9 of the Top Day Trips from Tokyo

A quick zip on the train to the south brings you to Yokohama, a pretty port city with international flavor. You’ll find Japan’s largest Chinatown, with about 500 shops and restaurants for you to explore.

Ramen lovers can head to the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama, an ode to the beloved instant noodles invented by Momofuku Ando in the 1950s. If that’s not enough of a ramen fix, head to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum to learn about ramen history. Finish up with a stroll in Minato Mirai, the boardwalk lined with open-air malls, amusement park rides, and gardens.

If you’re interested in historic towns near Tokyo, look no further than Odawara, a castle town only 30 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen. Odawara Castle, established in the 15th century, is the main draw, but you’ll also find the Samurai Museum and the Ninja Museum. Study the swish of a steel sword, see the beetle-like armor of samurai warriors, and perfect your stealth as you learn about ninja techniques.

Insider tip: You can rent samurai and ninja costumes at the castle’s Tokiwagi Gate for a cosplay photo session for only ¥500.

About 30 minutes further south from Odawara using the Odakyu Romance Car (an hour in total from Tokyo), is the hot spring resort town of Hakone. Dozens of hot spring inns are peppered through the area, and there are several that allow day-trip visitors for a soothing mineral soak. When you’re done bathing, check out hillside installations at the Hakone Open-Air Museum or take a stroll along the placid Lake Ashi.

Insider tip: Although Hakone is close enough for a day trip, there’s enough to do here for an overnight or even a weekend stay. Look for the Hakone Free Pass for bulk discounts on transportation and attractions.

Looking for a mountain day trip from Tokyo? Look no further than Mt. Takao, a 1,965-foot (600-meter) peak that’s actually within greater Tokyo’s city limits. Reach the base station of Takao in about an hour from Shinjuku on the Keio Line, then hike or take the cable car halfway up.

From there, you’ll have to walk the rest of the way, but never fear: The path is paved, and there are copious fortifications along the way in the form of snack stands, shrines and temples for divine inspiration, and scenic viewpoints where you can glimpse both Tokyo and Mt. Fuji in the other direction.

Families will likely have Tokyo Disneyland® on their Tokyo day trip itinerary. Despite its name, Tokyo Disneyland® and DisneySea® are not within Tokyo city limits, but just outside the city in neighboring Chiba. Only 20 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Keiyo Line, the twin parks offer many of the classic attractions including Splash Mountain and It’s a Small World, as well as Tokyo-only attractions such as Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage.

Insider tip: Avoid major school holidays including spring break (late March/early April), Golden Week (late April/early May), and summer vacation (late July through end of August).

For a true change of pace, one of the best day trips from Tokyo is Kamakura. Japan’s capital from 1185–1333, the small city is bursting with Buddhist temples, leafy neighborhoods, and nature hikes in the hills that climb out of the sea. It’s only about an hour from Tokyo by train, or jump on a bus tour. Highlights include the Daibutsu, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and the cute pedestrian-only shopping street Komachi-dori, stuffed with soft-serve ice cream stands and souvenir sellers.

Insider tip: Be careful of the aggressive tonbi birds that will snatch food out of your hands if you’re eating while walking in the open.

For a taste of what Tokyo used to look like before it was covered in concrete and steel, head to Kawagoe, a small city located only 30 minutes from Ikebukuro on the Tobu Tojo Line. Known as Little Edo, the historic wooden buildings, old-timey snacks, and arts and crafts experiences make for an excellent cultural day trip from Tokyo. Be sure to sample the hand-pulled candies and pickled cucumbers on a stick for the full experience.

A town made for day trippers, Enoshima is Tokyo’s answer to the Jersey shore: crowded, touristy, and fun. If you’re looking for a seaside day trip from Tokyo, Enoshima is only a few minutes from Kamakura and just over an hour by train from Tokyo. The beach side is filled with frolicking bathers, while on the small island offshore, visitors explore tide pools, amble up to scenic lookouts for Fuji views, and eat at one of the many seafood shacks.

Insider tip: The beach is lined with beach huts selling cheap eats where you can grab some shade and a cold drink.

Like Mt. Takao, Mt. Mitake is also within Greater Tokyo city limits in Ome City, making it a fantastic choice for a nature day trip in Tokyo. About 90 minutes from Shinjuku Station, the quieter, less popular cousin to Takao is nevertheless well served by a steep funicular railway and chairlift that can take hikers most of the way up the mountain. Those that make final hike to the 3048-foot summit will be rewarded with a visit to the venerable Musashi Mitake Shrine and accompanying rock garden.