Tokyo is huge, but some of the best experiences in the region are just outside the city. Within one or two hours by train, you can see lavish mountain shrines, a giant bronze Buddha by the sea, hot springs with views of Mount Fuji, and an Edo-era merchant town. Here are the best day trips from Tokyo, with how to get there and what to see.
The Best Day Trips From Tokyo
1. Nikko
Travel time: about 2 hours by Tobu limited express from Asakusa, or by shinkansen and local train via Utsunomiya.
Nikko's UNESCO-listed shrines and temples are some of the most ornate in Japan. Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, is covered in gold leaf and carvings, including the famous "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" monkeys. Cross the red Shinkyo Bridge, then, if you have time, take the bus up the winding Irohazaka road to Lake Chuzenji and the 97-meter Kegon Falls. Nikko is spectacular in autumn.
2. Kamakura
Travel time: about 1 hour by JR train from Tokyo or Shinjuku.
Kamakura was Japan's capital in the 12th and 13th centuries. See the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in, a 13-meter bronze statue sitting in the open air, visit Hase-dera temple with its views over the bay, and walk the shopping street to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine. Hike one of the forest trails between temples, or take the retro Enoden train along the coast to Enoshima island.
3. Hakone
Travel time: about 1.5 hours by Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku.
Hakone is a hot spring area in the mountains, and the classic "Hakone loop" makes a fun day: a mountain railway, a cable car, and a ropeway over the volcanic valley of Owakudani (try the black eggs boiled in the hot springs), then a pirate ship across Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in view on clear days. Add the Hakone Open-Air Museum or a soak in an onsen. The Hakone Freepass covers most of the transport. Hakone is also lovely as an overnight stay in a ryokan.
4. Kawagoe
Travel time: about 30 to 60 minutes by train from Ikebukuro or Shinjuku.
Known as "Little Edo", Kawagoe has a street of old clay-walled merchant warehouses (kurazukuri) and a wooden bell tower, the Toki no Kane, that still rings four times a day. Wander Candy Alley for old-fashioned sweets, and try the local sweet potato snacks.
5. Yokohama
Travel time: about 30 minutes by train.
Japan's second-largest city has a breezy waterfront, Japan's biggest Chinatown, the Cup Noodles Museum (where you can design your own instant noodles), the Sankeien Garden, and the Minato Mirai skyline, which is beautiful at night.
6. Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko
Travel time: about 2 hours by highway bus from Shinjuku, or by train via Otsuki.
For the classic view of Fuji, head to the Fuji Five Lakes. Climb the steps to the Chureito Pagoda (go early, as it is very busy), cycle around Lake Kawaguchiko, and take the ropeway up Mount Tenjo. Check the weather: Fuji is often hidden by clouds, especially in summer.
Tips for Day Trips From Tokyo
- Check passes. The Nikko Pass, Hakone Freepass, and Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass can save money.
- Start early to beat crowds, especially at Nikko and the Chureito Pagoda.
- Check the weather before going to Hakone or Fuji. Views depend on clear skies.
- Book reserved seats on limited express trains at weekends.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Japan eSIM lets you check train times and maps on the go. See the best Japan travel apps.
Spending time in the city too? See the best things to do in Tokyo and our Japan travel guide.
FAQs: Day Trips From Tokyo
What is the best day trip from Tokyo?
Nikko for shrines and nature, Kamakura for temples and the Great Buddha, and Hakone for hot springs and Mount Fuji views are the most popular.
Can you see Mount Fuji on a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes. Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone are both doable in a day. Go on a clear day, ideally in autumn or winter.
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it for day trips from Tokyo?
Usually not. Many day trips use private railways, such as Tobu to Nikko and Odakyu to Hakone, where local passes are better value.
How far is Kamakura from Tokyo?
About an hour by JR train from Tokyo or Shinjuku Station.