The Best Day Trips From Tokyo

With a high-speed train zipping all over Japan, it’s incredibly easy to explore the country with fast day trips from Tokyo. Classic temples, majestic mountains, and soak-worthy springs are all within reach.

Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes

Natural Feature

Visiting Mount Fuji, the highest volcano in the country, is a must-visit on a trip to Japan | ©DoctorEgg / Getty Images | ©DoctorEgg / Getty Images

1-Day Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo

Natural Feature, Historical Landmark

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Geishas wander through the Torii Gates wearing traditional japanese kimonos | ©Phattana Sangsawang / Getty Images | ©Phattana Sangsawang / Getty Images

Nagano Day Trip from Tokyo: Snow Monkeys, Hot Springs and Zenko-ji Temple

Building, Natural Feature, Historical Landmark

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Snow monkeys congregate around the hot springs in winter to warm up and for a daily supply of snacks | ©Alan Tsai / Getty Images | © Alan Tsai / Getty

The Shrines and Temples of Nikkō

Forest, Natural Feature

The Rinzo contains a sutra library of Buddhist scriptures in a revolving structure | ©Miralex / iStock | ©Miralex / iStock

Kusatsu Hot Spring Town

Natural Feature

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring | ©iStock / Getty Images Plus | ©iStock / Getty Images Plus

Kamakura

Buddhist Temple, Historical Landmark

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The Great Buddha of Kotokuin Temple in Kamakura is the second largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan | ©Shootdiem / iStock | ©Shootdiem / iStock

Mount Takao

Natural Feature, Park

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Hiking trails offer a glimpse at the lush scenery of Mount Takao | ©TaPhotograph / iStock | ©TaPhotograph / iStock

Fukushima Van Tour

Memorial, Historical Landmark, Train Station

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Shells of abandoned houses demonstrate the destruction left behind after the Fukushima nuclear disaster | ©NurPhoto / Getty Images | ©NurPhoto / Getty Images

Tokyo Disneyland

Amusement Park

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When it comes to mega theme parks it doesn’t get any bigger or more popular than Tokyo’s Disneyland. Originally opened in 1983, this was the first Disneyland built outside the US. The layout was modelled after its Californian contemporary and features seven sections known as lands, all based around a different theme. The park sits in Chiba, just outside of Tokyo making it an easy day trip destination. It’s one of Disney’s most popular parks in the world, in fact in 2017, 16,600,000 people visited.

Hakone: Amphibian Sightseeing Bus

Natural Feature, Building

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Hakone Shrine stands at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi. The shrine buildings are hidden in the dense forest, but are well advertised by its huge torii gates | ©Stanley Chen Xi / iStock | ©Stanley Chen Xi / iStock

An Izakaya Experience and Glittering Night Views in Yokohama

Building, Shopping Mall, Train Station

About the author

Paul Feinstein

Travel Expert

Paul Feinstein is a freelance journalist who has been working and writing in and out of Los Angeles for the past 19 years. An avid traveler, Paul has been to nearly 60 countries, lived in Israel, and is particularly obsessed with Italy and Japan. You can follow his work/travel exploits on Instagram @mrpaulfeinstein