5 of the best day trips you can take from Tokyo

Just 1.5 hours by train, Hakone is no secret to anyone looking for a quick trip from Tokyo. This scenic town is popular for good reason: it’s a prime vantage point for Mount Fuji, plus has plenty of walking trails, a multitude of hot springs, and a really cool open-air museum.

Don’t miss the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, which takes you aboard a pirate ship on Lake Ashi. Not only does it bring you from point A to B, it’s also a smashing way to take in the stunning surroundings, Mount Fuji included.

Tip: Odakyu Rail’s Hakone Freepass provides a round-trip train ride plus unlimited travel on all Odakyu buses, trains, ropeways, cable cars and more.

The former capital of Japan is a classic day trip from Tokyo, being a mere 60 to 90 minutes train ride away. Dubbed the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan”, Kamakura is home to a variety of Shinto shrines and Buddist temples, the most striking of which is Kotoku-in Temple’s Great Buddha—a 13 metre-high bronze statue that draws local and foreign tourists alike.

There are also well-trodden beaches near Kamakura, with Enoshima being the favourite. Recently, it’s also become a foodie destination, especially known for its thriving coffee scene.

Tip: Love coffee? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Kamakura is heaven for coffee connoisseurs with local haunts such as minimalist Ignis and tucked-away spot SJO Coffee. It’s also home to cult California coffee brand Verve, which opened a roastery in Kita-Kamakura.

Is a visit to Japan even complete if you don’t get a good look at Mount Fuji? While the iconic peak can be shy at times—it seems like it’s perpetually hiding behind a blanket of clouds—you’ll definitely get an unbelievable view if you head to Lake Kawaguchi.

Considered the ideal place to see the perfect perspective on Mount Fuji, photographers are known to pull out their cameras at the northern part of the lake. Come spring or autumn, the view of Fuji-san is framed by sakura blooms or golden maple leaves. How gorgeous is that?

Tip: Tempted to stay the night? Do yourself a favour and book Hoshinoya Fuji. Every room in this “glamping resort” has a killer view of Mount Fuji. It’s also the kind of place that offers Japanese whisky by a bonfire at night and hand-delivers a breakfast bento box to your room in the morning. Class.

Less than an hour from Tokyo is the UNESCO Heritage Site of Nikko, which has long been a centre of Shinto and Buddhist worship. It’s most known for the intricately carved and ornately decorated Toshogu Shrine, which is dedicated to revered samurai leader Tokugawa Ieyasu.

History aside, Nikko is a well-loved spot to revel in autumn foliage, called “koyo” in Japanese. A walk through the town and across the beautiful Shinkyo Bridge—considered one of the top three bridges in Japan—is enough to make you fall in love.

Tip: If forest bathing is your thing then a visit to Nikko National Park is a must. This sanctuary is home to the region’s natural highlights such as Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and Ryuzu Falls.

For many Tokyoites, Izu Peninsula is their destination of choice whenever there’s a long weekend. A two-hour train ride and you’re right smack in an area hugged by the mountains and the sea. Its coastal destinations like Atami and Shimoda attract sun seekers and surfers alike, while the more mountainous areas of Shuzenji Onsen are made for hikers.

Dotted around the volcanic peninsula are Japan’s best hot springs. There are many types to pick from, some overlook the beach and others are nestled in the forested peaks. For wellness enthusiasts, you can even choose a hot spring depending on what kind of mineral content you prefer.

Tip: Outdoor adventures aside, Izu is known for having the finest wasabi in Japan, which started being cultivated here in 1745. Purists can buy fresh wasabi and all the accoutrements here, but indulging in a wasabi sundae is just as fun.