Let’s take a trip around Tokyo!♪
Hello everyone! I’m Nabe, a staff of K’s House Tokyo Oasis. If you’ve come all the way to Tokyo, why not go a little further and visit some of the sights outside Tokyo? There are many attractive natural and historical places around Tokyo where you can enjoy a different kind of trip from the city.
So, this time, we would like to introduce you to some day trip sights around Tokyo that can be visited in about two hours from Tokyo. Let’s have a look!
What you will find in this article
- Recommended places that can be reached within about two hours* from Tokyo.
- How long it takes to get to each place and what you can do there.
*Transport is by train(exclude Shinkansen) or bus.
Kamakura
This was once the site of the Kamakura Shogunate and many historic temples and shrines still retain their original appearance. It is also a popular day trip destination with plenty of natural scenery, including the sea and mountains, and is easily accessible from Tokyo.
About 60 minutes by train to Kamakura station.
Details: https://www.trip-kamakura.com/feature/3437.html
– Historic temples and shrines
– Taking a walk and see around nice beach
Kamakura is a popular day trip destination in Kanagawa Prefecture, west of Tokyo. It is easily accessible from Tokyo and it’s possible to go to Kamakura without changing trains from Tokyo and Shinjuku stations, which is another reason for its popularity.
You can visit to many historic shrines and temples, including the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and the Kotokuin Temple which is famous for the Great Buddha in Kamakura where Shogunate was once established.
Because sea and mountains are also close by, it’s highly recommended for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature.
You can also take the cute, retro Enoden train for a leisurely tour of Kamakura and Enoshima, enjoying views of the sea.
Hakone
Hakone is one of the first places that comes to mind as a hot spring place within easy reach of Tokyo. It’s also famous as a place where you can see Mt. Fuji, and you have probably seen pictures of Mount Fuji with Lake Ashi at least once. You can also enjoy nature by taking a funicular or ropeway.
About 90 to 120 minutes by train to Hakoneyumoto station.
Details: https://www.hakone.or.jp/6343
– Hot springs
– Beautiful nature such as mountains and lakes, including Mt. Fuji and volcanic plumes, etc.
– Those who want to view Mt.Fuji.
– Those who want to enjoy hot springs.
– Those who want to enjoy nature.
Hakone is located in Kanagawa Prefecture as the same as Kamakura and is famous for its hot springs and places with views of Mount Fuji. It is also accessible from Shinjuku without changing trains on the Limited Express and it makes Hakone as a popular and easy trip destination.
Hakone, with its high quality hot springs, has long been known as a popular hot spring resort, and because there are many Onsen ryokan, it is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy hot springs.
You can also enjoy the magnificent nature, including Mt. Fuji, by using the mountain railway and ropeway so it’s a great place for those who want to enjoy both hot springs and nature.
Nikko
It is famous for Toshogu Shrine, which is registered as a World Heritage Site and is a popular sightseeing spot that can be easily visited from Tokyo. You can enjoy hot springs and an abundance of nature as well, so it’s a nice place to relax and enjoy activities such as hiking.
About 120 to 150 minutes by train to Nikko station.
Details：http://www.nikko-kankou.org/access/
– World Heritage Sites
– Hot springs
– Activities in nature, etc.
– Those who are interested in World Heritage Sites
– Those who want to be healed in hot springs
– Those who want to enjoy activities in nature such as hiking, mountain climbing and river rafting.
Nikko is famous World Heritage Site in Tochigi prefecture that can be reached in about two hours from Tokyo. The World Heritage, Nikko Toshogu Shrine attracts many tourists from locals and tourists from overseas every day.
Nikko is also famous as the hot spring place, Kinugawa Onsen, which is about an hour’s train ride from Toshogu Shrine. You can enjoy a hot spring bath while viewing the beautiful Kinugawa River.
Nikko is also rich in nature and you can enjoy various activities such as hiking, mountain climbing and river rafting, so it’s a great place for day trips as well as overnight stay trip.
Fujikawaguchiko (Mt.Fuji)
Along with Hakone, Kawaguchiko is a famous place for viewing Mount Fuji. Mt. Fuji is a popular day trip destination as it is easily accessible by frequent bus services . Mt. Fuji can be seen up close from the Kawaguchiko station area, which is the starting point for many visitors, and the sheer size of the mountain will overwhelm you.
About 120 minutes by bus to Kawaguchiko station.
Details：https://fujisan.ne.jp/access/
– Fuji and the surrounding beautiful nature
– Climbing Mt Fuji (in season only), etc.
– Those who want to see Mt. Fuji up close.
– Those interested in the culture and history of Mt.Fuji.
Fujikawaguchiko is a popular place to get a close-up view of the symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji (as if Mount Fuji is just right in front of you). Lake Kawaguchi is one of the Fuji Five Lakes around Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture and is visited by many tourists every day as it is easily accessible with frequent direct express buses from Tokyo.
Around Kawaguchiko Station, there are places with spectacular views of Mount Fuji that can be reached by ropeway, the beautiful Lake Kawaguchi and Sengen Shrine, which is an important place for Fuji worship. If you explore Lake kawaguchi area more, it’s also possible to see Mt. Fuji’s dynamic volcanic activity such as the Aokigahara Sea Forest and ice caves.
Sometimes I’m asked like ” Which is better for viewing Mt Fuji, Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi ?”. I personally recommend Lake Kawaguchi because it is easily accessible and you can see Mount Fuji up close rather than Hakone.
Kawagoe
Kawagoe, also known as “Little Edo*”, is a town full of historical atmosphere with an old townscape, which is rare in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It is also a hidden popular spot, as it is not far from Tokyo.
*Edo : The name of capital in Edo period
About 60 minutes by train to Kawagoe station.
Details：https://koedo.or.jp/access/
Old town with traditional atmosphere, etc.
– Those who like the old-fashioned atmosphere of the city.
– Those who want to enjoy easy excursions.
Kawagoe is located in Saitama Prefecture and is popular for a daytrip spot because it’s easy to access from the city center. The town, which once flourished as a castle town, is known as ‘Little Edo’ and visitors can enjoy the historic buildings and old streets in the town.
The most famous of these are the warehouse-lined streets, where you will feel like you have stepped back in time to the Edo period as you walk along the streets looking at the rows of old warehouses.
Kimono rentals and rickshaw rides are also available in the city, so it can be fun to immerse your body and soul in the Edo atmosphere.
Reference links
How was it? We have introduced some classic day trip spots this time, but there are many other day trip spots in the Tokyo suburbs, so please try to find and visit there.
Of course, these places we’ve introduced this time are not just day-trip spots, but we also recommend that you stay overnight in the area and take your time to explore. There are beautiful landscapes, sights and gourmet food that cannot be experienced on a day trip, so please make your trip a wonderful one according to your own schedule.
Have a great trip!
Visit Kamakura： https://www.city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/visitkamakura/en/
Hakone Japan：https://hakone-japan.com/
Nikko Official Guide：https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/
Fujikawaguchiko Tourist Information：https://fujisan.ne.jp/en/
Koedo Kawagoe Web：https://koedo.or.jp/en/
– People who like old buildings and historical atmosphere such as shrines and temples.
– People who like nature.