Fun Tokyo day trip adventures featuring Mt Fuji, flower fields and waterfalls
If you've already ticked off most of Tokyo's top attractions like the teamLAB borderless museum, Street Karting along Akihabara, and of course every animation fan's favorite, the Studio Ghibli Museum, a day trip out of Tokyo is next on the list.
Plus with Japan's well-connected and efficient rail network, it's really easy to visit different prefectures on a day trip.
Here are 10 day trips from Tokyo to add to your Japan itinerary – all less than a 3-hour train journey away!
1. Mount Fuji (1hr 50min from Tokyo)
When you think of iconic Japan landscapes, one immediately comes to mind and that's the majestic Mount Fuji. To see the best of the Fuji area, start with a visit to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes with the best Fuji viewing spots.
After which, head to Oshino Hakkai, a collection of 8 ponds that formed from the melted ice from Mount Fuji. Visit in autumn and you'll be greeted with a beautiful maple corridor! Of course, not forgetting the Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for the most incredible view and fresh air at the top of the mountain.
There are quite a few photo spots around the Fuji area and the best way to see it all in a day is by booking a Mount Fuji day tour! The tour includes round-trip transfers between Tokyo and Fuji plus stops at popular Instagrammable locations such as Arakurayama Sengen Park, the famous Lawson, and Oishi Park.
For the shopaholics, be sure to visit Gotemba Outlets where you can do some quick shopping! With over 200 stores, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Prefecture: Shizuoka
How to Fuji by train: 1 hour 50-minute train journey from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko on the JR Fuji Excursion Train
2. Hakone (1hr 30min from Tokyo)
Hakone, a renowned hot spring town, is another top day trip destination from Tokyo. Its long history as a hot spring town and its inclusion in Edo-era rankings of Japan's best onsens make it a must-visit.
Start your Hakone day trip with a scenic cruise on board a pirate ship along Lake Ashinoko, where you can take in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Of course, you can’t leave Hakone without checking out the famous Torii of Peace in Hakone Shrine, a red torii gate seemingly floating on Lake Ashi.
Afterward, hop on the Hakone Ropeway for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding valleys and volcanic landscapes. The ropeway leads to Owakudani, a crater formed by the eruption of Mt Hakone over 3,000 years ago. Try their famous kuro tamago — eggs boiled in natural sulfurous waters, turning the shells black. It's said that eating one will extend your life by 7 years!
Klook Tip: The Hakone Free Pass (2 or 3 days) includes unlimited travel on eight different types of transportation in Hakone as well as entry to the Hakone Tozan Train, Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway, and even the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise!
Before heading back to Tokyo, treat yourself to a spa day at one of Hakone's onsens. Enjoy a dip in large open-air baths surrounded by nature.
Want to see both Mount Fuji and Hakone without worrying about the logistics or train routes? Book a Mt. Fuji & Hakone day trip from Tokyo!
Prefecture: Kanagawa
Getting to Hakone by train: 1 hour 30-minute train journey from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station with the Hakone Free Pass
3. Nikko (2hrs from Tokyo)
Nikko is widely known as the parting of the local Romantic Road, filled with world heritage sites nestled between lush forests.
There's plenty to do in Nikko on a day trip, starting with a trip to Tosho-gu Shrine. It's the country's most decorated shrine and mausoleum, housing the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the distinguished founder of the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan for over 2 centuries. This is one UNESCO World Heritage site not to be missed.
This charming town in Tochigi Prefecture is also home to stunning natural landscapes. Like the roughly 100-meter-tall Kegon Falls, one of Japan's 3 most beautiful waterfalls. Kirifuri Falls is another must-see, especially during autumn when the surrounding foliage turns into a vibrant display of green, orange, and red.
Book a day tour to Nikko with Klook to see all of Nikko's best sights — Tosho-gu Shrine, Kegon Falls and Chuzenji Lake. You can opt to meet at Shinjuku or Tokyo station.
Klook Tip: If you're planning a day trip from Tokyo to Nikko, consider taking the Tobu Railway’s new limited express train, Spacia X. You can enjoy an even more comfortable ride with spacious seats, larger windows, a lounge that features its very own bar and cafe, and even a private suite!
Prefecture: Tochigi
Getting to Nikko by train: 2-hour train journey from Tokyo Asakusa Station to Nikko Station with Nikko Pass
4. Hitachinaka (1hr 50mins from Tokyo)
For stunning seasonal flowers, head up north of Tokyo to Hitachinaka! The main attraction here is Hitachi Seaside Park, where you'll find endless fields of dreamy nanohana flowers, tulips, nemophila, and cosmos. There's also a variety of carnival attractions, such as a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and other rides!
Klook Tip: The best time to visit Hitachi Seaside Park is during spring (late April – early May) for blue nemophila flowers and autumn (October) for red kochia flowers!
If you've got time to spare, head to Mito Kairakuen Park, one of Japan's most famous ancient gardens. From October to November, you can pick pears at Ibaraki's orchard to take home as omiyage (edible souvenirs).
Prefecture: Ibaraki
How to get there by train: 1 hour 50-minute train journey from Tokyo Station to Hitachi Station on the JR Hitachi / Tokiwa Train
5. Yokohama (18mins from Tokyo)
One of Tokyo's most popular day trips, Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city. Start your day trip by exploring Yokohama's very own Chinatown, then take a stroll along Yamashita Park for stunning views of the bay and Yokohama's iconic skyline.
For a dose of culture, learn about the city's history at the 100-year-old Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, now transformed into a trendy shopping and dining complex.
Klook Tip: Enjoy bundle savings on attraction tickets by getting a Klook Pass Yokohama! It covers popular experiences like Hot Spring RAKU SPA Tsurumi and Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden.
No trip to Yokohama would be complete without a visit to the Cup Noodles Museum, where you can create your own custom cup of instant ramen!
Prefecture: Kanagawa
How to get there by train: 18-minute train journey from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station on the Ueno-Tokyo Line
6. Kamakura (1hr from Tokyo)
Head south for a day trip to explore the calming cityside of Kamakura. Stop by the iconic Kamakura Buddha and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and soak up the wonderful scenes and atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby monkey park, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife, enhancing the variety of experiences available to visitors.
There are also plenty of historical, cultural, and scenic sights to catch in Kamakura, like the Hasedera temple and Hokokuji bamboo garden.
For fellow foodies, walk along the streets outside of Kamakura Station for a plethora of street food! Many who visit Kamakura combine their visit with a trip to the charming offshore island of Enoshima — connected by a bridge with the mainland.
Prefecture: Kanagawa
How to get there by train: 1-hour train journey from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka line
7. Mito (1hr 30mins from Tokyo)
Mito is an underrated day trip destination from Tokyo. It's mainly known for natto – but there's more to this city than just fermented soybeans.
Start with a serene stroll through the sprawling Kairakuen Garden, recognized as one of Japan's top three landscape gardens. You can enjoy lush greenery year-round, but visit during spring to catch beautiful pink and white plum blossoms in spring!
Klook Tip: Visit during early spring (February to March) for Mito's very own Plum Blossom Festival at Kairakuen Garden!
For art enthusiasts, the uniquely designed Art Tower Mito boasts contemporary exhibitions and stunning city views from its observation deck.
Prefecture: Ibaraki
How to get there by train: 1 hour 30-minute train journey from Tokyo Station to Mito Station on the JR Hitachi / Tokiwa Train
8. Kawagoe (1hr from Tokyo)
Step back in time by going on a day trip to Kawagoe. It's a city in Saitama Prefecture known for its many traditional buildings, which have earned it the nickname "Little Edo".
Start your tour of the city at Kurazukuri Street, where well-preserved Edo-period warehouses line the streets, exuding a nostalgic atmosphere. Don't forget to snap photos of the iconic bell tower and candy-colored storefronts along the way!
For history buffs, visiting Kawagoe Castle and its surrounding park offers insight into the region's feudal past, while the Kitain Temple showcases beautifully preserved buildings and serene gardens. Wrap up your day by picking up souvenirs from the quaint shops and boutiques.
Prefecture: Saitama
How to get there by train: 1-hour train journey from Seibu-Shinjuku Station/Takadanobaba Station/Ikebukuro Station to Hon-Kawagoe Station via the Seibu Kawagoe Pass
9. Chiba (40min from Tokyo)
See the place rich history when you visit Chiba City Folk Museum!
Most tourists head to Chiba just to visit Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, but this city has a few hidden gems up its sleeve.
One of the best things to do in Chiba is visit the historic town of Sawara. With well-preserved Edo-period buildings and a rich cultural heritage, Sawara is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japan’s history. For more insight into the city's history, visit the Chiba City Folk Museum!
Klook Tip: If you have the JR Tokyo Wide Pass or the Whole Japan JR Pass, then you can take advantage of them here since most of the Chiba lines are under JR East.
For a dose of nature, consider traveling further out to Yoro-Keikoku Valley. This park has tons of hiking trails, a popular route being just under 2km along the banks of the Yoro River.
Hoping for some sun and surf? Chiba's Ichinomiya Beach beckons with its golden sands and rolling waves, perfect for a day of seaside relaxation or adventurous water sports.
Prefecture: Chiba
How to get there by train: 40-minute train journey from Tokyo Station to Chiba Station on the Sobu Line
10. Karuizawa (1hr from Tokyo)
Karuizawa
Karuizawa, a serene escape from the capital city, presents itself as a perfect weekend trip destination, offering a refreshing contrast to Tokyo's bustling city life. You’ve seen it on the hit reality series Terrace House, it’s now time to visit Karuizawa for yourself!
Visit the picturesque Kumoba Pond, and go shopping at the Mitsui Outlet Park before enjoying a hike at the beautiful Shiraito Falls.
Also drop by the town of Kyu-Karuizawa, a charming romantic shopping street with eclectic trinkets and delicious food stalls, where you can indulge in delicious Chinese food, reminiscent of the culinary delights found in Tokyo.
The journey to Karuizawa is half the fun, with scenic routes that make traveling there an integral part of the experience. For those looking for unique entertainment experiences near Tokyo, a visit to Tokyo Disneyland offers an alternative day or weekend trip option.
Prefecture: Nagano
How to get there by train: 1-hour train journey from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station on the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen
Getting around from Tokyo
Source: Kanchan Raj Pandey of Unsplash
We all know Japan’s public transportation can be pretty confusing if you’re not a native speaker, especially in the outskirts of the city. But that shouldn’t stop you from going on fun day trips to the gorgeous Japanese countryside!
Here are some transport options for those embarking on day trips from Tokyo. Many destinations are about an hour or less than an hour from central Tokyo, so you'll likely be starting your journey from Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station.
1. Car rental
If you prefer to drive and go on a day trip at your own pace, renting a car in Tokyo could be just the solution. It’s convenient and can be more economical if you’re traveling in a group. For those looking to venture further, destinations about two hours away from central Tokyo offer the flexibility to explore at your own pace by car.
2. Book a day tour
A day tour is the perfect solution if you prefer to have the itinerary planned out for you. Inclusive of round-trip transportation from a central meet-up location in Tokyo and a local guide, all you have to do is show up and enjoy the day with activities and logistics planned out for you.
3. Catch the train
And of course, the best way to get around Japan is by train. Tokyo's extensive railway system offers connectivity and ease of access from major stations to a myriad of day trip destinations.
