Day trips around Tokyo: 6 excursions to experience in one day
Tokyo is an extraordinary city, but Japan is brimming with so many wonders that it would be a shame not to explore the surrounding areas of the Japanese capital!
Tokyo is an extraordinary city, but Japan is brimming with so many wonders that it would be a shame not to explore the surrounding areas of the Japanese capital! Looking for places to visit as day trips from Tokyo? Mountain getaways, discovery of Honshū's beaches, visits to must-see cities, and more: here are 6 excursion ideas around Tokyo…
1. Mount Fuji, the unmissable excursion around Tokyo!
Southwest of Tokyo rises the legendary Mount Fuji. At 3,776 meters high, this famous snow-capped volcano ranks among the world's highest peaks (and Japan's loftiest). Climbing it is an adventure that is both athletic and widely cherished…
Indeed, this stratovolcano offers the perfect opportunity for trekking – via four trails: Fujinomiya (2,400 m), Yoshida (2,300 m), Subashiri (2,000 m), and Gotemba (1,450 m) – and to share this adventure with locals, who have a particular fondness for this sacred mountain (whether for spiritual belief, mountaineering practice, health reasons, etc.).
How to get there from Tokyo?
By train: departing from Shinjuku ward (1 hour 45 minutes travel time).
By bus: first buses depart around 6 a.m. (2 hours 30 minutes travel time).
Notes: climbing Mount Fuji takes between 5 and 8 hours of hiking, depending on the trail. The climbing season runs from late June to early September (the rest of the year, the volcano is too snow-covered).
2. The city of Kawagoe
In Saitama Prefecture, 40 km northwest of Tokyo, you'll find the city of Kawagoe, with its magnificent heritage from the Edo period (1603–1867). You'll discover remnants of the castle, as well as the Hikawa-jinja shrine, the traditional kurazukuri warehouses, and the Kita-in temple.
A tip? Take a stroll down Kashiya Yokocho street as well. With its numerous confectionery shops, this alley is renowned as one of the most fragrant places in Japan!
How to get there from Tokyo?
By train: take the Tobu Tojo line from Ikebukuro Station (approximately 30 minutes travel time) or the Seibu line.
Notes: the notable sites are concentrated around the main street and are easily accessible from the station. Kawagoe is therefore an ideal destination for a one-day getaway.
3. The coastal city of Kamakura
Eager to discover the Japanese coast? Head to the coastal city of Kamakura! Located about fifty kilometers from Tokyo (in Kanagawa Prefecture), it's hugely popular with Tokyo residents, who love coming to unwind in the fresh air along Sagami Bay.
The city boasts three beaches: Koshigoe, Zaimokuza, and Yuigahama. They're celebrated for their water activities, as well as for their views of Mount Fuji and the statue of the Great Buddha – which stands over 10 meters tall!
Furthermore, Kamakura (which served as Japan's capital between 1192 and 1333) is considered one of the most traditional places in the Kanto region – much to the delight of history enthusiasts!
How to get there from Tokyo?
By train: take the JR Yokosuka line (direct service from Tokyo, approximately 1 hour travel time) or the JR Shonan Shinjuku line (direct service between Shinjuku and Kamakura Station).
Notes: swimming is only permitted during the summer season, from July 1 to August 31.
4. Enoshima Island
Enoshima is a small Japanese island located in Sagami Bay. It's connected to Honshū (Japan's main island) by a bridge. This charming seaside resort is prized for its beaches, but also for its shrines and the exceptional Samuel Cocking Garden, situated on the island's heights. At the heart of this lush park stands the Sea Candle tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views!
How to get there from Tokyo?
By train: from Tokyo, there are two lines operated by the Odakyu railway company (approximately 1 hour travel time from Shinjuku Station). If you're departing from Kamakura, the journey is via the Enoden line train, which runs along the coast!
5. The city of Yokohama – the must-see visit around Tokyo
Located in Kanagawa Prefecture (approximately 40 km south of Tokyo), Yokohama is a port city known for its modernity, as well as for being a must-visit shopping destination – notably in its Landmark Tower, which is worth the visit in itself, offering a 360° panoramic view!
On the cultural side? The city is home to the Kanagawa Museum of Art, where you can admire works by European masters (such as Dalí, Magritte, and Picasso), as well as renowned Japanese painters, including Kanzan Shimomura and Shikō Imamura.
Three other must-see sites? The Japanese garden Sankei-en (and its traditional historic buildings). The legendary ramen museum (where you can taste different recipes of this Japanese culinary specialty – and learn to prepare it). And the red brick customs warehouses, dating from the late nineteenth century.
How to get there from Tokyo?
By train: take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Yokohama Station (50 minutes travel time) or the Tokyu Toyoko line from Shibuya Station (approximately 45 minutes travel time).
6. Mount Takao
Located in the city of Hachiōji (40 km from Tokyo Prefecture), Mount Takao is a true breath of fresh air just steps away from urban hustle. Revered for millennia, this sacred mountain is also an exceptional destination for hiking enthusiasts…
Mount Takao has seven trails and is therefore accessible to all hikers (though be aware that these short hikes require at least two hours of walking). A secret? It's also possible to take a cable car to reach the summit! Once at the top, you'll enjoy an exceptional view of Tokyo…
How to get there from Tokyo?
By train: from Shinjuku Station, take the express train heading to Takaosanguchi
Frequently asked questions
It depends on what you're interested in! For nature and adventure, Mount Fuji and Mount Takao are ideal. For culture and history, Kamakura and Kawagoe are essential. For a beach day, Enoshima is perfect. Yokohama is the best option for a shopping and gastronomy day.
Yes, it's technically possible but very demanding. The journey from Tokyo takes around 2 hours 30 minutes by bus or 1 hour 45 minutes by train, and the climb requires between 5 and 8 hours of hiking depending on the chosen trail. It's advised to depart very early in the morning. Climbing is only possible from late June to early September.
Yes, it's actually a very popular combination! Both sites are located in the same Sagami Bay and are connected by the Enoden train line which runs along the coast. If you depart early from Tokyo, you'll have plenty of time to visit Kamakura's Great Buddha and temples in the morning, then Enoshima Island in the afternoon.
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) covers certain JR lines such as the JR Yokosuka line for Kamakura or the Tokaido Shinkansen for Yokohama. However, it does not cover private lines such as Odakyu (for Enoshima) or Tobu Tojo (for Kawagoe). It's advisable to check the relevant lines before your departure.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the ideal seasons to explore the areas around Tokyo, with pleasant temperatures and magnificent landscapes (cherry blossoms or red foliage). For Kamakura and Enoshima beaches, prefer summer (July–August). Climbing Mount Fuji is reserved for the period from late June to early September.
Prices vary depending on the destination. A round trip to Yokohama costs around 1,000 yen, to Kamakura around 1,900 yen, and to Kawagoe approximately 800 yen from Ikebukuro. For Mount Fuji, expect between 2,500 and 4,000 yen depending on the mode of transport. Mount Takao is the most economical option, accessible for around 400 yen from Shinjuku.
