If you’ve spent plenty of time in Tokyo and need some places to visit outside the main city – you’re in luck! There are so many day trips from Tokyo that will allow you to stretch those legs away from the crowds. From other large cities like Kyoto to enjoying the breathtaking views on top of Mount Takao, these are the best day trips from Tokyo
Thanks to Japan’s fantastic transportation infrastructure, it’s easy to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city! Any of these trips can be done as a day trip from Tokyo typically by train! You can see all the ideas on this map. You can purchase your JR Pass here and check out my guide on how to use the JR Pass.
While Tokyo is a major city, don’t be overwhelmed! Here is an awesome guide to Tokyo Districts to help get you situated in this incredible city.
If you like this post, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list for travel inspiration (and get your FREE budget printable), or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase something from a link, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. This helps me keep the site running and free.
Jogashima Island
Recommended by Mia of Walk A Mile With Me
Located around 73 kilometers (or 45 miles) south of Tokyo, in the Kanagawa Prefecture, Jogashima Island is one of the best day trips from Tokyo. Filled with stunning spots, including a scenic nature park with panoramic views over the Pacific, incredible cliffs made of volcanic rock, and viewpoints of Mount Fuji over the Sagami Bay, you won’t regret visiting Jogashima Island.
While the island is relatively small, covering an area of only one square kilometer, this makes it super easy to walk around. I recommend taking the southern hiking trail so you can walk by the top sights, including Cape Nagatsuro, Umanose-Domon, and Jogashima Lighthouse. I also recommend walking across Jogashima-Ohashi Bridge, and trying some of Jogashima’s fresh tuna! No joke, the tuna donburi I had at Jogashima Island was the best I’ve ever had.
But how do you get to Jogashima? From Shinjuku Station, there are a few ways of getting to Jogashima Island, all of which require both train and bus. It takes anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours to get there, so be prepared for a long day, with round-trip transportation costing around ¥3100. Alternatively, you can drive to Jogashima from Tokyo, which will take around 1.5 hours. However, you will have to pay tolls.
How to get to Jogashima Island from Tokyo: Use the Keikyu Kurihama Line to get to Misakiguchi Station and then take the bus to Jogashima.
How long it’ll take to get to Jogashima Island: 90 Minutes
Kamakura
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Kamakura is a great day trip from Tokyo to get away from the crowds! The peaceful atmosphere with numerous shrines, temples, AND beaches makes Kamakura an ideal destination. The top thing to do in Kamakura is visit the Kotokuin Temple to see the Great Buddha. It stands at 37 feet (11.3 meters) high, and even higher with the base. It weighs 121 tons (242,000) pounds, and it will literally stop you in your tracks. Even if you do nothing else in Kamakura, seeing this statue makes the trip worth it.
There are many temples and shrines to choose from so you can spend the day wandering around. Hasedera Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine are two of the most recommended temples to visit! There are trails nearby the temples that you can hike through the mountains.
The Enoshima area is a great place to spend time if you have the opportunity. It is an island with hot springs, lighthouses, caves, and more adventures to visit.
How to get to Kamakura from Tokyo: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station.
How long it’ll take to get to Kamakura: One hour
Nikko
Recommended by Victoria of Guide Your Travel
Nikko is located around 2 hours north of Tokyo and makes for a fantastic day trip. Nikko is the best place to access the nearby Nikko National Park and a fantastic way to experience Japan’s incredible nature. A great way to get to Nikko is by bus which is affordable and fast. Nikko has some incredible temples and historic architecture to explore. Definitely make sure to pack your camera as there are lots to see and do. The Rinnjoi Temple, the Taiyun Temple, and the Toshogu Shrine are only a few examples of stunning places you absolutely need to visit during your time in Nikko. If you’re up for a day packed full of activities you should head into the national park and explore some of the natural beauty in this area. The Kegon Falls are well worth a visit and represent one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls. Lake Chuzenji is another incredible place that will absolutely take your breath away. Then there is the Shinkyo Bridge which is listed as a World Heritage Site. This cute little bridge is the perfect photo subject and a great place to get one last picture of your day trip before you head back to Japan.
Yokohama
Recommended by Louis from Outdoor Explorer
Despite being the second largest city in Japan, Yokohama is often criminally overlooked by travelers visiting Tokyo.
It is located only 40 kilometres southwest of the capital and is easily accessible by trains that run every few minutes. Expect a 30 minute ride costing around ¥500 each way.
There’s plenty to do in Yokohama, although the most popular would have to be a visit to Chinatown. It is the largest Chinatown in Japan, and indeed one of the largest in the world!
It has a rich history dating back over 150 years, when Chinese people began immigrating into Japan. Today, you can visit a wide variety of Chinese restaurants here, and enjoy delicacies such as steamed buns, dumplings, shumai, Peking duck and more!
You can take a seat in one of the many, large restaurants, or wander around and enjoy street food from the vendors. This is a great way to try a bite size piece of many different foods!
Other popular Yokohama attractions include the Minato Mirai port area, which contains a theme park, a museum about cup noodles (yes, you read that right!) and an observatory on top of a building that until a few years ago was Japan’s tallest.
If you want to relax a little and get back to nature, visit the Sankeien Garden, located not far from the port area. It’s a traditional Japanese garden, complete with beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and fall leaves in autumn.
How to get to Yokohama from Tokyo: Take the JR Tokaido Line, Yokosuka line, or Keihin-Tohoku line to the Yokohoma Station
How long it’ll take to get to Yokohama 50 minutes
Lake Kawaguchiko
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Lake Kawaguchiko is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes with direct train and bus connections – making it a great day trip from Tokyo. Mount Fuji is located at the lake’s eastern side, but the best views are from the Northern shores. However, just because you’re close to Fuji, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to see it. Visibility tends to be best in the early morning (before 9:00) and in the late afternoons. Even if there are clouds, keep your camera nearby, you never know when you’ll get a glimpse!
Lake Kawaguchiko is known as a hot springs town – and a few of them are open to non-staying guests during the day. Hotel Mifujien is localed on the Northeastern shore. While the gender-separated bathing facilities are dated, the views of Mount Fuji make up for it. Kaiun no Yu is another ryokan open to non-staying guests but without the views of Mt. Fuji.
If it’s warm out, feel free to walk around town and take in some of the small shops. You can also take a paddle boat or kayak on the lake to really embrace the views. There are plenty of things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko that you could easily spend more than one day here.
How to get to Lake Kawaguchiko from Tokyo: The bus from Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station is the least complicated way and costs 1800 Yen ($18). By train, take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station. Once there, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line that will take you to Kawaguchiko Station.
How long it’ll take to get to Lake Kawaguchiko 2 hours
Hakone
Recommended by Anne of Pretraveller Travel Blog
A great day trip from Tokyo is to explore the mountainous Hakone area near Mt Fuji, which has great attractions to visit including hot springs, art galleries, volcanic areas and historic sights.
The gateway to the Hakone area is Hakone-Yumato Station, and from there you can travel in a loop around the area. You can get to Hakone-Yumato Station either by Shinkansen train from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station and then transfer, or direct on the Limited Express Romance Car Train from Shinjuku Station. To get around the area you should purchase a Hakone Free Pass, which includes all local trains, buses and most ropeways around the area, and can also includes the Romance Car train return from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.
The main Hakone attractions to visit include:
- The train trip from Hakone-Yumato Station to Gora Station – where you climb through the mountains via switchbacks from 96m to 541m above sea level.
- Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Spring Theme Park near Gora, which includes both a fun hotspring and water park area where you can wear swimmers, as well as a more traditional onsen area without clothing, with separate male and female areas.
- Gora Museums include options to view ancient and modern Japanese and Chinese art, a Picasso display, an outdoor art gallery and much more.
- Catch the Hakone Ropeway to visit the Owakudani volcanic area, and then do a pirate boat trip across Lake Ashi, with views of Mt Fuji before returning to Hakone-Yumato Station by bus to then return to Tokyo
How to get to Hakone from Tokyo: Take the Sanyo/Tokaido JR LIne from Tokyo station to Odawara Station (about 35 minutes) then you can take a local train or bus to get to downtown Hakone area.
How long it’ll take to get to Hakone 50 minutes
Mount Takao
Recommended by Audrey of That Backpacker
If you’re looking for an easy nature escape from Tokyo, look no further than Mount Takao! Located just an hour away by train, this destination offers hiking trails, temples, and delicious food.
Going on a day trip to Mount Takao is very easy. Take the Keio Line departing from Shinjuku and ride all the way to Takaosanguchi Station which is the last stop on the line. Just make sure you get on the express train to avoid unnecessary stops.
Once you arrive, you can make your way up Mount Takao three different ways: you can ride the cable car (which is really a funicular and the steepest line in all of Japan!), you can take the chair lift, or you can walk up with your own two feet. The first two options take you about halfway up the mountain. During your visit to Mount Takao, you’ll get to experience the Cedar Walk, which is a beautiful section of the trail that’s lined with towering trees. You’ll eventually reach Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, a Buddhist temple that dates back to 744; many people come here to pray for good luck.
Over the course of your hike, you’ll encounter multiple street food stands serving chewy rice flour dumplings, pancakes filled with red bean paste, and matcha-flavored cheese tarts. If you’re still hungry at the end of your visit, there are restaurants at the base of the mountain that specializes in soba noodles.
The nice thing about Mount Takao is that it feels worlds away from Tokyo, but it’s super easy to reach. This is a great day trip you won’t want to miss.
How to get to Mount Takao from Tokyo: Take the Sanyo/Tokaido JR LIne from Tokyo station to Odawara Station (about 35 minutes) then you can take a local train or bus to get to downtown Hakone area.
How long it’ll take to get to Mount Takao 50 minutes
Enoshima
Recommended by Cortney of Tin Can Living
Enoshima is a beautiful coastal town in Japan and a great day trip from Tokyo. It’s less than an hour away by train, so why not spend the day exploring this relaxing seaside village? Enoshima has everything you need for a perfect day out with friends or family – lots of interesting shops to browse, delicious restaurants to try, and breathtaking views that are sure to take your breath away!
There are many things to do in the small town of Enoshima. One of the most popular attractions is to take in the views from a wonderful observation tower. This vantage point provides a bird’s eye view that spans across Kamakura, one of Japan’s most historic towns, and Fujisawa, which was once known for its beautiful tea plantations.
The aquarium is a spectacular place to visit. It’s a large, indoor facility that houses both salt and freshwater fish from all over the world. The tanks are huge with some rooms holding as many as 20 giant whale sharks!
The town also has an intriguing Buddhist temple called Chinju-Ji Temple which was built in 1814 by a shogun who ruled during Japan’s Edo period. This shrine is not only a beautiful sight to see, but it also has a beautiful garden and pond with carp swimming in the lotus flowers.
While you are in Enoshima, you can also relax in the nearby beach area. It’s a great spot for swimming in the ocean, walking along the water’s edge, and looking out at Mount Fuji. Enoshima is a perfect day-trip destination from Tokyo for all to enjoy.
Kyoto
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the longer day trips from Tokyo is the incredible city of Kyoto. It’s a 2-3 hour Shinkansen ride depending on which one you take, or you can take an overnight bus to really optimize your time in Kyoto! The night buses leave Tokyo between 11pm-12pm and arrive in Kyoto around 6 or 7am.
There are a few top items to see in Kyoto in a short time – including Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavilion). This temple stands tall in the middle of a small lake and is breathtaking. Built in 1397, this Zen Temple was the residence of Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, a military commander. The building is covered in gold leaf, so it shimmers in the sun! Nijo Castle was used as a palace for hundreds of years before being donated to the city and opened for viewing. Another temple in Kyoto is the Kiyomizudera Temple recognized for it’s large balcony overlooking the country side.
If you prefer to hike, and experience a temple first hand – the Fushimi Inari shrine. While known for being very “Instagrammable” it’s so much more than that. The over 10,000 torii gates are dedicated to the god of rice. At the beginning, you’ll be in a massive crowd, but as you climb the stairs over Mount Inari, the crowds will dwindle, and you’ll be left alone in peace to take in the incredible views.
Travel Tip: Reserve the seat E so you can see Mt. Fuji on a sunny day!
How to get to Kyoto from Tokyo: Take the JR Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to Kyoto Station. The Hikari Shinkansen is shorter than the Kodama.
How long it’ll take to get to Kyoto 2 hours 45 minutes
Guma Prefecture
Recommended by Kate of Passports and Playgrounds
Have you ever wondered how the iconic Japanese Daruma dolls originated? The Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple is the origin of these traditional round dolls that are used to make wishes. This is a great place to stretch your legs if you are driving up to Kusatsu Onsen, or want to make it a day trip from Tokyo. You can even purchase your own daruma and bring it home.
Here is how the daruma doll works. Daruma dolls are seen as a talisman of good luck and encouragement. They are often picked up for the New Year to help those continue with their personal goals or resolutions. Visitors will often see daruma dolls at Buddhist temples, however, the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple is where this doll was created. The coolest part is that you can photograph the stacks of Daruma dolls that have been brought to Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple.
If you want a daruma doll for purchase, here is what you need to do. First, you select a daruma doll. Though these dolls are typically red, you can pick up a daruma doll that can be pink, gold, purple, or even blue!
You will then notice that the doll doesn’t have any eyes. This is where the buyer comes into play. The buyer will need to think of a goal or a wish and color the left eye of the daruma doll. When your wish comes true, you can then color the other eye of the doll. At the end of the year, many people will donate the Daruma to the temple and buy a new one to make another wish.
Address: 296 Hanadakamachi, Takasaki, Gunma 370-0868
Hours of Operation: 10:00 to 16:00
Traveling to Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple:
There are multiple ways to travel to Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple from Tokyo Station, and it all depends on your budget and what is best for your family. Read more to determine which option works best for you.
- Travel By Car: Driving to Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple is such an amazing experience. For us, it took us 2 hours to get to our final destination, which included potty breaks, and visits to the highway rest areas (michi no eki). The michi no eki are often tailored to a specific theme or showcase local attractions including farmer’s markets. Free parking is available at the temple. Tolls average around 5720-2250 yen depending on which routes to take from Tokyo to Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple.
- Travel By Train/Bus: You can take the Jōetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station, which is about a 50-minute ride. From Takasaki Station, you would need to walk to the Gururin Shorinzan Bus Line, which is on Platform #4. Once you are on the bus, you have a 20-minute ride before you need to get off at
Shorinzan Iriguchi. From Shorinzan Iriguchi, it is just a short 4-minute walk from the bus stop. Travel time is approx. 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Osaka
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Osaka is another day trip that would be a long day, and ideally you’d have more than a day to explore. However, sometimes it’s impossible, and seeing a place for a short amount of time is still better than not seeing a place at all. Osaka is nicknamed “Japan’s kitchen” because of the variety of foods available. There is so much competition in Osaka that each restaurant has their own take on traditional recipes – and for really cheap! The heart of the kitchen has to be Osaka’s entertainment district – Dotonbori. It comes alive at night for dinner and late-night snacks. Right next to Dotonbori is Kuromon Ichiba, a covered market where you can find plenty of snacks to try and souvenirs to bring home!
There are plenty of things to see in Osaka during the day as well! You can take the Shinkansen using your JR pass for a 3 hour ride from Tokyo to Osaka. Start the day at Osaka Castle. This beautiful castle has incredible views of the city and is a museum inside. To get a different view of the city, you can take the Suijo Bus Aqua-Liner and enjoy the water. It’s a great way to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time and costs less than 1000 Yen ($10 USD). If you prefer an aerial view and have a great weather day, then visit Abeno Harukas – the tallest skyscraper in Japan. There’s a 360 degree observation deck!
In the afternoon start heading downtown – the Shinsekai area has plenty of izakayas (Japanese style pubs), the Tsutenkaku tower, and of course – plenty of arcades! Be sure to check out my food guide to Dotonbori here. Once you’ve had your fill of food, it’s time to head back to Tokyo!
How to get to Osaka from Tokyo: Take the JR Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to Shin-Osaka.
How long it’ll take to get to Osaka 2 and a half hours
Have a favorite Day trip from Tokyo that isn’t on the list? Let me know and I’ll add it as a reader favorite!
Pin “Day Trips from Tokyo” for later!
As fascinating as Tokyo is, I love the fact that it also lends itself to so many incredible day trips! The views at Lake Kawaguchiko are so breathtaking!
Japan & Tokyo are defintiely on our bucket list! Can’t wait to be able to travel in this region again. Jogashima Island looks gorgeous. Adding that to the long list! lol
This is excellent, Japan is still intimidating to me as a destination with kids. Your article makes it sound very achievable though. Thanks for sharing.
It was intimidating to me and I don’t have kids! So I can only imagine. However, it was much easier to get around than I imagined!
Pls add me to your newsletter
I just added you and you should be receiving an email in a few minutes 🙂
Pingback: 10+ Best Things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko
Pingback: Red