10 Handpicked Day Trips From Tokyo By Train (By An Expert)
Some of the best day trips from Tokyo by train are ones most visitors never think to plan, and I say that as someone who spent two years living in the city. During my time on the JET Programme I visited 40 out of 47 prefectures, and a huge chunk of that happened as weekend escapes from Tokyo.
I have done every single trip on this list, most of them multiple times. Every thing you read here comes from my personal experience.
Tokyo’s train network is one of the best in the world, which means getting around is easier than you think. Mt Fuji views, ancient temples, or steaming hot springs, there is a day trip for every kind of traveller.
This post covers my personal favourites, with everything you need to know about getting there, what to see, and what not to miss.
10 Day Trips From Tokyo By Train
Volcanic craters, ancient samurai capitals, and convenience stores with the most famous view in Japan. Tokyo’s day trip options are anything but boring. Here are 10 of the best, all reachable by train.
1. Hakone
Less than two hours from Tokyo, Hakone brings volcanic scenery, a stunning lake, and on a clear day, unobstructed views of Mt Fuji from Lake Ashi.
Don’t skip a photo at the iconic Hakone Shrine, the red tori gate rises from the water framing a perfect shot.
What makes Hakone special is the journey itself, with scenic train rides, a cable car, and then a ropeway which floats you directly over the volcanic crater at Owakudani.
Getting there: From Shinjuku Station, ride the Odakyu line to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Hakone-Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Upgrade to the Romancecar limited express for a direct, reserved-seat ride in about 90 minutes.
2. Mt Fuji (Kawaguchiko)
Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes. The views of Mt Fuji reflected in the water on a clear day are breathtaking. It is also home to what may be the most famous Lawson in all of Japan. You know the one I’m talking about!
Visit the Chureito Pagoda, one of Japan’s most photographed spots, to see the five-story pagoda framed against the mountain. Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (foliage) are peak seasons, so expect crowds and book your train well in advance.
Getting there: Take the Fuji Excursion limited express train direct from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station in about 2 hours, no transfers needed. Only 4 trains run daily so book your seats well in advance, especially on weekends. My Mt Fuji Day Trip Itinerary covers transport options.
3. Enoshima
A tiny island connected to the mainland by a bridge, Enoshima offers a shrine, sea caves, street food, and the iconic Sea Candle lighthouse all in one visit! On clear days, you can even see Mt Fuji from the Sea Candle observation deck at sunset.
It pairs perfectly with Kamakura for a full day, and the best way to connect the two is the Enoden, a retro style green train that winds along the coast between the two towns.
Getting there: Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station in about an hour. Pick up the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass at Shinjuku Station for unlimited rides on the Odakyu and Enoden lines all day.
4. Kamakura
Kamakura is an ancient capital along the Pacific coast with over 65 temples and shrines to explore.
The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in is the most well known attraction, but don’t miss the bamboo forest at Hokokuji Temple, one of the most peaceful spots in the area. You can sit and sip matcha right in the middle of the grove.
Getting there: Take the JR Yokosuka Line direct from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station in about an hour. Alternatively, take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Fujisawa and connect to the Enoden Line for the scenic coastal approach. It makes for one of the easier day trips from Tokyo.
5. Mount Takao
Less than an hour from Shinjuku, Mt Takao is Tokyo’s backyard mountain and one of the most climbed peaks in the world. There are several trails ranging from easy to moderate, and a cable car if you want to skip the first half.
I recommend Trail 1 which takes about 90 minutes from the base to the top. Along the way, grab the Goma Dango (black sesame chewy rice dumplings) covered in a sweet and salty mitarashi sauce.
It’s open year round, and I recommend starting early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat, especially in the warmer months.
Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Keio Line Limited Express directly to Takaosanguchi Station, no transfers needed. It takes about 50 minutes.
➡️ Book your Mt Takao train and chairlift ticket in advance to skip the queue.
6. Kawagoe
Known as “Little Edo”, this town is filled with history and charm. The Main Street is lined with beautifully preserved clay walled warehouses from another time. Visit the Toki no Kane bell tower and nostalgic Candy Lane sweet shops.
The Kawagoe Festival held every October is one of the most spectacular events in the Kanto region. It has elaborately decorated floats parading through the old town streets. You can purchase or rent a kimono like I did and blend in with the other festival goers.
Getting there: Take the Tobu Tojo Line Limited Express from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe in about 30 minutes.
7. Yokohama
Japan’s second largest city and offers its largest Chinatown, think all you can eat dim sum! The streets are packed with steaming dumplings, roasted chestnuts, and BBQ squid.
From Chinatown, make your way towards the Minato Mirai waterfront for harbour views, and save the Cup Noodles Museum for the afternoon where you can design your own instant ramen from scratch.
Getting there: Take the Minato Mirai Line from Shibuya to Motomachi-Chukagai Station, which drops you right at the entrance of Chinatown.
8. Matsumoto
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s last 12 original castles and breathtaking in person. Just know that the interior stairs are extremely steep and narrow, so if heights or tight spaces are not your thing, it might not be for everyone.
The castle has no insulation so winter visits are beautiful but cold inside, and you have to walk around in your socks throughout. Bring a pair of socks regardless when you visit because you will have to take off your shoes.
Getting there: Take the JR Chuo Line Limited Express Azusa direct from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station in about 2.5 hours, no transfers needed. This is covered by the JR Pass.
9. Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. The water here is very acidic, known for its skin softening and healing properties. I recommend the open air public bath at Sainokawara Park. I visited for my birthday and it was the perfect escape.
Try to catch the Netsunoyu water cooling ceremony and, if you can stay overnight, you absolutely should. The full ryokan experience, slipping into a yukata, soaking in a private onsen, and waking up to a traditional breakfast, is what makes Kusatsu worth the journey.
Getting there: The highway bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal is the most direct option but taking the train eliminates the possibility of getting stuck in Tokyo traffic. My Kusatsu Onsen guide covers all the ways to get there from Tokyo.
10. Nikko
Nikko is my favourite fall destination. October and November is a great time to visit when the leaves turn the whole area red, yellow, and orange. Toshogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge are some of the must visits in Nikko. To escape the crowds, check out the Jizo statues at Kanmangafuchi Abyss.
It is a longer day so an early departure is essential. If you have more than a day, Oku-Nikko is worth the extra time. The flat boardwalk hike through Senjogahara makes it a completely different experience from the cultural sites around town.
Getting there: From Asakusa Station, take the Tobu Limited Express directly to Tobu-Nikko Station in about 2 hours. Pick up the Nikko All Area Pass if you plan to stay overnight.
Where To Stay In Tokyo
Since most of the day trips depart from Shinjuku, I recommend basing yourself nearby to keep your mornings stress free. You will have direct access to the Odakyu Line, the Keio Line, and easy connections to the rest of the city.
📍Budget: APA Hotel Shinjuku-Gyoemmae ($) – Just a 1 minute walk from Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station and a 9 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, this is a no-frills but reliable base. Rooms are small but it is clean, well located, and gets the job done.
📍Mid-Range: Dormy Inn EXPRESS Asakusa ($-$$) – If you want more character with your stay, base yourself in Asakusa instead. Just 120m from Asakusa Station, it has a rooftop onsen, free late night ramen, and is steps from Senso-ji Temple. It is the Express version, with all the perks.
📍Luxury: Hyatt Regency Tokyo ($$$) – A 9 minute walk from Shinjuku Station, this is the luxury pick that makes sense for day trippers. Spacious rooms, stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline, and a convenient location that means you are never far from your next train.
FAQs
Questions about day tripping from Tokyo? Here are the ones that come up most often.
What are the best day trips from Tokyo?
There are many great day trips from Tokyo, it all depends on your interests and budget. I have personally done all of these day trips and loved them.
Are trains in Tokyo 24 hours?
No, the trains in Tokyo do not run 24 hours. Make sure to check the train schedule in advance to avoid getting stuck somewhere and relying on an expensive taxi! Google Maps is a great resource.
Can I do a day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Yes, you can do Tokyo to Kyoto as a day trip if you’re short on time. With the bullet train, all it takes is a direct ride from Tokyo Station and you’ll be there in 2 hours. That said, staying at least one night is highly recommended.
Ready to Plan Your Day Trip From Tokyo By Train?
Tokyo is an incredible base and these 10 destinations are just the beginning. A half day in Yokohama, or chasing Mt Fuji views from Kawaguchiko, every single one of these trips from Tokyo by train is worth it.
My biggest piece of advice is to book your train tickets early, especially for the Fuji Excursion and the Tobu Limited Express to Nikko. Seats fill up fast and the last thing you want is to miss out on a day trip because you left it to the last minute.
If you want to go deeper on any of these destinations, I have full guides on Mt Fuji, Nikko, and Kusatsu Onsen with detailed itineraries, transport breakdowns, and travel tips from someone who has done them all. Happy travels!
Feature image by Daniel Erlandson