If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, you’ll quickly realize there’s no shortage of things to do and see. From crossing the street with thousands of people at Shibuya Crossing to eating world-class food, Tokyo can easily fill an entire Japan itinerary.  But one of the best things about visiting Japan’s capital, is how easy it is to take day trips from Tokyo. Thanks to Japan’s efficient rail network, you can reach mountainous areas, coastal towns, and historic destinations all in under 2 hours.  In this post, we’ll cover some of the best day trips from Tokyo and my favorite destinations that are within reach by train or car from Tokyo. Here, you can find a nice mix of getaways from Tokyo that are worthwhile and allow you to see more of Japan.  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Best Day Trips from Tokyo (Within 2 Hours) Tokyo is usually the starting or ending point for every visitors Japan itinerary. Chances are, you’ll fly into either Haneda or Narita in Tokyo. Most visitors I talk to have an extensive itinerary for exploring Japan and it usually consists of multiple days if not an entire week in Tokyo. Honestly, you could live in Tokyo and still not see everything.  If your Tokyo itinerary does include several days here, why not take a day trip to see what else Japan has to offer? From the beautiful nature and historic shrines of Nikko to the coastal town of Kamakura, this list is a compilation of my recommended day trips from Tokyo.  1. Kawasaki Kawasaki is one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo and is perfect if you are short on time or want to experience a new city before heading to the airport.  Arriving to Kawasaki by public transportation from Tokyo Station us less then 20 minutes on the Tokaido Line.  There is plenty of things to do and see in Kawasaki to occupy an entire day. One of the highlights is Kawasaki Daishi. This historic temple was founded in 1128 and still attracts visitors from around Japan.  While visiting Kawasaki, I also enjoyed visiting the Shinshuen Garden, going to the Toshiba Science Museum, and riding on the world’s tiniest escalator.  How to Get to Kawasaki JR Tokaido Line or Keihi-Tohoku Line (15 – 20 minutes) Top Things to Do Visit Kawasaki Daishi Stroll through Shinshuen Garden Toshiba Science Museum 👉 For more information on visiting Kawasaki, feel free to read my post on Tourist Attractions in Kawasaki.  2. Yokohama Yokohama is one of the best day trips from Tokyo. In my opinion, you need at least two days in Yokohama, after all it is Japan’s second largest city, after Tokyo.  Yokohama feels completely different then Tokyo with its open waterfront, modern skyline, and Chinatown.  In under 30 minutes you can eat steamed buns in one of the world’s largest Chinatown’s, have fun at the Cup Noodle Museum, and stroll the waterfront.  One of the most interesting museums I’ve visited in Japan has to be the Japan Coast Guard Museum. This museum is free and has information and findings on a North Korean Spy Ship.  How to Get to Yokohama Yokosuka Line, Tokaido Line, Keihin Tohoku Line or Tokyu Toyoko Line (25 – 30 minutes) Top Things to Do Eat at Yokohama Chiatown Visit the Cup Noodles Museum Walk along the Minato Mirai Waterfront Pay a visit to the Japan Coast Guard Museum Visit the Red Brick warehouses for Shopping and Events 👉 If you want my in depth review on things to do in Yokohama, I have a post on Fun Things to do in Yokohama.  3. Kamakura Just an hour south of Tokyo, Kamakura is one of the most popular day trips you can take. Kamakura is packed with historic temples, great street food, and a bamboo forest that is far less crowded then Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Some highlights for many visitors including myself was the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura, Hasedera Temple, sampling food on Komachi Street, and the Hokoku-ji Bamboo Forest.  Kamakura might be one of the easiest and best day trips from Tokyo. Visiting Kamakura, you really get to experience a traditional Japanese town and see historical landmarks. How to Get to Kamakura Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (1 Hour) Top Things to Do Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura Explore Hasedera-ji Temple Walk Komachi Street and sample local food Stroll the Bamboo Forest at Hokoku-ji 👉 Want a full Kamakura itinerary for a day? Feel free to visit my post: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo. 4. Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi If you’re looking for iconic views of Mount Fuji, a day trip to Kawaguchiko and the surrounding area is one of the best options from Tokyo.  On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji and its reflection in the lakes. Keep in mind, Mount Fuji doesn’t always make itself visible, often times the mountain is covered in clouds, especially later in the day. Despite feeling worlds away from Tokyo Kawaguchiko can be reached in and around two hours. if you want a nature focused escape with a chance to see Mount Fuji, this might be the best day trip option for your Tokyo itinerary.  How to Get to Kawaguchiko Direct Highway Bus (2 Hours) Rent a Car (2 Hours) JR Chuo Line and the Fujikyu Railway (2 – 2.5 Hours) Top Things to Do Enjoy views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi Explore lakeside walking and cycle paths Visit Aokigahara Forest 👉 Looking for more things to do around Mount Fuji? I have a post on 10 Things to do Around Mt. Fuji. 5. Hakone Hakone is another very popular day trip from Tokyo and can be reached just under the two hour mark.  In my post I wrote earlier on about Hakone, I had mixed feelings about visiting Hakone. I mentioned it is not worth it for Hakone Shrine alone but if you visit Owakudani and the Open-Air Museum, it’s 100% worth visiting.  Hakone Shrine is just to touristy now, I don’t feel like waiting in line for an hour to take a photo of the floating shrine. Thankfully, Hakone has much more to offer then Hakone Shrine and for that reason, it’s worth visiting from Tokyo.  Tip: If you want to visit Hakone Shrine and see the floating Torii Gate but don’t want to stand in line. Just stay off to the side and snap a few quick photos and people rotate in and out.  How to Get to Hakone Shinkansen to Odawara and Local Transport (1 – 2 Hours) Rental Car (1 – 2 Hours) Top Things to Do Eat Black Eggs and Explore Owakudani Hakone Open-Air Museum Enjoy an Onsen 👉 Wondering if Hakone is worth it? Here is my opinion on if Hakone Worth visiting. 6. Kawagoe Located just 30-45 minutes from Tokyo, Kawagoe is one of the easiest and best day trips from Tokyo. Kawagoe is famous for its preserved warehouse district, traditional architecture, and plenty to see and do for an entire day. I visited Kawagoe while staying in Shinjuku. There is a direct line from Seibu-Shinjuku to Kawagoe.  I recommend walking the historical street known as Ichibangai Shotenagai, sample local snacks like Daigaku imo-dan, visit Toki-no Kane, making your own chop sticks, paying a visit to the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.  How to Get Kawagoe Express Red Arrow Line from Seibu-Shinjuku (45 minutes) Tobu Tojo Line or JR Saikyo Line (30 – 45 minutes) Top Things to Do Ichibangai Shotenagai Toki-no Kane Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine 👉 For more information on Kawagoe, what to do, and how to get there, feel free to read my post on spending one day in Kawagoe.  7. Ushiku Daibutsu If you are looking for a unique day trip from Tokyo that is more attraction based, I highly recommend visiting the Ushiku Daibutsu also known as the Great Buddha of Ushiku, in Ibaraki Prefecture.  Standing at 120 meters tall, Ushiku Daibutsu is the tallest status in Japan and one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world.  Visiting the Great Buddha of Ushiku is a unique experience and visitors can go inside the statue, learn more about Buddhism, and enjoy panoramic views from the observation decks within the statue.  Visiting the Great Buddha is not the easiest attraction to visit from Tokyo, but it’s worth the effort. Both times, I’ve visited, I had my own vehicle but it is possible to reach the area using public transportation.  How to Get to Ushiku Daibutsu Drive (1 – 1.5 hours) JR Joban Line + Bus (1.5 – 2 hours) Top Things to Do Visit Ushiku Daibutsu Enter the Great Buddha for exhibits and observation areas Walk through the surrounding gardens 👉 I highly recommend visiting Ushiku Daibutsu. If you are interested, I have more information on getting here and what to expect on my post on a Quick Visit to Ushiku Daibutsu.  8. Narita Most travelers know Narita for its international airport, but the city itself especially Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple makes for a surprisingly worthwhile day trip from Tokyo. Just under an hour away, Narita offers a peaceful atmosphere around Naritasan Shinsho-ji. Leading to the temple, the road is lined with historic shops and local restaurants.  How to Get to Narita JR Narita Line or Keisei Line (1 hour) Top Things to Do Visit Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple Walk Omotesando Street Try local unagi and other treats 👉 Whether you are visiting Narita for a day from Tokyo or just spending time here during a Narita Airport layover, I highly recommend visiting Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple.  9. Sawara Located about 1.5 hours to 2 hours from Tokyo and only about 30 minutes from Narita, Sawara is an underrated day trip from Tokyo. Sawara is known for its preserved canal district and traditional merchant houses.  I visited Sawara in the evening so it might be different during the day or peak tourist season, but this small town had a nice quiet atmosphere and in my opinion, a nice alternative to other places like Kawagoe or Kamakura.  When I paid a visit to Sawara, I just walked each side of the canal, and took photos of the merchant shops. You can also take a boat ride down the canal during opening hours. There are also a few Pokémon manhole covers in Sawara.  How to Get to Sawara JR Narita Line (90 – 120 minutes) I used a rental car from Narita Airport Top Things to Do Walk along Sawara’s historic canal district Take a traditional boat ride Explore the small shops and cafes 👉 If you are curious about Japan’s manhole covers and Pokemon manhole lids, I have a dedicated post called, Japan’s Manhole Covers: Manhole Tourism, it’s a Thing!  10. Nikko Nikko is about two hours away from Tokyo give or take and is one of the most rewarding and wonderful day trips from Tokyo for both culture and nature.  Nikko is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the stunning Nikko Toshogu and Nikko National Park.  As a day trip from Tokyo, Nikko is 100% worth it. In my opinion, I recommend staying the night in Nikko, but if all you have is a day, it’s a must. In one day, visitors might only get a chance to explore the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.  Nikko does have a town with a few nice shops and places to grab a snack or meal.  How to Get to Nikko Tobu Railway from Asakusa or JR via Utsunomiya (2 Hours) If renting a car, it’s pretty straightforward, plus there are many beautiful stops between Tokyo and Nikko.  Top Things to Do in Nikko Shinkyo Bridge Shrines

Just an hour train ride from Tokyo, Kamakura is a completely different side of Japan filled with ancient temples, bamboo forests, and coastal views. If you are looking for one of the best day trips from Tokyo, Kamakura is the perfect destination.  A Kamakura day trip from Tokyo is not complete without visiting the Great Buddha, walking around Hokokuji Temple, and trying wonderful Japanese street food.  In this guide, I’ll go over how I got to Kamakura from Tokyo, some of the must-visit sites, and a simple 1-day Kamakura itinerary to help you make the most of your visit. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why Visit Kamakura? If you are looking for one of the easiest and best day trips from Tokyo, Kamakura is the perfect destination, offering an authentic mix of history, culture, and great food.  Kamakura is an easy 1-hour train ride from Tokyo. Once there, one of the biggest highlights is the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, a massive bronze Buddha statue that is over 700 years old.  Beyond its famous attractions and landmarks, Kamakura is known for its peaceful atmosphere. It’s a traditional Japanese town with beautiful temples, bamboo forests that rival Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.  In my opinion, Kamakura is worth it for the food alone. Typically, street food in Japan is not a thing. You find street vendors here and there. But in Kamakura, Komachi Street is full of delicious food vendors and restaurants.  Kamakura is the perfect Japanese town to visit that makes for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. A Kamakura day trip is easy and constantly ranked as one of the most popular get a ways from Tokyo.  Best Time to Visit Kamakura Technically, Kamakura is a great destination to visit at any time throughout the year. But overall, spring and autumn are considered the ideal seasons for a Kamakura day trip from Tokyo.  Spring – Best Overall Time Comfortable temperatures Great for Sakura viewing especially around Hasedera Temple Summer – Beach Season Summers in Japan are hot, thankfully Kamakura is accessible to nearby beaches Blooming flowers like Hydrangeas Fall – Best for Foliage Comfortable temperatures less crowded then spring Beautiful autumn leaves Winter – Quiet & Less Crowds Fewer tourists Peaceful visits to the temples Clear skies How to Get to Kamakura from Tokyo Getting to Kamakura from Tokyo is quick and easy, making it one of the most convenient day trips from Tokyo. The journey takes around 1 hour and can be done using public transportation.  By Train I stayed near Shimbashi Station in Minato City, Tokyo.  From Shimbashi Station I took the Yokosuka Line directly to Kamakura Station. The Yokosuka Line is also the best option when staying near Tokyo Station.  JR Yokosuka Line (Direct Route) Route: Tokyo Station → Kamakura Station Time: 50-60 minutes Transfer: None JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line (From Shinjuku or Shibuya) Route: Shinjuku or Shibuya → Kamakura Station Time: 60 minutes Transfers: Yokohama Station for the Yokosuka Line.  👉 Tip: Start early. I jumped on the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura early and it was nearly empty the entire way. Once it is past 8:00 or 9:00 am, it tends to get busier.  Day Tours or Private Tours If you don’t feel like figuring out Tokyo’s metro lines or you want to learn more as you go from a guide that knows the area, I recommend taking a day tour to Kamakura from Tokyo.  Tours are a great way to explore Kamakura. Transportation is already  taken care of, it generally includes entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide helps you better understand the sites.  Below you can find a few popular day tours to Kamakura from Tokyo.  ✅Tokyo: Kamakura & Enoshima Day Trip Including Temple Tickets ✅ Kamakura Private Tour: Temples, Nature, and the Great Buddha ✅Kamakura, Enoshima & Yokohama Day Trip from Tokyo Kamakura Day Trip Itinerary Most visitors that come to Kamakura will have a similar itinerary. You can’t miss the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, Hasedera Temple, or sampling treats along Komachi Street. Enoshima is also a popular island to visit near Kamakura, but I simply could not fit that into one day.  Once arriving at Kamakura Station, you can find my Kamakura 1-day itinerary below. This worked out well for me as I tried to start early and visit the most popular attractions first to beat the crowds.  Morning Enoden Line → Hasedera Temple → Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Enoden Line From Kamakura Station I hopped on the Enoden Line to Hase Station to explore Hasedera Temple and the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in.  The Enoden Line is a charming little local train and it only takes 4-minutes to get to Hase Station from Kamakura Station. In my opinion, it’s the easiest way to reach some of Kamakura’s most famous attractions.  Hasedera Temple I started my day in Kamakura early. My main objective was to visit Hasedera Temple first then walk to the Great Buddha before the huge crowds showed up, and they did as I was leaving.  Hasedera Temple is my favorite temple in Kamakura. It’s known for its seasonal flowers, peaceful gardens, caves, and ocean views.  We got lucky and visited Hasedera when the plum blossoms were in bloom and it was stunning. The Warbling white-eye (small green birds) birds were very active.  Great Buddha at Kotoku-in A short walk from Hasedera Temple is the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in. The Great Buddha is Kamakura’s most iconic landmark and is one of the most famous Buddha statues in all of Japan.  The Daibutsu (Great Buddha), is 24 meters tall and was built more then seven centuries ago.  For a small fee, ¥50 a person, you can visit the interior of the Great Buddha. It’s worth visiting the inside of the Kamakura Great Buddha, if anything to see the unique process of how they created the statue.  👉 Interested in Japan’s Great Buddha statues? I have posts on other Daibutsu to include Japan’s tallest Buddha Statue, Japan’s largest sitting Buddha, the Great Buddha at Nara, and the Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple.  Afternoon: Komachi Street → Tsurugaoka Hachimangu → Hokoku-ji Temple and Bamboo Forest Komachi Street Located near Kamakura Station, Komachi Street is a lively shopping and food street that is filled with local vendors selling street food, souvenirs, and alcoholic drinks. There are also many restaurants and indoor dining options along Komachi Street. Some of my recommendations here are: Minced Meat Cutlet with Hayama Beef at 極上鎌倉メンチカツ (Premium Kamakura enchi Katsu)〒248-0006 Kanagawa, Kamakura, Komachi, 1 Chome−6−15 1F Curry Pan at Giraffa Curry Pan2 Chome-2-21 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006 Daibutsu Beer (Kamakura Craft Beer) at multiple locations including shops and street vendors.  Taiyaki with Custard or Red Bean at Koga Rice Flour Taiyaki Kamakura Shop2 Chome-12-27 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006 Tsurgaoka Hachimangu Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is located at the end of Komachi Street on the opposite end of Kamakura Station. The shrine sits on a massive site with ponds, trails, open spaces, and numerous shrines and historical structures.  This place gets busy, especially around midday.  Hokoku-ji Temple and Bamboo Forest One of my favorite sites in Kamakura was Hokoku-ji Temple, specifically the Bamboo Forest and authentic tea house.  We ended up walking to Hokoku-ji Temple from Tsurgaoka Hachimangu. The walk itself was about 20-minutes. But there is a bus system as well in Kamakura that is cheap and convenient.  On the way back we went to the bus stop down the street and took the bus from Hokoku-ji Temple back to Kamakura Station.  Hokoku-ji Temple is a small temple but the main attraction here is the Bamboo Forest. The peaceful bamboo grove offered a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.  I recommend doing the combined ticket that includes a match tea in the garden at the tea house.  👉 If you are interested in visiting more bamboo forests throughout Japan, I have posts on Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Bamboo Forest Path in Izu, Shizuoka.  Kamakura Travel Tips ✅ Start Early to Beat the CrowdsKamakura is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo, meaning it gets busy, especially on weekends and certain times of the year. I recommend leaving Tokyo by 7:00 or 8:00 am. ✅ Use Public TransportationThe easiest way to get to Kamakura and around is by public transportation. Getting to Kamakura from Tokyo is very easy and stress free.  ✅ Wear Comfortable Shoes and ClothesLike most of the time traveling around Japan, you end up walking a lot and Kamakura is no different. The temple grounds are large and Komachi Street is a long road with so much going on.  ✅ Bring CashMany of the small shops and food vendors are cash only in Kamakura. It’s easier to pay in cash at attractions as well.  Is Kamakura Worth Visiting? Whether you are visiting from Tokyo or not, Kamakura is an absolute must and well worth visiting. If you are looking for a day trip from Tokyo, Kamakura is the perfect destination.  In just one day, you can see many of the iconic sites in Kamakura to include the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, Hasedera Temple, and see the peaceful bamboo forest at Hokoku-ji Temple.  Kamakura was that perfect mix of history, nature, good food, and Japanese charm. Kamakura is well worth adding to your Japan itinerary.  Conclusion A Kamakura day trip from Tokyo is one of the easiest ways to experience Japan’s rich history, scenic beauty, and iconic landmarks.  The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, eating my way through Komachi Street, and drinking matcha tea in the bamboo forest were all highlights of my trip to Kamakura.  If you are a first time visitor to Japan and plan on spending more then a few days in Tokyo, then I highly recommend a day trip to Kamakura. It’s a relatively stress free experience and transportation to Kamakura is quick and easy.  Have you been to Kamakura? If so, any other recommendations to share? Please let us know! Safe Travels!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Nikko, Japan is one of those destinations that feels completely different every time you visit. I’ve traveled to Nikko twice now and can confidently say it’s one of those places in Japan that you can’t help but fall in love with. Located just a few hours from Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko offers a unique mix of ornate shrines, stunning natural scenery, and exciting attractions.  On my first trip to Nikko, I focused more on the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Toshogu Shrine. On my next visit, I slowed things down a bit and explored more of the surrounding nature and more off the beaten path sites.  In this Nikko travel guide, I’ll share my recommended itinerary, must-see attractions, how to get here, best times to visit, and whether or not Nikko is worth that day or overnight trip from Tokyo.  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Nikko, Japan Nikko is a small town located in the Japanese Prefecture of Tochigi. For your reference, Nikko is about 150 km (93 miles) from Tokyo. Because of it’s accessibility and popularity, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. Despite being so close to Tokyo, Nikko feels like a completely different world. It’s set in the mountains of Nikko National Park, known for its forests, scenic lakes, and outdoor activities.  How to Get to Nikko Getting to Nikko is relatively easy, which is why it’s such a popular day trip from Tokyo. I’ll cover both getting Nikko by public transportation and driving since I’ve done both.  Public Transportation Option 1: Japan Railways (JR)If you have the JR pass or are familiar with the JR lines, I recommend this option as it’s easy and convenient.  Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station to Utsunomiya. From Utsunomiya, transfer to the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station.  Total travel time from Tokyo on the JR is about 1 hour 45 minutes.  Option 2: Tobu Railway The Tobu Railway departs from Asakusa Station. Direct limited express trains run from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko Station. Total travel time from Asakusa Station is about 2 hours.  This is a cheaper option then taking the JR Tohoku Shinkansen.  👉 Check out my post on Train Travel in Japan for more helpful tips and additional information.  Driving to Nikko Driving to Nikko via rental car is my preferred way. The times I’ve rented a car in Japan to drive to Nikko, I rented my car at Narita Airport.  Travel time from Narita is about 2-2.5 hours.  There are many sites to see along the way like the Great Ushiki Daibutsu.  Parking can be limited at major attractions in Nikko, especially during peak tourist season.  👉 Driving to Nikko is best for flexibility and exploring off-the-beaten path areas in Japan.  Getting Around Nikko If you are arriving to Nikko on a day trip from Tokyo, then you’ll want to maximize your time at attractions and not figuring out how to get to famous places like the the shrine area or Lake Chuzenji. If you love walking, from Tobu-Nikko Station, it’s only a 20 minute walk to Shinkyo Bridge and then another 10 minutes to the famous Nikko Toshogu shrine.  There are buses available in Nikko that run frequently between the train stations and major attractions in Nikko.  Make sure to pick up a map and updated bus schedule at one of the train stations.  Best Time to Visit Nikko is a year-round destination and each season is a completely different experience. I personally, visited Nikko in late spring and autumn. Honestly, the fall colors were so amazing in Nikko National Park, I highly recommend visiting Nikko during the fall.  Visiting Nikko in fall is another reason I recommend renting a car in Japan and exploring on your own.  Although the shrine area is beautiful, Nikko National Park is absolutely stunning with the red, orange, and yellow foliage throughout the mountains.  Autumn – Best overall time Brilliant fall colors throughout Nikko. Stunning views around Lake Chuzenji. Perfect weather for being out all day. Spring – Cherry Blossom Season There are Sakura trees around the temples and shrines. Crowds are not near peak season. Pleasant temperatures but might rain. Summer – Lush, Green, and Hot Summer is a great time to visit Nikko and enjoy outdoor activities. Although hot, it’s cooler here then in cities like Tokyo. Perfect season for hiking and enjoying time at Lake Chuzenji. Winter – Quiet, Crips, and Scenic Nikko is in the mountains, so there will be snow.  The temples and shrines will be covered in beautiful snow. Crisp and clear views on nice days. Keep in mind, many of the mountain roads and passes will be closed for the season.  Nikko Itinerary (1-2 Days) Whether you are visiting Nikko as a quick day trip from Tokyo or planning to stay overnight, this Nikko itinerary covers the must-see highlights and some off the beaten path destinations that I personally recommend.  Day 1 If you only have one day in Nikko, then I recommend visiting the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, this includes Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine.  The Shrines and Temples of Nikko are huge and deserve time to explore. If you finish the shrines and temples, I recommend visiting the Kanmangafuchi Abyss and the Imperial Villa.  Below you can find more detailed information on each site and the perfect 1-day Nikko itinerary.  Shinkyo Bridge If you are walking from the train stations to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, you’ll most likely see the famous red Shinkyo Bridge. The Shinkyo Bridge is an iconic bridge in Nikko that represents the entrance to the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.  Shrines and Temples of Nikko The main reason visitors travel to Nikko is to visit the beautiful shrines and temples, set deep within a cedar forest. Collectively, the shrines and temples here known as the Shrines and Temples of Nikko is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Toshogu Shrine Toshogu Shrine is the most famous and impressive shrine in Nikko. This shrine is dedicated to the samurai and daimyo, Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.  Toshogu Shrine is lavish, colorful, and very detailed. The gold leaf, intricate carvings, decorations, and colors make it feel more like a work of art rather then a shrine.  Some of the famous features of Toshogu Shrine include the “See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil,” monkey carvings and the “Sleeping Cat” carving.  Rinno-ji Temple Rinno-ji Temple is the most important Buddhist temple in Nikko. Inside, there are three Buddha statues. There is the thousand armed Buddha of Mt. Nantai, the Amida Buddha of Mt. Nyoho, and the Horse headed Buddha of Mt. Taro.  Rinno-ji is far less crowded then Toshogu Shrine. Shoyo-en Garden Prior to or just after visiting Rinno-ji Temple, I highly recommend visiting the Shoyo-en Garden. It’s a small garden and museum that is worth it, especially during fall.  The few times I’ve visited this Japanese Garden, it was never crowded, which is surprising because it’s a beautiful Japanese Garden with maple trees, ponds, and small trails.  Futarasan Shrine Futarasan Shrine is one of the oldest structures in Nikko and it is dedicated to the deities of the surrounding mountains.  Futarasan Shrine might not be as ornate as Toshogu Shrine, but it’s a completely different style and beautiful in its own way.  Futarasan Shrine is surrounded by forest paths that lead to hiking trails and it’s far less crowded then Toshogu Shrine. Taiyuin Temple (Iemitsu Mausoleum) One of my favorite temples in Nikko has to be Taiyuin Temple and the Iemitsu Mausoleum. This temple is tucked in the back near Futarasan Shrine.  Taiyuin Temple shares both Buddhist and Shinto structures, which is common. The setting of Taiyuin Temple is beautiful, sitting at the top of a staircase surrounded by forest.  Here you can also see the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu.  Tamozawa Imperial Villa After visiting the Shrines and Temples of Nikko and you still have room for more in your itinerary, I recommend either taking the bus or driving to the Tamozawa Imperial Villa and Gardens.  The Tamozawa Imperial Villa was built in 1899 for Prince Yoshihito. The villa was used by three emperors until 1947. Its intended use was as a retreat for the royal families during the summer and winter months.  The Tamozawa Imperial Villa is 23,000m² with a total of 106 rooms and a beautiful Japanese Garden. The garden has a 400 year old weeping cherry blossom tree.  Visitors have access to many of the rooms and floors of the villa. It’s a must visit attractions in Nikko that doesn’t take to much time out of your itinerary.  Kanmangafuchi Abyss Both times I visited the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, I walked from the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. It’s only a 15-20 minute walk through a small neighborhood. Visitors do have the option to drive here as well, there is a small parking lot. Kanmangafuchi Abyss is located in a beautiful gorge. Along a portion of the trail, there are several Jizo Statues. Jizo  Statues are Boddhisatva Jizo, which is a guardian deity of children. They are recognizable by their red hats and bibs.  Many of the statues you see here today are badly damaged due to flooding.  Day 2 If you plan to stay overnight in Nikko, I recommend spending the next day exploring the various sites around Nikko National Park. Now that the Shrines and Temples of Nikko are out the way, Day 2 is all about nature.  Kegon or Yudaki Waterfalls There are so many waterfalls in Nikko National Park but two to me stand out and are a must see.  Kegon Falls is ne of Japan’s most famous waterfalls and is included in any Nikko travel guide. It’s a 100 meter tall waterfall with great viewing platforms.  Personally, my favorite waterfall in Nikko National Park is Yudaki Waterfall. This spectacular waterfall is 70 meters tall. There is a nice trail that leads to the base of the fall and viewing platforms.  Senjogahara Marshland For a scenic hike with interesting landscapes, I recommend hiking or at least stopping by the Senjogahara Marshland.  For those that want to hike, there are trails throughout the valley.  When I visited the marshlands, it was early spring and still snow covered, so I just walked the raised boardwalks to the observation deck and grabbed a coffee at the nearby restaurant, Sanbonmatsu Chaya.  Lake Chuzenji Lake Chuzenji is a beautiful mountain lake at the base of Mount Nantai. The scenic drive to Lake Chuzenji is an attraction in itself. Lake Chuzenji is peaceful and deserves time to explore.  There are multiple viewing platforms around the lake, some are closed during the winter, but visitors can also walkalong the lakeshore and rent a boat (seasonal). For me, it’s all about the views. Seeing Lake Chuzenji with Mount Nantai towering in the background is a powerful image.  Demon Steps My second time staying in Nikko, I stayed in the Kinugawaonsen area of Nikko. This area is full of traditional Ryokan hotels.  There is one attraction here that I found unique and it was the Demon Steps at the Kinugawaonsen Fureai Bridge.  To get a full view of the demon painted on the stairs, you have to descend the stairs or come from the other side of the bridge. Once in the center of the bridge you get a full view of the demon.  It’s obviously not a must-see attraction in Nikko, but if you have time and driving by, it’s worth a brief stop.  Setoaikyo Watarasshaitsuri Bridge If you are interested in a short hike, walking on a

Planning a trip to Tokyo and looking for the best things to do in Shinjuku? Shinjuku is an energetic district and one of Tokyo’s most popular areas known for its neon-lit streets, Godzilla head, shopping beautiful gardens, and so much more. Shinjuku offers things to do for everyone like walking around Gyoen National Garde to experiencing the nightlife at Kabukicho. In this Shinjuku post, you’ll discover top attractions, some hidden gems, and must-visit spots. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Shinjuku: If you like nightlife, beautiful city parks, food, and bar hopping, then Shinjuku is the perfect district in Tokyo for you.  Top Things to do Shinjuku: Take photos of the Godzilla Head. Eat and Drink at a local Izakaya at Golden Gai or Memory Lane. Head up to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.  Where to Stay in Shinjuku: I am a fan of APA hotels in Japan, and this APA hotel is a great option.  When visiting Shinjuku, consider a walking food tour or Izakaya food crawl tour. Why Visit Shinjuku In total, I’ve probably spent about a week in Shinjuku. I’ve walked the alley ways, dined at local izakaya’s, and shopped for vintage video games in Shinjuku. Every time I visit Tokyo, I get drawn to Shinjuku. So why should you visit Shinjuku, Tokyo?  Shinjuku is that quintessential image of Tokyo that comes to mind. Modern, neon-lights, crowds of people, and plenty of drinking establishments. Shinjuku truly does offer something for everyone. You can find incredible shopping, beautiful nature, free observation decks overlooking the city, and amazing Japanese food.  Shinjuku offers that perfect blend of entertainment, culture, nature, and unforgettable travel experiences.  Best Things to do in Shinjuku Whether you are spending 24-hours in Shinjuku or multiple days, I’ve come up with this list of my recommendations and the best things to do in Shinjuku.  Please, if you have other recommendations and must-see or do things in Shinjuku leave a comment to share with myself and the rest of us.  Shinjuku Station Shinjuku Station is considered to be the busiest train station in the world! Of course, if you are going to spend any time in Shinjuku, you’ll probably arrive via the train station.  Shinjuku Station is huge! You can easily get lost here. Trust me, I have on more then one occasion.  Shinjuku is an attraction in itself. You can literally spend an entire day here, especially if the weather is not ideal.  You can shop, dine, and just wander around Shinjuku Station.  The Giant 3D Cat Upon exiting Shinjuku Station, you’ll probably notice a ton of people looking up pointing their phones at a building. Most likely, the Giant 3D Cat in Shinjuku is on the giant LED Screen.  If it is your first time in Shinjuku, make an effort to watch the 3D calico cat. Throughout the day, the cat does what cats do – Sleeps and wakes up, meows, and plays. It’s pretty realistic and just a joy to watch.  Kabukicho Main Gate You have to start your Shinjuku trip at the famous Kabukicho Main Gate. It’s an iconic landmark welcoming everyone into Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife.  Start here for your Shinjuku itinerary. Sure, take a photo of the gate then head through the streets behind it and start exploring Shinjuku.  Godzilla Head Shinjuku’s Godzilla Head is perched atop the Toho Cinema Building looking down on visitors below.  The Godzilla Head in Tokyo peers over the skyline, roars, and lights up during scheduled times, don’t miss out! Visitors love to take photos here, so the area is always crowded.  You can visit the terrace for close-up photos. You can stay at the Hotel Gracery for Godzilla themed rooms and views of the Godzilla head.  Don Quijote No visit to Japan is complete without stopping into a Don Quijote, there just so happens to be one in the heart of Shinjuku.  Don Quijote or just “Donki” is a discount store chain that sells basically everything. You can buy groceries, electronics, car stuff, houseware, clothing, and basically anything else you can think of.  In case you traveled to Japan and forgot something like an umbrella or just want to load up on snacks, don’t worry! Don Quijote has you covered.  Four Seasons Pathway The Four Seasons Pathway in Shinjuku is a peaceful walking route that is meant to showcase Japan’s changing seasons.  This short yet scenic pathway has cherry blossoms during the spring season, lush greenery during the summer, fall foliage during autumn, and beautiful winter landscapes.  I always enjoy walking the Four Seasons Pathway, it’s a nice escape from the crowds. It’s both safe and clean.  Golden Gai Shinjuku Golden Gai in is one of the most conic nightlife districts. Golden Gai is known for its narrow alleys that are lined with small bars and Izakaya’s.  Apparently there are about 200 tiny bars and eateries packed into six alleyways. It can become crowded during busy times of day. I recommend trying a few of the local bars in the area.  Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane Omoide Yokocho also known as Memory Lane is another spot like Golden Gai filled with narrow alleyways packed with tiny yakitori stalls, izakaya’s, and eateries.  Memory Lane is right by Shinjuku Station and is one of Shinjuku’s best areas to experience nightlife.  Like Golden Gai, because of its location and popularity, Memory Lane can become quite crammed, it’s still a great time no matter what.  Shin-Okubo, Korea Town Shin-Okubo, also known as Tokyo’s Korea Town is a vibrant hotspot and must visit place in Shinjuku for food lovers. This neighborhood is packed with authentic Korean restaurants like Korea BBQ, fried chicken, and places that sell street food like Tteokbokki and hotteok.  Not only can you find amazing Korean food in Shinjuku but there are also trendy shops selling fun stuff you can find in Korea.  Food, Food, Food The main reason I travel to Shinjuku is because of the food and fun places to eat. In Tokyo’s Shinjuku, you can find Michelin-star restaurants, local Izakaya’s, late night ramen shops, and everything else imaginable.  For local experiences, try an Izakaya at the famous Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai. But you can find amazing dining options anywhere in Shinjuku really.  ** Book a Shinjuku Food Tour to experience local dishes in hidden eateries via Get Your Guide.  Cafes & Desserts Some of the best cafes and dessert shops in Tokyo, I’ve found in Shinjuku. If you are looking for coffee shops, ice cream parlors, bakeries, or just a small vendor selling treats, chances are you’ll find it in Shinjuku.  Two of my favorite and highly recommend places for dessert and fun drinks/cakes are Macapresso Tokyo and Oyoppi Coffee.  If you like Macaroons, Macapresso Tokyo has some of the best I’ve ever had! They are gigantic and sell a wide variety of traditional and experimental flavors.  For a unique cafe experience, try Oyoppi Coffee. I highly recommend trying their cakes, coffee, and apple tea. The apple tea is very unique, you have to see it for yourself.  ** Try a unique Japan experience and participate in this Matcha Kimono Tea Ceremony, tickets can be purchased online via Get Your Guide.  Shopping Besides food and nightlife, most visitors come to Shinjuku to go shopping. You can find everything here from massive department stores to specialty shops.  I stumbled inside a huge department store and on the top floor there was a huge store selling vintage video games, some were not cheap!  In general, Shinjuku is a convenient location for shopping with a diverse range of stores.  Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of my favorite places in Shinjuku. I find Tokyo to be a very green city with many large parks scattered throughout the city. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of my favorites.  The garden is huge with many beautiful themes, it’s both a nature and photographers paradise, in the heart of Tokyo.  The Old Goryo-tei (Taiwan Pavilion) is one of my favorite attractions at Gyoen National Garden.  Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck If you are looking for free things to do in Shinjuku or free attractions in Tokyo, I highly recommend paying a visit to the observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It seems that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building gets overlooked since Tokyo Tower and Skytree are so famous and on everyone’s Tokyo bucket list. Honestly, this free observation deck is just as good, if not better.  It’s free to enter the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and you get stunning panoramic views of Tokyo, you can even see Mt. Fuji on a clear day. I visited and there was only a short line at the entrance, no crowds plus the observation deck was near empty.  Conclusion When visiting Tokyo, especially for the first time, you have to visit Shinjuku. I’d even recommend staying in Shinjuku to experience the nightlife and culture.  For being one of Tokyo’s districts, Shinjuku has so much to offer. Find peace at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, get some of the best views of Tokyo at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and sample local Japanese delights.  Have other recommendations and things to do in Shinjuku? Leave a comment so I can check it out next time. Safe travels!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸  Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Spending one day in Kawagoe, is the perfect day trip from Tokyo for travelers who are looking to escape the city and experience a historic Japanese town. Known as “Little Edo,” Kawagoe is a charming town with preserved streets and iconic landmarks.  Visiting Kawagoe from Tokyo is an easy train ride away. You can easily spend the day here sampling local treats, visiting attractions, shopping, and trying various sake and beers from the region.  I created this guide to Kawagoe to share some of the best things to do, how to get to Kawagoe, and so much more that will help make the most of your one-day in Kawagoe trip from Tokyo.  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why Visit Kawagoe? So many tourists come to Japan and solely focus on visiting Tokyo and/or Kyoto. There are so many other beautiful places around Japan that are worth visiting. One town I recently visited as a day trip from Tokyo, deserves visitors. Kawagoe is seriously one of the best places to visit near Tokyo especially if you are looking for a nice blend of history, culture, and a charming Japanese small-town atmosphere.  Kawagoe is a beautifully preserved Edo-period town with streets and buildings from the same period. This gives travelers a chance to experience and Edo-period town without venturing far from Tokyo.  You can easily spend an entire day in Kawagoe. Visit the famous Toki no Kane Clock Tower, walk up and down Ichibangai Shotengai (street lined with Edo-period warehouse buildings), and try some local sweet potato treats.  How to Get to Kawagoe from Tokyo Getting to Kawagoe from Tokyo is surprisingly easy and fast. If you are in the Shinjuku area hop on the Express Red Arrow Line. This is a direct train from Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Kawagoe’s Honkawagoe Station.  From the Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Honkawagoe Station, it’s a 44 minute direct train ride.  I recommend purchasing the Seibu Kawagoe Pass. This is a discounted roundtrip ticket and can be purchased at the ticket counter on the second floor of the Seibu-Shinjuku Station.  Perfect Kawagoe Itinerary Here is my recommended itinerary for a one day trip to Kawagoe from Tokyo. I don’t think more then a day is entirely necessary, but Kawagoe is a must-visit place just outside Tokyo. Here is our itinerary and we spent the day in Kawagoe.  Morning Train to Honkawagoe Station → Ichibangai Shotengai → Penny Candy Lane → Sample Food Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Honkawagoe Station I recommend starting your day early when visiting Kawagoe. There is so much to do and see so plan enough time to follow my recommended Kawagoe itinerary.  Remember, the train from Seibu-Shinjuku takes roughly 44 minutes and I recommend purchasing the Seibu Kawagoe Pass for a roundtrip fare.  Ichibangai Shotenagai (Historical Street) Ichibangai Shotenagai is a historic street in Kawagoe. This street is lined with historically preserved Kurazukuri Warehouses, traditional shops, cafes, and fun souvenir stores.  Along this road in Kawagoe, you can find local sweets, handcrafted souvenirs, vendors selling COEDO Beer, and so much more.  Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane) Kashiya Yokocho or Penny Candy Lane is a short section of road that near Ichibangai Shotenagai. According to information I learned in Kawagoe, this road got its name from a local vendor who made candy during the Edo-period. Quickly gaining popularity, there were over 70 stores selling candy. Today, you can still find stores selling Taffy, Senbei, and other candies. Although, a short street, it’s worth walking it to grab a quick snack on the go.  Sample Daigaku Imo-Dan-go or Imokoi (Dumplings)   You can’t visit Kawagoe without trying some of the famous sweets and treats. I highly recommend trying Daigaku Imo Dan-go and Imokoi, both can be found around town being sold by local vendors.  Daigaku Imo Dan-go is a treat made with sweet potatoes, it is deep fried and coated with a sugar glaze.  Imokoi is a type of dumpling filled with fresh red bean paste and sweet potato. This treat is served fresh and hot, it’s best to eat right away, perfect for colder weather.  Afternoon Toki-no-Kane → Chopsticks → Beer → Kawage Hikawa Shrine Toki-no Kane (Bell Tower) Probably Kawagoe’s most famous attraction is Toki-no Kane known as the Bell of Time Tower. During the Edo-period it was used to let people know the time.  Today, it is still being used, ringing four times a day.  Make Your Own Chopsticks I am not a crafty or artistic person at all, but I highly recommend going to Karakimokkou (Wood Works Kawagoe) to make your own chopsticks.  Right across the street from Toki-no Kane you’ll find this small wood working shop. You don’t make reservations, but it is a first come first serve basis. You sign up electronically outside and you’ll ben notified when it is your turn. We waited about 30-minutes. Perfect time to grab a snack, a beer, and do a little sightseeing around Kawagoe.  When you are called up and enter the store, first you choose wood. There is a display of all the wood and they vary in price.  Next you cut the wood with tools and instructions provided.  Smooth the edges using sand paper, and finally dip the chopsticks in an oil coating. The whole process takes about 20-mintutes to make your chopsticks.  The staff will then give you a sleeve to place your chopsticks in. It’s the perfect souvenior for your travels in Japan.  Try a local COEDO Beer While you are waiting to make your own chopsticks, you can easily go to one of the many liquor stores or local vendors selling Kawagoe’s own COEDO Beer.  COEDO is an award winning craft brewery and well worth trying a few of their beers.  In my opinion, their Kyara (India Pale Lager) and Shirogamau (IPA) are their best beers.  Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine When visiting Kawagoe, you can’t miss the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I walked to the Hikawa Shrine from the Toki-no Kane. It was about a 15-minute walk.  Hikawa Shrine dates back over 1,500 years and is known for its serene atmosphere, towering torii gate, Ema Tunnel, and fortune fishing. That’s right, you can use a rod and retrieve your fortune from a fish-shaped charm.  Evening Kita-in → Sake Tastings → Omiyage → Train Back to Tokyo Kita-in Kita-in Temple was my favorite temple in Kawagoe and I recommend visiting it while on your way back to the train station.  I also recommend paying the ¥400 to gain access to the gardens, Senba Tosyogu Shrine, interior of the temple, and the 500 Statues of Rakan.  The 500 Statues of Rakan are disciples of Buddha and each one is different.  Sample Sake Sense you are taking the train back to Tokyo, you don’t have to drive right? Why not sample local sake and choose your favorite from the dozens to try from.  At the liquor store, Kikizake Shop Showagura you can sample dozens of Japanese sake. Simply insert money into the machine and it spits out tokens that can be used at the Sake machines. You get a small cup and can hold it under any of the Sake you want to try. Not only is it fun but you can see what styles of sake you prefer.  Each Sake has a corresponding one in the store you can purchase. So if you liked one you sampled, feel free to purchase a bottle. Perfect for gifts or just drinking in your hotel room.  Pick up an Omiyage While you are it, go next door from Kikizake Shop Showagura to Koedo Kurari and pick up some Omiyage, souvenirs, and other local goods.  Omiyage is a traditional Japanese souvenir. You’ve seen them, they are local snacks, treats, and specialty foods, that are nicely packaged. They are found in souvenir shops, train stations, and Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station).  Omiyage is an important part of Japanese travel culture and they are regional which is fun.  I always bring an omiyage to work to share with coworkers to thank them for picking up my slack!  Train back to Seibu-Shinjuku Station Now that you have your sake and omiyage it’s time to head back to Tokyo by boarding the train at Honkawagoe Station. Use the same Seibu Kawagoe Pass and enjoy the train ride back to Seibu-Shinjuku Station.  Conclusion Spending one day in Kawagoe is simply the best way to experience Japan’s small historic town charm without traveling to far from Tokyo. Kawagoe has beautifully preserved warehouse buildings and streets that date back to the Edo-period.  For a town of its size, there is so much o do and it makes for the perfect day trip from Tokyo.  I hope this Kawagoe itinerary helps with making the most out of your day in Kawagoe and gives you an option to think about if you are planning day trips from Tokyo. If you end up visiting Kawagoe, let me know how your trip went! Safe Travels!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸  Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

When most travelers think of Japan, images of cherry blossoms, bullet trains, and probably food come to mind. But there is another side of Japan’s creativity and one of my favorite works of art, right beneath your feet, the beautiful manhole covers.  Across Japan, in almost every town and city, ordinary sewer lids are transformed into intricate works of art. The manholes showcase local landmarks, mascots, nature, and icons from that specific town or city.  I didn’t know about Japan’s manhole covers until moving here, and yes, manhole tourism is a thing! Visitors, including myself hunt for and photograph Japan’s most beautiful manhole covers. This post is all about Japan’s manhole covers and the tourism around it.  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! What is Manhole Tourism? It sounds weird, but manhole tourism is a thing and even I am guilty of it, not that it’s a bad thing!  Manhole tourism is popular in Japan. When visiting Japan, instead of looking up at the exciting neon lights, enthusiasts look down in search of Japan’s most creative and colorful manhole covers.  For me, it’s a souvenir, another way of tracking my travels around Japan. Each manhole design reflects the character of its city or town featuring landmarks, flowers, nature, events, etc.. For example, while walking around the Japanese city of Himeji, you might stumble upon a manhole with the famous Himeji Castle, or in Hiroshima, you can spot manholes with their favorite baseball team on it, the Hiroshima Carp.  Manhole tourism in Japan has gotten more popular in recent years. I’ve heard of some travelers planning their entire trip just based on the manholes. Not a bad idea, it gets you to some remote places and outside the typical Tokyo and Kyoto itinerary.  History Behind Japan’s Artistic Manhole Covers In Japan, everything seems to be cutesy and colorful even the manhole covers. But this wasn’t always the case. In fact, the detailed and  interesting manhole covers in Japan is fairly new, dating back to the 1980s. The local governments were trying to find ways to make the public infrastructure more appealing so that in a way locals could get behind it for funding reasons. The idea was proposed to decorate the manhole lids with regional designs.  The crafty manhole designs were meant to spark interest in the rather expensive sewer projects. What stared off as a small project quickly spread throughout Japan.  Soon after, towns and cities across Japan started to create their own unique manhole cover designs, each coming up with their own local identity.  Today, there are more the 12,000 different manhole covers throughout Japan. Not only are they functional, but the have become a form of public art drawing the interest of tourists every year.  Culture Behind the Designs The culture behind Japan’s artistic manhole covers is more then just pretty designs. The pictures and representations on the manholes reflect the culture, creativity, and community of the town or city in Japan.  Each manhole cover is unique and tells a story whether it be a town mascot or a popular festival.  The manhole covers are also part of Japan’s love of regional individuality. In Japanese, the word “Gotochi” means local. Every prefecture has a unique highlight and often times these are represented in the manholes.  For instance, you might find a manhole cover with Mt. Fuji on it in the prefecture of Shizouka, or a manhole cover with beni imo (sweet potato from Okinawa) on it somewhere in Okinawa.  For locals, the manhole covers can be a sense of pride. For visitors, they offer a meaningful and alternative way to appreciate Japanese culture.  Pokémon Manhole Covers For manhole tourism in Japan, one of the most popular highlights is the collection on Pokémon manhole covers also known as Pokéfuta (Japanese) and  PokéLids.  The installation of Pokémon manhole covers began in 2018. As of now, there are around 300 PokéLids and more continue to be added around rural areas of Japan as well as popular tourist destinations.  Each Pokémon manhole cover is created to reflect the local culture or scenery of the region where they are installed.  The PokéLids are beautifully designed and show original and next generation Pokémon characters. The lids will also have the name (in Japanese) of the Pokémon and region/town you are in. Photos make great souvenirs!  For example you can find Tauros in Uruma, Okinawa which is known for bullfighting. Or Geodude and Baltoy in Iwate Prefecture near the Jomon Prehistoric Sites.  My favorite thing about the Pokémon manhole covers in Japan is that they install them in rural areas. This brings tourism to small towns, Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stations), local parks, and historical sites.  Many times, while doing road trips in Japan, we mark many of the PokéLids on the map and make an effort to drive to a few of them, you never know where you’ll end up and what cool things you’ll find. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt, you can map out the routes to each manhole and photograph each PokéLid.  I use this PokéLids website to find the Pokémon manhole covers. You can search by region and the site has a map and coordinates. Simply mark it on your map and try and find the Pokémon manhole cover! Happy Hunting!  Why I Love Japan’s Manhole Tourism Prior to living in Japan, I never paid any attention to a manhole. I mean, there really was never a point, they all look the same and serve the same purpose.  That all changed when I moved to Japan, I instantly fell in love with the beautiful and interesting manhole covers. Then I discovered the Pokémon manhole covers and now I actively seek them out, I don’t even like Pokémon.  To me, it’s become like a treasure hunt, I love looking at each towns manholes, I try and visit new places around Japan just to photograph their manhole covers.   The manhole covers in Japan are so varied, I’ve seen ones with castles, animals, villages, fests, and so much more. Some towns and cities will have multiple different manhole covers too.  Just by searching for manhole covers in Japan, it’s taken me to some incredible places I never thought about visiting like the Onigajo Rock Formations in Mie Prefecture or the foot of Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture.  Some of My Favorite Manhole Covers Around Japan Conclusion Japan’s manhole covers are so much more then just sewer manholes you see in other countries. Japan made the effort to make even their manholes beautiful and attractive and it’s led to manhole tourism. Where visitors seek out beautifully decorative manholes throughout Japan and photograph them.  Japan’s manholes include everything from hand0painted designs in small towns to Pokémon themed covers known as PokéLids.   Japan’s detailed manhole covers have turned ordinary street manholes into basically open-air galleries, each manhole telling a story about the region, culture, and traditions of Japan.  Do you know of any must-visit manhole covers in Japan? Leave a photo or comment so that I and others can find it. Thanks!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸  Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.