10 Must-Do Side Trips to Maximize Your First (Or Next) Tokyo Adventure

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, a less common route, but one I’d highly recommend if you’ve got the time. (More on that later!)

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 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 is, unsurprisingly in earthquake-prone Japan, 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 entrance to 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 that leads 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 on 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.

Hakone

Want to truly escape into the Japanese countryside while visiting Tokyo? Hakone is your answer.

The Hakone region is über-famous for its views of Mount Fuji and its traditional Japanese onsen. (You’ll see what I mean if you visit on a weekend.) I’d recommend sticking to visiting Hakone on a weekday—that is, assuming you want some breathing room for your adventure.

If you’re interested in more active pursuits, Hakone is, thanks to its incredible natural attractions, one of the best places to cycle in Japan. Bike rentals are available in town. (Although I’d caution that a cycling adventure might be better suited for a slightly longer stay in Hakone than a day trip.)

The town of Hakone lies within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The area bubbles with geothermal activity, helping the town rise as one of the most popular onsen tourism spots we’ve found in Japan.

The most famous views of Mount Fuji arise from Lake Ashi (Ashinoko Lake), formed within a volcanic crater teetering on the edge of town. I’d recommend grabbing a boat tour on Lake Ashi. We can hardly think of anything more satisfying than spending a couple of hours sailing amid incredible mountain scenery in Hakone.

Looking for something a little more otherworldly? Find your way to Owakudani, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park’s steamy geothermic cauldron. It’s one of the coolest sites we’ve seen in the region!

For the full experience, we’d recommend hopping on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani. From the ropeway station, I’d bank on about 30 minutes to walk to the volcanic area.

Getting to Hakone

Figuring out how to get from Tokyo to Hakone makes our heads spin with all the different options available. The least complicated we’ve found is the Odakyu Electric Railway.

From Shinjuku Station, we’ve found direct trains to Hakone. The trains terminate at Hakone-Yumoto and cost ¥2,470 (Limited Express Romancecar). The journey is between just under 1 hour and 30 minutes to about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Another option we’d suggest looking into is to combine the return fare from Shinjuku and unlimited local transportation in Hakone with the Hakone Free Pass. It costs ¥6,100 for a 2-day pass.

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 aiming to visit 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 afterwards, 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, 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.

Yokohama

Day-tripping between two megacities might not excite you. Keep in mind, though, that visiting Yokohama from Tokyo is about as easy as travel comes. We can zip between the city center within 30 minutes. So, if nothing excites you in Yokohama, we’re not far from where we started. It’s worth a try, right?

Even with Yokohama’s size, we can’t compare it to Tokyo. For travelers, there are fewer must-see attractions in Yokohama. Don’t let that stop you, though. Yokohama is still a pleasant city to stroll around for an afternoon or evening.

Despite Japan’s proximity to China, I discovered on my trips that Chinatowns aren’t exactly commonplace in Japan. Yokohama’s Chinatown breaks that stereotype. I was surprised to find out that it’s actually one of the biggest in the world!

Looking for something a little different to eat? We can find dishes here more akin to what you’d find in Hong Kong or Shanghai than in a Japanese city. Time your trip to Yokohama for dinner if you want to dive into the food of Chinatown.

If you’re in Yokohama at night, we’d recommend checking out Minato Mirai. This seaside urban restoration project sought to create a futuristic vibe. It’s 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, we think Minato Mirai is still a fantastic spot for an evening walk. If you can only jam one thing into your itinerary, we’d recommend a visit to the Sky Garden observation deck at Landmark Tower. From the 62nd floor, you’ll gape at stunning 360-degree views over Yokohama.

Getting to Yokohama

From Tokyo Station, we found JR East trains to Yokohama for as little as ¥500. The trip only took us about 24 minutes. Be sure to check the times, though. We also spotted plenty of slower local trains that can take up to an hour and a half to Yokohama.

Narita

If your only experience with Narita is flying into the airport, we think you’re missing out. Although we don’t hear much about Tokyo’s neighbor, a side excursion to Narita is a surprisingly interesting escape from the city. (Or even from the airport if you have a couple of hours to kill.)

The small city’s historic center charms with an ancient Japanese style that’s everything we’d expect. Once you pop into Narita City, grab a map and find your way to Omotesando. This historical street is lined with traditional wooden Japanese shops and restaurants. The street leads to Narita-san Shinshō-ji, a popular Buddhist temple complex that’s our favorite spot in the city.

Wander through the temple grounds, passing architectural gems like Kōmyō-dō and the Great Pagoda of Peace. You’ll quickly see why Narita-san Shinshō-ji is one of the most popular temple complexes in the area!

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A huge bonus to visiting Narita and Shinshō-ji is the chance to stroll in Naritasan Park. We love walking along the stone paths that snake through the woodlands alongside beautiful ponds and pagodas.

Even better, we’d recommend visiting in the spring to wallow among the city’s plum and cherry blossoms. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find yourself in Naritasan Park in late February or early March when the Ume Festival is in full swing.

Getting to Narita

The best way to get to Narita from Tokyo is via the Keisei Main Line. Trains depart Keisei Ueno Station in Tokyo approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day. We’d expect the ride to Narita City to last about 70 minutes and cost about ¥860.

Kawaguchiko

Looking for the best views of Mount Fuji? We’ve found no better way than to head over to Lake Kawaguchiko. The easiest of the Five Fuji Lakes to reach from the capital throws in postcard-worthy views of Japan’s most stunning natural sight at every turn.

Besides exploring the area around Kawaguchiko for the scenery, we’d suggest checking out a handful of other attractions here. Relax in the nearby hot spring onsen or give the kids a little excitement at the Fuji Q Amusement Park.

To time your visit with the finest views (and smaller crowds), we’d recommend aiming to start your day trip to Kawaguchiko before 9 am. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during cherry blossom season or autumn, when the fall colors are out in full force, you’ll truly see a majestic scene unfold!

Getting to Kawaguchiko

We found it a little more difficult to get to Kawaguchiko than some of the other destinations. From Shinjuku Station, we need to take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station (fastest train: 65 minutes, ¥2,360). From here, switch to the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station (54 minutes, ¥1,700).

Note that the Japan Rail Pass doesn’t cover the cost of the Fujikyu Line, whereas the JR Tokyo Wide Pass does.

Kawagoe

Easily one of the most fulfilling outings we’ve found from Tokyo, the delightful small town of Kawagoe will charm even the crankiest of travelers.

Let’s start our trip to Kawagoe with a stroll along the town’s atmospheric Kurazukuri Street. Fringed by well-preserved clay-tiled warehouse buildings that have been transformed into shops, cafés & restaurants, the street feels like stepping back into a long-lost era in Japanese history.

After grabbing a bite along Kurazukuri Street to fuel up your day, give your sweet tooth a treat at the town’s Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokochō). Along this narrow alleyway, we spotted over 20 small shops doling out traditional Japanese sweets. You can indulge in everything from red bean cakes and ice cream to rice crackers and deep-fried cookies.

Getting to Kawagoe

There are several different ways to get to Kawagoe by train from Tokyo. The quickest—and, surprisingly, cheapest—way we found is via the Tobu Tojo Line. Tobu trains depart frequently from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo for Kawagoe Station, taking 27 minutes. The cost is ¥490.

From Shinjuku, we find the Seibu Shinjuku Line more convenient. Seibu Trains between Hon-Kawagoe Station and Seibu Shinjuku Station run the route in about 58 minutes at a cost of ¥1,700 return.

If you’re looking to flex your Japan Rail Pass instead, rapid JR trains to Kawagoe Station ply the JR Saikyo/Kawagoe Line in about 64 minutes (¥876).

Odawara

If dreaming about the castles in Osaka, Himeji, and Matsumoto keeps you up at night, then we’d suggest putting a visit to Odawara in the cards.

Although the city’s namesake, Odawara Castle, doesn’t quite hold a candle to Japan’s other castles, we think it’s handsome enough to justify the short trip from Tokyo to check it out.

Visiting in spring? The castle and its surrounding Odawara Joshi-koen Park (Castle Ruins Park) is an epic place to spot Japan’s cherry blossoms in season.

Odawara is also popular among the Japanese for its fresh seafood. See what local fishermen are draggin’ in at the Odawara Fish Market Den, where you can enjoy a sushi and rice bowl lunch—if you dare!

Getting to Odawara

Conveniently, Odawara lies along the JR Tokaido line, where both shinkansen and local or rapid trains ply the route. Via the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, the trip from Tokyo Station (or Shinagawa Station) via Shin-Yokohama takes about 35 minutes. The fare is ¥3,220 each way and can be covered by your Japan Rail Pass.

Alternatively, we found regular slower local and rapid trains on the JR Tokaido Main Line will cover the route in about 1 hour and 40 minutes at just ¥1,500 each way.

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.

To be sure, we don’t think Enoshima can compete with Bali or even Okinawa. But in the densely populated Tokyo area, where options for shore time are limited, this pretty little island is as pleasant an escape as we’ve found.

Besides relaxing along the popular beaches (actually located on the mainland on both sides of the causeway), Enoshima begs nature lovers and culture-seekers to explore.

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On the island lies Enoshima Shrine. The shrine is spread between three different sites and is home to one of Japan’s most important Benten statues.

Elsewhere on Enoshima, discover 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, we’ve found a few options for getting to Enoshima by train. The simplest are the Odakyu Railways Romance Car limited express trains from Shinjuku Station. This route goes 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 we think this city of 1.5 million people might well surprise you with its lesser-known & unique charms.

Let’s stick to the Kawasaki city center and get enchanted by Kawasaki Daishi, a handsome temple featuring beautiful reconstructions of its Henan Period architecture. Among the coolest and most unique things to do in Kawasaki, however, is to tackle Anata no Warehouse, not far from Kawasaki Station.

This massive arcade, built in an abandoned warehouse, re-creates the notorious & derelict Walled City of Kowloon in Hong Kong. For some, this might just be the scariest arcade in Japan. (But not as scary as the actual Walled City was—I promise!)

Feel the dystopian vibe of this seedy neighborhood come back to life as you sort through the building’s arcade machines, featuring everything from shoot-’em-ups to air hockey tables.

(NOTE: Unfortunately, Anata no Warehouse permanently closed in late 2019.)

Getting to Kawasaki

With a location between the two biggest cities in Japan, several train lines ply the route between Tokyo and Kawasaki. The JR Tokaido and JR Keihin-Tohoku Lines run between Tokyo Station and Kawasaki. From Shinjuku and Shibuya, you can take the Odakyu and Tokyu Toyoko Lines, respectively.

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