Tokyo, a vibrant metropolis pulsating with energy, undoubtedly holds a magnetic allure for travelers. However, even the most ardent city enthusiasts might find themselves craving a respite from the relentless pace of shopping sprees, culinary adventures, and sightseeing expeditions. While Kyoto and Osaka beckon as alternative destinations, or perhaps an overnight stay in a traditional ryokan seems appealing, numerous captivating locales lie just beyond the city limits, perfect for a rejuvenating day trip. This curated list unveils fifteen exceptional day trips from Tokyo, complete with insider tips on transportation and must-see attractions.
1. Nagano: Olympic Playground
Nagano, forever etched in history as the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics, offers a surprising accessible escape from Tokyo, thanks to the efficient Shinkansen bullet train. From December to March, Nagano transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders to its pristine slopes. Beyond snow sports, the region boasts a wealth of winter attractions, including the awe-inspiring snow walls of the Tateyama Snow Corridor, flanking Japan’s highest road. Nature enthusiasts can witness the endearing sight of wild snow monkeys luxuriating in their favorite hot springs, a truly unique experience.
As the weather warms, Nagano reveals its verdant landscapes, inviting hikers to explore its myriad trails. The Hakuba Happo Pond trail offers breathtaking vistas, while the two-hour trek to Togakushi Shrine leads to a sacred site steeped in Japanese mythology. For those preferring urban exploration, the Zenko-ji Temple houses a revered statue of Buddha, believed to be the first ever brought to Japan.
Getting There: Reach Nagano from Tokyo via a swift 90-minute journey on the Shinkansen bullet train.
Travel Tip: Indulge in the local delicacy of oyaki dumplings, savory stuffed pockets perfect for on-the-go snacking.
2. Matsumoto: The Crow Castle
Matsumoto, while slightly more distant and challenging to reach from Tokyo, proves a worthwhile detour when visiting Nagano, approximately an hour away by car. Renowned for its magnificent 16th-century castle, Matsumoto exudes a charming ambiance with noteworthy attractions like the Timepiece Museum. However, Matsumoto Castle, affectionately known as the Crow Castle due to its striking black exterior, undoubtedly steals the spotlight. As one of Japan’s most iconic structures, the castle’s somber facade commands attention, while its rich history as the seat of the shogun captivates history buffs. Exploring the castle grounds reveals surrounding towers and intricate inner and outer gates, adding to the allure of this historical landmark.
Getting There: The fastest route to Matsumoto involves taking the bullet train to Nagano and transferring. Alternatively, opt for the direct Azusa Express Train, albeit a slightly longer journey of approximately 3 hours.
Travel Tip: Check for local events in Matsumoto, as the castle town hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, including the lively Taiko drum festival in July and the mesmerizing ice sculpture festival in January.
3. Takasaki: Origin of Daruma
Takasaki, often overlooked by mainstream tourists, harbors a captivating cultural heritage centered around daruma dolls, the iconic good-luck charms adorned with determined expressions. For admirers of these vibrant figurines, a pilgrimage to Jigenin Temple is essential. Here, visitors encounter daruma in all shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors, offering a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions. Explore renowned shops like Daimonya, offering a diverse array of dolls with distinct colors and purposes. Participate in a short workshop to personalize your own daruma doll, creating a cherished memento of your Takasaki experience.
Getting There: Travel to Takasaki by bullet train in approximately 50 minutes, or opt for the more leisurely JR-East Takasaki Line, taking around 2 hours.
Travel Tip: Embrace the tradition of acquiring a new daruma doll after the New Year. During the first week of January, an annual market unfolds, showcasing an extensive collection of daruma dolls for sale.
4. Chichibu: Pink Fields
While Japan is celebrated for its delicate cherry blossoms, Chichibu, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, offers a springtime spectacle of even more pink hues at Hitsujiyama Park. Between April and May, the park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of pink moss, with a carpet of Shibazakura flowers blooming in shades ranging from deep fuchsia to blush pink and violet. The park’s springtime splendor owes its beauty to the Shibazakura flower, also known as moss phlox. As the flowers typically bloom after the cherry blossom season, it offers an opportunity to capture the beauty of pink flowers if you miss the blossoms in Tokyo. Every year the flowers are planted to create fun and beautiful patterns.
Getting There: From Ikebukuro Station, board the Seibu Limited Express Chichibu train, which travels directly to Seibu-Chichibu Station in approximately 80 minutes. The park is a 20-minute walk from the station.
Travel Tip: Expect crowds during the flower bloom. Explore the park’s hiking trails, pond, sheep ranch, and tennis courts for a diverse experience.
5. Misaki Town: Tuna Markets
Seafood enthusiasts can demonstrate their passion by arriving in Misaki early to witness the bustling seafood market, where local fishermen present their fresh catch of the morning. While the main market closes early, the town abounds with establishments offering fresh fish. Indulge in a culinary adventure at local restaurants, savoring some of Japan’s freshest sushi. Consider taking a cooking class to master the art of preparing your own sushi rolls. Misaki’s signature dish, the maguro donburi, a tuna sashimi rice bowl, is a must-try. As one of Japan’s largest tuna ports, Misaki is known for the superior quality of its tuna compared to that found in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market.
Getting There: Purchase a day trip ticket from any Keikyu Line Station (excluding Sengakuji and Misakiguchi Stations) for convenient train and bus transportation. The ticket offers discounts on meals and souvenirs.
Travel Tip: Extend your Misaki visit by crossing the bridge to Jogashima Island, exploring its well-marked hiking trails and historic lighthouse.
6. Mount Fuji: Japan’s Tallest Peak
Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, a dormant volcano (last erupted in 1708), is a must-see destination for a day trip. Situated approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Tokyo, Mount Fuji provides an accessible nature escape. Although Mount Fuji can be seen from Tokyo on a clear day, seeing this mountain up close will make a greater impact. Towering at 12,388 feet, it is the highest mountain in Japan and also one of the most climbed mountains in the world. The climbing season extends from July to August, with the ascent typically taking 8 to 12 hours to reach the summit.
Getting There: Several options exist, including a bus from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station or Fuji-Q Highland. Alternatively, take the Fuji Excursion Limited Express train from Shinjuku Station directly to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 2 hours one way).
Travel Tip: Consider guided tours of Mount Fuji for a hassle-free experience.
7. Nikko: Home of an Elaborate Shinto Shrine
The town of Nikko is home to Tosho-gu, a Shinto shrine dating back to the 17th century. The UNESCO World Heritage site also serves as a mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun in Japan. Ieyasu is considered a god ("Great Deity of the East Shining Light"), and his final resting place is one of the most stunning shrines in the country. The shrine is a lavish shrine complex, with wood carvings and decorative gold leaf. Must-see spots include the Five-Story Pagoda, the Three Wise Monkeys carving, and the Kagura-den Dance Hall. Visit Nikko National Park for a quick hike in the forest.
Getting There: From Asakusa station, take the Nikko-Kinugawa Toll Limited Express train towards Kinugawa Onsen, and disembark at Shimo-Imaichi station. From there, take a bus to the Tosho-gu shrine. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Travel Tip: Nikko and the area around Lake Chuzenji are most beautiful in the autumn months when the red leaves (momoji) are in full color. Check out Yumoto Onsen for cozy hot springs, located in Nikko National Park.
8. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Cuteness Amplified
Tokyo Disneyland, the first Disney theme park built outside of the United States, offers a distinctive experience. Japan’s amplified cuteness has made this park more enjoyable than the originals. Notable Disney names and places include Cinderella’s castle in Fantasyland, Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, and Splash Mountain in Critter Country. Tokyo DisneySea, created specifically for Tokyo Disneyland, is worth visiting.
Getting There: Shuttle buses are available from Tokyo station. Alternatively, take the JR (Japan Railways) Keiyo and Musashino Lines to Maihama Station. The ride takes about half an hour.
Travel Tip: Avoid visiting the park on national holidays, such as Golden Week.
9. Hakone: Natural Hot Springs
Hakone offers a supreme onsen experience with Mount Fuji views. Easily accessible from Tokyo, Hakone provides stunning views of Japan’s snow-capped mountain. Many onsens offer daytime passes, granting access to baths, showers, and facilities. Hakone Yuryo is one such spot. Consider taking a cable car to Owakudani, a volcanic hot spring area with sulfurous springs.
Getting There: Take the Shinkansen to Odawara station, and transfer to a local bus. The whole journey should take about an hour with the train and bus ride each lasting 30 minutes.
Travel Tip: Head to Hotel Green Plaza Hakone for great views of Mount Fuji and relax in the hot spring. Try the black eggs, or kuro tamago, cooked in the sulfurous water.
10. Yokohama: Japan’s Second Largest City
Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, is an admirable city all its own. Less than a half-hour from Tokyo by train, Yokohama is an easy day trip. Yokohama is home to Japan’s largest Chinatown, where you can find some of the best Chinese food in Japan. Kanteibyo Temple, built in 1873, is dedicated to the Chinese god of good business and prosperity.
Sankeikan Garden offers respite from the cityscape. Minato Mirai 21 is the city’s main center of entertainment. There is an iconic Ferris wheel, a high-rise observation deck, and a waterside promenade. Consider the Cup Noodles Museum.
Getting There: From Tokyo station, take either the Yokosuka Line or the Keihin-Tohoku Line to Yokohama station. There is also a ferry that takes about 90 minutes and leaves from Tokai Kisen.
Travel Tip: Hotels in Yokohama tend to be less expensive and the train ride is only 30 minutes long to Shibuya Station, it may be worth considering as an alternative to accommodation in Tokyo.
11. Kamakura: Medieval Surf Town
Kamakura, an idyllic seaside town south of Tokyo, was once the political center of medieval Japan. Its most famous landmark is the Kotoku-in Temple’s Great Buddha, a 43-foot-tall bronze statue. Visit Hokokuji Temple to experience its peaceful bamboo grove.
If visiting in June, head straight to Meigetsuin Temple, which is surrounded by flowering hydrangeas. Surfers should also visit Yuigahama Beach, which is only a 20-minute ride from the train station
Getting There: For a no-transfer ride from Tokyo station to Kamakura station, take the Yokosuka Line Local bound for Zushi. The trip should take only about an hour.
Travel Tip: If you want to try learning how to surf, there are surf schools on the beach that can give you a lesson in English.
12. Enoshima: Mysterious Island Caves
Enoshima, a stone’s throw from Kamakura, is another haven for surfers and beach-lovers. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji. Visit the mysterious Iwaya Caves. To get to the caves, you need to go up a series of stairs to a high point on the island, and then descend 220 steps back down to sea level. You’ll enter the first cave via a long, narrow tunnel with a candle lantern. At the end, there are statues of Buddha and other deities. The second cave is smaller and contains a statue of a once ferocious dragon, who’s now a tame local guardian.
Getting There: From Shinjuku station in Tokyo, board an Odakyu Line train towards Fujisawa and get off at Enoshima station (about an hour and 40 minutes). From Kamakura, take the Enoshima Dentetsu Line (Local), which should take about 50 minutes.
Travel Trip: If you’d like to try a fish dish that’s not sushi, try the Shirasudon (Shirasu Donburi), one of Enoshima’s local delicacies.
13. Mount Takao: Wild Monkey Park
Mount Takao, much-loved by Tokyoites, offers lush scenery and easily accessible hiking areas. Even if you’re not the hiking type, Trail 1 is paved. This trail will take you to major sightseeing spots on Mount Takao, including a monkey park, where Japanese macaques roam and play. Admission to the monkey park grants free entry to a wildflower garden with over 500 different types of plants. Toward the summit of Mount Takao is Yakuoin. Built in the year 744, this Buddhist temple is part of a lineage of shugendo, a kind of mountain asceticism.
Getting There: Take the Keio Line Limited Express towards Takaosanguchi from Shinjuku station and get off at the last stop. It should take about an hour to get to Takao. Once you’re in Takao, you can head to Kiyotaki Station and take a cable car up to the top of the mountain.
Travel Tip: Take advantage of the day passes at Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, which has a variety of hot springs, including a carbonated bath.
14. Sanrio Puroland: Hello Kitty and Friends
Sanrio Puroland is the place for Hello Kitty merchandise. Puroland’s overwhelming cuteness is for people who care about Sanrio characters. Even if you’re lukewarm about Gudetama, My Melody, and the rest, this indoor theme park might drive you into full-on fandom. There are chances to meet the characters, as well as performances that are engaging for kids. Don’t miss out on the boat ride and sample the pink My Melody curry or blue Cinnamon-Sky curry at the Sanriotown Character Food Court.
Getting There: From Shibuya station, it’s an easy 45-minute train ride to Sanrio Puroland. Take the Keio-Inokashira Line Express towards Kichijoji and get off at Shimo-Kitazawa station. From there, board the Odakyu Line Express towards Karakida and disembark at Odakyu-Tama Center. Sanrio Puroland is about an eight-minute walk from the train station.
Travel Tip: Check the online calendar before you make your plans.
15. Kawagoe: Edo-Era History
Kawagoe is where you can go to get a taste of "old" Japan if you’re not going to Kyoto. On Kurazukuri Street you’ll find traditional warehouse buildings, now quaint cafes, restaurants, and shops. There’s also an entire street of sweet shops, nicknamed Candy Alley. After shopping and sightseeing, refuel with eel and rice, one of Kawagoe’s specialty foods.
Once known as "Little Edo," Kawagoe was a trade city with an important relationship with Tokyo. The two cities shared a similar culture and architecture style, but where Tokyo exploded into a modern metropolis, Kagowe has held onto more of its old-world charm.
Getting There: From Shinjuku Station, take the Kagawoe line train and get off at Kawagoe-shi, one of the last stops. It should take about an hour.
Travel Tip: Time your visit at either 6 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., or 6 p.m. to hear the Toki no Kane Bell Tower.
