The Best 10 Day Trips From Tokyo | Japan Planning

Here are 10 popular and relatively easy trips you can do if you're based in Tokyo. I've been travelling to Tokyo as a tourist for the past 10 years, and these destinations make for the perfect escape from the city. So grab a pen, subscribe to help the channel grow, and let's get planning. Number 1, Nikko. Nikko is located around 2 hours away from Tokyo, and it's a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is an easy day trip that will transport you to what could potentially be a good alternative to Kyoto's temples if you don't plan on visiting the city. I love the fact that the temples and shrines are surrounded by ancient forests. Toshogu Shrine is one of Nikko's standout temples, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colours, and it is a must visit. There's more to do in this area too, like exploring its breathtaking landscapes, including the cascading Kegon Falls and the serene Lake Chuzenji. And the town itself is quite charming too. This area is particularly stunning during the autumn, when it transforms into vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. My tip is to consider purchasing the Nikko All Area Pass for unlimited travel within Nikko and discounts on major attractions. Number 2, Fuji's Five Lakes. One of the best locations for pictures of Mt. Fuji is around Fuji's Five Lakes, which can be reached in around 2 hours by bus or slightly longer by train from Tokyo. The Fuji Five Lakes area offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and a variety of outdoor activities. Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible and offers numerous attractions. And if you want to visit Japan's famous roller coaster, then head to Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park with thrilling rides that is a major draw for adrenaline seekers. Tips, Kawaguchiko makes for a great base and a fantastic place to stay overnight, and is probably the best way to get the best photos of Fuji. If you stay overnight, you'll have the place all to yourself in the early morning and evenings when tourists are yet to arrive or have left. Rent an e-bike to make the most of the day and stop off at less crowded photo spots. Visit the Chureito Pagoda for one of the most iconic views of Mt. Fuji and don't expect to rely on taxis as they are hard to grab and expect to wait for local buses. Number 3, Hakone. Hakone is around an hour away from Tokyo and it's where the Tokyoites go to escape the Known for its scenic beauty, onsens and the view of Mt. Fuji over its lake, Hakone offers a welcome escape from Tokyo. Popular activities include a boat cruise on Lake Ashi which provides iconic views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Hakone Shrine with its iconic Torii Gate in the lake adds for a spiritual dimension to the visit. This full day trip is best enjoyed as an overnight escape at an onsen. My tip is to get the Hakone Free Pass for hassle-free travel on local transport and discounts. Visit the Owakudani Valley for volcanic landscapes and try the black eggs believed to extend your life by 7 years. Note that Hakone can be crowded especially during weekends and public holidays due to its popularity. Number 4, Enoshima. Enoshima is around 1.5 hours by train from Tokyo and if you've been following me for a while you know that it's one of my favourite day trips. Enoshima is a small island off the coast and offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural sights. Enoshima Shrine is dedicated to the goddess of music and entertainment and is a spiritual highlight. The Enoshima Sea Candle is a lighthouse with an observation deck which offers panoramic views of the island and beyond. My tip is to explore the Iwaya Caves for a unique underground experience and don't be afraid to take the escalators up. Once you've explored the island, take a boat taxi back to the start for an extra twist on your day trip. Enoshima can also make for a good half day trip too. You can complete the day by either pairing it up with Kamakura or Yokohama if you want a more action packed day away from Tokyo. Number 5, Kamakura. Kamakura is surprisingly close to Tokyo at only 1 hour away by train. Kamakura is often referred to as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan and is renowned for its Great Buddha which is Japan's second largest bronze Buddha statue and an iconic symbol of Kamakura. The city offers a range of tranquil and worth visiting temples with beautiful gardens and panoramic views which make them a fantastic retreat from the city. Tips, start your trip by getting off at Kitakamakura and exploring these temples and shrines as you walk your way into the city around half an hour away. These are normally less crowded and incredibly beautiful. Explore the town and get a bus to the main Great Buddha from there. Number 6, Kawagoe. Kawagoe is known as Little Edo as it retains the atmosphere of the Edo period and its well preserved buildings and streets. Kurazukuri street is lined with traditional clay walled warehouses and now houses shops and restaurants. Kawagoe castle and Kita-in temple provide a glimpse into the city's historical and cultural heritage. The bell tower is a symbol of Kawagoe and rings 4 times a day. Travel time is approximately 1 hour by train from Tokyo. My tip is to try sweet potato based snacks. Kawagoe is famous for its sweet potato based delicacies, a tradition that dates back to the Edo period. Rent a kimono to enhance your historical experience as you stroll through the streets and visit Hikawa shrine where you can fish for your fortune. Okay a quick side note, how do you pack? I tend to pile everything up about a week before my trip and then remove the things that I don't need. I do actually need that by the way. So how soon do you start packing for your trip? Packing can be overwhelming, hopefully not too much if you've been following my tips and my guides on this channel. But one thing that is easy to forget about as a tourist is protecting yourself. It's easy to let your guard down especially in Japan, the land of the rising sun, one of the safest countries in the world. And the same goes for when you're connecting to the internet. That's why I'd like to say a big thank you to today's sponsor NordVPN who makes protecting me seamless even before I start traveling. I personally use NordVPN every time I'm connected to a public network either on my computer or on one of my other devices because you're at risk of man-in-the-middle attacks where criminals might intercept your data. And I very often have to make bank transfers or check on my bank balance just to see if I can purchase the next plushie whilst I'm traveling. And I know that when doing so I'm protected from phishing attempts by using NordVPN and you can protect yourself too. So team, protect yourself because packing isn't just about clothes. And I have an exclusive deal for you that can be found in the video description. I love that NordVPN runs on an app on your computer on your phone so I know that I am always protected. Hopefully you keep your data safe too whilst you're traveling in Japan and also support the channel. Let's get back to the video. Number 7. Yokohama is around half an hour from Tokyo and serves as a great example of visiting a city with a different vibe. Yokohama in many ways feels like a future version of Tokyo with a futuristic waterfront area that offers shopping, dining and entertaining. But my ultimate favourite area to explore in Yokohama is Yokohama's Chinatown. The largest Chinatown in Japan. This is a great place for street food and snacks. The Cup Noodle Museum is a fun and interactive attraction which is perfect for families. And Yokohama's landmark tower will have your ears popping as you go up in one of the world's fastest elevators. Number 8. The Izu Peninsula. The Izu Peninsula is around 2 hours away from Tokyo by train. Perhaps one of the lesser visited areas as a day trip, the Izu Peninsula is famed for its stunning coastal scenery and hot springs and the Izu Shaboten Zoo can make for a great family escape with its charming capybaras and cactus garden. The area is best visited by staying overnight but this is not to say that it cannot be done as a day trip especially if you rent a car. Take this day trip a little bit slower and enjoy the scenery. Just a quick side note, only 14.5% of viewers that subscribe to my channel help me continue creating content like this by joining the Ninja Monkey community. Number 9. Hitachi Seaside Park. Hitachi Seaside Park is located around 2 hours from Tokyo. This seaside park is renowned for its expansive flower gardens that change with the seasons. In spring, the park is blanketed with blue flowers whilst in autumn it brings vibrant kochiya bushes. If you like cycling, the park also features extensive cycling paths making it ideal for leisurely rides and visit during peak bloom times for the best floral displays. Number 10. Mount Takao. Mount Takao is a popular hiking destination that can be reached from Tokyo in around one hour. It offers lush landscapes and cultural sites with multiple trails ranging from easy to challenging catering to all fitness levels. On clear days, the summit offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and for those who prefer a more relaxed ascent, a cable car and chairlift is available. Although Tokyo has so much to offer, it also makes for a great base for day trips. Each of these destinations offer a unique escape that will provide tourists with memorable experiences that showcase the rich diversity of Japan's landscapes, culture and history. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, these day trips are sure to enhance your time in Tokyo. Have something to add? Leave your travel tips in the comment section. And don't forget to subscribe to help the channel grow. Happy planning, stay positive and be a happy gaijin. Bye!