Tokyo is Japan's capital and one of the world's most dynamic megacities, where ancient temples and shrines coexist alongside gleaming skyscrapers and neon-lit streets. As the cultural, economic, and political heart of Japan, Tokyo offers an unmatched blend of tradition and state-of-the-art modernity across its diverse 23 special wards and surrounding cities.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Near
Yokohama
Kamakura
Medium
Hakone
Nikko
Far
Kawaguchiko / Fuji Five Lakes
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Jr Trains
- JR Yokosuka Line and JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line serve Kamakura; JR Keihin-Tohoku Line serves Yokohama; JR Nikko Line connects via Utsunomiya shinkansen
- Odakyu Romancecar
- Limited express train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 minutes), the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Hakone
- Tobu Railway
- Tobu Spacia Limited Express runs from Asakusa Station to Nikko in about 1 hour 50 minutes, the most convenient option for that trip
- Jr Pass Considerations
- The Japan Rail Pass does not cover private railways such as Tobu, Keio, Odakyu, or the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden), so day trips to Hakone, Nikko, Enoshima, and Fuji Five Lakes typically require separate tickets or line-specific passes
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.