Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Vlad

Tokyo’s brilliant, but sometimes you need a break from the crowds and neon lights. The good news? Some of Japan’s best experiences are within 1-2 hours of Tokyo, making them perfect for day trips that don’t require packing up your entire hotel room. Whether you’re after temples, nature, beaches, or traditional towns, these day trips let you experience different sides of Japan while keeping Tokyo as your comfortable base.

I’ve done all of these trips multiple times (some more successfully than others), and I’m going to give you the honest breakdown of what’s actually worth your time, what you can skip, and how to make the most of a day outside Tokyo without losing your mind in the process.

Quick Guide: Picking Your Day Trip

If you only have time for ONE day trip?

➡ Nikko (temples + nature + history = perfect Japan experience)

Best for first-timers: Kamakura (easy, close, manageable)

Best for families: Yokohama (tons of kid-friendly stuff, close to Tokyo)

Best for nature lovers: Hakone or Mount Fuji area (Kawaguchiko)

Best for avoiding tourists: Kawagoe (underrated and brilliant)

Most overrated: Honestly? Hakone can be touristy and weather-dependent

Closest to Tokyo: Yokohama (30 mins from Tokyo Station) and Kamakura (1 hour from Tokyo Station)

Day Trip Map: Where Everything Is From Tokyo

All seven destinations are within 2.5 hours of Tokyo, making them perfect for day trips. The map shows you exactly where each spot is and how they relate to each other.

Quick Comparison: Which Day Trip Suits You?

Can’t decide where to go? This table breaks down the key differences so you can pick the right day trip based on your time, energy levels, and what the weather’s doing.

Destination	Travel Time	Vibe	Difficulty	Best Season	Good in Rain?
Yokohama	30-40 min	Modern, relaxed	★☆☆☆☆	All year	Yes
Kamakura	1 hour	Temples + beach	★★☆☆☆	Spring/Autumn	Okay
Kawagoe	45 min	Traditional Edo	★☆☆☆☆	Autumn	Yes
Hakone	1.5 hours	Scenic + onsen	★★★☆☆	Autumn	Partially
Kawaguchiko	2 hours	Fuji views + lakes	★★☆☆☆	Winter/Spring	No (clouds)
Nikko	2 hours	Culture + nature	★★★★☆	Autumn	Some parts
Izu Peninsula	2-2.5 hours	Coast + onsen	★★★☆☆	Spring/Autumn	Not ideal

💡 Weather tip: Always check forecasts for Mount Fuji trips – clouds hide the mountain 60-70% of the time. If it’s looking dodgy, pivot to Nikko or Kamakura instead. Don’t waste a day staring at clouds.

How to Actually Plan Day Trips

Transport Basics

JR Pass Considerations: If you’ve got a JR Pass, Nikko and Kamakura are essentially free (both on JR lines). Hakone is trickier – only part of the route is covered. Do the math before committing.

Without JR Pass: Most day trips cost ¥2,000-10,000 return in train fares. Add attraction costs on top. Budget accordingly.

Pro Tip: Leave early. I mean it. Catching the 7am train instead of 10am means you beat the crowds and get way more done. Plus, you’re not rushing to catch the last train back at night.

Transport Insider Tips

Best Departure Stations:

• Tokyo Station: Most direct for Yokohama, Kamakura (via Yokosuka Line)
• Shinjuku: Best for Hakone, Kawaguchiko (express trains depart here)
• Asakusa: Best for Nikko (Tobu Railway starts here)
• Ikebukuro: Best for Kawagoe (quick and easy)

Scenic Train Tips:

• To Hakone: Sit on the right side for Mount Fuji views (when clear)
• To Kamakura: Either side is fine, but right side gets ocean glimpses
• To Nikko: Left side going up has better mountain views

Luggage & Lockers:

• Most major stations have coin lockers (¥300-600 depending on size)
• Nikko and Hakone stations have plenty of lockers – use them
• Don’t lug backpacks around all day if you don’t need to

IC Card vs Paper Tickets:

• Suica/Pasmo works everywhere for these trips
• Much easier than buying individual tickets
• Just tap and go
• Only exception: Some limited express trains require reserved seats (buy at station)

Time Management

Realistic Day Trip Timeline:

• Leave Tokyo: 7am
• Arrive destination: 8-9am
• Explore: 9am-5pm
• Head back to station: 5-6pm
• Return to Tokyo: 6-8pm

Don’t overschedule. Pick 2-3 main things to see, not 10. You’ll be knackered by 3pm anyway.

The Day Trips (Ranked by Distance)

1. Yokohama (30-40 mins)

Distance: 30-40 minutes from Tokyo Station
Cost: ¥490 one way (JR Pass covered)
Best for: Families, food lovers, anyone wanting an easy first day trip
Time needed: Half day to full day
Difficulty Level: ★☆☆☆☆ (Very easy – flat, good public transport, manageable distances)

Signature Experience: Riding the giant Ferris wheel at Cosmo World with harbour views

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring: Cherry blossoms in parks, comfortable weather
• Summer: Good for waterfront activities, can be hot
• Autumn: Perfect weather for walking around
• Winter: Illuminations at Red Brick Warehouse (November-February)

Why Go: Yokohama’s basically Tokyo’s chiller, more spacious sibling. Less crowded, more relaxed, but still plenty to do. It’s my go-to recommendation for families because there’s heaps of kid-friendly stuff without the Tokyo chaos.

What to Actually Do:

Minato Mirai Area:

• Cup Noodles Museum: Sounds gimmicky, but it’s actually fun. You design your own cup noodles. Kids love it, adults secretly enjoy it too. (¥500, 2 hours)
• Cosmo World: Small amusement park with that giant Ferris wheel you see in photos. Good for a quick spin, not an all-day thing. (Free entry, pay per ride)
• Red Brick Warehouse: Renovated warehouse now full of shops and restaurants. Nice for a wander, grab lunch here.

Chinatown: Japan’s largest Chinatown. Go hungry. The nikuman (steamed buns) are brilliant. Way better food than Tokyo’s tourist traps.

Yamashita Park: Waterfront park perfect for a break. Let kids run around, grab an ice cream, watch the boats. Free and actually pleasant.

For Families: Check out my complete Yokohama with kids guide – there’s way more than I can cover here, including the brilliant Kodomonokuni kids park.

Food Highlights:

• Nikuman (steamed buns): Chinatown specialty – pork, vegetables, or sweet bean paste filling
• Shumai: Yokohama-style dumplings (different from Chinese ones)
• Ramen: Iekei-style ramen originated here – thick, rich pork broth
• Street food in Chinatown: Try the sesame balls, pork buns, and soup dumplings

Personal Take: I love Yokohama. It’s close enough that if you stuff up your plans, you’re not stuck for hours. The waterfront is lovely, Chinatown is great for lunch, and it’s way less stressful than a full day in Tokyo. Perfect for your first day trip.

Skip If: You’re short on time and want something more “Japanese traditional” – Yokohama’s quite modern and westernized.

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2. Kamakura (1 hour)

Distance: 1 hour from Tokyo Station
Cost: ¥950 one way (JR Pass covered)
Best for: Temple lovers, beach fans, manageable first day trip
Time needed: Full day
Difficulty Level: ★★☆☆☆ (Moderate – some walking and hills, but nothing too strenuous)

Signature Experience: Standing before the Great Buddha – a 13-meter bronze statue you can actually go inside

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring: Cherry blossoms at temples, pleasant weather
• Summer: Beach season! But very crowded weekends
• Autumn: Comfortable temps, fewer crowds than spring
• Winter: Quieter, but some beach activities closed

Why Go: Kamakura was Japan’s capital in the 12th century, and it’s packed with temples, shrines, and history. Plus it’s by the beach, which is a nice change from Tokyo’s concrete jungle.

What to Actually Do:

The Great Buddha (Kotoku-in): That massive bronze Buddha you’ve seen in photos. It’s genuinely impressive – 13.35 meters tall and you can go inside it (¥50 extra). The temple grounds are peaceful and it’s worth the visit. (¥300 entry, 30-45 mins). A magnet for overseas tourists, not so much for the Japanese

Hasedera Temple: Beautiful temple with ocean views. The grounds are stunning, especially in June when the hydrangeas bloom. There’s a cave with lit candles that’s quite atmospheric. (¥400 entry, 1 hour)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Main shrine in Kamakura. Big, impressive, free to enter. Can get crowded but worth a visit. Near the station so easy to fit in. This is where Japanese people go. You might even see a real, traditional wedding ceremony here!

Komachi-dori Street: Shopping street near the station. Tourist-oriented but good for lunch, snacks, souvenirs. Try the local shirasu (whitebait) rice bowls.

Enoshima (Bonus Add-on): If you’ve got time and energy, Enoshima island is nearby (15 mins by train). Climb the hill for views, visit the shrine, explore the caves. It’s touristy but quite fun. Add 3-4 hours if doing this.

Suggested Walking Route (Efficient Loop):

1. Start at Kamakura Station → Walk to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (10 mins)
2. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu → Explore shrine (30 mins)
3. Walk down Komachi-dori → Grab snacks and lunch (30-45 mins)
4. Take bus or Enoden train → to Hasedera Temple (15 mins)
5. Hasedera Temple → Explore grounds and views (1 hour)
6. Walk to Great Buddha → 10 minute walk from Hasedera (45 mins visit)
7. Optional: Enoshima (add 3-4 hours) OR head back to station

This route avoids backtracking and hits all the highlights efficiently.

Food Highlights:

• Shirasu-don: Fresh whitebait served over rice – Kamakura’s specialty
• Matcha soft serve: Multiple shops along Komachi-dori
• Kamakura vegetables: Seasonal vegetable dishes at local restaurants
• Dango: Sweet rice dumplings perfect for snacking while temple-hopping

The Reality: Kamakura’s brilliant but it can be PACKED on weekends. The Enoden train (cute local line) gets sardine-tin crowded. Go on a weekday if possible, or prepare for crowds.

Personal Experience: I went on a Saturday in spring. Mistake. The Great Buddha area was jammed, the Enoden train was standing room only, and lunch queues were 30+ minutes. Still enjoyed it, but wish I’d gone on a Thursday instead.

Skip If: You’ve already got temple fatigue from Kyoto. Kamakura’s temples are nice but not mind-blowing if you’ve seen Kyoto’s highlights.

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3. Nikko (2 hours)

Distance: 2 hours from Tokyo (Asakusa Station)
Cost: ¥2,800 one way via Tobu Railway (NOT covered by JR Pass), OR use JR Pass but it’s slower
Best for: Nature lovers, UNESCO World Heritage fans, anyone wanting the full package
Time needed: Full day (leave early!)
Difficulty Level: ★★★★☆ (Challenging – lots of walking, many stairs, hilly terrain. Not ideal for mobility issues)

Signature Experience: The ornate Toshogu Shrine covered in gold leaf – one of Japan’s most elaborate shrines

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring: Cherry blossoms and azaleas, comfortable temps
• Summer: Lush greenery, waterfalls at full flow, popular with domestic tourists
• Autumn: Spectacular fall foliage (late October-early November)
• Winter: Snow-covered landscapes, very quiet, some attractions may close

Why Go: Nikko’s the full package – incredible shrines, stunning nature, waterfalls, and mountains. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and genuinely one of the best day trips from Tokyo. But you need to commit to a full day.

What to Actually Do:

Toshogu Shrine: The main event. Insanely ornate shrine covered in gold leaf and intricate carvings. It’s the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu (the shogun who unified Japan). Give yourself 2-3 hours here to really see it all. (¥1,300 entry)

The “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkeys are here – original carved ones, not just the saying.

Kegon Falls: Stunning 97-meter waterfall. Take the elevator down to the observation platform (¥570). In autumn, the surrounding foliage is incredible. In winter, it partially freezes which is quite dramatic.

Lake Chuzenji: Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Perfect for a break after temples. Boats available if you want to get on the water.

Kanmangafuchi Abyss: Row of 70 stone Jizo statues along a path. It’s peaceful and a bit haunting. Local legend says if you count them twice, you’ll get a different number each time.

Getting Around Nikko: The town is walkable but spread out. Buses go to the further attractions (Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji) and are easy to figure out with Google Maps or the signs at the bus stops. Day pass for buses is ¥2,100 – worth it if you’re seeing multiple spots.

Food Highlights:

• Yuba (tofu skin): Nikko’s specialty – served in soups, fried, or as sashimi
• Yuba soba: Buckwheat noodles with tofu skin – warming after a day of walking
• Nikko manju: Sweet buns filled with red bean paste – perfect snack
• Fresh mountain vegetables: Many restaurants serve seasonal mountain vegetables

The Reality Check: Nikko’s brilliant but exhausting. You’ll walk heaps, climb stairs, and be knackered by 3pm. The weather can be unpredictable (mountains = rain possibility). And if it’s foggy, you won’t see Mount Nantai or the lake views.

Personal Take: This is my number one recommendation if you only have time for one day trip. Yes, it’s 2 hours each way. Yes, it’s tiring. But it’s absolutely worth it. The shrines are stunning, the nature is beautiful, and you get that traditional Japan experience. Go early, bring comfortable shoes, and prepare to climb stairs.

Skip If: You can’t handle a 4-hour round trip on trains, or you’ve got mobility issues (there are A LOT of stairs).

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4. Hakone (1.5 hours)

Distance: 1.5 hours from Shinjuku
Cost: ¥2,470 one way to Hakone-Yumoto (JR Pass covers part of the route). Or get Hakone Freepass that covers all for ¥7,100
Best for: Onsen lovers, Mount Fuji chasers, scenic route enthusiasts
Time needed: Full day
Difficulty Level: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate – lots of transport changes, some walking, but manageable)

Signature Experience: Riding the pirate ship across Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in the background (weather permitting!)

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring: Cherry blossoms, clear skies (better Fuji views)
• Summer: Green and lush, but Fuji often hidden in clouds
• Autumn: Fall foliage spectacular, clearer weather
• Winter: Best Fuji visibility, but cold. Some transport may be limited.

Why Go: Hakone’s famous for onsen (hot springs), views of Mount Fuji, and the scenic Hakone Loop route. It’s touristy but genuinely beautiful when the weather cooperates.

What to Actually Do:

The Hakone Loop (Full Experience): This is the classic Hakone day trip – a circuit using different transport:

1. Train from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto
2. Hakone Tozan Railway (switchback mountain railway)
3. Cable car to Owakudani
4. Ropeway over volcanic valley
5. Pirate ship across Lake Ashi
6. Bus back to starting point

The Hakone Free Pass (¥7,100 for 2 days from Shinjuku) covers all this. Worth it if you’re doing the full loop. I highly recommend it!

Owakudani (Volcanic Valley): Active volcanic zone with sulfur vents and hot springs. Try the black eggs (boiled in the sulfur springs) – they’re meant to add 7 years to your life. The views of Mount Fuji from here are spectacular… when it’s clear.

Lake Ashi: Scenic lake with the famous red torii gate in the water. The pirate ship cruise is touristy but fun. Best views of Mount Fuji from here (weather permitting).

Hakone Open-Air Museum: Outdoor sculpture museum with a Picasso collection. Actually quite good. Give it 2 hours. (¥1,600 entry)

Onsen: Hakone’s full of hot spring resorts. Day-use onsen start from ¥1,000-2,000. If you’ve never done an onsen, this is a good place to try.

Food Highlights:

• Black eggs (Kuro-tamago): Boiled in sulfur springs at Owakudani – eating one supposedly adds 7 years to your life

• Amazake: Sweet fermented rice drink, perfect warm treat in cold weather
• Hakone soba: Mountain soba noodles
• Himono: Dried fish – local specialty

The Major Problem with Hakone: Mount Fuji is VERY shy. It’s cloud-covered about 60-70% of the time, especially in summer. If you don’t see Fuji, Hakone loses a lot of its magic.

Personal Disaster Story: I went to Hakone on what was forecast to be a clear day on my iPhone. Got to Owakudani, cable car, Lake Ashi – couldn’t see Mount Fuji at all. Just clouds. The loop was still nice, but I felt like I’d missed the main attraction. Check weather forecasts obsessively if Mount Fuji views are important to you, and use Japanese apps/website as they are much more accurate!

Skip If: The weather’s dodgy, or you can’t handle 5+ hours of transport (the loop involves a LOT of getting on and off things). Also skip if you’re on a tight budget – Hakone adds up quickly.

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5. Mount Fuji Area – Kawaguchiko (2 hours)

Distance: 2 hours from Shinjuku
Cost: ¥2,500-4,000 return depending on route
Best for: Mount Fuji views, nature, photos for Instagram
Time needed: Full day
Difficulty Level: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy to moderate – mostly flat cycling around lake, but Chureito Pagoda has 400 steps)

Why Go: If you want Mount Fuji views, Kawaguchiko (one of the five lakes around Fuji) gives you the clearest shots. When the weather’s good, it’s stunning. When it’s not… well, you’re staring at clouds.

What to Actually Do:

Lake Kawaguchiko: Walk along the lake shore with Mount Fuji as your backdrop. Rent a bicycle and cycle around (¥500-1,000 for a few hours). There are viewpoints all around the lake.

Chureito Pagoda: That iconic photo of a pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background? This is it. Climb 400 steps for the view. Absolutely packed during cherry blossom season and autumn (everyone wants the photo).

Fuji-Q Highland: Massive theme park with some of Japan’s most intense roller coasters. Only bother if you’re really into theme parks or your kids. (¥6,400 entry + rides)

Oshino Hakkai: Traditional village with eight ponds fed by Mount Fuji’s snowmelt. Pretty but quite touristy. Good for a brief stop, not a destination in itself.

The Weather Gamble: Same as Hakone – Mount Fuji hides in clouds most of the time. Early morning (6-9am) gives you the best chance of clear views. By afternoon, it’s often clouded over.

Personal Take: I love the Kawaguchiko area when the weather’s good. The lake is beautiful, cycling is fun, and Mount Fuji views are incredible. But I’ve also been countless times when Fuji was completely hidden. It’s a gamble. Check weather forecasts, go early morning, and have backup plans if Fujisan’s being shy.

Skip If: Weather forecast is cloudy. Seriously, there’s not much point going if you won’t see Fujisan.

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6. Kawagoe (45 mins)

Distance: 45 minutes from Ikebukuro
Cost: ¥470 one way (JR Pass covered)
Best for: Traditional Japan vibes without the crowds, underrated gem
Time needed: Half day to full day
Difficulty Level: ★☆☆☆☆ (Very easy – flat streets, compact area, minimal walking required)

Why Go: Kawagoe’s nicknamed “Little Edo” because it’s preserved buildings and streets from the Edo period. It’s like stepping back in time, but without the Kyoto-level tourist crowds.

What to Actually Do:

Kurazukuri Street: The main attraction – old merchant warehouses with traditional black walls. Lots of shops selling crafts, sweets, and souvenirs. Way less touristy than similar streets in Kyoto.

Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley): Narrow lane full of traditional Japanese sweet shops. Pick up snacks, watch candy being made, get nostalgic for pre-war Japan.

Kita-in Temple: Big temple complex with beautiful gardens. In spring, the cherry blossoms are spectacular. Free to wander the grounds.

Time Bell Tower (Toki no Kane): Symbol of Kawagoe. Rings four times a day. It’s just a bell tower, but makes for a good photo.

The Honmaru Goten Palace: Reconstructed Edo-period palace. Gives you a sense of how wealthy merchants lived. (¥100 entry)

Why It’s Underrated: Everyone goes to Kamakura or Nikko for that “traditional Japan” fix. Kawagoe gives you similar vibes but with a fraction of the tourists. It’s closer to Tokyo, cheaper, and less exhausting. You can do it in half a day if needed.

Personal Take: I stumbled on Kawagoe by sheer luck over 15 years ago. Ended up being one of my favourite day trips. It’s relaxed, photogenic, and feels authentic rather than preserved-for-tourists. Plus you can get a really good sweet potato ice cream on the main street.

Skip If: You’re not into traditional architecture or you’re prioritising nature over culture.

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7. Izu Peninsula (2-2.5 hours)

Distance: 2-3 hours from Tokyo (JR slow, Shinkansen quicker)
Cost: ¥6,000-10,000 return (JR cheaper, Shinkansen pricier) or free if you have JR Pass
Best for: Beaches, onsen, stunning coastal views, getting properly away from Tokyo
Time needed: Full day minimum (but honestly, overnight is better)
Difficulty Level: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate – Jogasaki Coast trail requires proper walking shoes and stamina, Mount Omuro is easy with cable car, overall involves decent amount of walking)

Difficulty Level: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate – Jogasaki Coast trail requires proper walking shoes and stamina, Mount Omuro is easy with cable car, overall involves decent amount of walking)

Why Go: Izu Peninsula is absolutely brilliant – coastal views, quality onsen, and way fewer international tourists than other spots. The Izu Kogen area especially is stunning. But here’s the reality: it’s far enough that cramming it into a day trip feels rushed. You’ll spend 4-5 hours on trains and barely scratch the surface.

What to Actually Do (Izu Kogen Area):

Mount Omuro: Stunning, stunning, stunning dormant volcano with a cable car to the top (¥700 return). The 360-degree views from the crater rim are spectacular – you can see the coastline, other mountains, and on clear days, Mount Fuji. Walk around the crater rim (about 1km) for different perspectives. In February, they do a controlled burn of the grass which looks dramatic.

Jogasaki Coast: Stunning coastal walking trail with dramatic cliffs and ocean views. The suspension bridge (Kadowaki Suspension Bridge) is the highlight – 48 meters long, 23 meters above the sea. The walking trail is about 3km and takes 1-2 hours depending on your pace. Absolutely beautiful, but wear proper walking shoes.

Lake Ippeki: Peaceful crater lake surrounded by forest. You can walk around it (about 1km loop) or just sit and enjoy the tranquility. In autumn, the foliage around the lake is stunning. It’s one of those spots where you just want to sit and do nothing for a while.

Granpal Park: Brilliant for families – adventure park with activities like zip-lining, trampolines, and various outdoor play equipment. Kids love it. In winter evenings, they have illumination displays. (Entry + activity passes vary, but budget ¥2,000-3,000 per person)

The Onsens: This is where Izu really shines. The area’s full of quality onsen with ocean views. Many ryokan offer day-use onsen (¥1,000-2,000). Soaking in a hot spring while looking at the Pacific Ocean is incredible.

The Honest Reality: Izu Kogen is one of those places that deserves more time than a day trip allows. By the time you get there, see Mount Omuro, walk part of the Jogasaki Coast, and maybe hit one onsen, you’re rushing to catch trains back. You won’t have time to relax and enjoy it properly.

Personal Take: I love Izu. The coastal views are stunning, the onsen are brilliant, and it feels properly away from Tokyo chaos. But trying to do it as a day trip is frustrating – you’re constantly watching the clock. If you can swing it, spend a night. Book a ryokan with onsen, do Mount Omuro in the afternoon, Jogasaki Coast in the morning, and actually enjoy the place without rushing. It’s worth the extra cost.

My Recommendation: If you’ve only got time for day trips, prioritise the closer options (Nikko, Kamakura, etc.). But if you can extend your Tokyo stay by a night or two, make Izu an overnight trip. The experience is so much better when you’re not stressed about last trains.

Want the full details on everything Izu has to offer? Check out our complete Izu Peninsula guide with all the best spots, where to stay, and how to make the most of your visit.

Skip Day Trip, Do Overnight If: You want to properly experience Izu – the onsen, the views, the relaxed coastal vibe. Day tripping just doesn’t do it justice.

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How to Prioritise (If You’re Limited on Time)

If You Only Have 1 Day for a Day Trip from Tokyo:

Go to Nikko. It’s the most complete experience – nature, culture, history, UNESCO sites. You’ll be tired but it’s worth it.

If You Have 2 Days for Day Trips:

Day 1: Nikko
Day 2: Kamakura (easier day after Nikko’s intensity)

If You Have 3 Days for Day Trips:

Day 1: Nikko
Day 2: Yokohama or Kawagoe
Day 3: Hakone or Mount Fuji area (check weather!)

If You’re Traveling with Kids:

Priority: Yokohama (so much kid-friendly stuff), then Kamakura (beaches + Buddha), then Kodomonokuni park

Skip: Nikko (too much walking/stairs for little kids)

If You’re Chasing Mount Fuji Views:

Check weather forecasts obsessively. If it’s clear, go to Kawaguchiko or Hakone. If it’s cloudy, pivot to Nikko or Kamakura instead. Don’t waste a day staring at clouds.

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Practical Day Trip Tips

Transport

Get a Suica/Pasmo Card/Digital: Makes everything easier. Tap on, tap off, no fumbling with tickets.

JR Pass Considerations: If you’ve got a JR Pass:

• ✅ FREE: Nikko (via JR), Kamakura, Yokohama, Kawagoe
• ❌ NOT covered: Hakone (only partially), Kawaguchiko, Izu (only partially)

Do the math – if you’re doing multiple day trips, JR Pass might be worth it.

Last Train Times: Check before you go. Missing the last train back to Tokyo = expensive taxi or unexpected overnight stay. Most last trains are around 11pm-midnight, but double-check.

Money

Bring Cash: Smaller towns and attractions often don’t take cards. Have at least ¥10,000 cash on you.

Budget Guide:

• Transport: ¥2,000-5,000 return
• Food: ¥1,500-3,000
• Attractions: ¥1,000-3,000
• Total per person: ¥5,000-11,000 depending on destination

Timing

Leave Early: Can’t emphasize this enough. 7am departure means you’re there by 9am, avoiding worst crowds and maximising your day.

Don’t Overschedule: Pick 2-3 main things per day trip. You’ll spend heaps of time on transport and walking. Trying to see 6 things means you’ll enjoy none of them.

Build in Rest Time: Grab lunch, sit down, have a drink. Don’t sprint through the entire day.

Weather

Check Forecasts: Especially for Mount Fuji trips or anywhere weather-dependent. Japan weather apps are quite accurate.

Have Backup Plans: If your Mount Fuji trip gets clouded out, pivot to Kamakura instead. Flexibility is key.

What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll do 15,000+ steps easily)
• Water bottle
• Umbrella (just in case)
• Portable charger for phone
• Cash
• Light jacket (even in summer, trains are air-conditioned)
• Snacks (not everywhere has food available when you want it)

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Common Day Trip Mistakes (Don’t Do These)

❌ Trying to do 2 day trips in 1 day: “Can we do Hakone and Nikko?” NO. You’ll spend half a day on trains and see nothing.
❌ Going to Fuji area when it’s cloudy: You’ll be disappointed. Check forecasts, reschedule if needed.
❌ Overscheduling (more than 3 main sights): Take your time, relax and enjoy. You can always come back again (or next year!)
❌ Ignoring last train times: Cutting it fine to catch the last train is stressful.
❌ Wearing bad shoes: Your feet will hate you. This is not the day for fashion over function.
❌ Not bringing cash: Card acceptance outside Tokyo is still patchy. Do the right thing and bring cash!
❌ Arriving at 11am with the crowds: Why would you do that to yourself? The earlier you start the more time you have without the crowds!

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My Honest Rankings

Best Overall: Nikko – complete package of culture and nature

Most Underrated: Kawagoe – traditional vibes without the crowds

Best for Relaxing: Yokohama – close, easy, plenty of options

Most Overrated: Hakone – only brilliant if weather cooperates

Best Value: Kamakura – close, cheap transport, lots to see

Most Exhausting: Nikko – incredible but you’ll be knackered

Best Weather Gamble: Mount Fuji area – spectacular when clear, disappointing when cloudy

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Bottom Line

Day trips from Tokyo are absolutely worth doing – they give you a break from the city and show you different sides of Japan. But don’t try to do too many. Pick 2-3 that match your interests, go early, and enjoy them properly.

My recommendation? If you’ve only got time for a couple of day trips, do Nikko and Yokohama. You’ll get culture, nature, and variety without burning out.

And remember – it’s okay to have a rest day in Tokyo between day trips. You’re on holiday, not running a marathon.

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Questions about any of these day trips? Drop them in the comments and I’ll help you figure out which ones are right for your Japan trip!

Planning more of your Tokyo trip? Check out our guides:

• First Time in Tokyo? Your Essential Guide
• Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids
• Best Family-Friendly Activities in Yokohama
• Kodomonokuni: Best Family Day Out Near Tokyo