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
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
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
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
Hiking trails offer a glimpse at the lush scenery of Mount Takao | ©TaPhotograph / iStock | ©TaPhotograph / iStock
Fukushima Van Tour
Memorial, Historical Landmark, Train Station
Shells of abandoned houses demonstrate the destruction left behind after the Fukushima nuclear disaster | ©NurPhoto / Getty Images | ©NurPhoto / Getty Images
Tokyo Disneyland
Amusement Park
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
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
The city lights glisten on the river in Yokohama Minatomirai | ©Nadlyaizat / Getty Images | ©Nadlyaizat / Getty Images
About the author
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
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