5 Easy Day Trips From Tokyo

Find some of the country’s most beautiful temples and nature attractions a mere few hours from Tokyo! Yes, it’s way too easy to spend your entire vacation within the city itself. Tokyo has a unique culture along with some of the best restaurants, shopping districts and cafes in the world. But Japan offers so much more than its capital city. Whether you wanna catch some waves in Kamakura, dip in the hot springs of Hakone or see Lake Kawaguchiko, there are many easy day trips from Tokyo. Here are some of our favourites!

1. Yokohama

If you’re looking for a day trip but not one where you’ll have to spend hours on the train, then Yokohama is our top spot for easy day trips from Tokyo. Known for its oceanside views and yummy Chinese food in Motomachi-Chukagai – or Chinatown – Yokohama is also every foodie’s dream. Put on your comfiest pants and indulge at an all-you-can-eat restaurant, or taste test all the street food you can find. Don’t worry – it’s completely okay to walk and eat here!

2. Hakone

Just over an hour by train from Tokyo, Hakone is a mountainous town known for its natural beauty and hot springs. Check out Ōwakudani, which was created some 3000 years ago during the last eruption of Mount Hakone. You have to try some kuro tamago, or black eggs. They are cooked in the natural hot springs water and the black shell is due to a natural reaction to the sulfur. The eggs are perfectly safe to consume. In fact, it is said that eating one will prolong your life by seven years! Click here to read more about taking a Hakone day trip!

3. Lake Kawaguchiko

One of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is where you’ll get the best view (and Instagram shots) of Mt Fuji. With a whole host of hot springs, ryokan and tourist attractions, there’s so much to do around the lake you should just stay for the weekend. Lavender blooms seasonally at Oishi Park, though most would say the cherry blossom season brings the best views. Make sure to check out the Itchiku Kubota Kimono Museum, which will dazzle anyone with its incredible kimono collection.

4. Kamakura

Approximately an hour’s train ride from Tokyo, Kamakura is one of the most popular easy day trips from Tokyo. This beautiful seaside city was once the medieval capital of the country. Here, see the Great Buddha of Kamakura, or check out the smooth waves the international surfing community is starting to take note of. After that, stuff your faces with some of the freshest and best sushi, caught right off the little island of Enoshima

5. Kawagoe

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time in Kawagoe, a castle town that dates back from the Edo Period. Kurazukuri Street is a must-visit, where many of the old buildings and warehouses have been converted into quaint shops and restaurants. And we hope you have a sweet tooth, because Candy Alley is ​​a whole street dedicated to traditional sweets. For a dose of historical sites, make sure to check out Kita-in.