- If you have visited Tokyo before and would like to explore more around it this time…
- If you have a stopover in Tokyo and would like to make the best use of your layover time…
- If you are planning an independent tour of Tokyo, but are looking for a guided trip to some nearby areas which are less conveniently reached…
- If you are working in Tokyo and need a ready-planned day trip to escape the city in your precious holiday time…
This article provides you the best 6 day-trip options from Tokyo. All of them are suitable for business people, families, and retired couples.
1. Hakone — Relax in an Onsen
Location: One hour from Tokyo
Hakone is the closest hot springs resort to Tokyo, popular with travelers for its amazing natural beauty. On a clear day you even can see Mount Fuji in the distance, making it the favorite day-trip destination from Tokyo.
Onsens are the highlight of Hakone. Active volcanoes in the area mean Hakone has numerous hot springs. Japanese believe that onsens ('hot spring baths') have healing properties because of their various dissolved minerals. Relaxing with your family in a hot spring is a must-do thing in Japan. If you have more time, you could stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for a night there.
Onsen in HakoneHakone has wonderful scenery as well:
- Take a cable car to view steamy Owakudani Valley.
- Sit aboard a majestic pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashi.
- Look up at magnificent Mt. Fuji on a sunny day.
2. Fuji Five Lakes — View Spectacular Mount Fuji
Visit Mount Fuji from Lake KawaguchiLocation: an hour from Tokyo
Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain and the symbol of Japan. The Fuji Five Lakes are five freshwater lakes surrounding Mount Fuji. Because they are close to the mountain, they are the best places to admire Mount Fuji from.
The natural beauty of Fuji Five Lakes is amazing, especially when the cherry trees blossom in spring and the red maples show off their fall foliage. Visit famous sites such as Sengen Shrine and Oshino Hakkai.
July, August, and September are the only months when you can climb Mount Fuji. If you're interested and have more time in Japan, you could plan to take this chance.
On one of our private tours with your own private guide and car, you can have an efficient day tour without worry about anything.
With Asia Highlights, you enjoy no-risk booking, 100% refund policy! (up to 14 days before departure)
3. Kamakura — Best Alternative to Kyoto
Giant Buddha in Kamakura in springLocation: an hour from Tokyo by JR
Kamakura is one of Japan's three ancient capitals with many old shrines. It's a perfect place for you to visit if you don't have time to go to Kyoto. It was Japan's largest city during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), but now Kamakura is a small, quiet seaside town with numerous temples, shrines, and other attractions.
As the birthplace of the Japanese shogunate, you can learn about this history by visiting many of the ancient shrines in Kamakura. As the center of Japanese Zen Buddhism, Kamakura's famous giant Buddha and five monasteries showcase the origins of Zen. As a seaside city near Tokyo, you can enjoy attractive sea views and take photos at its most famous viewpoint — Kokomae Station.
4. Nikko — Best Place to Discover the History of the Edo Period
Toshogu Shrine in NikkoLocation: 2 hours from Tokyo
The Edo period (1603–1867) was the last period in Japanese history to be ruled by the shogunate, and Nikko is considered a sacred place because the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, first shogun of the Edo Dynasty, is there. Now, Edo shrines in Nikko are well-preserved, some of which are World Heritage sites.
Due to the history of Nikko, you can feel the style of Edo everywhere. The three most representative shrines are Toshogu Shrine (Tokugawa's tomb), Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple. These shrines have exquisite art from the Edo Period, and you can still see a great number of people worshiping there every day.
Edo Wonderland is a theme park that showcases the daily life and culture of the Edo Period. You can see an oiran (highest-ranking courtesan) procession performance there.
5. Mt. Takao — Light Hiking
Location: about an hour from Tokyo
Mt. Takao is one of the closest natural recreation areas to Tokyo and was awarded 3 stars by the Michelin guide. It's has been called the mountain with the highest number of climbers in the world (2.6 million/year).
There are 6 different hiking routes to choose from at Mt. Takao. As well as a cable car, chair lifts are also available, and so children or less-able/willing mountaineers can easily get up/down the mountain too. You can appreciate the charming scenery and take photos while climbing, or visit the temples on the mountain.
6. Minakami — Outdoor Paradise
Location: around 2 hours from Tokyo
Minakami is an outdoor paradise close to Tokyo. Due to its wild rivers, high mountains, and gorgeous valleys, it has become one of the leading outdoor destinations. It is a good place to enjoy family fun time and relax amongst nature.
You can go rafting, canyoning, and kayaking in spring (April to May) and summer (June to August). A variety of exciting activities are provided, such as hiking, bungee jumping, and mountain biking. In winter, you can ski or soak in hot springs. In summary, it is a perfect place for being outdoors all year round.
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