12 Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Tokyo is a fantastic base for day trips: temples, mountains, hot springs, Mt Fuji views and historic towns are all within about two hours. Travel times are approximate from central Tokyo.

The classics

• Kamakura (~1 hour): the Great Buddha, Zen temples, hiking trails and the beach. Combine with Enoshima.
• Nikko (~2 hours): the ornate Tōshō-gū shrine, waterfalls and Lake Chūzenji.
• Hakone (~1.5 hours): onsen, the ropeway over Ōwakudani, Lake Ashi and art museums. Better overnight if possible.
• Kawaguchiko & Fuji Five Lakes (~2 hours): the iconic Chureito Pagoda view and lakeside Mt Fuji views.
• Yokohama (~30 minutes): Chinatown, Minato Mirai waterfront, Cup Noodles Museum and Sankeien Garden.

Historic towns

• Kawagoe (~30–60 minutes): "Little Edo" with clay-walled warehouses and a bell tower.
• Sawara (~1.5 hours): canal-side merchant town in Chiba.

Nature and hiking

• Mt Takao (~50 minutes): easy hiking, a temple and city views; very busy at weekends.
• Okutama (~2 hours): gorges, river walks and caves.
• Chichibu (~1.5 hours): shrines, flower fields, and a famous night festival in December.

Something different

• Karuizawa (~1 hour by Shinkansen): mountain resort with outlet shopping and forest walks.
• Ashikaga Flower Park (~2 hours): spectacular wisteria in late April–May and winter illuminations.

Tips

• Check passes such as the Hakone Freepass, Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass or JR Tokyo Wide Pass — see regional passes.
• Start early: popular places get crowded by mid-morning.
• Mt Fuji is often hidden by clouds, especially in summer; mornings in winter are clearest. See our Mt Fuji guide.