3 Amazing Day Trips From Tokyo

Are you planning your next trip to Japan and you want to do a couple of day trips from Tokyo? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, I will share with you three amazing day trips that you can take from Japan’s capital. Trust me, I have been to all of them and they are all just breathtaking!

All of the places that I will mention in this blog can be reached by train from Tokyo Station with a maximum travel time of 2 hours, which is where I put my limit for day trips. Each of these destinations will offer you a completely different view of Japan. From nature and relaxation in one of Japan’s best onsens to spirituality or coastal vibes. This makes them the perfect destinations to include in your next Tokyo itinerary!

HAKONE

Hakone is a mountainous area that comprises a total of 7 villages at the border of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is a must-visit region for nature lovers, particularly for hiking enthusiasts or those looking for relaxing moments outside of busy Tokyo.

There are so many activities to do at Hakone. Here you will be able to hike and explore amazing natural sites such as Lake Ashi, relax in one of the famous natural onsens (hot spring baths), get amazing views of Mount Fuji, explore historical sites such as Hakone Checkpoint, and even visit several museums.

This is actually one of the reasons that made us choose Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo. We were looking for a place, where we would be able to see Mt Fuji but also have some other possibilities if the weather was not the best. Looking back, it was the perfect decision for us. We spent a lovely day visiting the Owakudani volcanic area, sailing around Lake Ashi, and getting beautiful sunset views of Fuji.

NIKKO

If you’re looking for a perfect mix of spirituality and nature, then Nikko is just the day trip for you. From visiting well-known UNESCO heritage temples and shrines to hiking some of the most beautiful mountains, valleys, and lakes in Japan. Nikko is definitely a must-visit to include in your next trip to Japan.

Nikko is a city located just two hours away from Tokyo, where both Shintoism and Buddhism coexist. In Nikko, we spent the morning exploring the breathtaking Toshogu Shrine, where we saw the famous “seen no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” three-monkey carving. And for Buddhist temples, we visited Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin Temple.

Nature-wise, you can explore Nikko National Park where you will find high peaks such as Mt Shirane, beautiful lakes such as Lake Chuzenji, and unforgettable waterfalls like Kegon Falls. To make it even more special, if you visit Nikko in late October or early November, you will be able to witness the most incredible fall colors.

KAMAKURA

Looking for coastal vibes in Japan? Then, the city of Kamakura, approximately 50 km south of Tokyo is the right place for you. Kamakura is mostly famous for the Kamakura Daibutsu, the second-largest Buddha statue in Japan.

However, the Daibutsu is not the only thing to do in Kamakura. Here, you will also find the 5 great Rinzai (Zen) Buddhist temples. Located in the northern part of Kamakura, in perfect harmony with nature, these temples will make you feel like you are in perfect peace. Our favorite temple was Engaku-ji, from which we even got to see Mt Fuji.

To complete your day in Kamakura, go for a ride on the Enoden line, a cute little coastal train that connects Kamakura and Enoshima. Riding this train line is certainly an experience. From its windows, you will get to enjoy the views of the sea and of course, get a feel of how Japanese people live in this coastal area.

And that’s it for this week’s blog. I hope you liked it and found it useful. Let me know what you think in the comments!

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3 Amazing Day Trips From Tokyo

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