Best Day Trips from Tokyo: My Favourites + Hidden Gems

Tokyo is one of my favourite cities in the world, but some of my best memories from Japan were made just outside it. Within two hours of the city, you can be standing at the foot of Mount Fuji, soaking in a hot spring, walking through ancient cedar forests, or watching the sun set over the ocean. In this guide, I share the best day trips from Tokyo based on my trips to Japan, along with a few places that are still high on my list.

Before we get into it, I have a confession. Having been to Japan twice now, I’ve come to recognise that an overnight trip almost always beats a day trip, and I highly recommend it if you can spare the time.

Big cities all over the world are dealing with growing interest and more tourists concentrated in the same popular spots, and the towns around Tokyo are no exception.

Most visitors arrive mid-morning and leave before dinner. When you stay overnight, you get the early mornings and late evenings, and those quiet hours can make a huge difference to your experience. Some of my favourite moments in Japan happened before 8:00 am, when I had famous sights almost entirely to myself.

That said, I know not everyone has the luxury of extra nights. Perhaps you have a short itinerary, or a free day in Tokyo and you’re looking for the best way to spend it. If that’s you, a day trip is still very much worth it, and these are my recommendations.

For each destination, I’ve included who it’s best suited to, the highlights, typical tour prices, the best time to visit, how long it takes to get there from Tokyo, and the easiest ways to travel. Let’s get into it!

The Best Day Trips from Tokyo at a Glance

Destination	Travel time from Tokyo (one way)	Best for	My verdict
Mount Fuji (Kawaguchiko)	About 2 hours	Iconic Mt Fuji views	Stay overnight if you can
Hakone	About 1.5 hours	Fuji views, shrines, onsen, art	Overnight is best; a day trip works if you start early
Nikko	About 2 hours	Shrines, history, waterfalls	Works well as a day trip; overnight if you want to explore more
Kamakura and Enoshima	1 to 1.5 hours	Temples, beach, sunset	Day trip, but stay for sunset
Kawagoe	30 to 60 minutes	Edo-era streets, snacks	Easy day trip
Yokohama	25 to 40 minutes	Waterfront, Chinatown	Easy day trip
Mount Takao	About 50 minutes	Easy hiking	Good day trip option
Hidden gems	1 to 2 hours	Fewer crowds	Day trips

1. Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko

On my first trip to Japan, I had to choose between Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes area, and I chose Hakone. I always said the Fuji area would be at the top of my list when I returned, so on my second trip, I made sure to fix that. We stayed in the area for three nights and absolutely loved it.

The best part? We saw Mount Fuji every single day.

I can’t quite describe how special it felt to wake up each morning, open the curtains, and find the mountain right there, snow-capped and perfectly clear. It never got old. We split our stay between Lake Yamanakako and Fujikawaguchiko, which allowed us to experience different sides of the lakes. Because we had the early mornings and evenings, we also managed to visit many of the popular sites without the crazy crowds.

Here’s the thing about Mount Fuji: it is famously shy. Clouds can hide it for hours, sometimes days, and many visitors travel all the way from Tokyo only to see a wall of white. Staying overnight gives you several chances to see it and saves you from that disappointment.

If a day trip is your only option, careful timing can still work in your favour. Check the weather forecast and a live Fuji webcam the night before, and keep your day flexible if you can. Leave Tokyo as early as possible, because the mountain is usually clearest in the morning and tends to disappear behind clouds by the afternoon.

For where we stayed, the best viewpoints, and how we spent our three days, read my comprehensive Mount Fuji guide linked here.

Mount Fuji Day Trip: Quick Guide

• Ideal for: Travellers who have always dreamed of seeing Mount Fuji up close
• Top sights: Chureito Pagoda, Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai springs, the Kachi Kachi Ropeway and Lake Kawaguchi
• Day tour prices: From about $50 to $110 per person for shared bus tours, slightly more for small group minivan tours
• When to go: November to April for the clearest views and a snowy summit. Early April for cherry blossoms around the lake and Chureito Pagoda. Summer is often hazy.
• Travel time from Tokyo: About 2 hours
• How to get there: The Fuji Excursion limited express runs directly from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station in about 1 hour 53 minutes and costs around 4,130 yen one way. Book your seats early as it sells out quickly. Highway buses from Shinjuku and Tokyo Station are cheaper, starting from around 2,000 yen, but depend on traffic.
• Recommended tours: This full-day tour covers Chureito Pagoda, Oshino Hakkai, and Lake Kawaguchiko.

2. Hakone

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, Hakone is one of the best day trips from Tokyo. This mountainous hot spring town offers views of Mount Fuji too, which makes it a great alternative to the Fuji Five Lakes. Even better, if the mountain decides to hide behind the clouds, there’s still so much to see and do that your trip won’t feel wasted.

I visited Hakone as an overnight trip in autumn, and I recommend doing the same. I stayed at Hotel de Yama in Moto-Hakone, a short walk from Hakone Shrine. Needless to say, I made my way to the famous Torii Gate on the lake early the next morning, and save for a couple who left soon after I arrived, I had the place to myself for over an hour while the sun rose over Lake Ashi. That is the magic of staying the night.

However, Hakone can be done as a day trip if you start early. One of the things I loved most about Hakone is its well-established tourist circuit, known as the Hakone Loop. Using a mix of trains, cable cars, a ropeway, and boats, you can see most of the highlights in one day:

1. Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto: Start with the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station, the most comfortable and direct option.
2. Lake Ashi cruise: Ride one of the pirate-themed ships across the lake. I arrived around 9:30 am, the lines were reasonable, and the boat was sparsely populated. We were also lucky enough to see Mount Fuji from the water!
3. Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani: Glide over the volcanic valley and walk around the steaming sulphur springs. Don’t leave without trying the black eggs (kuro-tamago), boiled in the sulphurous waters.
4. Cable car and Hakone Tozan train: Continue down to Gora, then ride the little mountain train.
5. Hakone Open Air Museum: My final stop of the day, featuring outdoor sculptures and a gallery of works by Picasso himself!
6. Hakone Shrine: If you’re on a day trip, I suggest visiting the Torii Gate first thing, as the queue for photos gets long by late morning.

Other things to add if you have time include the Pola Museum of Art, the Okada Museum, and a dip in a day-use onsen.

PS: Use the luggage delivery service at Hakone-Yumoto Station if you’re carrying bags. It allowed me to explore freely without having to go to my hotel first. For where to stay, the full loop, and my tips, read my complete guide to an overnight trip from Tokyo to Hakone.

Hakone Day Trip: Quick Guide

• Ideal for: First-time visitors who want to see Mount Fuji with a backup plan, plus onsen and art lovers
• Top sights: Lake Ashi cruise, Owakudani Valley, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Shrine, and the Hakone Open Air Museum
• Day tour prices: About $100 to $190 per person
• When to go: Spring and autumn for cooler weather and beautiful scenery, and winter for clearer views of Mount Fuji. Avoid weekends and Japanese public holidays if you can.
• Travel time from Tokyo: About 1.5 hours
• How to get there: The Romancecar takes about 80 minutes from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto. The Hakone Free Pass from Shinjuku costs 7,100 yen, covers your return train plus unlimited travel on the loop, and is well worth it. The Romancecar seat costs an extra 1,200 yen each way. If you have a JR Pass, ride the Shinkansen to Odawara instead.
• Recommended tours: This full-day tour takes you to Mt Fuji 5th Station and Hakone.

3. Nikko

Unlike Mount Fuji and Hakone, Nikko is one destination I visited as a day trip, and I was quite pleased with how much I managed to see. It is one of the few places on this list that works really well in a single day, as long as you catch an early train. If I had more time, I would have happily stayed longer, especially to explore the lakes and waterfalls higher up in the mountains.

Nikko feels like a world away from Tokyo. The city’s skyscrapers are replaced with towering cedar trees, moss-covered stone lanterns, and some of the most ornate shrines and temples in Japan. Together, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why.

Here are the top things to do in Nikko:

• Nikko Toshogu Shrine: The highlight of any visit. This lavish shrine is the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it is covered in gold leaf and intricate carvings, including the famous three wise monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil) and the sleeping cat.
• Shinkyo Bridge: A beautiful red-lacquered bridge at the entrance to the shrine area.
• Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine: Two more important spiritual sites within a short walk of Toshogu.
• Kanmangafuchi Abyss: A peaceful riverside walk lined with rows of stone Jizo statues. It’s usually much quieter than the shrines.
• Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji: Take the bus up the winding Irohazaka road to see a waterfall plunging nearly 100 metres, then enjoy the views by the lake.
• Yuba: Nikko is known for yuba (tofu skin), so make sure you try it for lunch, often served with soba noodles.

For my full itinerary and tips, read my Nikko day trip guide.

Nikko Day Trip: Quick Guide

• Ideal for: History and culture lovers who also want some nature
• Top sights: Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji
• Day tour prices: About $70-$130 per person for group tours.
• When to go: Mid-October to early November for stunning autumn colours, starting earlier at Lake Chuzenji and later in town. Spring and early summer are greener and quieter.
• Travel time from Tokyo: About 2 hours
• How to get there: The Tobu Spacia X limited express runs from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko Station in about 1 hour 50 minutes. Seats are limited, so book ahead. A Nikko Pass covers the return train and local buses, which is worth it if you plan to visit Lake Chuzenji.
• Recommended tours: A full-day tour covering Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls, with shrine entry included.

4. Kamakura and Enoshima

Kamakura will always hold a special place in my heart because this is where I caught my very first glimpse of Mount Fuji after arriving in Japan. It was the perfect welcome to the country.

I visited Kamakura and Enoshima together on a single day trip, and I think it’s one of the most varied days you can have near Tokyo. In just a few hours, you go from ancient temples and quiet bamboo groves to a lively island and a laid-back beach town. It feels more like a mini holiday than a sightseeing trip.

My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer to watch the sunset on the beach. I had to head back to Tokyo early, and I’ve wished ever since that I had stayed. On clear days, especially in winter, Mount Fuji appears as a silhouette across Sagami Bay as the sky turns orange. So my advice is simple: plan to return to Tokyo after sunset. Trains run late, so it’s very doable as a day trip.

Here’s why Kamakura and Enoshima are so worth visiting:

• The Great Buddha (Kotoku-in): A giant bronze Buddha that has sat in the open air since the 13th century. It’s even more impressive in person.
• Hasedera Temple: Lovely gardens, a small cave filled with carvings, and sweeping views of the coast from the observation deck.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Komachi Street: Kamakura’s most important shrine, plus a busy shopping street full of snacks and souvenirs.
• Hokokuji Temple: A peaceful bamboo grove where you can sip matcha away from the crowds.
• The Enoden train: A charming retro train that runs along the coast and past the famous Kamakurakokomae railway crossing by the sea.
• Enoshima Island: Walk up to Enoshima Shrine, enjoy the views from the Sea Candle observation tower, and explore the Iwaya Caves at the far end of the island.
• Shirasu-don: A local speciality of rice topped with tiny whitebait. You have to try it at least once!

Here’s my post about my experience in Kamakura.

Kamakura and Enoshima Day Trip: Quick Guide

• Ideal for: Travellers who want history, beach views and good food in one relaxed day
• Top sights: The Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, the Enoden train, Enoshima Island and sunset with views of Mount Fuji
• Day tour prices: About $45 to $60 per person for shared bus tours and around $165 for small group tours
• When to go: June for hydrangeas, late November to early December for autumn leaves, and winter for the clearest sunset views of Mount Fuji
• Travel time from Tokyo: 1 to 1.5 hours
• How to get there: The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass costs 1,640 yen from Shinjuku. It covers your return trip on the Odakyu Line plus unlimited rides on the Enoden train. If you have a JR Pass, take the JR Yokosuka or Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Kamakura Station instead.

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More Easy Day Trips from Tokyo on My List

I haven’t made it to the destinations below yet, but they’re on my list for my next visits to Japan. They are all close enough to leave after breakfast and be back in Tokyo for dinner, which makes them some of the easiest day trips from Tokyo.

5. Kawagoe

Known as “Little Edo”, Kawagoe is a historic town just 30 minutes from Tokyo, perfect for travellers who want a glimpse of old Japan without travelling far. Its main streets are lined with black clay-walled merchant warehouses (kurazukuri) dating back to the Edo period, giving the town a distinctly traditional atmosphere.

• Ideal for: Culture lovers, foodies, and anyone short on time
• Top sights: The Toki no Kane wooden bell tower, Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Alley), local sweet potato treats, and Hikawa Shrine, famous for its summer wind chimes
• When to go: Year-round, ideally on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds. The Kawagoe Festival in October is another highlight.
• Travel time from Tokyo: 30 to 60 minutes
• How to get there: Take the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe Station, then walk about 20 minutes or take a bus to the historic district.
• Recommended tours: Kawagoe is relatively easy to explore independently, making it a good option for a self-guided day trip.

6. Yokohama

Japan’s second-largest city offers a different setting from Tokyo, with a scenic harbour, waterfront attractions and a vibrant food scene. Its mix of modern architecture, cultural attractions and seaside views makes Yokohama a versatile day trip for different types of travellers. Staying into the evening is a good idea if you want to see the waterfront illuminated after dark.

• Ideal for: First-time and returning visitors to Japan, families, and foodies
• Top sights: The Minato Mirai waterfront, Yokohama Chinatown, the Cup Noodles Museum, the Red Brick Warehouse, Sankeien Garden, and the Yokohama Air Cabin
• When to go: Year-round, with evenings particularly appealing for the harbour views and city lights.
• Travel time from Tokyo: 25 to 40 minutes
• How to get there: Take the JR Tokaido or Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station, or the Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya.
• Recommended tours: Yokohama can also be combined with Kamakura on a guided day trip. Check out this tour option.

7. Mount Takao

Mount Takao is a popular mountain destination near Tokyo, offering a welcome change from the city’s skyscrapers and busy streets. Its forest trails, temples, and summit viewpoints make it an appealing option for nature lovers. Visitors can hike to the top or use the cable car or chairlift to cover part of the climb, making it accessible to different fitness levels.

• Ideal for: Nature lovers, beginner hikers, and anyone wanting a break from the city
• Top sights: Yakuoin Temple, summit views of Mount Fuji on clear days, and local soba noodles near the base
• When to go: Mid to late November for autumn colours, or winter for potentially clearer views of Mount Fuji. Autumn weekends can be particularly busy.
• Travel time from Tokyo: About 50 minutes from Shinjuku
• How to get there: Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station. Mount Takao is also one of the more affordable day trips from Tokyo.
• Recommended tours: Guided hikes are available on GetYourGuide, although the trails and transport options make it possible to plan a visit independently.

Hidden Gems: Underrated Day Trips from Tokyo

The destinations above are popular day trips from Tokyo that can get crowded, particularly on weekends and during peak travel seasons. To complete this list, I researched a bit to find lesser-known destinations located roughly 30 minutes to two hours from Tokyo. These are the destinations I came up with:

8. Chichibu and Nagatoro

Chichibu and Nagatoro make an appealing combination for travellers looking to experience Japan’s countryside beyond the major tourist hubs. Chichibu is a mountain town in Saitama surrounded by forested peaks, while nearby Nagatoro is known for its dramatic rock formations and traditional wooden boat rides along the river.

Getting there: The journey from Ikebukuro to Chichibu takes around 80 minutes on the Seibu Laview limited express. Additional transport or travel time is needed to explore Nagatoro.

9. Sawara

Sawara is a historic merchant town in Chiba known for its peaceful canal, willow-lined streets, and traditional wooden shopfronts. Sometimes compared to a smaller, quieter version of Kawagoe, it offers a glimpse of Japan’s merchant-town heritage without the same level of attention as some of the country’s better-known historic destinations.

Visitors can take a boat ride along the canal, wander past old merchant houses, and explore the Ino Tadataka Museum, dedicated to the famous Japanese cartographer. Its location near Narita Airport also makes Sawara worth considering for the beginning or end of a Japan trip, depending on flight times and transport connections.

Getting there: Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours from Tokyo Station by train or highway bus, depending on the route and service.

10. Mount Nokogiri

Mount Nokogiri is one of the more unusual day trips near Tokyo. Located in Chiba, this former quarry mountain is known for its dramatic cliffs, enormous Buddhist carvings, and panoramic views across Tokyo Bay.

The standout attraction is Jigoku Nozoki, often translated as “Hell’s Peek”, a rocky lookout that projects over the cliff edge. The mountain is also home to Nihon-ji Temple, a giant seated Buddha and hundreds of stone statues scattered along its trails. On clear days, the views can extend towards Mount Fuji.

Getting there: Allow around two hours by JR train from Tokyo to Hamakanaya Station, followed by a walk or local transport to the ropeway. Check ropeway and temple opening arrangements before setting out.

11. Okutama

Although it belongs to Tokyo Metropolis, Okutama feels worlds away from the capital’s busy shopping districts and skyscrapers. This mountainous area is known for its forested valleys, river scenery, hiking trails and peaceful natural surroundings.

Highlights include Hatonosu Valley, Lake Okutama and the Nippara Limestone Caves. Okutama is also worth considering for different seasons, with summer suited to outdoor activities and November bringing autumn foliage. For travellers looking to add some nature to a Tokyo itinerary, it offers a refreshing alternative to the city.

Getting there: Allow around two hours from Shinjuku by JR trains to Okutama Station, depending on connections. Some attractions require additional local transport or walking, so planning the route in advance is recommended.

12. Mount Oyama

Mount Oyama in Kanagawa is a rewarding option for travellers interested in combining nature, culture and scenic views. The mountain has been an important pilgrimage destination for centuries and offers hiking trails, historic temples and panoramic viewpoints.

One of the main attractions is Afuri Shrine, accessible via the Oyama Cable Car, while Oyama-dera Temple is particularly popular during the autumn illumination season. The area is also known for its traditional tofu dishes, making it an appealing destination for travellers who enjoy exploring local food alongside cultural sights.

Getting there: Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Isehara Station, then continue by bus to the cable car area. The train journey takes roughly an hour, with additional time needed for the bus and mountain transport. The Tanzawa-Oyama Freepass may be worth considering, depending on your itinerary.

My Top Tips for Day Trips from Tokyo

1. Start early: Even if you’re staying overnight, I recommend starting your day early. You’ll enjoy the popular attractions with fewer people around and better light for photos.
2. Travel on a weekday: If it can be helped, avoid weekends and Japanese public holidays, when trains, buses and tourist sites get much busier.
3. Book reserved seats in advance: The Fuji Excursion, Romancecar and Spacia X are reservation-only trains that can sell out. Book early on Klook or the operators’ websites.
4. Get the right pass: Regional passes like the Hakone Free Pass and Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass save you money and time. Of all the passes I bought in Japan, the Hakone Free Pass felt like the best value for money.
5. Stow your luggage: Use coin lockers at the station or the luggage delivery service so you can start exploring straight away.
6. Check the weather and schedules: This is especially important for Mount Fuji. Ropeways and some attractions also close occasionally for maintenance or bad weather.
7. Consider a tour: If you’d rather not deal with transfers, a guided tour is the easiest way to see spread-out sights like the Fuji Five Lakes or Nikko in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Tokyo is incredible, but some of my most cherished memories in Japan happened outside the city, from waking up to Mount Fuji every morning to having the Torii Gate in Hakone all to myself at sunrise. If you can spare a night or two, I highly recommend staying over. If you only have a day, choose one place from this list, start early, and enjoy it.

I hope that you have found this guide to the best day trips from Tokyo helpful in planning your trip. If you have any questions, do leave them in the comment section below and I’ll be sure to get back to you!

Which of these day trips would you choose? Or if you’ve been, I would love to hear about your favourite day trip from Tokyo!