Best day trips from Tokyo (in under 4 hours by train)

Bored of Tokyo? Never! It would take a lifetime to experience everything this city – the biggest in the world, don't forget – has to offer. But sometimes a little change of scenery isn't a bad thing, amiright? And Tokyo is a fabulous base for exploring the greater Kanto area, from temples to waterfalls, mountains to volcanoes, nature and history: it's all waiting for you in just a few hours from the city. Japan's amazing rail network will whisk you away to Alpine towns, lakes, beaches before you can finish that ekiben bento box.

Here are Japansophy's recommendations for the best day trips from Tokyo in less than 4 hours by train.

Our top ten best day tours from Tokyo for a change of scenery and an escape from the big city

Top day trips from Tokyo – see more of what the Kanto region has to offer.

Narita

You may only have heard of Narita in connection with the international airport but you're missing out. The small city that gave the airport its name is steeped in history and home to one of Japan's most revered Buddhist temples, Narita-san. Aside from the main building, the temple complex boasts several halls, the "Peace tower", a pagoda, a little park with a lake and a plum grove with over 450 trees that burst into pink and white blossom in early spring. The ancient, kilometer-long path that winds it way to the temple complex from the main station is lined with little shops selling traditional crafts, souvenirs and snacks. You'll also see lots of restaurants, many of which serve the freshwater eel dishes that Narita is famous for.

What makes Narita a particularly worthy candidate for a day trip from Tokyo is, strangely perhaps, its proximity to the airport: you have a load of options to get there! The JR Rapid trains to the airport stop in Narita city and take only 70 minutes, as do the Keisei main line trains from Ueno or Nippori stations in Tokyo.

This is also a perfect day trip on the last day of your Tokyo holiday if you are leaving from Narita airport. You can head directly to the airport, check in your luggage (or leave it in a coin locker) and take the train (or a taxi) back to Narita. Just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport!

Kamakura & Enoshima

For a perfect blend of history, nature, and coastal vibes, you can't beat a day trip to Kamakura and Enoshima. Just an hour south of Tokyo, Kamakura was once the political centre of Japan, and its legacy as a samurai capital is still visible in its countless temples and shrines.

You have several options for travelling to Kamakura and Enoshima for a day trip from Tokyo. Take the JR Yokosuka line from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations or the JR Shonan Shinjuku line from Shinjuku station. Both of these take just under an hour and will put your Kamakura starting point at the main station, just a 20 minutes walk from the vibrant Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which is one of the town's top attractions. Not far away you'll find Hokokuji temple, which has its own little mini-version of Arashiyama's famous bamboo forest.

If you would prefer to start at the western side of Kamakura, you could take the Odakyu Railway from Shinjuku and get off at the Enoshima terminus. This route takes slightly longer (about 75 minutes), but the Odakyu Railway offers a special Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass for the return trip from Tokyo and unlimited travel within Kamakura. The little island of Enoshima offers a complete change of pace with its hidden caves, a beautiful shrine complex, and the Enoshima Sea Candle observation tower, which provides panoramic views of the coast. On a clear day, you might even spot Mount Fuji on the horizon. You can easily spend several hours here, but if you want to save it for another day trip, you can get out of the train at Fujisawa and transfer to the little Enoden tram that will take you along the coast towards the centre of Kamakura. On the way, you will pass the anime- and social-media-famous Kamakurakōkōmae tram stop and don't forget to get out at Hase to visit the iconic Great Buddha (Kotoku-in) and the nearby Hasedera Temple, famous for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon and stunning ocean views.

After soaking up the history, hop on the scenic Enoden train for a short, picturesque ride to.

At the end of the day, watch the sunset and the surfers from the beach and, if you're lucky, maybe another glimpse of Fuji-san.

Nikko

If you’re looking for a trip that feels like a step back in time, Nikko is your go-to. Nestled in the mountains north of Tokyo, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place of breathtaking beauty. The main draw is the incredible Toshogu Shrine, a lavish and ornate mausoleum dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. You’ll be mesmerised by the intricate carvings, including the famous Three Wise Monkeys and the Sleeping Cat. From here, you can easily walk to the more tranquil Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple, which are also part of the World Heritage site. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic red Shinkyo Bridge before you head back. For those with more time, a bus ride will take you up to Lake Chuzenji, a stunning lake surrounded by mountains, with waterfalls and hiking trails nearby.

If you happen to be visiting Japan in the autumn, you'll see Nikko at its absolute best, since it is one of the most popular autumn-leaf (koyo) viewing spots in the Kanto region, if not all of Japan! The koyo usually reach their peak in Nikko in mid-October, but this will depend on the weather and is slightly different every year.

Getting to Nikko is a breeze. The fastest way is to take a limited express train on the Tobu Line from Tokyo’s Asakusa Station, which gets you there in about two hours. If you happen to have a Japan Rail Pass, you can take the shinkansen to Utsunomiya and change there to a the JR Nikko line, but this is likely to shave no more than 15 minutes of your travel time and, without the JR Pass, is much more expensive than Tobu.

Yokohama

To assume that Yokohama is just like Tokyo in small is to do Japan’s second-largest city a serious injustice. Yokohama is a vibrant, modern port city with a captivating mix of futuristic architecture and historic charm. The Minato Mirai district is a must-see, with its towering Landmark Tower offering incredible city views . You might even see one of the huge cruise ships that dock in Yokohama. Adrenalin junkies will be able to tank up at the Cosmoworld amusement park, which includes the giant Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel that lights up the night sky. Right nearby is the famous Red Brick Warehouse, a beautifully restored historical building now filled with trendy shops, eateries and cool outdoor spaces. No trip to Yokohama is complete without exploring the country's largest Chinatown, a bustling area bursting with colour, flavour, and energy. For a moment of tranquility, escape the crowds at Sankeien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden with historic buildings moved here from all over Japan. History fans will enjoy exploring the city's western legacy in the form of English gardens and some historic western homes in the Yamate district.

An absolute highlight of any day trip to Yokohama from Tokyo is a tour of the Cup Noodles Museum and the chance to make your own personalised Cup noodle pot as a souvenir. Tickets can be reserved online in advance.

Getting to Yokohama is incredibly fast and easy. You can take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line or the Tokyu Toyoko Line directly from various stations in Tokyo, with the journey taking as little as 30 minutes. It’s so close, it almost feels like another neighbourhood of Tokyo – but with a flavour all of its own.

Kawagoe

Step into a time machine and take a trip to Kawagoe, known as "Koedo" or "Little Edo." Just a stone's throw from Tokyo, this charming town has perfectly preserved its Edo-period atmosphere, making it a wonderful escape from the modern world. The main street is lined with kurazukuri, traditional clay-walled merchant houses that give the area its unique look. The most iconic landmark is the Toki no Kane, the wooden Bell of Time, which has been tolling for centuries and adds to the town's nostalgic charm. A short walk away is Kashiya Yokocho, or Penny Candy Lane, a narrow street filled with small shops selling traditional sweets and snacks for a sugary burst of nostalgia.

The town also boasts some beautiful temples and shrines and a very cute Starbucks with a traditional store-front that blends perfectly into the historical streets.

Getting to Kawagoe is super easy. The fastest way is to take the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station, which takes about 30 minutes. You can also take the JR Kawagoe Line from Shinjuku, which is slightly slower but just as convenient. Kawagoe is perfect for a leisurely day of wandering, shopping for unique souvenirs, and enjoying the old-world atmosphere.

Fuji Five Lakes

For the most breathtaking, postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji, you need to visit the Fuji Five Lakes region. While there are five lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is the most popular and accessible for a day trip. The lake itself offers stunning, mirror-like reflections of Mount Fuji on a calm day, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Take the Kachi Kachi Yama Ropeway for a spectacular panoramic view of the lake and the mountain. The area is also home to several museums, including the beautiful Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, and plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can relax and soak in the scenery. Speaking of soaking: treat yourself to a visit to an onsen here and unwind from all that walking you've been doing in Tokyo!

If scenery and relaxing in hot springs all sounds too tame, check out Fuji-Q Highland – one of japan's most popular amusement parks with world-record breaking rides to get the blood pumping.

The Shibazakura festival in mid-April to mid-May sees vast swathes of pink and white blossoms carpeting the ground, making for the perfect Mt Fuji photo.

The best way to get to Lake Kawaguchiko is by bus. Direct highway buses depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal in Tokyo, taking about two hours. This is often the most straightforward and comfortable option. While there are train options, they usually involve multiple transfers and take longer. Make sure to book your bus tickets well in advance, especially during the Shibazakura festival or any special events at Fuji-Q Highland.

Hakone

If you're in search of a scenic, relaxing escape from the city, Hakone is the answer. This mountain resort town is a popular, not to mention romantic, get-away destination for Tokyoites and is famous for its natural beauty, volcanic activity, and rejuvenating hot springs. Getting to Hakone from Tokyo is simple and you can even get the Hakone Free Pass, which covers a loop of incredible transport options within the Hakone area. Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station, which is a comfortable and direct limited express train that takes about 90 minutes. Start with the Hakone Tozan Railway and then take the Hakone Ropeway, where you'll get a spectacular view of Great Owakudani, a volcanic valley with bubbling hot springs. From there, you can take a pirate ship across Lake Ashi, with its iconic torii gate and a chance to see Mount Fuji from a different angle. Don't miss the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a stunning sculpture park set against the backdrop of the mountains with a Picasso museum and lots of fun activities for kids.

Hitachi Seaside Park

If you're a nature lover, a day trip to Hitachi Seaside Park is worth that little extra effort, especially if you're visiting in the spring or autumn. The park is a photographer's dream, famous for its seasonal fields of flowers. In the spring (usually April to May), Miharashi Hill is covered in millions of vibrant blue nemophila flowers, creating a truly spectacular sight. In the autumn (late September to October), the same hill is home to fluffy kochia bushes that change colour from green to a vibrant red and give the landscape a fiery glow. The park is huge, so a great way to explore is by renting a bicycle and riding along the many dedicated paths.

Getting to the park is quite simple, though it involves a couple of steps. First, take a JR Joban Line limited express train from Tokyo's Shinagawa or Ueno Station to Katsuta Station. The ride takes about 80 minutes. From there, hop on a short bus ride to the park entrance. Throughout the year, but especially during the nemophilia and kochia seasons, you'll find tours on offer that will whisk you directly to the park and back. These are more expensive than the DIY version and are unlikely to save you much time but are super convenient.

Mount Takao

For an escape into nature without leaving the Tokyo metropolitan area, Mount Takao is your perfect destination. Just an hour from central Tokyo, it offers a refreshing dose of fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. You can choose to hike all the way up, or take a shortcut with the cable car or chairlift for a much faster ascent. At the top, you’ll find the Yakuoin Temple, a large Buddhist temple complex with stunning architecture and statues. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day, a magnificent glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance. There's also a small monkey park and a beer garden to relax in after your hike.

Getting to Mount Takao couldn't be easier. Just take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station directly to Takaosanguchi Station. The journey is fast, comfortable, and takes around 50 minutes.

Karuizawa

If you want to experience a high-end mountain resort with a touch of European elegance, Karuizawa is your ticket. This beautiful town, nestled in the Nagano mountains, may be familiar to some as the location for one season of the popular "Terrace House" TV series and is a popular summer escape for Tokyoites due to its cool climate. In winter, it turns into a chic ski resort.

The town is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the serene Shiraito Falls, a gorgeous veil of water cascading over a rock face. This is also a very popular spot for viewing the autumn leaves (end of October).

The main street, Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza, is a charming area filled with boutiques, cafes, and bakeries. For a more modern experience, the vast Prince Shopping Plaza outlet mall offers a shopper's paradise. You can rent a bicycle and explore the town at a leisurely pace, taking in the picturesque scenery and elegant vacation homes.

Getting to Karuizawa is a fast and comfortable journey. The best way is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, which will get you there in just over an hour. The bullet train makes it a perfect day trip destination, allowing you to have a relaxing mountain retreat and be back in Tokyo for dinner.

Choosing the right day trip from Tokyo

Best day trip from Tokyo for families

For families, we would recommend an excursion to Yokohama. It's just a quick jaunt on the train, easy to get around once you're there and there's plenty to keep the kiddos entertained, from rollercoasters, cable car rides through the city's skyline and a huge illuminated ferris wheel to the ever-popular Cup Noodle Museum. The proximity to Tokyo means no long journeys home at the end of a fun-filled day, either.

Kamakura/Enoshima is also a good choice for families. It's just an hour away by train and has a great mix of activities for all the family. The town is also known for its good beaches, so it makes for a great summer excursion with kids. Even in the autumn, especially September/October, it can be warm enough to sit on the sand for a while and watch the surfers. Just watch out for those pesky sea eagles that are known to swoop in and steal your lunch: it's best not to picnic on the beach.

Best budget day trip from Tokyo

Because it's so close to Tokyo, a day trip to Yokohama won't break the bank and, as Japan's second biggest city, you won't be short of options for a budget lunch or dinner. You can explore the Mirai district for free and taking in those amazing evening views of the port with its illuminated big wheel won't cost you a dime either.

Kawagoe is also a good choice if you're on a tight budget. Take advantage of the Tobu Railway's Kawagoe Pass for a discounted round trip and special offers or freebies from stores and restaurants in the town (as well as a 7% discount in the Tobu department store in Ikebukuro). Kawagoe is very much the walk-around-and-soak-it-in type of destination, so you won't have to get spendy with the yen while you're there.

Best day trip from Tokyo for nature fans

If the crowds and bustle of the city are getting too much for you, you'll love the nature and scenery of Mount Takao. Less than an hour from Tokyo, you'll feel like you can breathe again while taking in the magnificent views, maybe even of Mt Fuji. Those whose feet aren't already worn away to stubs after trekking around the city for days on end can burn off any residual energy on the numerous hiking trails. Mt Takao is a popular spot, especially at weekends and on public holidays, so don't expect to have it all to yourself, but you'll still find plenty of respite from the Tokyo crowds.

Fuji Five Lakes also offers nature lovers plenty of bang for their buck, with open spaces for miles, gorgeous lake views, lush mountains and of course or friend Mt Fuji. Be warned, though, that some areas (the Chureito pagoda is a prime example) are much loved by your fellow tourists too and are seriously overcrowded, especially during cherry-blossom or autumn-leaf season. Although they are trickier to get to, consider leaving Kawaguchiko behind and exploring some of the other lakes: they're just as stunning but much less developed. You may need to book a taxi or hire a car, though.

Best day trip from Tokyo for culture vultures

Not that Tokyo has a paucity of historical or cultural sites of its own, but for culture fans, a day trip out of the city is the perfect opportunity to delve into Japan's rich history and traditions. The trio of Nikko, Kawagoe, and Kamakura offers an unparalleled look into the country's diverse past. Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site, takes you back in time with its lavish and ornate Toshogu Shrine, along with the peaceful, atmospheric Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple, making it a place of breathtaking beauty. For a taste of old-world charm, Kawagoe, known as "Little Edo," has perfectly preserved its Edo-period atmosphere with its traditional clay-walled merchant houses and the iconic Bell of Time. Lastly, Kamakura, a former samurai capital, is a treasure trove of historical sites, including the magnificent Great Buddha and the serene Hasedera Temple. Together, these destinations provide a journey from the samurai age to the Edo period, each offering a unique cultural experience just a short train ride from the city.

FAQ: Day trips from Tokyo under four hours by train

• What is the best day trip from Tokyo?

  If you're looking for a quick change of scenery, Yokohama is very convenient to get to and has a lot to keep the whole family busy. Kamakura is also a very popular choice since you can be there in under an hour and, as an ancient capital, it is jammed packed full of temples, shrines and historical spots, including the Giant Buddha. Kawagoe is another town close to Tokyo where you can get a feel of old Edo-era Japan.

• Can you see Mt Fuji on a day trip from Tokyo?

  Indeed you can! If you want to get up close and personal with Fuji-san, you'll have to go down to the Five Lakes area, but it is definitely doable in a day, either by organised tour or on your own steam. The lake resort town of Hakone can also offer beautiful views of Fuji, though further away. If you're content with spotting Fuji from afar, you may catch a glimpse from Kamakura or Enoshima. But don't forget: Fuji is really quite shy and you'll need a fine-weather day with low humidity to see it from any of these locations.

• Are Tokyo day trips expensive?

  You can spend whatever your budget allows on a day trip from Tokyo. A round trip train ticket to Yokohama, for example, will cost around 1000 yen* and walking around the city once you get there won't cost you a dime. Tobu Railways offers a special Kawagoe Day Pass for 710 yen* that includes train transport and discounts in shops. A trip further afield will of course cost more and you may have to decide on compromising on convenience (for example, changing trains several times) to keep the price down.

• What is the closest day trip from Tokyo?

  Yokohama is so close to Tokyo that many people commute back and forward between the two cities for work. But other super day-trip destinations, such as Kawagoe or Kamakura won't cost you much travelling time either. Thanks to the Shinkansen, even trips to further-flung towns like Karuizawa don't take more than an hour.

A day trip is the perfect way to make your time in Tokyo even more rich and memorable, allowing you to experience the incredible diversity of Japan's history, nature, and culture. Choose the destinations that match your interests—and don't miss out on all those seasonal highlights. What are your favourite day trips from Tokyo? Share your recommendations in the comments below!