Stunning view of Mount Fuji with a red torii gate on Lake Ashi in Hakone, Japan.

Best Day Trips from Tokyo: Explore More of Japan in a Day

If you’re visiting Tokyo, you’re in the perfect spot to explore so much more of Japan—without the hassle of packing up your bags or changing hotels. Whether you’re craving mountains, beaches, or historic towns, there’s a perfectday trip waiting for you.

Below you’ll find the best day trips from Tokyo—complete with what to see, how to get there, and tips to make it easy. Ready to plan your adventure?

How to Get Around From Tokyo

Getting out of Tokyo is easier than you might think. Most day trip spots are accessible by train or bus, but navigating local transport can sometimes get tricky—especially when transfers and schedules are involved.

For hassle-free travel, many visitors book guided day tours that include transportation, so you don’t have to worry about tickets, transfers, or timing. This way, you can focus on enjoying the sights and leave the logistics to the experts.

Hakone

Stunning winter view of snow-capped Mount Fuji across the lake under a bright sky.
Captivating vista of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji with a pirate ship in Hakone, Japan.

Hakone is one of the most relaxing places you can visit from Tokyo. It’s famous for its open landscapes, steaming volcanic valleys, and views of Mount Fuji on clear days. You’ll find a good mix of nature, culture, and places to unwind.

Top things to do in Hakone:

  • Ride the Hakone Ropeway over Owakudani’s volcanic valley
  • Take a scenic cruise across Lake Ashi
  • Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, full of sculpture and mountain views
  • Sample black eggs cooked in volcanic steam
  • Enjoy a soak in a private onsen (ideal for day-use too)

Getting around Hakone involves buses, trains, and lake crossings, which can get tricky. Taking a Hakone Sightseeing Cruise is a relaxing way to enjoy the area’s highlights without the hassle.

Kamakura & Enoshima

A serene street scene in Kamakura, Japan, featuring a railway crossing at dawn.

Kamakura has the feel of a coastal town with a lot of character—narrow streets, surf shops, street food, and traditional homes. Paired with Enoshima Island, the area gives you a scenic mix of city edge and beach calm.

Things to see and do:

  • Walk through Komachi Street for snacks and shopping
  • Relax at Yuigahama Beach
  • Visit the bamboo groves tucked away in quiet corners
  • Cross the causeway to Enoshima Island for coastal walks and sea views
  • Try grilled seafood and local sweets from small vendors

Tip: Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy peaceful walks along the coast and through Kamakura’s streets before it gets busy.

Yokohama

Crowded street in Yokohama's Chinatown with vibrant signs and pedestrians on a sunny day.

Yokohama is sleek, scenic, and just far enough from Tokyo to feel like a break. This port city offers big open spaces, creative museums, and plenty of street food—perfect for a relaxed day near the water.

What to check out:

  • The futuristic Minato Mirai bay area
  • Sky Garden at Landmark Tower for panoramic city views
  • The fun and interactive Cup Noodles Museum
  • The historic Red Brick Warehouse, filled with cafes and art
  • One of the largest Chinatowns in the world for bold flavors and colorful alleys

Trains to Yokohama are easy, but the best spots aren’t obvious. A Yokohama Half Day Walking Tour with an Expert Local Guide makes exploring simple and stress-free.

Fuji Five Lakes

Serene view of swan boats on Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the background.

For those iconic Mount Fuji views—calm lakes, reflections on the water, and that snow-capped silhouette—this is where to go. The Fuji Five Lakes region, especially around Lake Kawaguchi, offers some of Japan’s most photogenic scenery.

Things to do around Fuji Five Lakes:

  • Take in the view from Lake Kawaguchi or a ropeway
  • Stop by Oishi Park (especially during flower season)
  • Enjoy local cafes with Fuji-themed sweets and snacks
  • Ride around the lake on a bike or e-scooter
  • Visit scenic photo spots and observation decks for the best angles

one-day tour of Mount Fuji and the lakes makes it easy to see all the top spots without the hassle.

Chichibu

If you want a quiet escape to nature without going too far, Chichibu is perfect. Tucked into Saitama’s mountain valleys, it’s known for seasonal flowers, peaceful parks, and that slower, small-town pace.

What to explore in Chichibu:

  • Hitsujiyama Park,Hitsujiyama Park, famous for spring flowers
  • Scenic hiking trails and river valleys
  • Traditional soba shops with handmade noodles
  • Local craft markets and artisan souvenirs
  • Forest paths perfect for an unhurried walk

Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and plan some time to explore the hidden hiking trails around Chichibu—these quiet paths offer stunning views and a chance to soak in nature away from the usual crowds.

Quick Trip Guide

If you want…Go here
Fuji views & hot springsHakone
Coastal charm & street foodKamakura & Enoshima
Urban scenery & bay breezeYokohama
Peaceful lake viewsFuji Five Lakes
Rustic, off-the-beaten pathChichibu

Final Word

Tokyo makes the perfect base for day trips—just pick your vibe and go. Whether it’s mountain air, coastal walks, or laid-back food tours, there’s a side of Japan just outside the city waiting to be explored. And with the right tour, you won’t waste a second figuring it out.

Just book ahead, pack light, and enjoy the ride.

Ali Chahbar
Ali Chahbar
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