10 Easy Day Trips from Tokyo: Must-Visit Places within 2 Hours
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.
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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 and Temples of Nikko
- Nikko National Park
👉 Wondering if Nikko is worth visiting? I have an entire Traveler’s Guide to Nikko.
How to Choose the Best Day Trip from Tokyo
Having trouble deciding one which day trip from Tokyo best suites your style? Below I broke down the different travel styles along with the destination.
Culture → Kamakura, Kawagoe, Nikko
Nature → Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, Nikko
Relaxation → Hakone, Nikko
Food → Kamakura, Narita, Yokohama
Small Town Vibes → Kamakura, Kawagoe, Sawara
Why I Don't Recommend Kyoto as a Day Trip from Tokyo
While it is technically possible to visit Kyoto from Tokyo in a single day, it’s not very practical and I don’t recommend it.
There is a Shinkansen from Tokyo that can get you to Kyoto in around 2-2.5 hours each way, meaning you’ll spend about 5 hours in transit alone.
Kyoto is a city that deserves time to explore, there is simply to much to see and do and it’s not worth the day trip. Kyoto is pretty spread out, so you would only have time to explore a small area and few attractions if anything.
Kyoto is best explored separately, give yourself time to explore and truly appreciate Kyoto.
Tokyo Day Trips Travel Tips
✅ Start as early as possible, especially when visiting places that are farther out with a lot to see, like Nikko.
✅ Check the weather conditions this can be especially helpful when visiting Mount Fuji. Sometimes after the morning, the visibility of Mount Fuji can be poor.
✅ Pack light, it’s only a day trip and just bring essentials. Remember, there are convenience stores and vending machines all throughout Japan.
FAQ
What are the easiest day trips from Tokyo?
In my opinion, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Kawagoe are the easiest day trips from Tokyo.
What is the best day trip from Tokyo?
This depends a lot on your travel style, time, and what you want to get out of your day trip. I’d recommend reading my section on How to Choose the Best Day Trip from Tokyo.
Can you do Mount Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo?
Of course! Visiting Kawaguchiko is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo.
Is it better to take a tour or go independently?
I’ve done both and recommend either one depending on your comfort level. All of these day trip recommendations can be done on your own. But if you want a knowledgeable guide and transport, then maybe a tour is the way to go!
Conclusion
While Tokyo offers endless things to do and see, some of the most memorable experiences in Japan involve exploring sites, natural attractions, and towns just outside of Japan’s capital city.
Japan has a very efficient rail network, including the famous Shinkansen where you can easily escape the city and see beautiful nature, coastlines, traditional towns, and other historical sites.
From the historic towns of Kamakura and Sawara to the scenic natural wonders of Nikko and Mt. Fuji, each destination I recommend offers something unique and an unforgettable journey.
If you have more then a few days in Tokyo, I highly recommend adding one or many of these Tokyo day trips to your Japan itinerary.
Have you been to any of these sites or have any other recommended day trips from Tokyo? Leave a comment to share with myself and others. Safe Travels!
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