Tokyo, the thriving metropolis of Japan, is a city you can easily spend months in. On my very first trip to Japan, I spent two weeks just in Tokyo! There are a ton of amazing day trips from Tokyo that give you a good feel for the area all while getting to stay in one place. The following has some of the top places that other travelers loved visiting.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you!
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Tokyo
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Tokyo here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel.
The following hotels make for a great place to base yourself to take some day trips from Tokyo.
- Hyatt Centric Ginza
- Conrad Tokyo
- APA Hotel Ginza-Kyobashi
- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Kyobashi
- Intercontinental Tokyo
Day Trips from Tokyo: Under 1.5 hours
Odawara
By Karen from ForeverKaren
Time: 30 minutes
Taking a day trip from Tokyo to Osawara takes little more than one hour to drive the 51-mile route from Tokyo to Odawara, in the Kanagawa prefecture. However, if you’re uncomfortable driving on the left, there’s a better option. The Shinkansen or bullet train takes 30 minutes from Tokyo to Odawara station.
Odawara, along the coast of Sagami Bay, is known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. The city’s best-known attraction is Odawara Castle, a 5-minute walk south of the station.
Dating back to the 15th century, the castle’s exterior dominates the skyline with its white façade and black tiled roof. Once a defensive structure that saw lots of action, the castle is now restored, and its in-depth museum offers a glimpse of its storied past.
Through restoration, the castle’s exterior remained the same. Inside, the structure was gutted and a modern museum spans five floors. Like many places in Japan, this castle isn’t accessible as no elevator was added during the restoration. Most informational displays are only in Japanese, so we recommend Google translate or Papago for translation.
At the peak, the castle offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains. In other buildings, we toured the Samurai and Ninja Museums, which allowed visitors to rent a traditional Japanese Kimono or Samurai costume for photo opportunities.
While Odawara Castle is the primary reason for visiting this area, other attractions exist. The Enoura Observatory, Daiinari Shrine, and Odawara Fish Market are big tourist draws.
Although most visitors travel to Odawara from Tokyo, they can also reach it from other areas. Those arriving at the port of Shimizu can also travel by Shinkansen. The day trip from Shizuoka (Shimizu) to Odawara by bullet train takes approximately 42 minutes, making it a great shore excursion. These stops make for some of the best day trips from Tokyo.
Yokohama
By Kay of The Awkward Traveller
Time: 1 hour
Yokohama is a port city only an hour (43.2km/27 miles) away from Tokyo and is actually the second largest city in Japan, though it has its own distinct flavor. Yokohama is a destination for folks who enjoy the amenities and attractions of a big city but with a little less noise and chaos. Visitors can easily get to Yokohama by the local train, and with the fare ranging between ¥500-600 (~$4 USD), it is also one of the very budget-friendly day trips from Tokyo with something for everyone.
For any Yokohama day trip, start off your itinerary by popping over to the Red Brick Warehouse, a former shipping facility turned military storage outpost turned current shopping and event venue. The Red Brick Warehouse hosts some kind of seasonal festival almost every weekend, but on the off-chance there is no local event planned, there are permanent shops, restaurants, and souvenir booths to browse.
After, it’s time to indulge in some good ol’ fashioned ramen. Depending on how early you start your day trip, you might have time for both, but otherwise feel free to choose between the following museums: the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum or the Cup Noodles Museum. The Ramen Museum takes you through the origins of one of the most iconic Japanese dishes, and then you get able to sample ramen varieties from around the country. The Cup Noodles Museum, in contrast, specifically focuses on instant ramen and the opportunity to create your own custom (and edible!) Cup Noodles as a souvenir, as well as having a food bazaar serving noodle dishes from around the world.
Last but not least, head to Yokohama’s Chinatown to stroll the colorful neighborhood packed with boutique stores and restaurants, mostly representing China’s southern Guangdong Province. Or for something a bit more adventurous head to Cosmo World, a cute pier amusement park with a rollercoaster, arcade games, and the Yokohama Ferris wheel.
Kamakura
By Sofia of Come Ama Viaja
Time: 1 hour, 15 mintues
Kamakura is one of the best places to visit around Tokyo. This charming Japanese town is located about 35 miles from the capital and can be easily reached by train; a journey of about an hour and 15 minutes (from Shibuya or Shinjuku). Once you arrive in Kamakura, the best thing to do is to walk the streets of its center to explore its temples and shrines and end up on the coast to enjoy its beaches.
The most popular place to visit in Kamakura is the Kotoku-in Temple, where the Great Buddha of Kamakura is located. Speaking of temples, another must-see is the Hase-dera Temple, where hundreds of jizo statues rest. The Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine is also a very interesting visit. There are many other temples, but if you are going to spend a day in Kamakura, these are the ones you cannot miss. As for shopping streets, you cannot miss the Komachi-dori, the ideal place to visit souvenir stores or go to a cafe or restaurant.
In addition, Kamakura offers numerous trails and has several beaches on its coastline, which you can enjoy especially during the summer months. For all these reasons, Kamakura is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo, and I am sure you will love it!
Day Trips from Tokyo: 1.5 hours or longer
Nikko
By Kenny of Knycx Journying
Time: 2 hours
Nestled in the scenic mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is a cultural gem and a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a rich blend of history, spirituality, and stunning landscapes. It is one of the best day trips from Tokyo. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Nikko is home to the ornate Toshogu Shrine, a magnificent example of Edo-period craftsmanship dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Its unique blend of Shinto and Buddhist architecture, combined with intricate carvings and gold leaf embellishments, makes it a must-see for visitors seeking to understand Japan’s cultural heritage.
Located about 125 miles (200 kilometers) north of Tokyo, Nikko is a comfortable two-hour journey from the capital. Travelers can hop on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya, then transfer to the JR Nikko Line, or opt for the Tobu Railway’s direct services from Asakusa Station for added convenience.
Nikko’s allure lies in its captivating mix of historic sites and natural wonders. Beyond Toshogu Shrine, explore the serene Futarasan Shrine, the Shinkyo Bridge, and the sacred Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s top three waterfalls. The breathtaking Lake Chuzenji and the vibrant autumn foliage of Nikko National Park also draw visitors year-round.
A day trip to Nikko from Tokyo is wonderful because Nikko’s serene ambiance offers a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis, providing an enriching escape into Japan’s spiritual and natural heart.
Don’t miss the Yuba (tofu skin) specialties at local restaurants – a delicacy unique to the region and a perfect way to refuel during your exploration.
Nagano
By Liza from Atlas Rambler Travel Guides
Time: 2 hours
Visiting Nagano to see the snow monkeys is an absolute must when you are in Japan.
Nagano is 225km (140 miles) from Tokyo which in most countries might be too far for a day trip. However, thanks to Japan’s shinkansen fast trains, Nagano can be enjoyed as one of the best day trips from Tokyo. Start your day early and take the bullet train to Nagano, which takes about an hour and a half. Take the Nagaden Express Bus which will drop you at the Jigokudani park entrance. If you prefer, there are many convenient day tours that will take care of the transport for you. From the park entrance, enjoy a 30-minute scenic walk through the forest.
Keep an eye out for the macaques along the path before you eventually emerge from the forest to see whole families of the curious monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs. In winter, the steam from the hot springs and the snow surrounding the pools make for a really unique sight and incredible photos.
Aim to spend about an hour or two at the park to truly take it all in. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly, especially in winter, as the area can be snowy and slippery. Enjoy a nice meal in one of Nagano’s famous soba noodle restaurants before jumping on the fast train back to Tokyo. Although one of the longer day trips from Tokyo, the opportunity to see the snow monkeys makes a trip to Nagano 100% worth it!
Hakone
By Helen of Helen on Her Holiday
Time: 2 hours
If you’re looking for a fabulously scenic and varied day trip from Tokyo, then you should definitely consider Hakone. This area, around 50 miles from Tokyo, sits in the mountains and has so much to do that you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Most visitors to Hakone do the Hakone Round Trip, also known as the Hakone Loop. This circular route takes all the highlights of the area and includes a mountain railway, a cruise on a pirate ship across Lake Ashi, and a cable car ride across a smoking volcano. Along the way, you can visit amazing art museums, enjoy onsen, see beautiful shrines, and eat local specialties. Don’t miss the famous black eggs cooked in volcanic water. It’s said that eating one will add 7 years to your life.
If you time it right, Hakone can also be an amazing place to see Mount Fuji. On clear days, Fuji is visible from Lake Ashi and the smoking sulfur vents at Owakudani. It makes for one of the best day trips from Tokyo.
The best way to experience the Hakone Loop is to buy the Hakone Freepass. This pass includes virtually all transport around Hakone, including the cable car ropeway and pirate ship; most visitors will save money by using the pass, and it’s very convenient.
The quickest way to get to Hakone if you’re staying in Shinjuku is to take the Romancecar limited express to Hakone-Yumoto. The journey takes just under 90 minutes. There are slower trains if you’re on a budget (these trains are included in the Hakone Freepass), but it’s best to get Hakone by around 9.30 to have time to make the most of your day trip. If you’re staying closer to Tokyo Station, you can take a 30-minute Shinkansen to Odawara and then change to either a bus or a local train.
Fujikawaguchiko
By Destiny of Guided by Destiny
Time: 2 hours
Fujikawaguchiko is hands down one of the best day trips from Tokyo, especially if you want those iconic Mount Fuji views. It’s about 2 hours from Tokyo (around 70 miles) and super easy to get to—just hop on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station. Then, transfer to Otsuki. Once you arrive at Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway, which will take you straight to Kawaguchiko Station.
Seeing Mount Fuji up close is a whole different experience than just catching a glimpse from Tokyo. The views from Lake Kawaguchi are unreal, and if you time it right, you can get that dreamy reflection shot on the water.
You can take a ride on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for insane views, rent a paddleboat and cruise around the lake, or visit Chureito Pagoda, one of the most famous spots for Mount Fuji photos. And if you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, where the pink moss phlox flowers create the most magical backdrop.
Definitely grab a meal at the Beef Cutlet Specialty Store Koshuya—they’re known for their crispy, juicy beef katsu, and for a drink, check out Oar Blue, a cool man-made bar full of rustic charm. We felt like locals the second we walked in!
If you can, plan your day trip with some flexibility, especially in the summer when Mount Fuji gets shy. But even if you end up going on a gloomy day (which happened to us), the town itself is so cute, and there are plenty of fun things to do in Fujikawaguchiko to keep you busy even without those iconic views!
Lake Kawaguchiko
By Pamela of the Directionally Challenged Traveler
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
You can escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo with a refreshing day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko, located about 62 miles (100 kilometers) from the city. The journey typically takes an hour and a half to two hours by bus or train, making it an ideal getaway without the hassle of a long travel day. You can take a highway bus from Shinjuku Station, which offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. Alternatively, you can take a train towards Otsuki and transfer to the Fujikyu Railway for a leisurely ride.
Once you arrive, you’ll immediately feel the charm of the region, where the tranquil waters of the lake perfectly frame the majestic Mount Fuji. This area is a haven for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unwind. There are plenty of things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko to fill your day. You can take a relaxing boat ride on the lake, stroll along its picturesque walking trails, or even rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding parks and viewpoints. If you’re a fan of local culture, visiting nearby shrines and museums will provide you with insight into the area’s rich history and traditions.
Be sure to check the weather before you leave, as a clear day will provide the best views of Mount Fuji and the sparkling lake. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and to catch the serene morning light over the water (but there may be morning clouds so check the weather). With its convenient access and abundance of activities, you’ll quickly see why Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the best day trips from Tokyo.
Matsumoto
By Eloise of Shortcuts and Sidequests
Time: 2 hours
One of my all-time top sunsets was at Matsumoto-jo, or Crow Castle. The striking multi-tiered building was reflected in the moat. The Japanese Alps glowed pink and lilac in the distance. The people in the castle grounds all stared at the view, smiling at each other, not needing a common language. The monument speaks for itself.
Matsumoto Castle is one of the country’s oldest buildings, dating back to the 16th century. It is a classic example of samurai military architecture, with its tall keep, high stone walls, and moat. You can climb to the top for spectacular views. I visited Japan in Winter and loved seeing the snowy peaks spread to the horizon.
Crow Castle is located in the lively town of Matsumoto. Don’t miss the quirky Nawate-dōri market street with stands selling antiques, souvenirs, and street food. You’ll find many ceramic frogs for sale, too. These are in honor of the noisy amphibian neighbors who live in the river below. The Ukiyoe Museum has a great collection of Japanese woodblock prints, and the Timepiece Museum brings together clocks from all over the world, including a cool Art-Deco-style clock on the facade itself.
On the outskirts of town, the Daio Wasabi Farm is well worth a visit if you want to learn how the peppery green condiment is made. You can walk around the large fields of wasabi fed by small streams and enjoy a wide range of wasabi products at a small street food market. I recommend the wasabi ice cream and beer.
Matsumoto is a great day trip for Tokyo. There are several direct bullet trains each day, which take a little over 2 hours.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Tokyo
As you can see, there are many amazing day trips from Tokyo to take during a visit to Japan. If you have more time, definitely add in some time in Osaka or Kyoto area. Alternatively, head to Sapporo during the wintertime for the best winter activities.
