Top Day Trips from Tokyo: Explore Nature and Culture
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Tokyo or know the city well, there are plenty of surprises waiting on the capital’s doorstep. The temples and shrines of Nikkō and Kamakura offer a glimpse into Japanese history, while Mt Takao, Hakone, and Izu Oshima Island provide a beautiful contrast to Tokyo’s urban landscape.
All of these incredible spots can be reached within an hour or two by train from Tokyo. Therefore, if you plan to travel on three consecutive days, consider using the economical Tokyo Wide Pass for additional savings. Here are our top picks for a memorable day trip from Tokyo.
1. Meet the Big Buddha of Kamakura
Travel time: One hour
From 1185 to 1333, the coastal town of Kamakura temporarily replaced Kyoto as the seat of power in Japan. The remnants of that era make modern-day Kamakura a compelling day trip from Tokyo, featuring sights such as the magnificent Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and various Zen temples.
Among these, Japan’s oldest Zen monastery, Kencho-ji, along with Hokoku-ji and its charming bamboo forest, are noteworthy. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the Daibutsu, an impressive 11.3m-high (37ft) bronze statue of Buddha resting serenely at Kotoku-in Temple since its casting in 1252.
How to get to Kamakura: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station, where most of the attractions are within walking distance. To visit the Big Buddha, hop on the retro Enoden tram to Hase, then enjoy a brief five-minute stroll north.
2. Experience Island Life on Izu Oshima
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Few travelers realize that the Izu Island chain and remote Ogasawara archipelago technically grant Tokyo its very own islands. The closest one, Izu Oshima, offers an exhilarating day trip away from the city.
For those seeking adventure, hike around the crater of volcanic Mt Mihara, Oshima’s most dominant peak at 2,487ft (758m), and unwind in the outdoor hot-spring baths at Miharayama.
Alternatively, consider renting a bicycle to circumnavigate the island’s 91 square miles. Experience coastal hot springs, distinctive rock formations, and Oshima’s signature camelias from January to March.
How to get to Oshima from Tokyo: Catch a high-speed jet ferry from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Terminal, conveniently located next to Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome Line. Ferries arrive at Oshima’s Motomachi or Okata ports, where you can catch buses to major sights or rent a bicycle or car.
3. Visit Nikkō’s Spectacular Tōshō-gū Shrine
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
While there are numerous shrines within Tokyo, Nikkō offers an experience that transcends the ordinary. The UNESCO World Heritage-designated Tōshō-gū Shrine, resting place of the first Edo-era shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, is a must-visit.
The approach is lined with towering cedars, showcasing highlights like a five-story pagoda and the imposing Yomei-mon gateway, adorned with vibrant carvings of birds and dragons.
Other areas of significance include the spectacular gilded buddhas at Rinnō-ji and the iconic carvings of the three monkeys representing “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”
How to get to Nikkō from Tokyo: Nikkō is accessible via two neighboring stations—JR Nikkō and Tōbu Nikkō. The quickest methods include the Tōbu Railway’s Kegon or Spacia X limited-express trains that connect Asakusa and Tobu Nikkō.
4. Escape to Mount Takao for Hikes, Views, and Clear Air
Travel time: 55 minutes
If clear skies bless your visit, breathtaking views of Mt Fuji await at the summit of 599m (1965ft) Mt Takao. This location, still within Tokyo, provides a convenient escape into Japan’s natural beauty.
The hike takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours, but you can shorten this with a cable car ride halfway up. Along the way, visit Yakuō-in Temple, known for its fire-walking festival in March, and partake in the seasonal cherry blossom viewing that draws crowds during spring.
How to get to Takao from Tokyo: Take the Keio Line special-express train from Shinjuku to Takaosan-guchi Station, followed by a short five-minute walk to the trailhead or the cable car station.
5. Immerse Yourself in the Hot Springs and Scenery of Hakone
Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Hakone, situated in the mountains, is among the most popular side trips from Tokyo. This scenic destination offers stunning views of Mt Fuji, geysers, and an array of hot-spring bathing complexes such as Yunessun.
While a day is sufficient to explore Hakone, consider staying overnight at a ryokan to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and hot spring experience.
How to get to Hakone from Tokyo: Board Odakyu’s limited-express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Remember to reserve a seat, which can generally be done on the day of travel outside of peak seasons. To save money, look for the Hakone Freepass, which covers transportation and offers unlimited access to local transport.
This content serves to guide those looking to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage surrounding Tokyo. Whether hiking up Mt Takao or soaking in the hot springs of Hakone, each destination offers a unique experience just a short train ride away.
