One-day trip for every traveler

Whether you are a long-time resident of Tokyo or just visiting, all the time you spend in the city can be exhausted; sometimes, you need to change your pace and escape from the crowded subway cars and busy sidewalks. But trying to fix a destination for a day trip is an overwhelming task in itself – Tokyo is surrounded by countless fascinating towns, each offering a long list of activities and cooking experiences. That’s why we wrote guides for the day trip options around Tokyo to match every interest. Keep reading for tailor-made one-day trip ideas for history lovers, art lovers, foodies and more.

For natural lovers

walk

Located in the mountains of Tokyo, Okutama is the perfect escape for nature lovers. It has lush forests, deep river valleys and pristine lakes, which are part of the expansive Chichibu Tama-Ke National Park. Hikers of all levels can embark on picturesque treks and admire the tough mountains and huge waterfalls.

If you are looking for a more relaxing day in nature, head to Lake Okutama, an artificial reservoir with glittering blue waters. The lake is particularly charming in autumn and spring, framed by vibrant leaves and faint flowers. Cycling on the lake is also a popular activity.

Travel time: The train from Xinzhuku is about 1 hour and 30 minutes

Chuanqiu Lake (Yamashi Prefecture)

Famous for its view of the iconic Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is the Japanese Kawaguchiko – a typical day trip for nature lovers. A key position for the photographer is Oishi Park, which forms the exquisite scenery of Mount Fuji with various seasonal wonders: lavender fields in June, red Kochia bushes in October, and more.

The Panoramic Ropeway of Mount Fuji is another popular experience with stunning views of Mount Fuji, the lake and its surrounding leaves as it brings riders to the 1,075m high observation deck.

Those looking to extend their accommodation in the area will find a variety of hot spring hotels, some of which have Fuji views. Glamping has been popular among locals recently and is another option.

Travel time: About 2 hours train or bus from Xinjuku

Hakone Open-air Museum

For art lovers

Hakang

Hakone is known for its beautiful natural scenery and hot springs, but it is also an amazing daytime destination for art lovers. The Hakone Open Air Museum is a highlight, which integrates large-scale sculptures by famous international and Japanese artists into a vast green landscape.

The Bora Museum of Art is another key location. The well-thought-out underground structure is filled with sunshine and greenery, and a large collection of 19th and 20th century paintings are found in the paintings of artists such as Monet, Renoir, Kansinsky and Van Gogh. For impressive Japanese, Chinese and Korean ceramics and paintings, head to the Okada Art Museum.

Travel time: About 80 minutes of limited Express from Shinjuku

Karuze

Full of lush forests and atmospheric streets, Karuizawa has been a popular trip to Tokoyites. The area is also scattered with many museums, galleries and gorgeous cafes, making it an ideal destination for aesthetics and art lovers.

The architectural miracle by Ryue Nishizawa is a museum of Senju that houses a large number of breathtaking waterfall paintings by Senju. Meanwhile, the Karushawa Museum of Contemporary Art is demonstrated by works by Japan’s most popular artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Yoshimoto Nara and Takashi Murakami. Sezon Museum of Contemporary Art is another must-see. Its collection includes American abstract expressionist works, post-war Japanese contemporary art and pre-war European art.

Travel time: About 1 hour to 1 hour, 20 minutes via New Kxson, Tokyo

Yokohama Chinatown

For foodies

Yokohama

Yokohama, that’s Crown as the “most wanted residential area” in 2024is one of the easiest day travel destinations in central Tokyo. While the city has something for everyone – from romantic date attractions to family-friendly parks, this is undoubtedly a great destination for foodies.

Yokohama is home to Japan’s largest and most prosperous Chinatown, which includes endless street food, dim sum, noodles and more. As a port city, Yokohama also offers a wide range of sushi and sashimi, as well as a stylish cafe with bay views. The Cup Noodle Museum is another must for foodies – you can make your own noodles as a souvenir.

Travel time: The train from central Tokyo is about 30-45 minutes

Atami

Atami is a coastal hot spring resort in Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its healing water and delicious seafood. Visitors can indulge in original sushi and sashimi, freshly caught grilled fish, Kaistono (Seafood Bowl) and various shellfish from the beachfront restaurant.

Heiwa-dori and Nakamise shopping streets are packed with local and street food, such as Onsen manju: Steamed bun with sweet Azuki bean paste. During Atami, be sure to check out the Atami Castle, inspired by the ancient castle, dating back to 1959, to enjoy spectacular sea views.

Travel time: Shinkansen is about 40 minutes from Tokyo Station or 2 hours by train from Shinjuku

Toshogu Shrine

For historical gain

Nikko

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nikko is home to an amazing shrine surrounded by natural landscapes. It is an important center of Shugendo, the form of Shugendo is a fusion of mountain worship that combines elements of Shintoism and Buddhism with ascetic customs and gains great historical significance, as the location of Toshogu Shrine (the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu) is Toshogu Shrine. You can admire the bright colors of the shrine, the towering five-story pagoda and the 17th-century carvings of three wise monkeys, which illustrate the motto of “no evil, no evil, no evil, no evil, no evil”.

The Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple are within walking distance, and they are also part of the shrines and temples of Nikko Unesco World Heritage Site. The former is an eighth-century treasure at the foot of the lush mountain, while the latter also dates back to the eighth-century, is a gorgeous gilded structure with three majestic statues.

Travel time: About 2 hours of limited Express from Shinjuku

kamakura

Kamakura is one of the most popular day travel destinations for Tokyo residents and sees a large crowd most weekends – for good reason. Not only does it offer scenic beaches, surfing and several hiking trails, it also offers incredible temples and shrines. This is largely due to its historical position, the location of the Kamakura Shogunate (1185–1333), which made it the first feudal capital of Japan. Its historical significance and many religious sites resulted in its nickname, “Kyoto of the East.”

Key locations include Kotoku-in Temple, the home of the iconic Daibutsu; the vast tsurugaoka hachmangu shrine; the Khokomu Temple and its beautiful bamboo forest; and the Zen temple of Kitho-Ji and Engaku-Ji, located in the Kita-Kamakura community. Known for its stunning gardens, panoramic sea views and towering Cannon statues, Isedera Temple is another must-visit place. Do you like to avoid crowds? Many smaller temples and shrines in Kamakura offer a lot of tourists worthy of attention, tourists participating in the photography battle.

Travel time: Train from New York is about 1 hour

Cavago

Kawagoe is affectionately known as “Koedo” and is full of charming historical streets and traditional food. Check out the iconic Toki no Kane (the bell of time) and Kurazukuri Street, which is lined with a merchant warehouse of now house shops and restaurants.

For history lovers, it must be Kita-In Temple. It is home to a major cultural property in several countries and the only remaining building in the original Edo Castle, including the birthplace and residential area of ​​the Third Tokagava Shogun, considered Iemitsu. The 500 statues of the Buddha’s most enlightened disciples are also a breathtaking sight.

Travel time: About 1 hour of limited Express from Shinjuku

For the family

Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland

As Japan’s most famous theme park in the world, Tokyo Disney Resort does not need to be introduced. Tokyo Disneyland is based on the original Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida and features familiar characters and timeless attractions on seven themed lands. This is perhaps a more friendly park for two, with lots of fun rides that are perfect for kids.

Tokyo Disneysea is unique to Japan, and as its name implies, it revolves around the theme of navigation. It has eight call ports, different atmospheres, and exciting water-based rides.

Travel time: About 50 minutes by train from New Moon

Enoshima

Located near the coast of Tengsha Island in Kananachuan Prefecture, Enoshima is a charming island with a leisurely atmosphere. The Mainland Beach (on either side of the bridge leading to the island) is picturesque and perfect for water play, and the semi-enclosed Katase Higashihama side is more child-friendly on the beach.

In addition to relaxing on the beach, Enoshima and the area offer many fun activities for families. On the island you can enjoy the views of the coast and on a clear day, Mount Fuji is enjoyed from Enoshima Sea Candle Lighthouse. The island is also home to the Enoshima Shrine and the adorable Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden. Kids may also like to explore the mysterious iwaya caves that have eroded sculptures for thousands of years. On the mainland, you will find the Enoshima Aquarium, known for its incredible jellyfish display.

Travel time: The train from Xinzhuku is about 1 hour and 30 minutes

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