting to Okutama
From Shinjuku, I’d take the JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Station, then transfer to the JR Ome Line. This line runs west through increasingly narrow gorges until it terminates at Okutama Station.
I’d budget about 80 minutes and ¥1,100 one-way for the whole trip. To reach the Nippara Caves from Okutama Station, I’d catch the local bus (about 35 minutes) and walk the remaining 3 minutes.
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