With its traditional culture and passion for everything new and zany, Tokyo yokes the past and the future rather superbly. Japan’s capital city indeed has everything, from entertainment and mouthwatering dining to ancient sights, temples, palaces, and even a lush forest within city limits. However, the region has a lot to offer, more than Tokyo. The options for the best day trip from Tokyo will take you to the gorgeous vistas of Fuji Five Lakes, Nikko, the hot springs in Hakone, and Kamakura’s surf. What’s more, these trips can be reached by train or road in a single day, thanks to Japan’s fantastic infrastructure. Tokyo might capture your heart, but these day trips will wholely cement your love for Japan. To that end, here are the 13 best day trips from Tokyo, Japan.
Table of contents
Mt. Fuji
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This Mt. Fuji Full-Day Sightseeing Trip is the best day trip from Tokyo. It takes you to one of the world’s biggest volcanoes, Mount Fuji, one of the most revered and gorgeous places in Japan. Soak in the dramatic views of the mountain as the guide tells you all about Japanese culture and history. Your first stop is the vibrant Kawaguchiko Oishi Park, where you can snap stunning pictures of Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the background. The next stop is Oshino Hakkai, one of the Fujisan region’s most famous spots, with eight different lakes located there. You can even taste the water from Mount Fuji here.
The tour continues to Arakura Sengen Park, which lies halfway up Mount Arakura in Fujiyoshida. The region is bursting with cherry blossoms, and you can again see Mt. Fuji in the background. After exploring the Gotemba Heiwa Koen and Premium Outlets, head to the Nihonzan Myohoji Temple, housed in authentic Japanese gardens.
- Tour duration: 10 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 2.5 hours from Tokyo
- Transportation: Minivan/bus
Kawagoe
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This Private Historical Day Trip to Kawagoe from Tokyo takes you back in time when Tokyo was grand, feudal Edo. Your tour is helmed by knowledgeable guides who’ll tell you all about Tokyo’s rich history as Edo, even as they help you discover museums and relics of the Edo era. After exploring Kita-in Temple, with a room that was once part of the iconic Edo Castle, experience the Kawagoe Festival that celebrates the arrival of summer. If you aren’t visiting in summer, get a taste of it at the unique Festival Museum. The town itself has remnants of the centuries-old castle town, such as the Toki no Kane bell tower, colossal stone walls, and traditional charcoal-tiled buildings. Finally, dig into sweet delights in the rustic setting of Penny Candy Lane.
- Tour duration: 6 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1 hour from Tokyo
- Transportation: Minivan/bus
Kawaguchi-ko Lake
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The Private Scenic Day trip to Kawaguchi-ko Lake is the best day trip from Tokyo for those who love scenic beauty. As you board the train to Kawaguchi-ko, your guide tells you all about this region that’s famous for cherry blossoms, museums, hot springs, and iconic Mt Fuji views. Begin your tour by soaking your stresses away in an onsen (a local hot spring) before heading to the gold and red scenery of Maple Corridor. On this tour, you even get to ascend the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for spectacular views. What’s more, you can see the Tanuki tea shop and the Fuji Omoro Sengen Shrine atop Mount Tenjo, and the Kubota Art Museum. Do you want to stop for a snack? Your guide will recommend an excellent noodle restaurant with great views.
- Tour duration: 10 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 45 minutes from Tokyo
- Transportation: Express bus/train
Nikko
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This Private Day Trip to Nikko from Tokyo first takes you to the breathtaking Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s top three waterfalls. The stream winds its way to the picturesque Lake Chuzenji, which changes gorgeous colors during fall with the lake in the background. Nikko is home to many temples and shrines, which you’ll visit on the tour next. The most famous is the Toshogu Shrine, Japan’s most lavishly decorated place, which also houses the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. After seeing other places like Rinnoji Temple, Taiyuan, and other parts of this charming town, you even have time to explore the area on your own.
- Tour duration:
- Distance from nearest city/town: 2.5 hours from Tokyo
- Transportation: Chauffeured private car
Kamakura
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This Day Trip to Coastal Kamakura is the best day trip from Tokyo for those who want to enjoy a laidback day. Firstly, this beach town lies just 1.5 hours south of Tokyo and still holds an important piece of Japan’s heritage and feudal history. In fact, it was japan’s ancient feudal capital and played an important role in spreading Buddhism throughout the country. Your guides tell you tales about the town’s rich history as you begin your tour by feasting your eyes on the intricate architecture of the region. One of the most notable attractions here is the spectacular Amida Buddha, one of the world’s biggest Buddhas. Next, you move on to the Hokokuji Bamboo Forest, where you can enjoy a peaceful hike. Finish your day by the seaside, eyeing the waves and digging into seafood.
- Tour duration: 8 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5 hours from Tokyo
- Transportation: Bus
Odawara and Hakone
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This Odawara Hakone One-Day Tour from Tokyo is about Japanese history and natural beauty. The first stop on the tour is the Odawara Castle, the most notable fortress and castle in the region. During cherry blossom and plum season, this is a very popular location, when the traditional Japanese architecture and flowers make for a gorgeous scene. Moreover, you can also see authentic pieces of Samurai weaponry and armor in the main keep before proceeding to the highest point of the structure for sweeping views. Next, you move on to a cruise on Lake Ashi and see views of the Hakone volcanic valley and Mount Fuji. After a traditional regional lunch, your day finally ends with a soak in the thermal waters of Japanese hot springs.
- Tour duration: 10 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5 hours from Tokyo
- Transportation: Minivan/bus
Japanese Gardens
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There’s nothing like seeing Japan’s gorgeous gardens on this Full-Day Japanese Garden Private Guided Tour. That’s why it’s considered the best day trip from Tokyo. You get to visit various historical and traditional gardens on this fully customizable tour, and you even get to choose which gardens to visit! Your tour begins with a visit to the stately gardens of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace. After visiting the Meiji-Jingu Shrine, visit the quiet adjacent gardens, complete with a pond and a charming teahouse. After a delicious lunch in Harajuku, take a short train ride to one of Tokyo’s most beautiful gardens, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. The vast park has many smaller gardens, including an English landscape garden, a formal French one with roses en masse, and a typical Japanese garden.
- Tour duration: 6 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Tokyo
- Transportation: Bus/train
Shinagawa Temples and Gardens
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Discover the past on this Shinagawa Temples and Gardens Private Walking Tour. This private walking tour of the beautiful Shinagawa district is helmed by an expert guide. So, you can discover traditional gardens and hidden temples as they give you an insight into Japan’s ancient Samurai culture. The district is one juxtaposing landscape of Japanese temples and gardens, and glass-and-steel residences tucked into the picturesque narrow streets. The Happo-en gardens are all about beautiful bonsai landscapes, after which you can dig into traditional Japanese snacks at the cozy cafes. Finally, head to a unique temple with a memorial hall that’s a hidden gem. Here, you learn about the samurai life, sutras (ancient text), and warrior loyalty.
- Tour duration: 4.5 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Tokyo
- Transportation: Train
Roppongi
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This Private Cultural Walking Tour in Roppongi is the best day trip from Tokyo. The tour takes you to the lively entertainment district of Roppongi, which is famed for its vibrant nightlife scene. However, it’s also steeped in Japanese culture and history, as your expert guide shows you around. Discover the district’s penchant for culture and art y visiting spots such as the International House of Japan, Mohri Gardens, Sakurazaka Park, and the Hisakuni-jinja shrine. At the day’s end, your knowledgeable and friendly tour guide recommends excellent places to eat.
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Tokyo
- Transportation: Train
Ueno
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See Ueno on an amazing adventure on this Ueno Private Walking Tour, helmed by a guide. Begin your tour with a walk around Ueno Park, famous for its cherry blossom trees, ponds, and even a historical temple and a shrine. The next stop is the National Science Museum and the shopping destination of Ameyoko. Here, you can pick up souvenirs to remember your visit by. But that’s not all. This tour also gives you time off to grab a bite to eat, especially traditional delicacies. Furthermore, the best bit is that the guide tells you all about the local culture, life, and history.
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Tokyo
- Transportation: Train
Shibuya and Harajuku
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This Hidden Gems & Highlights Private Tour of Shibuya & Harajuku is the best day trip from Tokyo, or instead in Tokyo. Do you want to explore Tokyo’s quirky underbelly? Then this tour is perfect for you, especially since it takes you to pop culture paradise Harajuku and bustling Shibuya. The guide first takes you to the bohemian Shimokitazawa, all about tightly packed streets and vintage and cool indie stores. Tomigaya, not far from frenetic Shibuya, is a quiet oasis of cafes and shops. You also get to stroll through Nabeshima Shoto Park, a former tea plantation in the late 1800s. Next, you get to make the mad dash across Shibuya Crossing, which is famously the world’s busiest intersection.
The upmarket Omotesando and the bustling Takeshita Street are famous shopping avenues, after which you can grab a quick bite at Harajuku’s whimsical Kawaii Monster Cafe. Finally, end your day at one of Tokyo’s largest city parks, Yoyogi, where you can peacefully stroll to the 100-year-old Meiji Shrine.
- Tour duration: 3-8 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: NA; this tour is in Tokyo itself.
- Transportation: Minivan/bus/train
Tsukiji Market and Asakusa
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Shop and eat like a local at Japan’s local markets on this immersive Tsukiji and Asakusa Food Tour in Tokyo.
You meet your knowledgable guide meets you outside the Tsukiji Honganji Temple, helping you navigate your way through the foodie labyrinth. What’s more, he’ll also tell you about the history of the market and food in Japan. Shop at the vibrant stores and listen about Japan’s culinary culture as your tour finally concludes with a fresh sushi meal at an authentic sushi restaurant.
- Tour duration: 5.5 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: NA; this tour is in Tokyo itself.
- Transportation: Minivan/bus
Traditional Japanese Yakatabune Dinner Cruise
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This Traditional Japanese Yakatabune Dinner Cruise in Tokyo Bay is the best day trip from Tokyo – or rather night trip! What better way to wind up your Tokyo experience than with a traditional Japanese dinner on a Yakatabune houseboat? This one-of-a-kind experience takes you around Odaiba, Tokyo Skytree, Sumida River, Shinagawa, Rainbow Bridge, etc. You can capture excellent pictures from the observatory deck atop the boat. The dinner is a 10-course meal of freshly prepared Japanese-style dishes. Finally, the courses include appetizers, fresh tempura, a sashimi boat, vegetables, a seasonal rice dish, noodles, salad, and dessert!
- Tour duration: 3 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: NA; this tour is in Tokyo itself.
- Transportation: Boat
Just So You Know
- Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is the world’s busiest intersection, with as many as five massive crosswalks! In fact, it sees as many as 2,500 people cross on an average every time the light turns green – phew!
- Not for nothing is Tokyo one of the five best destinations to see on a Japan trip. It’s one of the world’s top fashion capitals, especially the Harajuku District. However, most notably, it’s one of the world’s top cities with the most skyscrapers. In fact, the Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest free-standing tower.
- The Sky Tree and Shibuya are just some of the things to see and do in Japan’s capital city. Check out our list of the top things to do in Tokyo.
- Tokyo and other Japanese cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, etc., are famous for the concept of capsule hotels, which originated in Japan. Here are the 11 best capsule hotels in Tokyo.
