This is not just another average list of where to go from Tokyo. I break down my favorite Tokyo suburbs within an hour or two from the capital city, suggest organized trips, and essential tips you can buckle up before setting out.
Japan is no short of fun things to do, but the biggest hook for me is everything nature-related. The incredibly famous Mount Fuji needs no further introduction. But do you know the best time to get there and where to snap the most picture-perfect shot of the reflection?
On the lesser-known side, the 3,500-hectare oasis of Sayama Hills in Musashino Plateau is the best getaway to hide out, unplug from social buzzes, and get back to your inner self.
Want some more? Check out this ultimate round-up of the best day trips from Tokyo for hidden gem seekers.
Tokyo Day Trips At A Glance: Getting There & Duration
First off, let’s take a look at all the best possibilities you can cover with a train or bus ride in an hour or two from Tokyo. Here are 11 options spread out from the Kanto Region to the Nagano and Niigata prefectures.
- Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture: (65 minutes on Hokuriku Shinkansen)
- Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko: 2 hours by Limited Express Train
- Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture: 40 minutes by train
- Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture: an hour by train
- Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture: 2 hours by train
- Mount Takao: 50 minutes by train
- Ibaraki Prefecture: 2 hours by train and bus
- Sayama Hills, Saitama Prefecture: one hour by train and on foot
- Saitama Prefecture: 40 minutes by train
- Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture: 73 minutes by Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar
- Echigo Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture: 7 minutes by Joetsu Shinkansen
Kanto is home to Tokyo, the capital city. But other than that, it also covers six other prefectures, which include Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa.
To get around these areas easier and keep the cost low, you need a reliable mobile data speed to check the maps and itineraries of the train, plus a handy travel pass to save some bucks on tickets:
- Japan Mobile Data: Japan eSIM Mobile Data Plan
- Transportation: JR Tokyo Wide PASS
Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture
Hail the Hokuriku Shinkansen and get off at Karuizawa station in an hour, you’ll end up at nearly 1000 meters above sea level. That’s Karuizawa, a hilly land with pleasant temperate weather where you can take on one of the forested hikes, watch birds, and soak in the dramatic scenery of the fall foliage when autumn is around the corner.
One of my favorite spots in Karuizawa is the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary, a serene oasis to plan a great escape from the hustle and bustle and forest bathing. Karuizawa also serves as a great gateway to Joshinetsu Kogen National Park which is dubbed as one of the largest national parks in all of the country.
If that’s not enough to round up your long vacation here, head out to Ueda and Bessho Onsen. Not only are those places steeped in a significant history to explore a slice of Japan’s history that relates to the legendary Sanada clan but also beckon the attention of hot spring lovers.
Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko
Soaring a whopping height of over 1700 meters, Mount Fuji is undoubtedly one of the most photographed places in the country. Lied within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji is swathed by the great Fuji Five Lakes which boasts an unrivaled view of the mountain during spring and autumn.
Amongst those scenic lakes, Kawaguchiko Lake is the most sought-after destination, gathering a high concentration of beautiful lodges and inns with a view of Mount Fuji.
If you venture out to Mount Fuji for the first time, note that there’s a fee to climb the mountain. As of now, the fee is published at ¥1,000, not to mention an overnight stay at the hut and a bus ride from Tokyo. If you wanna steer clear of all the hassles of navigating by yourself, opt for an organized trip. Here are my recommended trips with a climbing pass and transport included:
Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
There’s no better introduction to Kanagawa Prefecture than Yokohama. With a thriving trading scene taking all over this port city, it’s surprising to learn that Yokohama was once a humble fishing village.
Today, people flock to Yokohama to celebrate some of the biggest sports events in the country such as baseball, soccer, and rugby. When the sun beams down and the lights are up, Yokohama turns into a bustling spot for nightlife worshippers. The Sky Garden on top of Landmark Tower boasts an awe-inspiring vista of the skyline and exciting traffic flow meandering through the foot of the high-rise buildings.
Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Less than an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura emerges as a big hook for beachgoers with its extensive, sun-kissed coast skirting Sagami Bay. Kamakura is no doubt a highlight of Kanagawa Prefecture where sacred temples and holy shrines make a statement – here, the famous Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in is no exception.
Once your visit to the holy temples comes to an end, there are plenty of hiking trails waiting for you to conquer. Tenen, my favorite hike, is enveloped in the shades of the forest uphill. This is truly an enchanting slice of paradise. When the crowd thins out, you’ll have the entire green space for yourself to detox your mental health.
Kamakura is beautiful year-round but June is specifically outstanding when the hydrangeas are in full bloom.
Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture
Nikko, an abundant landscape with thick vegetation occupies the northwestern edge of Tochigi Prefecture. Nestled under the shades of those towering trees are a series of ancient shrines and temples that turn Nikko into a place to pay tribute and pilgrimage.
Today, Nikko exceptionally keeps its holy vibe and tranquility to the fullest – and that not only comes from the temple grounds but also from cascading waterfalls.
Kegon Falls, spilling water from a shocking height of nearly 100 meters, can’t be missed. This massive volume of water is sucked out of Lake Chuzenji, part of the Nikko National Park.
The lake today is a vestige of a volcanic eruption that took place 20,000 years ago. As a result, people have turned the volcanic bed into some of the most impressive hot spring destinations in the area.
Mount Takao
Hop on an hour’s train ride from Tokyo and you’re here in Mount Takao, a beautiful scenery to behold when autumn is around the corner. Those who love hiking definitely love Mount Takao, a not-so-easy uphill hike where the cheeky monkeys playfully sneak out to say hello along the way. But if your fitness level doesn’t agree, cable cars and lifts are also available.
Once you reach the summit of Mount Takao, you’ll see the sweeping vista of the far-flung Mount Fuji hidden in the mist.
Ibaraki Prefecture
On the lesser-known side, Ibaraki may not be the first name to pop up when people talk about their favorite places for a day trip from Tokyo. But that’s not my case. A coastal city brings agricultural experiences, history, and a sacred feel into one place, with Hitachi Seaside Park being the most talked-about place to visit here.
The park sits on top of red kochia hill, with its lush soil ground shielded by millions of nemophila flowers. The flowers are in full bloom between April and May.
Sayama Hills, Saitama Prefecture
Sayama Hills is always on top of my bucket list when it comes to forest bathing. Dubbed as “Totoro’s Forest” or “Forest of Totoro”, Sayama Hills is never too hard on your core, and taking on this wooded hike is like stepping into an otherworldly space. No matter which fitness level you’re at, you’re guaranteed lots of fun on this climb.
Another reason why Sayama Hills makes a perfect day trip from Tokyo is its proximity to the capital city. An hour’s ride by train from Tokyo on the Seibu Sayama Line will take you to Seibukyujo-Mae Station. Turn right from the exit and walk for another half an hour until you see the forest opening right in front of you.
Saitama Prefecture
Northwest of Tokyo, a huge canvas of sun-kissed rice fields, tea plantations, and fruit orchards wrapping the feet of the lush mountains belongs to Saitama Prefecture. Dotted on the edge of Saitama, Kawagoe City impressively retains its huge collection of ancient houses dating back to the Edo era.
If your hearts are after the exquisite Japanese bonsai, don’t miss out on the bonsai village there. But for me, the best place to spend the day in Saitama is Hitsujiyama Park. When April is sweeping through the region, the entire ground of the park hides under a thick blanket of showy pink, white, or rose flowers.
Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hot springs are not the only things Hakone is proud of. If you wanna spend a day like a local Japanese, book your stay at one of the traditional homes, Ryokans. Mount Fuji can also be seen from various places around Hakone.
A Complete Guide to Hakone Japan: Hakone Free Pass, Onsen, Ropeway, Ryokan, and More
Echigo Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture
Skiers assemble! I’ll cap off this list with a winter trip to Echigo Yuzawa. This region has some of the heaviest snowfall in all of the country, turning this ‘blanc paradise” into a hub of winter possibilities. On top of that, Echigo Yuzawa is also where the Fuji Rock Music Festival takes place. Many local families here are known to produce the most renowned sake in Japan.
Here’s a recap of my favorite day trips from Tokyo for nature lovers. Tell us which one’s on your mind, and don’t forget to check out more travel guides in Japan below.
Everything You Need to Know about Tokyo
Explore more of our adventures around Tokyo:
- Guide: A Comprehensive Tokyo Travel Guide
- Attractions: Best Places to Visit in Tokyo
- Food: Ultimate Tokyo Food Guide
- Hotel: Where to stay in Tokyo
- Tokyo Disneyland Planning Guide
Simplify Your Tokyo Trip