When visiting Japan’s capital, the possibilities for adventure extend far beyond the city limits, and in this guide, we’ll uncover the 6 best day trips from Tokyo!
Tokyo’s central location makes it the perfect hub for easy and convenient travel to nearby prefectures like Kanagawa, Ibaraki, and Saitama. These exciting destinations are incredibly accessible, allowing you to experience a different side of Japan without straying too far from the city.
From paragliding over picturesque landscapes to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and hiking through lush forests, the surrounding regions offer something for every type of traveler.
Read on to discover the best off-the-beaten-path day trips just a short train, boat, or bus ride away from the heart of Tokyo.
DAY TRIPS FROM TOKYO – OVERVIEW
Before we dive into more details about the best day trips from Tokyo, here is a brief overview of how to get around, the best time to visit, and other useful travel tips.
HOW TO GET AROUND GREATER TOKYO?
Getting around the greater Tokyo area is as easy as it gets thanks to the efficient public transportation system, with trains being the most popular option.
Be sure to purchase a Suica card and top it up with Yen when you arrive at the airport or you can purchase one at any station in Tokyo. They can be used on local trains, subways, and buses, making getting around comfortable and convenient.
You can also consider getting the JR Pass for longer stays in Japan with 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day JR Passes available. They are valid on the Shinkansen, Limited Express, Local Trains, Monorail, and JR Buses.
Lastly, high-speed ferries are great methods of transportation to visit nearby islands.
BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN?
The best time to visit Japan for outdoor activities mentioned throughout this guide is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months.
During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the surrounding regions.
Spring offers the added bonus of cherry blossoms in full bloom, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage, enhancing the scenic landscapes of your adventures.
Avoiding the hot, humid summer and the cold winter ensures the best experience for these day trips.
WHAT ARE THE MOST UNDERRATED SPOTS AROUND TOKYO?
Some of the most underrated spots in the greater Tokyo area include Hiratsuka, Hayama, Oshima Island, Tsukuba, and Chichibu, to name a few.
This guide will help you plan the perfect day trip from Tokyo to one or all of these wonderful destinations.
6 UNIQUE DAY TRIPS FROM TOKYO
Now that you have a bit of an overview of the Greater Tokyo area and useful travel tips, let’s get to the fun stuff.
Here is your complete guide to the 6 most unique and underrated one day trips from Tokyo, offering an awesome escape from the city hustle.
1. HIRATSUKA & HAYAMA
This day trip from Tokyo will take you south of the city to Kanagawa Prefecture.
Hiratsuka is a coastal gem, famous for its stunning views of Sagami Bay and offers thrilling paragliding experiences. With beautiful beaches and a relaxed vibe, it’s an ideal escape from Tokyo’s fast pace.
Nearby, Hayama is known for its marina and serene coastal scenery. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or relaxing by the sea, with easy access to Enoshima via a scenic boat cruise.
HOW TO GET TO HIRATSUKA & HAYAMA
Hiratsuka and Hayama are approximately 1 hour from Tokyo by train. Below are the transportation methods for this one-day trip from Tokyo;
- JR Limited Express: Tokyo Station → Hiratsuka Station (paragliding)
- JR Rail: Hiratsuka Station → Zushi Station (jump-off point for Hayama Marina)
- Keihin Kyuko Bus: Zushi Station → Hayama Marina (scenic boat cruise)
- Keihin Kyuko Bus: Hayama Marina → Zushi Station
- JR Limited Express: Zushi Station→ Tokyo Station
ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR HIRATSUKA & HAYAMA
Begin with an exhilarating paragliding adventure over Sagami Bay in Hiratsuka with Blue Air Park Paragliding. This activity offers breathtaking coastal views from above, and on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji and the twin mountains of Hakone.
The meeting point is located at the eastern end of Ōiso Beach at this location, and prices start from 10,000 Yen for a tandem flight with photos. Please note that it’s weather dependant and you must confirm the booking with the company one day before.
After taking to the skies, ride the train from Hiratsuka to Zushi and then take a local bus from Zushi to Hayama Marina, renowned as the birthplace of yachting in Japan.
The marina offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, retail shops, and an art gallery.
Be sure to join a 45-minute scenic boat cruise from Hayama Marina to Enoshima, where the natural beauty of the area is on full display.
There are three daily departures at 11:00, 13:30, and 15:00. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office inside Hayama Marina.
Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along the beach and check out Hayama’s Morito Shrine which has great ocean views and a nice spot to watch the sunset.
2. OSHIMA ISLAND
This next day trip from Tokyo is a destination you can’t miss – Oshima Island, the largest of the Izu Islands, famous for its volcanic landscapes, tropical beaches, and lush forests.
If you’re into beach activities and watersports, it’s one of the best day trips from Tokyo in summer, with water temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius
On the contrary, in the winter time from January to March, the island is famous for its blooming camellia flowers and the iconic Tsubaki Festival.
RELATED GUIDE: 15 BEST THINGS TO DO ON OSHIMA ISLAND
HOW TO GET TO OSHIMA ISLAND
Oshima Island is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tokyo by high-speed ferry.
The Tokaikisen high-speed ferry has daily departures from Takeshiba Ship Terminal in Tokyo, located near Takeshiba Station and Hamamatsuchō Station. The ferry will arrive at Motomachi Port or Okata Port depending on the sea conditions.
Click here to view the ferry time schedules and book tickets online in advance to secure your seat.
GETTING AROUND OSHIMA ISLAND
Transportation methods on the island include rental cars, mopeds, e-bikes, taxis, and public buses.
A rental car is the most recommended option, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Izu Oshima Rent Car is a popular provider with pick-up locations at Motomachi Port and Okata Port.
HOW LONG TO SPEND ON OSHIMA ISLAND
There are quite a few things to do on Oshima Island, however, a day trip from Tokyo is enough time to visit a few key attractions and get a feel for the island.
For a one-day trip, leaving Tokyo early in the morning and going back late is recommended. The first ferry leaves Takeshiba Ship Terminal in Tokyo at 7:30 am and arrives on the island around 9:15 am.
To head back to Tokyo, the latest ferry departs Oshima at 4:25 pm, so you’ll have around 7 hours to explore the island.
Alternatively, if you have more time available and want to experience all that Izu Oshima has to offer, I recommend spending 2 days and 1 night on the island.
ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR OSHIMA ISLAND
Mt. Gairin Observation Deck is where you should kick off your Oshima Island adventure. This spot offers the best view of the island and Mount Mihara.
Next, head to the Ura-Sabaku Black Desert. From the parking area, it’s an easy 10 to 15-minute walk to the viewpoint.
Ura-Sabaku is a vast expanse of black sand with the iconic Mount Mihara in the background, creating a scene that’s straight out of a movie.
After that, consider joining an ATV buggy tour which is an exciting way to see Oshima Island. These tours take you through both desert and coastal areas, giving you a unique perspective of the island.
The tours are guided, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. You can book the tour with BTB Oshima for 12,000 Yen ($83 USD) for 90 minutes.
Alternatively, if you’re into snorkeling or scuba diving, Oshima Island is the perfect place to enjoy warm waters, colorful fish, and coral formations.
Uminowa is the only diving shop on the island with 40 years of experience welcoming all visitors. All the rental gear is provided as well as a fun and professional instructor.
Lastly, if time allows before taking the ferry back to Tokyo, be sure to check out the Baumkuchen Geological Formation.
This formation is your chance to get a glimpse into the island’s volcanic history. It’s a quiet place, away from the busier parts of the island, so you can take your time and marvel at this phenomenal landscape.
The mix of colors and textures here makes it a great place for snapping some photos, and that’s a must for photography enthusiasts.
3. TSUKUBA
Tsukuba, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is known as the city of science and technology in Japan, and you guessed it, it’s one of the best day trips from Tokyo.
The main attraction is the 877-meter-high Mount Tsukuba, one of Japan’s 100 mountains, where you can hike or take a funicular or cable car to the top for Kanto plain views.
Mount Tsukuba is especially beautiful in Autumn when the leaves turn red and orange. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji from afar!
There are a few things to do in Tsukuba, and apart from the gorgeous mountain, you’ll want to visit the iconic Tsukubasan Shrine, Tsukuba Onsen, and the Tsukuba EXPO Center.
HOW TO GET TO TSUKUBA
Tsukuba is approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo by bus. Below are the transportation methods for this one-day trip from Tokyo;
- JR Express Bus: Tokyo Station → Tsukuba Center
- Shuttle Bus: Tsukuba Center → Mount Tsukuba Tourist Information Center (jump-off point for the hike or cable car)
- Shuttle Bus: Mount Tsukuba Tourist Information Center → Tsukuba Center
- JR Express Bus: Tsukuba Center → Tokyo Station
ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR TSUKUBA
First things first, make your way to Mount Tsukuba and take the funicular or cable car to the summit for incredible views of the Kanto region.
If you’re feeling active, it’s possible to hike to the summit along a well-marked trail through the forest. This is one of Japan’s best hikes, taking around 2 hours one way, and 3.5 hours return.
We personally hiked to the summit and then rode the funicular down the mountainside which takes just 8 minutes. So it’s good to know this is an option if you get tired and don’t want to hike down.
Trail maps and information for the hike can be found inside the Mount Tsukuba Tourist Information Center.
On the way back, visit the authentic Tsukubasan Shrine, which is famous among locals for blessing people romantically, so if you’re single, do come and pray here!
Of course, while in Japan, you can’t miss the opportunity to soak in an Onsen, and the Tsukuba Onsen is a great spot on the mountainside with public and private baths available.
Last but not least, before heading back to Tokyo, visit the Tsukuba EXPO Center and its planetarium to see the technological and scientific aspects of the city.
4. CHICHIBU & NAGATORO
Chichibu and Nagatoro, located in the mountains of Saitama Prefecture, are perfect for a day trip from Tokyo by train, especially if you love nature and adventure.
Chichibu is famous for its gorgeous, mountainous landscapes, and the Arakawa River in Nagatoro where you can take a traditional wooden boat ride.
Apart from that, you can visit Chichibu Shrine which is steeped in history and features intricate carvings that date back over 2000 years, and take a stroll down the popular Bambadori shopping street.
HOW TO GET TO CHICHIBU & NAGATORO
Chihibu and Nagatoro are approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo by train. Below are the transportation methods for this Tokyo day trip;
- LaView Chichibu Scenic Train: Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo) → Seibu Chichibu Station
- Chichibu Local Rail: Ohanabatake Station → Nagatoro Station
- Chichibu Local Rail: Nagatoro Station → Ohanabatake Station
- LaView Chichibu Scenic Train: Seibu Chichibu Station → Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo)
ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR CHICHIBU & NAGATORO
Upon arriving in Chichibu, I recommend taking the train from Ohanabatake Station to Nagatoro Station first and enjoying a 30-minute traditional riverboat ride down the Arakawa River which offers a unique way to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Tickets for the river boating experience can be purchased from the ticket office at Nagatoro Station which also includes shuttle bus transportation to the starting point on the river. The price is 2000 Yen for adults and 1000 Yen for children.
Afterward, take a stroll through the idyllic streets of Nagatoro, visit a local cafe for the shaved iced specialty, or go shopping for some souvenirs.
After spending a couple of hours in Nagatoro, take the train back to Ohanabatake Station to visit the historic Chichibu Shrine, one of the oldest and most significant shrines in this part of Japan.
Then end the day on the lively Bambadori street in Chichibu which is lined with shops, cafes, and bars. For whiskey lovers, you have to try the local drop name Ichiro’s Malt.
5. TENNOZU ISLE & TAIKO DRUMMING
This day trip takes you to Tennozu Isle, a lively waterfront district in Shinagawa within the Tokyo area, celebrated for its public art displays, stylish cafes, and picturesque boardwalks.
And then in the afternoon, visit Gateway Studio in Takadanobaba for an interactive taiko drumming session, where you can fully engage with the rhythmic art of traditional Japanese drumming.
ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR TENNOZU ISLE & TAIKO DRUMMING
Begin the day at Tennozu Isle, a waterfront district that was developed on reclaimed land in the late 1980s and is known for its vibrant art scene.
Tennozu Isle is easily accessible by train or monorail from major hubs in Tokyo City. It’s a lively destination for both locals and tourists
You could easily spend a few hours here exploring the area on foot. Some notable spots to visit are What Cafe, What Museum, Terrada Art Complex, and T.Y Harbor, to name a few.
After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Tennozu Isle, take the train or monorail back into the city and head to Gateway Studio in Takadanobaba (close to Shinjuku) for a Japanese Taiko drumming experience.
The Taiko studio offers a variety of Taiko and other experience-based workshops across multiple locations in Tokyo. In addition to Takadanobaba, these workshops are also held in Asakusa and Shinjuku, making it possible to join in several areas of Tokyo!
Taiko drums are a staple at festivals and events, where their deep, thunderous sounds infuse the atmosphere.
At Gateway Studio, experienced instructors will guide you through the basics of drumming and guarantee a memorable experience when visiting Tokyo.
Visit this website to book a session.
6. SUMO TRAINING TOUR & TEAMLAB BORDERLESS
These two attractions are not day trips out of the city, however, I included them in this guide because you can’t leave Japan without experiencing them!
Tokyo Grand Sumo Training Tour at Kokonoe-beya provides the unique opportunity to observe professional sumo wrestlers during their intense training sessions.
And then there’s teamLab Borderless, an international art collective where you can Wander, Explore, and Discover in One Continuous Borderless World.
ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR SUMO TRAINING TOUR & TEAMLAB BORDERLESS
Start the day by joining the sumo training tour at Kokonoe-beya Sumo Stable located in the Katsushika area.
The training begins at 7:30 am and lasts about 2 hours. This unique experience gives insights into the traditions and discipline of this iconic Japanese sport.
Afterward, visit the amazing teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum in Azabudai Hills. Please note tickets must be purchased online ahead of time and are valid for the travel date only.
You can easily spend hours inside, strolling around the different exhibitions. There are a few iconic rooms such as the cascading LED lights, a room that seems to be like a black hole, and another one that feels like going into a parallel world.
It’s definitely one of the most unique attractions to experience in Tokyo, and I’m confident you’ll love every minute.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
Japan is one of the most unique and authentic countries in the world, and while there are plenty of things to do around the country, Tokyo has countless spots to see.
These are some of my favorite ones that you can’t skip:
- Cross the Shibuya Crossing
- Join a Japanese food tour in Tokyo
- Visit Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa
- Take in the view from Tokyo Skytree
- Visit the Imperial Palace and East Gardens
- Stroll through Yoyogi Park
RELATED GUIDE: 7 Day Japan Itinerary
ONE DAY TRIPS FROM TOKYO – FAQ
Before ending this guide, let’s answer some frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.
SHOULD I JOIN A DAY TOUR OR TRAVEL ON MY OWN?
Whether to join a day tour or travel on your own depends on your preferences.
Day tours are very convenient, with guided experiences and transportation included, making them great for a hassle-free day trip. They’re ideal if you want to learn more about the destination with a tour guide and visit multiple sites in one day.
On the other hand, traveling without a tour gives you more flexibility to explore at your own pace, discover hidden spots, and tailor the itinerary to your personal interests.
WHAT ARE FUN DAY TRIPS FROM TOKYO FOR NATURE?
If you’re into nature, head to Hiratsuka and Hayama for beautiful coastal scenery, sandy beaches, and peaceful hiking trails, as well as Enoshima Island.
You can relax by the sea, explore hidden coves, or take in stunning views from Hayama’s hiking paths.
Tsukuba offers a different experience where you can hike or take a cable car to the summit of Mt. Tsukuba for panoramic views, especially breathtaking during the fall foliage season.
WHAT ARE FUN DAY TRIPS FROM TOKYO FOR CULTURE?
For a cultural trip away from Tokyo, Chichibu and Nagatoro are excellent choices. In Chichibu, explore the historic Chichibu Shrine and learn about the area’s rich heritage.
Nagatoro offers a more laid-back experience with its traditional riverboat rides and scenic walks through the town.
Both places are very rich in history and you’ll have a great trip if you’re into Japan’s traditional culture.
CONCLUSION – TOKYO DAY TRIPS
So there you have it, everything you need to know for planning the perfect day away from the city in the Greater Tokyo area.
If you have any questions about any of these top day trips from Tokyo, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Search and book accommodation worldwide.
Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.
Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
Need travel insurance for your next trip?
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.
Click here to find out how you can support the site organically.
Many thanks!