Tokyo's neon energy and urban density can be overwhelming. Sometimes you need to escape the concrete jungle for mountains, temples, hot springs, or beaches. The good news? Some of Japan's most spectacular destinations sit within a 2-hour radius of Tokyo, perfect for unforgettable day trips.
This guide covers the 10 best day trips from Tokyo, comparing distance, transportation, highlights, and what makes each destination special.
Quick Comparison: Tokyo Day Trips
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Fuji | 100 km | 2-3 hours | Iconic views, photography |
| Nikko | 150 km | 2 hours | Temples, nature, waterfalls |
| Hakone | 80 km | 1.5 hours | Hot springs, Mt. Fuji views |
| Kamakura | 50 km | 1 hour | Great Buddha, beaches, temples |
| Yokohama | 30 km | 30 min | Waterfront, Chinatown, ramen |
| Kawagoe | 40 km | 45 min | Edo-period streets, sweets |
1. Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Japan's most iconic mountain dominates the landscape southwest of Tokyo. At 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji is sacred, stunning, and surprisingly accessible as a day trip.
Top Highlights:
- Chureito Pagoda: The Instagram-famous vermillion pagoda with Mt. Fuji backdrop
- Lake Kawaguchi: Stunning mountain reflections and flower gardens
- Oshino Hakkai: Eight spring-fed ponds with crystal-clear water
- Fuji Sengen Shrine: 1,000-year-old cedar trees and spiritual atmosphere
Best Season:
November-February (70% visibility rate), April for cherry blossoms
Transportation:
- Highway Bus: Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station (2.5 hours, ¥2,000)
- Private Tour: Hotel pickup, flexible itinerary, guide included
- Train: JR Chuo Line → Fujikyu Railway (3 hours, covered by JR Pass)
Pro Tip
Mt. Fuji is only visible 30-70% of days depending on season. Book a private tour where guides can adjust the itinerary based on real-time weather.
2. Nikko: UNESCO Temples & Waterfalls
"Never say 'kekkō' (magnificent) until you've seen Nikko" goes the Japanese proverb. This mountain town combines stunning Edo-period temples with natural beauty.
Top Highlights:
- Toshogu Shrine: Ornate golden shrine complex, UNESCO World Heritage
- Kegon Falls: 97-meter waterfall, especially stunning with autumn colors
- Lake Chuzenji: Scenic mountain lake
- Shinkyo Bridge: Vermillion "sacred bridge" over the river
Best Season:
October-November (peak autumn foliage), May-June (azaleas)
Transportation:
- Tobu Railway: Asakusa to Nikko (2 hours, ¥2,800)
- JR: Tokyo to Nikko via Utsunomiya (2 hours, covered by JR Pass)
- Private Tour: Includes transportation to outer sites like Lake Chuzenji
3. Hakone: Hot Springs & Mt. Fuji Views
Hakone delivers the ultimate Japanese hot spring (onsen) experience while offering spectacular Mt. Fuji views across Lake Ashi.
Top Highlights:
- Lake Ashi: Pirate ship cruise with Mt. Fuji backdrop
- Hakone Shrine: Iconic red torii gate in the water
- Owakudani: Active volcanic valley with sulfur vents and black eggs
- Hot Springs: Multiple onsen resorts and day-use baths
- Hakone Ropeway: Aerial views over volcanic landscape
Best Season:
Year-round; winter for clear Mt. Fuji views, summer for hiking
Transportation:
- Odakyu Romance Car: Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 min, ¥2,400)
- Hakone Free Pass: Covers all local transportation (bus, ropeway, cruise)
4. Kamakura: The Great Buddha & Beach Town
This former shogunate capital combines ancient temples with laid-back beach vibes. It's like Kyoto meets California.
Top Highlights:
- Great Buddha (Kotoku-in): 13-meter bronze Buddha statue from 1252
- Hasedera Temple: Hillside temple with ocean views
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: Main shrine with long approach
- Enoshima Island: Beach town accessible via scenic train
- Komachi Street: Shopping street with local snacks
Best Season:
June (hydrangeas at Hasedera), autumn (foliage), summer (beaches)
Transportation:
- JR Yokosuka Line: Tokyo to Kamakura (1 hour, ¥920)
- Enoden Railway: Scenic coastal train connecting sites
5. Yokohama: Port City & Chinatown
Japan's second-largest city feels refreshingly different from Tokyo—more open, waterfront-focused, and international.
Top Highlights:
- Minato Mirai 21: Futuristic waterfront district
- Yokohama Chinatown: Japan's largest Chinatown
- Cup Noodles Museum: Interactive ramen history
- Sankeien Garden: Traditional garden with historic buildings
- Red Brick Warehouse: Shopping and dining in restored warehouse
6. Kawagoe: "Little Edo"
Step back to the Edo period on streets lined with kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse) buildings. It's Kyoto's atmosphere without the crowds.
Top Highlights:
- Kurazukuri Street: Preserved Edo-period merchant houses
- Toki no Kane: Iconic bell tower (symbol of the city)
- Kashiya Yokocho: "Candy Alley" with traditional sweets
- Kita-in Temple: Historic temple with connections to Tokugawa
How to Choose Your Day Trip
Choose Based on Your Interests:
Nature & Iconic Views
→ Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Nikko
Temples & Culture
→ Nikko, Kamakura, Kawagoe
Relaxation & Onsen
→ Hakone (best hot springs near Tokyo)
Beach & Coastal
→ Kamakura, Enoshima
Food & Urban
→ Yokohama (Chinatown, ramen museum)
Short on Time
→ Yokohama (30 min), Kamakura (1 hour), Kawagoe (45 min)
First-Time Visitors
→ Mt. Fuji (most iconic), Nikko (UNESCO temples)
Practical Tips for Tokyo Day Trips
Transportation Passes
- JR Pass: Worth it if doing multiple trips (Nikko, Kamakura covered)
- Hakone Free Pass: ¥6,100 covers round-trip + all local transport
- Nikko Pass: ¥4,780 includes round-trip + local buses
When to Book Private Tours
Consider private tours for:
- Mt. Fuji: Weather-dependent, scattered sites, tricky public transport
- Hakone + Mt. Fuji: Combining multiple areas efficiently
- Families or groups: More cost-effective and convenient
- Limited time: See more in a day with optimized routing
Ready to Explore Beyond Tokyo?
Let us handle the planning, transportation, and logistics. Our private day tours from Tokyo include hotel pickup, expert guides, and flexible itineraries customized to your interests.
Last updated: January 2025 | Read time: 14 minutes | Category: Planning Guides
