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1 Day Trip ใกล้โตเกียว เพื่อนๆแนะนำที่ไหนดีคะ

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Truly Tokyo

A Tokyo Travel Guide

Must-See Tokyo 1-Day Itinerary

So you only have one day in Tokyo? This must-see 1-day Tokyo itinerary allows you to get a taste of the city and see the real highlights without tiring yourself out.

Must-See Tokyo 1-Day Itinerary Summary

• One day is enough to get a taste of Tokyo. Just don't try to see too much.
• If you've only got one day in the city, it's crucial to base yourself somewhere central (see the notes below).
• Visit Asakusa , Shibuya , Harajuku and Roppongi .
• If you have two days to spend in Tokyo, see my 2-Day Tokyo Itinerary .

Check Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

See below for more details and the full itinerary.

Must-See Tokyo 1-Day Full Itinerary

• 9:00am: Travel up to Asakusa . Visit Senso-ji Temple and nearby Asakusa-jinja Shrine .
• 10:30am: Take the Ginza subway line straight across town from Asakusa to Shibuya. It's a 30-minute ride, so try to grab a seat and relax.
• 11:00am: Arrive in Shibuya . Take the Hachiko exit and walk across the famous Shibuya Crossing and up into one of the city's best shopping districts. Check out the big department stores. Eat a snack so you can make it to 1:00pm and avoid the noon-1:00pm lunch rush.
• 1:00pm: Eat lunch somewhere in Shibuya. Don't forget that all the department stores in Shibuya have huge restaurant floors. For more choices see the Shibuya district page Places to Eat section. Alternatively, eat lunch in Harajuku (next)
• 1:45pm: Take the Yamanote Line one stop north to Harajuku. Walk west from the station (across the bridge) and enter the beautiful grounds of Meiji-jingu Shrine. After visiting the shrine, walk to the station and take a stroll along Omotesando, stopping for coffee along the way to recharge.
• 3.30pm: Take the Yamanote Line two stops south from Harajuku to Ebisu Station, then switch to the Hibiya Line subway and take that two stops east to Roppongi.
• 4:00pm: Arrive in Roppongi and walk west from Roppongi Station to the Roppongi Hills complex. Refuel with a cup of coffee there (the Starbucks at the TV Asahi/Tsutaya complex has good people watching). Then, head up to the 52nd floor Tokyo City View observation deck of the Mori Tower to see the city as evening falls.
• 6:00pm: Eat dinner in Roppongi. See the Roppongi district Places to Eat section for some of my picks.
• 8:00pm: If you still have any energy left, have a drink in one of Roppongi's many bars. See the Roppongi district Nightlife section for some recommendations.

Hints, Comments and Variations

• If you're only going to be in the city for one day, you should try to base yourself in a central location so you don't waste time moving around. I'd suggest Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza or the Tokyo Station area. For more on where to say, check out my Where to Stay in Tokyo page . If you're tired or just want to sleep late, cut out Asakusa and start in Shibuya. This can remove up to one hour of sitting on trains and subways. If you're going to visit Kyoto on your trip, you can safely skip Asakusa.
• If you want to see an exquisite museum and garden, instead of visiting Meiji-jingu Shrine in Harajuku, walk or take a taxi to the Nezu Museum when you arrive at Harajuku. Don't try to do any more than this in one day in Tokyo – you'll tire yourself out. If you want to relax, subtract one or two places from this itinerary. As usual, it's better to enjoy a few places properly than to sprint through many places.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Tokyo map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Tokyo Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
• Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
• You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals . Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport .
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Tokyo District Map

• Imperial Palace Area
• Tokyo Station
• Shimbashi Shiodome Hamamatsucho Shinagawa
• Akihabara Kanda
• Roppongi Akasaka
• Harajuku Aoyama
• Ebisu Daikanyama Meguro

Disclosure: trulytokyo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

One Day in Tokyo Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is the city of the future, always trying to stay ahead of other cities in the world – a heavy dose of hyper modern, both vibrant and unique, yet mixed with an undercurrent of the classic and traditional, and suffused with history. It remains one of the largest cities on the globe and is still expanding constantly, with a great hunger for improvement and change. A buzzing metropolis with millions of people, buildings that touch the clouds and cafes where you can enjoy your cake seated next to an owl. Tokyo is a city you will want to visit again and again. It will never cease to amaze you.

GUEST POST BY VANESSA HOFMANN BLOG: Wanderlust Plus One

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TOKYO?

Tokyo is famous for its cherry blossom season , “Hanami”, which is in full swing between March/April. Bring your blanket, some food and drink and find yourself a spot in one of the many parks under the blossoms.

Most people avoid June/July because of the rainy season, and in August the heat and humidity can make a visit unbearable for many.

In September/October, the summer heat might still be lingering around, but by mid-October the leaves change colours and the trees change their leaves to any colour between yellow, orange and red.

Winter can be quite cold, but there usually is plenty of blue sky and sunshine. The festive lights in December and January make it a special time to visit, and around New Year the temples are overrun with locals.

WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT TOKYO?

Originally called Edo , due to its location on the Sumida River, it was once a small farming village. In 1603, the feudal Tokugawa family established a shogunate (military government) in the swampy land surrounding Edo. The Tokugawa clan grew to govern the whole of Japan and therefore transformed Edo into a bustling city which eventually became the de facto political and economic capital. In 1868, the authority of the emperor was reinstated from the shoguns, and the capital was officially moved from Kyoto to Edo. The city was renamed to Tokyo, meaning eastern capital.

After over 250 years of isolation from foreign influence, Tokyo suddenly started welcoming foreigners again. Even the great Kanto earthquake in 1923 could not hold back the city’s growth despite being leveled by fires. Surviving more fires in WWII, and after the end of the US occupation, Tokyo quickly took hold of industrial modernization. A soaring economic growth followed the Olympic year of 1964, peaking in the 1980’s. After the burst of the “bubble” in the 90’s, Tokyo failed to hold its ground globally amid recession, but it never ceased to reinvent itself and still holds significant influence over technology, design and fashion today.

One day in Tokyo Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Tokyo.

Early start at the Tsukiji Fishmarket

Try to get there early, 6 in the morning or earlier is the best time to get lost in the maze of the  Tsukiji Fishmarket . The market, as it stands today, started operating in 1935 as a wholesale market for mainly fish, but also fruit and vegetables. Walking through the little alleys, past the stalls and vendors, you can find almost anything that swims in the sea. Some of the animals are actually still alive, and the market is a monument to Japan’s love for fish and sushi. Tsukiji is the mother of all fish markets and should be a must visit. Beware of the electric carts called turrets that buzz the narrow passages! It is open Monday to Saturday except holidays.

Tokyo’s Kitchen – Japanese style breakfast at Tsukiji

Walk back out of the market and head left to  Shin-Ohashi Dori . The next block is lined with stand eateries and food shacks, serving anything from sushi, sashimi to ramen. Choose any of the stands that take your fancy and order a la carte or, if you cannot read the Japanese writing, order off the picture menus. If having s ushi for breakfast is not your thing, try Turret Coffee , opposite Tsukiji metro station, as it serves the best coffee in the area.

Hama- Rikyu Teien – the Detached Palace Gardens

Head south-west to take a stroll through this beautiful garden away from the frantic bustle of the fish market. Hamarikyu Teien dates back to 1654 when it belonged to generations of shoguns. The imperial family gave the garden to the City of Tokyo in 1945, and it has since been open to the public. It features the only seawater pond in Tokyo, a 300 year old pine tree and flower fields which are a sea of yellow in spring because of the rape flowers and in autumn the cosmos make it a colourful scene with the skyscrapers of Shiodome in the background.

Open from 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) Closed: Year-end holidays (December 29 to January 1)

Ginza – shopping at the oldest and most prestigious department stores

Return north a few blocks and find your way to Ginza’s Chuo Dori via many elevated walking paths past the skyscrapers of Shiodome and the famous Nakagin Capsule tower, which is a rare example of Japanese Metabolism architecture and houses 140 prefabricated capsules which function as living or work spaces.

Once you arrive at Chuo Dori, immerse yourself in the Hakuhinkan Toy Park , one of the largest toy stores in the world. A 5-story heaven filled with toys and souvenirs. Look at some of the crazy gadgets that are only available in Japan and buy a gift for one of your little ones back home. Had enough of toys? Walk along Chou Dori for a dose of retail madness. Ignore the usual international chain stores and head to Wako, Mitsukoshi, Matsuya or Hankyu  for a true Japanese shopping experience.

Tokyo Station – the busiest rail terminal in Japan

Once you get to the Tokyo Expressway at the end of Chuo Dori, turn left towards Tokyo station . The building dates back to 1914 and once again shows its brick façade, which was recently renovated and restored to its pre-war condition. Get a platform ticket and watch the shinkansen high speed trains depart every few minutes. These bullet trains show Japanese engineering at its best.

Tokyo Imperial Palace – the residence of the Japanese emperor

Less than 10 minutes’ walk to the west is the Tokyo Imperial Palace and its grounds. The emperor lives here in a residence surrounded by expansive gardens and a moat. Unfortunately, the palace is not open regularly, but it is worth strolling along the moat, past the bridges, while watching the locals and joggers circling the palace ground or speeding past.

Lunch – sample some of the most delicious okonomiyaki at Kiji

At lunchtime, Tokyo offers so many places that it is hard to choose where to go and what to eat. When at Tokyo station, maybe go down to B1 and try some authentic Okonomiyaki at Kiji . These Japanese-style savoury pancakes originate from Osaka and usually you would cook them yourself on a hot plate at your table. Here you choose from an English menu and then get a freshly prepared pancake delivered to your table. Enjoy!

Meji shrine – the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo

Take the JR Yamanote line and enjoy your ride to Harajuku station. A visit to a shrine is a must when in Japan. Meji-jingu is the largest shrine in Tokyo and boasts the largest Torii gate at its entrance. It is a wonderfully austere and serene place of worship.

At the entrance purify your hands and mouth with water by using a ladle at the “temizuya” cleansing station and then throw some yen into the offering box, bow your head twice and clap your hands twice and then bow again. If you are lucky, you might get to see a traditional Japanese wedding.

Open every day from dawn until dusk.

Harajuku – Takeshita street, the place of kitsch, cool and kawaii

The nearby Takeshita Dori is famous for its “kawaii” culture . Wandering the streets of Harajuku, you will not fail to notice the young girls dressed up in fantasy cute princess clothes or in goth style outfits and the many shops selling clothes for these trendy teenagers. This vibrant street is the birthplace of many fashion trends and a great place to watch the people go by while enjoying a crepe or a bubble tea in one of the many cafes.

Shibuya crossing – the busiest scramble crossing in the world

A short metro ride away is the Shibuya station, exit here and go down to street level where you pass the famous Hachiko dog statue before you get to the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Wait for the green man to come alive and watch 2500 people at a time walk across the intersection. To get a better view, try L’Occitane café.

Now it is time to have some fun. Jump back onto the JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku. Get yourself in the mood with a drink at the bar at Robot Café . The bar seems to have come straight out of the mind of Gianni Versace, all gold, prints and mirrors everywhere. Then make your way down to watch one of the craziest shows you will ever experience. Expect plenty of neon lights, taiko drumming, pretty dancers and giant robots. Book ahead to secure your preferred performance.

Shinkuku – Kabukichō, the entertainment district

Immerse yourself in the crowds of people visiting the largest entertainment district in Japan – Kabukichō . You will not find any obvious red lights here, but a wide array of bars, clubs and restaurants. Admire the lights, sounds and atmosphere. By now you might be hungry, and there is no better place than to have dinner than at Niimura , try Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki (Japanese hot pot dish with beef and vegetables) with the famous Wagyu (Kobe beef).

Park Hyatt – Nightcap at one of the most famous bars in the World

Have you seen the film Lost In Translation ? Not yet? You should. Once you do, you will surely want to end your day at Park Hyatt , the magical place on the 41st floor, and enjoy a cocktail while gazing at the glittering sea of lights below.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO?

107-0052 Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Akasaka 6-13-5

Kaisu Hostel is a great recommendation due to its great location and design.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

nine hours Shinjuku-North

169-0073 Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Hyakunin Cho 1-4-15

For a quick overnight sleep – almost only in Japan – try capsule accommodation , Nine Hours Shinjuku North.

111-0032 Tokyo-to, Taito-ku, Asakusa 2-20-1

If staying in the city for a few nights, consider Sadachiyo , one of the few remaining traditional ryokans in Tokyo.

The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Shiodome

105-8333 Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Higashishimbashi 1-6-3

Fancy a stay in one of the skyscrapers overlooking the city ? Then  Park Hotel Shiodome  is the perfect place for you.

day trips from tokyo

Tokyo is an incredible city, but Japan is an incredible country, too. Therefore, you would do well to see and explore as much of it as possible if you have the time. Day trips from Tokyo are a great way to do that and there are a lot of choices, as well.

By far the most popular Tokyo day trip is a visit to Mount Fuji. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site  and is considered a holy place by the Japanese. The mountain’s beauty has inspired countless artists, so you really have to see it to get a real sense of its importance. It is surrounded by several lakes which are also a great place to admire this incredible sight from.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site near Tokyo is Tosho-gu, a Shinto shrine from the 17th century. You can also grab a traditional Japanese lunch nearby. However, Tosho-go is located in Nikko National Park , so you will have a lot more to explore if you opt for this trip. Incredible and peaceful nature will show you why Buddhist and Shinto worshippers used to come here all the time.

A day trip to Kyoto will give you a chance to enjoy Japan’s famous trains (it’s a 2-hour ride) and the incredible nature around you. Kyoto is a city of culture and was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, so you will have loads of things to see. There are hundreds of temples and shrines in the city, but  Sanjusangen-do Temple is the place you absolutely must visit because of its thousand statues dedicated to Buddhist gods.

Meet the snow monkeys

This is a bit longer day trip from Tokyo (it takes about three hours to reach the Nagano prefecture), but seeing these unique monkeys will be well worth it. You will find them at  Jigokudani Onsen , a beautiful hot spring to which they come in winter to keep themselves warm. If you’re lucky, you’ll see them swimming around and playing. It’s a great place for pictures and a truly magical experience.

If you want some more authentic Japanese culture, head to Kamakura. The city is home to an incredible Great Buddha statue,  a symbol of the country. Furthermore, you can visit a tearoom that is 400 years old and try some truly exquisite tea, plus there are so many gardens to relax in. This is a great example of traditional Japan, so don’t miss out on grabbing lunch here, either.

EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING TOKYO

– Japan is still very much a cash society ; therefore it is advisable to have at least some cash in your wallet. The local currency is the  Japanese Yen , easily obtained at Japanese post offices, which have international ATMs.

– Tipping in Japan is almost a cultural no go, even in restaurants and taxis.

– Japanese is the main language spoken, and even though the street signs are in English characters and many restaurants have English or picture menus or plastic food in the window, you might find it easiest to rent a local WiFi/4G pocket hotspot and use the Google translate application if you are struggling to communicate or read any signs.

– Japan is one of the safest places in the world and theft is very rare. However, lone woman travellers should probably avoid busy, crowded metro or places.

– Tokyo is a vast metropolis, so getting around can take longer than expected. Taking the metro and walking are the preferable ways to explore the city, however taxis are inexpensive for short rides and cycling is becoming a popular alternative. The metro uses cash rechargeable Suica/Pasmo magnetic ticket cards that can also be used in many vending machines and shops to pay for purchases.

– Get high up to the Mori Tower for some fantastic views of the city.

– For your next adventure in Japan, be sure to check Japan Art Islands

Pin for later!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Tokyo Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Vanessa Hofmann

Vanessa is passionate about travel, fashion, photography, architecture and of course her family. Her blog indulges and combines these passions with a focus on the wonderful experience that can be had when travelling. She documents her many journeys across the world seeking out unusual places the planet has on offer, and gives hints on places to look out for when travelling. Originally from near Frankfurt, Germany, Vanessa now lives in London with husband Chris and son Jerome where she combines blogging with her work in the fashion industry.

Great blog and very useful for first time visitor to tokyo. I followed through the itinerary today. Only for active walkers, you should have plenty time to visit asakusa and sensoji as well.

Thanks Michael, I am glad you enjoyed the walk and sights of Tokyo. What was your favourite place? Vanessa

I’ve went to Asakusa, Shibuya and Harajuku. I don’t mind visiting them again 🙂 But would like to now which other place would you recommend going for a 1 day trip (after work trip) in Tokyo or somewhere easy to reach?

We’d definitely recommend Kamakura 🙂

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14 เมืองน่าไปใกล้โตเกียว เที่ยวได้ใน 1 วัน แบบเช้าไปเย็นกลับ 2567

โตเกียวเป็นมหานครแห่งญี่ปุ่น มีทุกสิ่งทุกอย่างผสมปนเปกัน ทั้งด้านวัฒนธรรมอาหารการกิน แหล่งช้อปปิ้งต่างๆ เป็นหนึ่งในไม่กี่เมืองในโลกที่สามารถใช้เวลาอยู่ได้หลายวันโดยเที่ยวไม่ซ้ำแบบกันเลย ยิ่งถ้าเป็นนักท่องเที่ยวที่ไปเยือนประเทศญี่ปุ่นครั้งแรกก็คงจะมีอะไรให้ทำไม่น้อย แต่การได้เดินทางออกไปเที่ยวส่วนต่างๆของญี่ปุ่นบ้างก็น่าสนใจมากเช่นกัน แต่ถ้าคุณไม่มีเวลาพอจะเดินทางไปภูมิภาคอื่นไกลๆจากโตเกียวเช่น โอซาก้า, เกียวโต, ฟูกุโอกะ หรือฮอกไกโด ก็มีเมืองเล็กๆที่น่าสนใจอยู่รอบๆโตเกียวอยู่มากมาย เราจึงนำเอา 14 แหล่งท่องเที่ยวง่ายๆใกล้ๆโตเกียวที่สามารถไปเองแบบเช้าไปเย็นกลับได้ เหมาะกับการจัดทริป 1 วันจากโตเกียว มาให้ดูเป็นไอเดียในการวางแผนเที่ยวโตเกียวกัน

จะมีที่ไหนน่าเที่ยวใกล้ๆโตเกียวบ้าง มาดูกัน

Photo from https://pxhere.com/en/photo/868542

Photo from https://ghibli-park.jp/

นาโงย่า(Nagoya) เป็นเมืองหลวงในจังหวัดไอจิ อยู่ห่างจากโตเกียวด้วยรถไฟชินคันเซนประมาณ 1.30 – 2 ชั่วโมง มีชื่อเสียงหลายด้าน ทั้งอาหาร โดยเฉพาะพวกซอสต่างๆ อย่าง โชยุ หรือที่เที่ยวที่มีชื่อเสียงก็มีมากมาย เช่น Lego Land, Ghibli Park ธีมพาร์คแห่งแรงของ Studio Ghibli, พิพิธภัณฑ์รถยนตร์โตโยต้า, ปราสาทนาโงย่า, สวนผลไม้ในโดมยักษ์, สวนดอกไม้ นาบานะ โนะ ซาโตะ Nabana no Sato และอื่นๆอีกเพียบ ทำให้ที่นี่เป็นหนึ่งในเมืองน่าไปใกล้โตเกียว

2. ฮาโกเน่(Hakone)

Photo by Kentagon from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LakeAshi_and_MtFuji_Hakone.JPG

photos by Daderot from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hakone_Pirate_Ship_-_Hakone,_Japan_-_DSC05216.jpg( cc by 1.0)

Hakone เป็นส่วนหนึ่งของเทือกภูเขาไฟในอุทยานแห่งชาติ Fuji-Azu-Hakone มีแหล่งท่องเที่ยวเป็นการล่องเรือเที่ยวชมทะเลสาบ Ashino ซึ่งมีวิวภูเขาไฟฟูจิที่สวยงาม, ชิมไข่ต้นสีดำที่ต้มด้วยน้ำแร่จากภูเขาไฟ และนั่งกระเช้าขึ้น Owakudani ที่เป็นแหล่งแช่ออนเซนชื่อดัง เรียกว่าเป็นเมืองตากอากาศชื่อดังของชาวโตเกียว เพราะอยู่ห่างไปประมาณ 100 กิโลเมตรเท่านั้น

3. เมืองเก่าคามาคูระ(Kamakura)

Photo from https://www.rawpixel.com/image/5915046/photo-image-public-domain-free-sculpture

Photo by bryan… from flickr.com/photos/bryansjs/13762451774/ [CC by-sa 2.0]

photos by cotaro70s from flickr.com/photos/cotaro70s/15671387920( cc by 2.0)

คามาคูระเป็นเมืองที่อยู่ห่างจากโตเกียวประมาณ 1 ชั่วโมงโดยรถไฟ เดินทางได้ง่ายๆ เป็นเมืองที่เคยเป็นเมืองหลวงเก่าของประเทศญี่ปุ่นมาก่อนเรียกว่า ยุคคามาคูระ ทำให้มีวัดและศาลเจ้าที่สวยงามอยู่หลายแห่งที่มีชื่อเสียงระดับประเทศ เช่น พระใหญ่ ไดบุสสึ และวัดเจ้าแม่กวนอิม รวมทั้งมีหาดทรายน้ำใสสะอาดด้วย

4. โอดาวะระ(Odawara)

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/lengcheng/31621764841

photos by Agustin Rafael Reyes from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Odawara_Castle_-ratamahatta-.jpg( cc by 2.0)

Odawara เป็นเมืองเล็กๆที่อยู่บริเวณก่อนจะถึงอุทยานแห่งชาติ Fuji-Azu-Hakone โดยมีปราสาท Odawara ที่สวยงามมีทั้งหมดด้วยกัน 7 ชั้น รวมทั้งพิพิธภัณท์ที่น่าสนใจ นับว่าเป็นปราสาทญี่ปุ่นที่อยู่ใกล้กับเมืองโตเกียวมากที่สุด

5. โยโกฮาม่า(Yokohama)

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/31917645@N06/4773406359

photos by aotaro from flickr.com/photos/aotaro/24682500680( cc by 2.0)

Yokohama น่าจะเป็นหนึ่งในสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวแบบเช้าเย็นกลับจากเมืองโตเกียวที่ฮิตที่สุด เพราะอยู่ใกล้ๆ เดินทางได้ง่าย และมีอะไรที่น่าสนใจมากมาย เช่น ไชน่าทาวน์ ย่านริมทะเล และพิพิธภัณท์ราเมง เป็นต้น

6. เมืองมรดกโลก นิกโก้(Nikko)

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/kndynt2099/38483650245/

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/5817127332

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ohyeaphoto/22214489482

Nikko เป็นเมืองเล็กๆที่อยู่ก่อนถึงทางเข้าอุทยานแห่งชาตินิกโก้ มีแหล่งท่องเที่ยวทางวัฒนธรรมที่มีชื่อเสียงอยู่มากมาย เช่น ศาลเจ้าโทโฮขุ ที่มีไม้แกะสลักเป็นลิง 3 ตัว ปิดหู ปิดตา และปิดปาก ซึ่งได้รับการขึ้นทะเบียนเป็นมรดกโลกโดย UNESCO เอาไว้ด้วย ด้านแหล่งท่องเที่ยวธรรมชาติก็สวยงามเช่นกัน คือ ทะเลสาบชูเซนจิ(Chuzenji) และน้ำตกเคง่อน(Kegon Fall) โดยเฉพาะในฤดูใบไม้แดง

7. เมืองโบราณ คาวาโกเอะ(Kawagoe)

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/localjapantimes/4665716404

photos by eerkmans from flickr.com/photos/eerkmans/2257210618( cc by 2.0)

Kawagoe เป็นแหล่งท่องเที่ยวยอดฮิตที่สุดของจังหวัดไซตามะที่อยู่ติดกับเมืองโตเกียวทางทิศเหนือ ในอดีตเคยเป็นเมืองรอบปราสาทในสมัยเอโดะที่ปัจจุบันได้รับการรักษาเอาไว้เป็นอย่างดี ทำให้มีบ้านเรือนแบบญี่ปุ่นในสมัยโบราณตั้งเรียงรายกันอยู่อย่างสวยงาม รวมทั้งวัดและศาลเจ้าอีกหลายแห่งที่น่าสนใจด้วย

8. ชิชิบุ(Chichibu)

Photo by NY066 from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chichibu-Shrine.JPG [CCSA2.0]

photos by Christopher Liang from flickr.com/photos/chrisliang82/1654333849( cc by 2.0)

เมืองชิชิบุเป็นแหล่งท่องเที่ยวยอดนิยมในช่วงฤดูใบไม้ผลิ เพราะมีทุ่งดอกมอสสีชมพูหรือที่ชาวญี่ปุ่นเรียกกันว่า Shibazakura ที่สวนฮิซุจิยามะ(Hitsujiyama Park) ช่วงประมาณกลางเดือนพฤษภาคม ซึ่งนอกจากนี้ก็จะมีวัดและศาลเจ้าหลักของเมืองที่น่าสนใจอยู่ไม่ไกลกันนักด้วย

9. แหลมอิซุ(Izu Peninsula)

photos by likeablerodent from flickr.com/photos/likeablerodent/5744512851( cc by 2.0)

Izu เป็นเมืองออนเซนริมทะเลยอดนิยมของชาวโตเกียว โดยจะมีเมืองเล็กที่ชื่อว่า อาตามิ(Atami) ที่มีบ่อแช่ออนเซนที่สวยงาม มีวิวทะเลให้ชมทั้งแบบ indoor และ outdoor ให้บริการอยู่มากมาย รวมทั้งปราสาทอาตามิ(Atami Castle)ที่สวยงามและเป็นจุดชมซากุระยอดนิยมอีกแห่งหนึ่งของญี่ปุ่นด้วย เพราะว่ากันว่าที่นี่มักจะเป็นสถานที่แรกที่ดอกซากุระจะเริ่มบานในญี่ปุ่น โดยอยู่ห่างจากเมืองโตเกียวไม่ถึง 1 ชั่วโมงโดยรถไฟชินคันเซน

10. แหลมโบโซ(Boso Peninsula)

photos by Guilhem Vellut from flickr.com/photos/o_0/9464476012( cc by 2.0)

Boso Peninsula เป็นอีกหนึ่งในสถานที่เที่ยวแบบ 1 วันจากโตเกียวที่น่าสนใจมากแต่ยังไม่เป็นที่นิยมกันเท่าที่ควร ซึ่งมีอยู่ 2 จุดที่ไฮไลท์คือบริเวณเมือง Tateyama ที่มีปราสาท ศาลเจ้า และวัดที่น่าสนใจอยู่หลายแห่ง และอีกส่วนคือภูเขาโนโกกิริยามะ(Nokogiriyama) ที่มีวัดนิฮอนจิ(Nihonji)ตั้งอยู่ ซึ่งกินอาณาบริเวณกว้างใหญ่และอลังการสุดๆวัดหนึ่งในญี่ปุ่นเลยทีเดียว

11. ทะเลสาบคาวากูชิโกะ(Kawaguchiko Lake)

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/loic80l/50649496826/in/photostream/

photos by Midori from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lake_Kawaguchiko_Sakura_Mount_Fuji_1.JPG( cc by 3.0)

Kawaguchiko Lake เป็นสถานที่ตากอากาศริมทะเลสาบยอดนิยมของชาวโตเกียวที่มีวิวของภูเขาไฟฟูจิอย่างชัดเจน สวยงามมาก เป็นหนึ่งในทะเลสาบทั้ง 5 ของภูเขาไฟฟูจิที่มีขนาดใหญ่และเดินทางมาได้ง่ายที่สุด และมีอะไรหลายอย่างที่น่าสนใจให้ทำ จึงสามารถใช้เวลาอยู่ได้มากกว่า 1 วัน อีกไฮไลท์สำคัญของที่นี่ในฤดูใบไม้ผลิของสวนริมทะเลสาบที่มีดอกซากุระบานตลอดเป็นทางยาวช่วงต้นปลายเดือนเมษายนและสวนดอกชิบะซากุระ(Shibazakura)ขนาดใหญ่สุดพร้อมวิวภูเขาไฟฟูจิในช่วงปลายเดือนพฤษภาคมด้วย

12. ทาคาซากิ(Takasaki)

photos by TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) from flickr.com/photos/tanaka_juuyoh/4120920564( cc by 2.0)

เมืองทาคาซากิอยู่ห่างจากโตเกียวเพียง 50 นาทีด้วยรถไฟชินคันเซน มีชื่อเสียงว่าเป็นแหล่งผลิตตุ๊กตาดารูมะ(Daruma)หรือตุ๊กตาโชคลาภของชาวญี่ปุ่น มีบรรยากาศของเมืองญี่ปุ่นเล็กๆ มีวัดและศาลเจ้าที่น่าสนใจคือวัดเจ้าแม่กวนอิม และศาลเจ้าดารูมะ

13. เมืองออนเซน คูซัตซุ(Kusatsu Onsen)

photos by inf_supTJ from flickr.com/photos/135916494@N08/32280499301( cc by 1.0)

Kusatsu Onsen เป็นหนึ่งในเมืองออนเซนที่ดีที่สุดของญี่ปุ่น ถึงแม้ว่าจะอยู่ไม่ไกลจากเมืองโตเกียวมากนักแต่ก็ใช้เวลาในการเดินทางค่อนข้างนาน เกือบ 4 ชั่วโมงโดยรถบัส ถึงแม้ว่าจะสามารถเป็นเดย์ทริปได้ แต่ที่นี่เป็นเมืองออนเซนที่มีอะไรน่าสนใจอยู่มากมายเกินกว่าจะเที่ยวได้ครบใน 1 วัน

14. ฟุกุชิมะ (Fukushima)

ฟุกุชิมะ(Fukushima)อยู่ห่างจากโตเกียวประมาณ 1-1.3 ชั่วโมงโดยรถไฟชินคันเซนไปทางตอนเหนือ เป็นเมืองที่มีเทือกเขามากมาย ทำให้มีแหล่งท่องเที่ยวทางธรรมชาติให้เลือก อย่างเช่นปากปล่องภูเขาไฟที่ดับแล้ว ปราสาทและย่านเมืองเก่า รวมถึงแหล่งออนเซนด้วย หรือจะเป็นเมนูอาหารหลากหลายที่ขึ้นชื่อ เช่น ราเมงน้ำดำ ซาเก เป็นต้น

เรื่องท่องเที่ยว โตเกียว(Tokyo)

เปิดใหม่สดซิง รวมโรงแรมที่พักโตเกียว เปิดใหม่ล่าสุด new Tokyo hotel

รวมที่พักโตเกียว สไตล์โฮสเทล ราคาถูก ทำเลดี สะอาดปลอดภัย

15 โรงแรมที่พักย่านชิบูย่า โตเกียว ใกล้สถานีรถไฟ แหล่งช้อปปิ้ง

แนะนำ 15 โรงแรมที่พักโตเกียวสำหรับครอบครัวพักได้ 3-4 คน กลุ่มเพื่อน

ข้อมูลเตรียมตัวเที่ยว โตเกียว(tokyo).

เจาะลึก SEIBU PASS บัตรสุดคุ้ม จากโตเกียวเที่ยวได้ทั่วไซตามะ Kawagoe Chichibu Nagatoro

โตเกียวหน้าเดียวจบ! [TOKYO TALON GUIDE] รีวิว เที่ยว กิน ช้อป ที่พัก การเดินทาง

เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น โตเกียว ต้องใช้เงินเท่าไหร่ งบ 14,000 บาทพอมั้ย และทำยังไงให้ประหยัด

เที่ยวโตเกียวช่วงไหนดี สภาพอากาศและอุณหภูมิโตเกียว ในแต่ละฤดู เป็นยังไง

เที่ยวโตเกียวเดือนไหน ช่วงไหนดี มาดู 4 ฤดูกาลของเมืองหลวงสุดเจ๋งญี่ปุ่นกัน

แนะนำ 30 ที่พักโตเกียว ญี่ปุ่น ย่านเด็ด ใกล้สถานีรถไฟ เดินทางสะดวก ราคาถูก อยู่สบาย

การเดินทางทั้งหมดของเมืองโตเกียว

รวมข้อมูลบัตร และพาส การเดินทางทุกแบบของโตเกียว

คู่มือเที่ยวญี่ปุ่น ครบจบในหน้าเดียว

เรื่องอื่นๆใน ตั๋วและบัตรส่วนลดต่างๆ

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One day in Tokyo - Trip Plan itinerary recommendation

by GoWithGuide travel specialist: Coelho C.

Travel Tips

This is a 1-day itinerary for Tokyo including: Asakusa→Akihabara→Shibuya→Meiji Jingu→Harajuku→Shinjuku. This plan was curated by professionals, so it's a perfect plan for you and your family to spen a great day in Tokyo. If you'd like to know more travel tips for each mentioned spot in case you decide to stay longer in each place and make this a 2-day Tokyo plan, please read the texts below where I write my personal recommendations for each place! If you'd like to hire a tour guide for this tour, you can do it clicking here: Hire a guide for this Tokyo itinerary with GoWithGuide

Travel plan for first timers in Tokyo

In the video above, I comment and explain this itinerary for anyone who is coming to Japan. You may also leave a comment with questions if you have any! Now lets get to the Itinerary:

more information

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Feel the mystical energy of the Meiji Shrine Meiji Shrine, located in the Shibuya district in Tokyo, attracts the greatest number of visitors from throughout Japan for hatsumode or the first shrine visit of the New Year. If you happen to be lucky enough on the day of your visit, you could catch a glimpse of a traditional wedding ceremony. If you'd like to spend more time in this area, after visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine, you can take a walk in the beautiful and vast Yoyogi park!

Watch this 360º VR Video of Meiji Jingu Shrine and feel like you are walking there yourself.

Feel like you are in Harajuku and see how Harajuku's Takeshita street TRULY is like in this 360º video:

If you'd like to spend more time in Harajuku , at the end of Takeshita Street, you can cross the avenue and go to Kawaii Monster Cafe. Super crazy café, look it up!

Hire tour guides for this itinerary or ask them any questions

You can use the GoWithGuide service to find tours and tour guides from all over Japan. Select your city and find something for you! You may also message guides if you have any questions or need to customize one of their itineraries. In GoWithGuide, you will be able to see each guide's profile video and select your favorite person to show you around Japan!

You can also Request a tour just for you . Just type what you would like to see and guides from all over Japan will send you quotes and their own recommendations.

Popular Tokyo Tour Guides

I’m so excited to have a chance to show you around my favorite spots in Kanagawa prefecture. I was born in Kanagawa. I spent my whole school life, including university, here in Kanagawa. I worked as a high school English teacher here for 40 years. I love Kanagawa so much. We have many interesting tourist spots, like Hakone, Kamakura, Enoshima and Yokohama. I got my tour guide license in English in 2009. I am still an English teacher. To give an interesting and impressive lesson to young high school students, I’ve learnt and gathered many kinds of information. I also have a license to teach social studies, so I have a wide range of knowledge about Japanese culture and history. I’m sure to provide you an interesting tour.                                                                                                                                  

My name is Grant I lived more than 10 years in Japan. I graduated University and translation school in Tokyo. I am fluent in Japanese. I have a degree in Asian studies and have expert-level knowledge of Japanese culture and history. I have memorized the JR rail system across all of Japan, I use the same train timetable calculators as the station staff, and I have experience using bullet train passes that are exclusive to foreign visitors. I can optimally navigate the Tokyo underground and maximize value from a Tokyo metro pass and also understand Tokyo above ground which will allow for seamless transitions between different metro stations and landmarks with minimal backtracking. My tour fee is 20,000yen for 1-6hours (135.28USD) 30,000yen for 7-9hours (202.93USD) 40,000yen for 9-12hours (270.57USD) I have half-day tours listed at 20,000 yen (135.28USD) at the moment but you can combine them or do a custom tour for roughly up to 9 hours for 30,000 yen (202.93USD). The time transiting to and from your hotel for pick up or drop off within Tokyo 23wards does not count towards an increase in the price.                                                                                                                                  

I live in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture. I have a license to teach in high schools and was admitted to the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language in the University of Birmingham. Until 2015 I had been teaching English at public high schools in Kanagawa for 37 years. During that time, I had some experience of guiding students from overseas through sister-school relationship around Tokyo and Kanagawa. Therefore, I had good command of English with the TOEIC score of 935. As for a tour guide experience I earned the certificate of National Government Licensed Guide-Interpreter in English and since then I have guided tourists to the popular sites around Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura and Yokosuka. My guiding focuses on introducing not only Japanese historical and cultural backgrounds but also giving tourists some tips to travel Japan only by themselves, such as how to use trains and subways, find good restaurants, reserve tickets, buy survenier, and speak basic Japanese. In addition, my tour includes opportunities to experience Japanese culture like Zen meditation, ninja performance, visiting anime's location sites based on tourists' request. Besides, by means of my hobbies of writing English Haiku and Waka (traditional Japanese poems) and performing Rakugo (traditional Japanese funny story telling) in English, I can surely entertain tourists during the tour. My moto as a tour guide is let the tourists have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Japan with my profound, intelligible and interestiog guiding.                                                                                                                                  

Bonjour! Je m’appelle Yoko, je suis guide diplômée. J’habite à Tokyo, dans le quartier appelé Yanesen, depuis plus de 10 ans. J’aime bien mon quartier, il se trouve au milieu de Tokyo, mais il garde l'atmosphère d’autrefois.Il y a plus de 100 temples et sanctuaires, les festivals de sanctuaire sont des événements importants pour les habitants, dans les rues commerçantes, il y a de vieux magasins qui animent les rues même aujourd’hui. C’est comme un village, les habitants sont ouverts, amicaux et sympas, il y a de vrais échanges entre eux. Je crois qu’il y a de vieux Tokyo, de vraie vie quotidienne de Tokyoïtes qui ne changent pas depuis longtemps à Yanesen. J’aime bien aussi voyager, découvrir la culture vivante tout en faisant la connaissance avec des personnes locales. Et c’est pour cela que quand je voyage, j’aime bien aller aux marchés, aux cafés et aux restaurants populaires entre les habitants. J’aime aussi le saké depuis 5,6 ans, mais je n'aimais pas le saké, je croyais que le vin était le meilleur, et qu’il accompagnait presque n’importe quel cuisine. Mais aujourd’hui je crois que le saké est le meilleur pour accompagner la cuisine japonaise et notamment quand on voyage dans des régions au Japon, il permet de communiquer plus facilement avec des personnes locales. Pour approfondir mes connaissances, j’ai obtenu le diplôme de saké sommelier et travaille dans une entreprise de saké. Je vous guiderai dans ce bon vieux Tokyo afin que vous puissiez découvrir une vraie vie quotidienne de Tokyoïte, tout en servant d'intermédiaire entre vous et les habitants du quartier. Et bien sur, je peux organiser également le tour sur mesure, tout en répondant à vos demandes pour votre voyage innoubliable! J’espère que l’on se voit très bientôt à Tokyo!                                                                                                                                  

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Recommended Nikko Itinerary: Day Trip & 1-Night Stay (+Free Pass Information)

Nikko is a famous tourism site that is home to many shrines and temples , registered as World Heritage Sites . It is a great place to experience Japan's rich history and culture, and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings filled with hot springs . Throughout the year, there are many sights to enjoy, but the transition from autumn to winter is especially stunning. From mid-October to early November, the surrounding mountains are painted in brilliant fall foliage with bright reds and yellows. This article will introduce two ways to visit Nikko . The first one is a day trip, located just under two hours from Asakusa , Tokyo by express train. The second option is a two-day trip with an overnight stay.

Recommended Day-trip Course: Designed to take in all the standard sightseeing spots in the shortest time possible

2d1n itinerary: a more leisurely visit in the great expanse of nature, nikko area passes: highly recommended for visitors.

When you visit Nikko by train you will arrive at either the JR Nikko Station or the Tobu Nikko Station and these will be the starting point for visiting the major sightseeing spots and experiencing the charms of Nikko in a timely manner.

1. Tobu Nikko Station

Begin by visiting the Nikko Concierge located in the Tobu Nikko Station Tourist Center, where the staff can also speak English, in order to get information before setting out (JR Nikko Station is only a few minutes' walk away).

2. Nikko Toshogu

Our tour begins at the Nikko Toshogu World Heritage Site , Nikko 's premier attraction. This site boasts vibrant and intricate carvings that exemplify Edo period craftsmanship. Highlights include the famous carvings of animals, such as the iconic three monkeys imparting wisdom and the serene sleeping cat. Moreover, the site's ornate buildings and the magnificent five-storied pagoda stand as national treasures and significant cultural landmarks , offering a glimpse into Japan's rich heritage.

3. Iroha Saka

Linking Nikko City with Lake Chuzenji, the scenic Iroha Saka features 48 winding curves, mirroring the 48 characters of the traditional Japanese "Iroha" syllabary. This road is celebrated for its beautiful autumnal views, making it a favored route for drives. Its unique name and the spectacular display of fall foliage make the Iroha Saka a must-visit for those exploring Japan's natural beauty .

4. Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls stands among Japan's top three most renowned waterfalls, offering a majestic spectacle as water cascades from Lake Chuzenji, plunging 97 meters below with a thunderous roar. For an immersive experience, visitors are encouraged to take the elevator down to the viewing platform at the waterfall's base. Here, you can witness the falls' might up close, capturing the essence of its raw power and beauty .

5. Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji, formed roughly 20,000 years ago following the eruption of Mt. Nantai, is a testament to the area's stunning natural beauty across all four seasons . Its autumnal display, where vibrant foliage contrasts magnificently with the tranquil waters, is particularly breathtaking. Positioned at an elevation of 1,200 meters, the lake offers a cool retreat from summer 's warmth. A leisurely stroll along its shores provides an intimate experience with this picturesque landscape , allowing visitors to fully absorb the serene and captivating scenery.

6. Shinkyo Bridge

As we make our way back to Nikko Station, a visit to the sacred Shinkyo Bridge at the entrance to Mt. Nikko is a must. Registered as a World Heritage site , Shinkyo is a stunning, vermilion wooden bridge that stands out against the natural backdrop. The contrast of the bridge's bright color with the vivid greenery of spring or the spectacular fall colors of the trees creates a breathtaking scene, evoking a deep sense of awe. This iconic landmark serves as a perfect reflection of the beauty and spiritual significance of Nikko .

7. Nikko Monzen-machi

The heart of Nikko City stretches along the main street from Shinkyo Bridge to Tobu Nikko Station, a vibrant area where visitors can indulge in local culinary delights and unique souvenirs. Renowned for its yuba ( tofu skin) and traditional sweets such as yokan (sweet bean jelly), this bustling street offers a taste of Nikko 's rich culinary heritage. Additionally, the area is celebrated for its exquisite Nikko -style carvings, which are sought-after souvenirs, capturing the essence of local craftsmanship. This lively part of Nikko provides an authentic experience of the city's culture, food, and artistry.

8. Back to the Tobu and JR Nikko Stations

A leisurely walk along Monzen-machi admiring the well-known shops with long traditions will take you back towards Nikko Station.

While Nikko can be enjoyed on a day trip, spending a night there will enable you to relax in a hot spring and also take walks through the vast natural beauty surrounding it.

1. Tobu Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station 2. Nikko Yamauchi Nikko Yamauchi is a reference to three popular tourist attractions in Nikko , Japan. These include the Nikko Toshogu, the Nikko Futarasan Shrine , which is known for its matchmaking powers, and the Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple . The temple houses the Sanbutsudo, a building that contains three gold-leaf statues of Buddhist deities. All three of these sites are World Heritage Sites and have extensive grounds. It takes more than three hours to see them all. ・2a. Nikko Futarasan Shrine

The precincts of Nikko Futarasan Shrine , which is the oldest structure in Nikko Yamauchi, are surrounded by large cedar trees that create a mystical atmosphere. Many people visit this place to improve their fortunes as it is believed to have a positive impact on matchmaking and family harmony. ・2b. Nikko Toshogu

This World Heritage site showcases the exquisite architectural beauty crafted by Edo artisans. The grounds house national treasures, cultural assets, and intricate carvings throughout. ・2c. Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple

Take your time to appreciate the three 7.5-meter tall Buddhist statues inside the striking bright vermilion main hall of Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple . The grounds of Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple have been acknowledged as national historic sites and are also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , specifically as part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko . 3. Iroha Saka 4. Kegon Falls 5. Lake Chuzenji sightseeing boat

One can explore Lake Chuzenji either by walking along its 25-kilometer shoreline or by taking a cruise on either the Swan Boat or a sightseeing craft. The sightseeing boats take you on a complete tour of Lake Chuzenji, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the azaleas in early summer and the autumn leaves in the fall. This experience is sure to be unforgettable. 6. Nikko Yumoto Onsen

There are several inns located in Nikko Yumoto Hot Springs , which have long histories and are situated a short distance away from Lake Chuzenji. These inns offer a peaceful and relaxing environment in the mountainous region, where you can enjoy soaking in the white turbid sulfur hot springs . Enjoy a relaxing stay, as though in a resort, at an inn near the shores of Lake Chuzenji.

Yudaki Falls originates from Lake Yunoko and descends down a rocky cliff from a height of approximately 70 meters. You can reach the observation platform at the base of the falls by taking the stone steps downwards. From there, you can enjoy a truly breathtaking view. 2. Senjogahara

Senjogahara, which means "battlefield" in Japanese, is said to be named after a legend that tells the story of a battle between the gods of Mt. Nantai and Mt. Akagi for the possession of Lake Chuzenji. This vast marshland covers an area of approximately 400 hectares and is home to over 350 plant species and wild birds. You can take a nature exploration path that surrounds the marshland, which takes around two hours to hike. This path provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and observe the diverse wildlife in the area. 3. Tobu Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station On your way back to the station from Shinkyo Bridge you can look for souvenirs as you walk along Monzen-machi.

A typical way to travel around Nikko is to use buses from Nikko Station to reach various attractions. With several cost-effective free pass options available, consider utilizing them according to your plans.

NIKKO PASS World Heritage area (Tobu Railway) - Exclusive for Foreign Tourists

Perfect for foreign tourists who want to leisurely explore the Nikko area, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine , Nikko Futarasan Shrine , and Rinno-ji Temple , by taking buses from Nikko Station. The World Heritage Loop Bus within Nikko allows unlimited rides over two days. ・Price: Adults 2,120 yen, Children 630 yen ・Validity: 2 days ・Valid rail zone: Shimotsuma to Tobu Nikko /Shinfujiwara (including round-trip between Asakusa and Shimotsuma) ・Valid bus and other zones: JR Nikko Station/Tobu Nikko Station to Renkeishi World Heritage Loop Bus

MARUGOTO NIKKO Tobu Free Pass (Tobu Railway)

This pass offers unlimited rides on trains and buses in the Nikko area. It's ideal for those planning trips like the suggested 1-night, 2-day model course, allowing visits to various spots like Nikko 's temples , Chuzenji Lake , Yumoto Onsen , and Senjogahara. ・Price (from Asakusa Station): 4,810 yen (April-November), 4,390 yen (December-March) ・Validity: 4 days ・Railway Free Zone: Round-trip ticket from departure station to Shimotsuma Station, Shimotsuma Station to Tobu Nikko Station ・Bus and Other Free Zone: From Tobu Nikko Station to areas like Chuzenji Onsen , Yumoto Onsen , and Renkeishi World Heritage Loop Bus.

MARUGOTO NIKKO & KINUGAWA Tobu Free Pass

Recommended for those who want to extend their travels beyond Nikko -san to places like Kinugawa Onsen , Tobu World Square, and Nikko Edomura after exploring Nikko 's temples and Chuzenji Lake . Available for both Japanese and foreign travelers, suitable for overnight stays at Kinugawa Onsen , Kegon Falls, Yumoto Onsen , and more. ・Price (from Asakusa Station): 6,320 yen (April-November), 5,790 yen (December-March) ・Validity: 4 days ・Note: Separate purchase of express tickets is required. ・Railway Free Zone: Round-trip ticket from departure station to Shimotsuma Station, Shimotsuma Station to Tobu Nikko Station/Yumoto Onsen ・Bus and Other Free Zone: From Tobu Nikko Station to places like Chuzenji Lake , World Heritage Loop Bus, Kinugawa Onsen , Tobu World Square, and Nikko Edomura.

World Heritage Loop Ticket

In addition to the World Heritage Loop Bus that visits various spots including Nikko 's temples , this pass allows unlimited rides on Tobu route buses between Nikko Station and Renkeishi. Ideal for those who want to explore Nikko -san by bus affordably. ・Price: 600 yen (Children half price) ・Validity: Same day only ・Bus and Other Free Zone: "World Heritage Loop Bus" visiting Nikko 's temples and Kambashi, Tobu route buses between JR Nikko Station/Tobu Nikko Station and Rengeishi.

Other Passes

Other passes like Chuzenji Onsen Free Pass (2,300 yen), Yumoto Onsen Free Pass (3,500 yen), Kirifuri Highland Free Pass (1,500 yen) allow unlimited rides on Tobu buses within their respective zones for two days. Ideal for those who want to leisurely explore areas like Chuzenji Onsen and Senjogahara.

Exploring the city center and surrounding areas of Nikko should be enjoyable even for day trips. However, since you're visiting Nikko , consider extending your trip to enjoy places like Yumoto Onsen . With various accommodations scattered throughout Nikko , find your preferred lodging. Whether it's a day trip or a 1-night, 2-day stay, don't forget to take advantage of these cost-effective free passes.

• Category Cultural Heritage Sites Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
• How To: Visiting Popular Spots

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The top 5 day trips from Tokyo for hikes, hot springs and surf

Mar 22, 2024 • 5 min read

You can go surfing on Izu Oshima within striking distance of Tokyo © Yoshiyoshi Hirokawa / Getty Images

Whether you are a first-time visitor to Tokyo or know the city well, there are plenty of surprises waiting on the capital’s doorstep.

The temples and shrines of Nikkō and Kamakura offer a window into Japanese history, while Mt Takao, Hakone, and Izu Oshima Island provide a natural contrast to Tokyo’s crowded, urban heart.

All of these spots can be reached within an hour or two by train from Tokyo. If you travel on three consecutive days, you may be able to save a few yen by using the Tokyo Wide Pass . Here are our top picks for a day trip from Tokyo.

1. Meet the Big Buddha of Kamakura

Travel time: One hour

From 1185 to 1333, the coastal town of Kamakura temporarily replaced Kyoto as the then seat of power in Japan. It’s the remnants of that era that make modern-day Kamakura such a compelling day trip from Tokyo, with sights like the magnificent Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and a varied collection of Zen temples.

The latter includes Japan’s oldest Zen monastery, Kencho-ji , and Hokoku-ji and its small bamboo forest. However, the highlight at Kamakura is the Daibutsu , an 11.3m-high (37ft) bronze statue of Buddha resting serenely at Kotoku-in Temple since being cast in 1252.

How to get to Kamakura from Tokyo : Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. Once there, most of Kamakura’s sights are walkable, but for the Big Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple take the retro Enoden tram three stops to Hase, from where it’s a five-minute walk north.

2. Experience island life on Izu Oshima

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Few travelers realize it but thanks to the Izu Island chain and remote Ogasawara archipelago, Tokyo technically has islands within its city limits. The closest to the mainland, Izu Oshima , makes for an active day away from the city.

To get a sweat on, hike around the crater of volcanic Mt Mihara, Oshima’s most dominant peak at 2487ft (758m), then soak in the outdoor hot-spring baths at Miharayama.

Alternatively, rent a bicycle and circumnavigate the 91 sq mile island, taking in coastal hot springs on route, distinctive rock formations, and (from January to March) Oshima’s signature camelias.

How to get to Oshima Island from Tokyo: Take a high-speed jet ferry from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Terminal, which is next to Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome Line or a short walk south of JR Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote Line. Ferries arrive at Oshima’s Motomachi or Okata ports, from where you can catch buses to the main sights or rent a bicycle or car.

3. Visit Nikkō’s spectacular Tōshō-gū shrine

You can see shrines in Tokyo, but Nikkō is on a whole different level. The UNESCO World Heritage-designated Tōshō-gū  Shrine is the resting place of the first Edo-era shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu.

After an approach lined by towering cedars, the highlights include a five-story pagoda and imposing gateways like the Yomei-mon, a riot of black lacquer and gilding that’s adorned with vibrant carvings of birds and dragons. 

Elsewhere in the complex are the spectacular gilded buddhas at Rinnō-ji , plus subtle decorations like the carvings of the three monkeys of "see, speak and hear no evil" fame.

How to get to Nikkō from Tokyo: Nikkō has two neighboring stations: JR Nikkō and Tōbu Nikkō. The quickest route from Tokyo is to use Tōbu Railway’s Kegon or Spacia X limited-express trains between Asakusa and Tobu Nikkō, although a joint JR-Tōbu service also starts from Shinjuku. Buses connect both Nikkō and Tōbu-Nikkō stations to Tōshō-gū and other key sights. Alternatively, it’s about a 20-minute walk from the stations to Tōshō-gū.

4. Escape to Mount Takao for hikes, views and clear air

Travel time: 55 minutes

You don’t have to go to all the way to Hakone for great Fuji views. When the weather is clear, Fuji looks resplendent from the top of 599m (1965ft) Mt Takao .

Still inside Tokyo, Takao is arguably the easiest way to experience Japan’s natural surrounds. The hike up only takes 90 minutes to two hours but it can be made even shorter by taking a cable car halfway up.

On the way, you’ll pass through Yakuō-in Temple , a center for ascetic training that holds a fire walking festival on the second Sunday of every March.

Toward the peak, Takao’s cherry blossoms are a popular spot for hanami  (flower-viewing) picnics in spring, while the seasonal Beer Mount beer garden at the top is ideal for a post-walk thirst quencher from mid-June to mid-October.

How to get to Takao from Tokyo: Ride the Keio Line special-express from Shinjuku to Takaosan-guchi Station. From there, you are a five-minute walk from either the trailhead at the foot of Takao or the cable car, which can take you halfway up the peak. 

5. Immerse yourself in the hot springs and scenery of Hakone

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Mountainous Hakone is one of the most popular side trips from Tokyo. A jaunt here delivers up-close views of Mt Fuji and the steaming sulfur vents of Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley), plus hot-spring bathing complexes like Yunessun, and even an outdoor art museum home to work by Rodin and Picasso.

While Hakone can be explored in a day, consider an overnighter at a ryokan  (these traditional inns have their own hot spring baths).

How to get to Hakone from Tokyo: Catch Odakyu’s limited-express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. You’ll need a reserved seat, though outside of holiday periods you can buy that at the station on the day of travel. To save yen, also get a Hakone Freepass . It covers the return train trip and gives two or three days of unlimited use of the buses, ropeways, and other transportation networks you’ll need to get around Hakone. 

This article was first published Jun 12, 2019 and updated Mar 22, 2024.

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How to Have a Perfect Day Trip to Nikko (with our local tips)

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A day trip to Nikko is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. But, if you only have one day there, how can ensure you’re visiting the most impressive sights or visiting the best places to eat?

Well, one way is to ask someone who lives in the town, which is why I’m thrilled that our guide to how to spend one day in Nikko is Jigami Yoshiyuki san.

Mr Jigami is the manager of the Kanaya Hotel, which has been welcoming guests to the city since 1873.

Although not originally from Nikko, he fell in love with the nature and history of the small town and has been living there and working at the Kanaya Hotel for 27 years.

After working as a reception staff, driver, and various other roles within the hotel, he now works as the hotel manager.

Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Why Should You Take a Day Trip to Nikko?

Get ahead of the crowds, try a lunch with yuba, getting the perfect bridge picture, don’t miss the shaved ice, hidden gems in nikko, is one day in nikko enough, where to stay overnight, how to get to nikko from tokyo, buying tickets from tokyo to nikko.

Because if you’re looking for a Tokyo day trip, Nikko is perfect.

It’s located around 100km north of Tokyo and is easily accessed by train if you’re an independent traveler or via a number of different tours that leave Tokyo in the morning and come back late afternoon if you like someone else to do the driving.

Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its complex of three temples and shrines – two Shinto, and one Buddhist – that include 103 different religious buildings located in beautiful natural surroundings.

Some of the most popular sights include the Toshogu Shrine (one of the three mentioned above), which is known for its ornate wood carvings; Kegon Falls – named as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan (below), and Edo Wonderland – a cultural park that replicates life in the Edo period located about 20 minutes drive, or 30 minutes by bus, from the main town.

The new Tobu World Square which contains replicas of 102 of the world’s most famous buildings is also nearby.

So, of the sights, what does Mr Jigami say are the ones you absolutely shouldn’t miss? ‘My favorite sights in Nikko include the iconic Toshogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge. These are representative of the beauty, history, and culture of this area,’ he says.

‘Lake Chuzenji is the best place to chill out and relax. It is also a great place for hiking in the nature of the Nikko National Park.’

While Nikko is famous for its beautiful displays of gold, red and copper autumn leaves Mr Jigami says June-July is his favorite season to explore Nikko because there are fewer crowds and you are able to enjoy lush greenery.

If you’re just on a one-day trip to Nikko, Mr. Jigami suggests that the first thing you do when you get to the city is ‘head to Nikko’s famous and iconic temple and shrines (Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan shrine, and Rinnoji Temple).’

Because they are the most popular sites in Nikko, they will also be the most crowded, but if you can get there before some of the tour buses arrive from Tokyo, you can try and beat the crowds.

The best way to do this is to stay overnight and arrive at the complex when they open at 8am and head to Toshogu Shrine first as this is the most popular.

If that’s not feasible, take the earliest train you can from Tokyo and head here first. You can then visit the other two sites, which are within walking distance. The complex is about a 30-minute walk from the Tobu Nikko station.

The crowds also disappear late afternoon, so, if you don’t want to spend too long exploring the complex – hold off visiting the shrines until after 3pm – checking the closing time of course.

Just remember that there is a lot of detail on the site to check out. There are amazing carvings, including the famous detail based on the Three Wise Monkeys, intricate detailing, carved lanterns, pagodas, and the resting place of the first shogun.

Yuba is a specialty of Nikko. It’s often referred to as tofu skin, but it’s actually the skin that forms on the top of soy milk when it’s slowly heated.

At one point, only priests and royalty were allowed to eat yuba and they would come to Nikko specially for the privilege.

Today many Nikko restaurants still serve yuba – and some offer multi-course meals based around the local delicacy as it’s actually incredibly versatile.

So, where would Mr Jigami suggest visitors go to try it?

‘ Takaiya. One of the best local recommended restaurants,’ he says. ‘The Kaiseki style restaurant gives the authentic taste of “washoku” (Japanese food) as well as yuba. It’s ideal for those who are looking for a cozy but also luxurious dinner experience in the historic town.

Also, consider Yubatei Masudaya . Reasonable prices but unforgettable experiences are offered at this restaurant, from Yuba Sashimi to Yuba simmered in stock (Nimono-style).’

Reservations are essential for Takaiya, and you can find prices and more information in English on their website.

Yubatei Masudaya seats 40 people on their ground floor but it’s still best to make a reservation- and if you want to eat in their teahouse or traditional Japanese seating room, reservations are essential. Again, they have prices and a list of the courses in their Yuba menu in English on their website.

If you can’t get a reservation or would prefer not to have a multicourse lunch, many, many restaurants in Nikko serve yuba – look for the word ゆば on the sign or menu.

You can also buy yuba to take home – Fujiya is the shop to find if you want to take some home.

Shinkyo Bridge is one of the prettiest – and most Instagrammable spots – in Nikko, so we asked Mr Jigami for his best photographic tip.

‘In the summer season, the red bridge and the background green scenery clash with each other, creating a very aesthetically pleasing scene.

Here people can write their wishes on paper planes and fly them onto the river (this is a common way to ‘grant your wishes here’) – by doing so, you will make the photo an interesting story with the paper plane flying in it.’

He also suggests photographers visit Kegon Falls ‘in Autumn, which offers a stunning view with the autumn foliage in the background. From early November, the falls are illuminated at night, giving overnight stayers in Nikko another nighttime activity in which to participate.’

There are various establishments in Nikko that sell the natural ice served as ‘kakigōri’ – this is a traditional Japanese summer favorite, and you can buy it anywhere, so why should you make sure you try it, specifically, as part of your Nikko day trip?

Because the people who make ice in Nikko use the same methods, they have used for centuries.

During the peak of winter, they collect the frozen high-quality spring water that flows from the Nikko mountain range and store it for use in the summertime.

With a history dating back hundreds of years, traditional kakigōri is shaved so thin and fluffy that it is like freshly fallen snow and is completed with flavored syrups and other toppings.

Although this dessert can be found nationwide, not many places offer kakigōri made with natural ice as Nikko does.

Like yuba, you’ll find kakigori around town. Still, Mr Jigami suggests you visit his hotel to try their version as the café located inside the Nikko Kanaya Hotel offers shaved ice served with a special syrup made from another local specialty – ‘tochiotome’ strawberries.

As we said, Nikko’s main temples are famous worldwide, but what less-visited local sights does Mr Jigami think you should also try and add to your day?

His first answer is Kanmangafuchi Abyss , his favorite and one of Nikko’s ‘best’ hidden gems.

This gorge is about a 30-minute walk from the Toshogu Shrine and it’s not just a beautiful river view; the walkway is also lined by 70 stone statues.

‘The 70 stone statues of Jizo statue produce a spiritual atmosphere and would be the perfect way to experience Japan off the beaten path.

You can feel the Japanese “Zen” feelings while walking this path.

The Jizo statues here represent Buddhist deities that protect children, women, and travelers, and their alignment gives off a unique atmosphere.’

Another place not every tourist visits is Senjogahara, where he says you can immerse yourself in the nature of the 114,908-hectare Nikko National Park while hiking. This place is also a great place to enjoy star-gazing.

I’m going to answer for Mr Jigami here. You can see the main sights quickly in one day, but…

If you want to explore the town as well as the main sights (and maybe pick up some of the many Three Wise Monkeys souvenirs you’ll find in the shops) and take in some other fun sights like Edo Wonderland and Tobu World Square that are a bit further out of town, then it might be better to spend at least one night in the town.

This also gives you the benefit of being able to get to the busy sights before the crowds.

If you want to go hiking in the National Park, you’ll definitely need more than one night.

While most people take a day trip to Nikko from Tokyo and so leave in the evening, if you want to explore the town for longer to beat the temple crowds, soak in one of the many natural springs – or try the beautiful stargazing, you need more time so where should you stay?

‘Of course I recommend the Kanaya Hotel the most!,’ says Yoshiyuki san. ‘This is the oldest hotel in Japan and has been open since 1873. The hotel is located near Nikko’s main attractions, making it the best place to base yourself while exploring the area.

The building architecture is a unique mix of Japanese and European designs, making it a pleasure to stay in.’

As well as staying in the hotel, Mr Jigami recommends visitors to Nikko visit the hotel to try their curry rice that follows a 100-year-old recipe.

If you want to see more about the hotel, visit their website

If you’re interested in room rates and availability, then click here.

Via JR Lines

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you will want to travel by the JR lines to Nikko, as this will be included in the pass. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya from Tokyo station or Ueno, then change onto the JR Nikko line to Nikko station. This takes a little under 2 hours.

The Whole Japan Rail Pass is unlikely to pay for itself anymore, but the JR Tokyo Wide Pass is a 3-Day Pass that covers both Nikko and Mount Fuji. If you are hoping to cover both of these sights – and can do it within three days – it will save you some money.

Check prices for the JR Tokyo Wide Pass here.

With a Japan Rail Pass

If you don’t have a Rail Pass or don’t want to use it yet in your journey (see how to work out how long a pass you need or whether the Japan Rail Pass is right for your trip here ), then you can take the Tobu Railway from Tobu Asakusa or Tokyo Skytree stations.

From here, the fastest option is to take the Tobu Railway Limited Express, which will take you directly to Nikko in just under 2 hours.

If you want to get to Nikko before the crowds though, you’ll want to take the slightly slower Revarty Kegon Limited Express, which leaves Tokyo at 6.30am and gets you to Nikko at 8.23.

This train also divides during its journey at Shimo-imaichi – make sure you’re in the right half of the train. According to the timetable, the back three carriages go to Nikko (but double-check this on the day).

Don’t panic if you realize you’re in the wrong half on the way there; the train waits for four minutes at Shimo-imaichi so you will have time to swap.

If your hotel is closer to Shinjuku, then use the Spacia Nikko, which departs once a day directly from Shinjuku station.

Timetables in English for both options are here .

The JR Pass is not accepted on Tobu Railway, so you’ll need to buy tickets at the ticket office.

Whatever train you’re getting, you need to buy a standard fare ticket to Nikko – but, when travelling on trains called the Limited Express in Japan (as you are here), you also need to buy a Limited Express ticket to get yourself a seat. Think of it as kind of like adding a supplement for a faster service.

If you buy your ticket from one of the Tobu service centers at Asakusa station, they will be used to tourists and help you through all of this. If you prefer to use the machine, pick the reserved seat option so you know where you’re sitting on the train

If you are going to Nikko for a couple of days or, want to cram in a lot of sightseeing on your day trip, you might also want to buy one of the Nikko passes from Tobu Railways, which cover trains and buses in the region plus offer discounts on some attractions in the area. Find more information here .

So, there you have it, our guide to the perfect Tokyo to Nikko day trip – or even a longer stay.

Thanks to Satsuki Hosokawa at The Doq agency, Sydney, for conducting and translating the interview with Mr Jigami. Images of Kenyon Falls, Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Yuba dinner, and Lake Chuzenji used with permission of Doq.

Who Writes This Blog?

My name is Helen Foster, and I’m a journalist and author. My travel articles have appeared in publications including The Australian, RAC Horizons, Jetstar Magazine, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and more.

I’ve traveled to Japan five times before- solo and with my partner – and I’ve just returned from trip six in June 2023. So, everything here is pretty up to date.

Kyu-Karuizawa One Day Itinerary

The following is a suggested one day itinerary of the Kyu-Karuizawa district in Karuizawa . This average paced itinerary makes use of public buses to access the attractions over the course of the day, making it suitable for those who would prefer to not walk too much. Those interested in shopping can consider ending their day at the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza or staying overnight to extend their stay and visiting the nearby Naka-Karuizawa the following day.

Recommended Additions

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Kumobaike Pond

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Hotels around Karuizawa

The 11 BEST Day Trips from Tokyo, Japan (2024 Edition)

• Last Updated: January 25, 2024

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Tokyo, this article will help you plan your vacation perfectly!

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is an excellent place to base yourself for exploring the surrounding area.

Japan’s excellent transport network and rail passes mean that day trips are easy, convenient and cheaper than you might think. Tokyo station has train journeys leading to may amazing places outside the city.

In some cases, it is possible to join day trips together to make 2 to 3 long day trips utilising some of the amazing regional rail passes available.

Often this can work out being cheaper than taking individual day trips.

READ MORE: Check out our list of the top things to do in Tokyo .

However if you have an active JR pass then you can utilise this for all of the destinations listed below.

Be sure to double-check which route you can use a JR pass on, although I highly recommend getting one. You can buy yours on the Klook website for the best price .

READ MORE: Don’t miss our article on how to spend 3 days in Tokyo !

Table of Contents

What is There to See and Do? 

Getting there and away , book a tour, what is there to see and do, getting there and away, accommodation , insider tip – rail passes, best day trips from tokyo.

Without further ado, let me share with you the best Tokyo day trip ideas to make the most of your time outside the city!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Probably Japans most iconic image is the peak of Mt Fuji against a blue sky backdrop. Visiting the famous mountain is a bucket list item for many Japan travelers.

This is the image many come for however, you are more likely to get clouds around here so check the weather forecast. 

A day trip to see Mount Fuji from Tokyo is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. 

It’s also one of the easiest with direct buses running from Shibuya and Shinjuku Station. You can book on the day, but it’s better to book in advance.

Aside from Mount Fuji, quite a lot actually. Naturally, Mount Fuji is very much a centrepiece but it’s not all that’s on offer.

This is also one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo for tourists and locals alike, however with a lot to do it never feels that crowded (unless you’re climbing in Mt Fuji in peak season).

If you are looking to climb Mt Fuji, as many people do in the summer, check the dates the trail is open.

As a warning, climbing Mt Fuji is very popular, so do be aware that heading up to the peak may be similar to a rather long conga line. 

Things to see and do at Mt Fuji are quite spread out, and as a result, it’s worth planning what you want to do in advance to make the most of your time there.

The first thing to note is that unless you’re climbing Mt Fuji you really want to go to Fuji Five Lakes (Fuji-Goko).

This area is made up of, rather unsurprisingly, five lakes. There are numerous walking trails around these lakes.

The majority of day trip transport options will take you to the largest lake Kawaguchiko, but there are a couple of buses that will take you further afield.  

The Chureito Pagoda has stunning views of Mt Fuji on a clear day (sadly I did not have much luck).

To get here you will need to take a local train from Fuji Kawaguchiko to Shimoyoshida. From here it’s a nice 20-minute or so walk. 

Kawaguchiko is the most easily accessible of the 5 lakes around Fuji. There are numerous trails and the ropeway taking you part way up Mount Tenjo can offer (weather dependant of course) excellent views of Fuji.

Mount Tenjo itself has a couple of hiking trails that go beyond where the ropeway takes you, as well as trails up and down the mountain itself.

Incidentally, there are a couple of deserted temples on the hike down from the ropeway station that are worth a look. 

There are excellent bus and train options from Tokyo Station for getting to Fuji Five Lakes. The best bet depends if you have any kind of JR pass.

Buses are better for a day trip if you don’t have a rail pass with a one-way journey costs 1950 yen.

You can take buses from Shibuya or Shinjuku, however, Shinjuku usually has more buses leaving.

Click here to book. This is the way most will get to Fuji from Tokyo.

Taking a train is a little more complicated and more expensive unless you have a JR pass or a regional rail pass.

You will need to take the JR Chuo line to Otsuki and then take Fujikyu railway to Kawaguchiko.

Getting to Otsuki you can take the direct 70-minute train at  2500 yen one way or the 100-minute local for 1320.

From Otsuki the train to Fujikyu is 55 minutes and costs 1140 yen one-way.

Obviously, you will not have to worry about the price if you have either of the rail passes listed above.

In addition, you can get a 3-day rail pass that combines Fuji and Hakone. Certainly value for money, it just depends on the time you have available. 

If time is an issue, or you’d prefer to let somebody else do all the thinking and planning for you, we recommend booking a day tour to Mount Fuji from Tokyo.

The one below is the best-rated tour you can book ahead of time on the internet and includes a comfortable coach transfer from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, a delicious traditional lunch and a visit to the beautiful Lake Kawaguchi.

Hakone is famous for its lake, views of Mt Fuji, onsens, hot springs, and Japanese culture.

Situated in between Fuji and Kamakura it is possible to visit as a day trip or as part of a longer trip utilising some of the awesome train passes available.

These multi-day passes mean its more cost-effective to use a regional rail pass and combine visits to Hakone with Fuji or Kamakura.

READ MORE: Here’s our list of the best places to visit in Japan !

Ashino-Ko is the centrepiece of Hakone with boat trips (often covered by regional rail passes) as well as a famous ropeway and some amazing Fuji viewing points.

There are also a number of art museums and short walking trails that make this place one of the great side trips from downtown Tokyo.

The Odawara Castle is a highlight of the area. Originally built in the mid 15th Century, the magnificent Odawara Castle is a must see on your next trip to Hakone.

Other than the Odawara Castle, the scenery in Hakone itself is particularly gorgeous. There are onsens galore that make for some awesome accommodation options and there are a few nice hot springs to enjoy as well. 

Tenzan Onsen has traditional Japanese baths and hot springs where you can relax in the warm thermal waters and admire the waterfalls.

Hakone Yuryo and Hakone Kowakien Yunessun are two other hot springs in the area. There is no better way to treat yourself in Japan than soaking in the natural hot springs, so definitely visit at least one of them!

The train is the best option here. You can either use a JR pass, 2-day Hakone pass or 3 day passes combing Hakone and Kamakura or Hakone and Fuji. 

Once again it’s easy to book a tour to this charming tow from downtown Tokyo to take away all the stress of figuring it our yourself.

Try this tour through Klook , which combines Hakone and Mount Fuji into one epic day of exploring.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our ultimate guide to travelling in Japan – Click here .

Kamakura 

This gorgeous, small seaside town is one of the best day trips from Tokyo.

Whether you want to hike, Buddhist temple hop or relax on the beach, Kamakura can accommodate. 

Temples and hiking trails are the main highlights, however there is a decent beach and the funky island of Enoshima to keep you entertained.

The small town of Kamakura itself has some awesome restaurants and cafes all within walking distance of the top tourist attractions. 

Daibatsu, also known as the Great Buddha, is probably Kamakura’s most iconic sight. The 11.4 metres high Buddha is very popular and naturally is one of the busiest areas in Kamakura.

However the Great Buddha is definitely worth a visit.

The surrounding area has a number of other interesting Buddhist temples including the gorgeous Hase Dera Temple which overlooks the coastline and the town itself. 

Behind Kencho-Ji you can access the Ten-en Hiking Course.

This trail takes you up into the hills behind Kamakura and offers lovely views and some interesting temples en route.

The trail is clearly signposted and there are numerous ways to come down from the hills and back into the town itself. 

Another interesting sight is the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-Gu which is located at the end of Wakayama-Oji.

This is said to be Kamakura’s most important shrine, dedicated to the Hachiman, the god of war. 

The area around the train station is home to numerous cafe’s restaurants and little craft shops.

If you head north from the train station and essentially follow the train track there are a couple of lovely, deserted temples that are a perfect place to find that bit of zen and Japanese culture that you may be craving.

Pick up a Kamakura Day Pass from the Odakyu private train line at Shinjuku station for 1470 yen.

This covers a return trip from Tokyo station to Fujisawa and then enlisted usage of the Enoden and Odakyu railway lines between Fujisawa and Katase-Enoshima (Odakyu) and Fujisawa (Kamakura (Enoden). 

Depending on which train you get it can take anything between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.

Most of the time you will need to transfer once at Fujisawa (which is the end of the line) and then take the Enoden line to Kamakura itself. 

If you are planning on heading to Daibatsu and Hasedera first then you’re better off getting off at Hase Station.

If the beach is what you’re aiming for any of the stations on the beach should suffice. 

There is an Odakyu-Kamakura Rail Pass which allows you to combine a visit to Kamakura and Hakone.

In addition this pass covers transport in Hakone itself and offers discounts to some tourist attractions. 

If you want to enjoy a bit of luxury, you can book private transfers from Tokyo to Kamakura and back. This only costs about 3,500 Yen one way.

Another one of the awesome day tours from Tokyo on Get Your Guide, this one includes a private trip to Kamakura with an English-speaking professional guide so you can learn all about the Japanese history and culture.

Tokyo Day Trip Ideas for Hikers

Tokyo’s surrounding area is blessed with some great hiking trails with many of them offering gorgeous views of Fuji on a cloud-free day.

The only rail pass option available is the 3-day Tokyo area pass. However it is 10,000 yen, so make sure you can get your money’s worth! 

This means that some may end up being more expensive than some of the other trips suggested.

Alternatively, if you have an active JR pass then hikes in Yamanashi, Saitama or Tochigi prefectures may be far more accessible and cost-effective.

There are far more hikes than the ones listed below, I’ve focused on hikes that are nearer to Tokyo limiting travel time.

Here’s what I recommend for hikers looking for awesome Tokyo day trips.

Hike Mount Daibosatsu

This beginner-intermediate level hike is one of many awesome trails in Yamanashi Prefecture.

There are two trails, both of which are just over 6 hours in length. Clear days reward you with stunning views. 

From Shinjuku station, you need to take the JR Limited Express “Kaiji” train and get off at Enzan Station (塩山駅).

The train takes about 90 minutes and costs around 3500 yen, there are cheaper and slower alternatives available. 

From Enzan take the bus heading towards Daibosatsutōge-tozanguchi, this takes 30 minutes and cost 3500 yen.

Hiking Mount Mitake

There are a couple of excellent hikes on offer here with Fuji even being visible from various viewpoints on clear days. 

The pick of the trails on offer is the hike from Mussashi Mitake-jinja to the summit of Otake-san which is a 5 hour round trip.

To get to the start point you can walk or take the cable car from Taikimoto. It’s an hour one way and the cable car runs from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. 

It takes around an hour and 45 minutes to get out here. Take the JR Chuo line from Shinjuku station to Tachikawa or Ome and then change to JR Ome line.

Get off the Ome line at Mitake and then take a bus from here to the start point at Takimoto. 

Hiking Mount Takao

A nice three and half hour (give or take) hike to the summit that offers decent views back towards Tokyo.

Probably not the most spectacular or peaceful hike around Tokyo (it can be packed on weekends). On a clear day, you can spot Fuji. 

The trail is littered with temples, shrines and tori gates. There is a cable car if you don’t have the energy.

Take the Keio line out to Takaosanguchi from Shinjuku. If you have a JR pass you can head out via the JR Chuo line to Takao and then change onto the Keio line and get off at Takaosanguchi.

The journey times are similar and since the non-JR option costs 370 yen it’s probably not worth activating your JR pass for this.

Of this hikes mentioned this is the closest to Tokyo and the easiest to get to. 

Hike Myojingatake 

This lovely hike down in Hakone offers amazing views of Fuji if the if it’s not cloudy.

The trail is tough in some parts and you should budget between 4 and 6 hours depending on weather, pace and fitness. 

This could be a good option if you are using one of the multi-day Hakone rail passes and looking for great day tours from Tokyo.

You will need to head to Gora station on Hakone Tozan railway. The trail then starts from here. 

Izu Peninsula

If you fancy a little more freedom for your day trips out of Tokyo, you could consider a road trip down to the Izu Peninsula south of the city.

It is popular with Tokyo-ites on weekends and holidays. The western side offers great views of Fuji when the weather cooperates. 

This is rarely visited by tourists and it covers a huge area. There are some lovely hot spring areas offering superb onsens.

In addition, there are some gorgeous beaches where you can bum around in the sun. This helps to cement its reputation as a great place to relax. 

The peninsula is home to some gorgeous beaches and funky laid back towns that are well worth exploring.

Obviously if exploring is on your agenda then hiring a car is your best bet.

However, if hiring a car isn’t an option then it is possible to get around by train, you just don’t have the same level of freedom.

Since this covers such a large area there is no shortage of things to see and do.

The Jogasaki and Irozaki coasts of some fantastic views and Shorehama and Dogashima offer some lovely beaches.

Shuzenji, Ito and Arami offer some amazing onsens and for those that like hiking Kawazu Nanadaru, the seven waterfalls in the mountains above Kawazu, offer some lovely trails.

There’s certainly enough to keep you busy here for a day or more if you choose!

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the Izu Peninsula and all the best things to do in Shizuoka Prefecture ! 

There is a rail pass available but depending on where you’re going it may be more cost-effective to purchase tickets separately.

Utilise the amazing app Hyperdia to help you do your research. 

However, if you want some freedom then renting a car is a great option. Day rentals are common in Japan, but you will need your countries driving licence AND an International Drivers Permit (IDP).

Bonus Multi-Day Trip: Nikko  

Nikko is famous for temples and onsens, and the lush Nikko National Park. It’s a bit too far from Tokyo to do as a day trip so most people will do it as a 2 or 4-day visit depending on which rail pass they decide to use.

Central Nikko is a Unesco World Heritage Site which is home to some truly outstanding temples.

In Nikko National Park there are some amazing hiking options around Lake Chuzenji and numerous onsens.

If temples are your thing then Central Nikko is the place to start. From Tobu Nikko station you can take a bus that is covered by the Tobu Nikko pass up to the World Heritage area.

Here you can explore temples at your leisure.

The area around the Toshogu shrine can get particularly busy. The further away you get from here the quieter it gets, with Taiyuin-byo being particularly lovely. 

If you’re looking at heading further afield Lake Chuzen-ji is a great change of pace. There a numerous hiking trails, ropeways and boats to help you get the most out of this gorgeous area.  

Check out this other article I produced on what to see and do in Nikko.

This area is famous for its onsen hotels and resorts. These are some of the more expensive accommodation options in Japan.

Very often prices on sites like Agoda, Booking.com and Hotels.com can be eye-watering.

Your best option is to check out the Japanese hotel site Rakuten . Sometimes you can find some incredible bargains. 

More often than not these hotels will have an option to include breakfast and dinner.

Also, there is usually an additional onsen fee that will be paid upon check out. However it’s usually a small amount of a few hundred yen per person.

Kinugawa Onsen is the most accessible onsen area as it’s included on the most basic rail pass.

This area is littered with some gorgeous onsens. Further than that, you will probably need to pay for transport as your rail pass may not cover it, however, these onsets may be slightly cheaper.  

The best way to get there is from Asakusa station in central Tokyo. Here you can buy a Nikko Tobu pass (follow the signs for the Tobu line or Tobu Asakusa). 

There are a variety of passes that are either 2 or 4 days in length and will cover different areas meaning it is possible to customise your trip to your needs and wants.

Very loosely fitting the definition of a “day trip from Tokyo” as it’s only down in Tokyo Bay.

However, this huge onsen is a fantastic way to spend the day.

If you love onsens then this is the place for you. This huge complex in Tokyo Bay can best be described as an onsen theme park.

Inside you will find restaurants, relaxation rooms, massages, performances and fair ground stalls. 

At the entrance, you need to remove your shoes and select your Yakuta. They will give you a fob with your locker number on it.

You also use this fob to purchase anything inside which you then pay for when you exit. 

Remember to wear your underwear under your Yakuta, otherwise it could be rather embarrassing. 

If you’re curious about what an onsen is and why it’s so popular then this is a pretty awesome place to find out more. 

This huge onsen complex is actually located in the south of Tokyo. Take the Tokyo metro out to Telecom Centre and from there it’s a 5-minute walk.

Japan’s second-largest city is home to 3 million people and is only 30 minutes from Tokyo station by train.

It certainly has an appeal that helps it escape its much bigger brother to the north. 

READ MORE: Check out our list of the best things to do in Yokohama

Minato Mirai is a huge redevelopment of Yokohama’s shipping docks. The area is full of bars, restaurants, arcades and fairground rides all connected by a series of promenades. 

Yokohama is also home to Ramen and Cup Noodle museums for those with a taste for the quirky and the Kirin beer factory if you fancy sampling some of Japan’s most popular beer. 

For those in the mood for something more cultured, the Yokohama Port Museum and Yokohama Museum of Art await.

Additionally there is the lovely Sankeien garden to explore. 

There are a number of different railway companies that run between Tokyo station and Yokohama. Check them out on the Japan Guide site.

Japan’s amazing rail network is the envy of the world. Delays are rare, carriages are spotless and you can get almost anywhere. 

Day trips from Tokyo are made easier and more cost-effective by the rail passes on offer. The hard part comes when deciding which passes to use.  

In this article, there will be a number of different rail passes mentioned. Some are variants of Japans famous JR pass and others are passes on privately run rail networks, most notably down to Kamakura and up to Nikko.

For information on ALL of the rail passes available in Japan check out this excellent article by japanguide.com .

This is a great way to research what is going to be the best option.

Do be aware that rail passes that take in more than one place usually cover only one return trip to Tokyo.

So for example, you couldn’t head to place ‘A’ from Tokyo, head back to Tokyo that night and then head to place ‘B’ the following morning on the same rail pass.

Often these sorts of rail passes cover local transport including buses and trains in the passes local areas.

The article above can give you all the information you need.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Top 25 Easy Day Trips From Tokyo

See another side of Japan with these easy day trips from Tokyo.

From walking in the shadow of Mt. Fuji to gazing at extravagant temples and shrines, there are many interesting things to do and places to visit around Tokyo. If you’re looking for suggestions, here are our best 25 easy day trips from Tokyo — by train, bus or private car — including some underrated gems.

Pro tip: Before buying any train tickets, see if the JR Tokyo Wide Pass will save you some money.

The best Tokyo day trip for you may depend on the season. Check out our other articles for highlights across the year:

• Winter Day Trips From Tokyo
• Spring Day Trips from Tokyo
• Summer Day Trips From Tokyo
• Autumn Day Trips From Tokyo

Note that all prices listed below are estimates.

1. Kamakura

1 hour by train from Shinjuku Station ¥ 950 (one way) Recommended: A Fun Day Out Discovering Kamakura

One of the more popular spots, Kamakura is well known for its traditional Kyoto style, with temples and shrines galore. There are great light hiking options , as well as plenty of delicious local street foods to try and beaches to lie on. You can easily cover the area in a day, with hikes taking you to see the famed giant Buddha, as well as beautiful shrines with bamboo forests , teahouses, and more.

Pro tip: Go deeper into Kita Kamakura, with brunch and a guided temple tour .

For a full run-down of what’s on offer, see our Kamakura mega guide .

2. Enoshima

1 hour 10 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station ¥ 650 (one way) Recommended Kamakura and Enoshima day tour

As one of the most popular Tokyo beach resorts (also see neighbor Kamakura), Enoshima offers sands to lie on and a stunning island to explore. You can walk to the island easily from the station and visit shrines, an observatory, and gardens, before cooling off in the caves on the other side. Be warned, there are quite a few steps, but you can also explore the island by boat.

Read up on the various Enoshima sightseeing options , as well as how to get there from Tokyo.

Pro tip: Combine Kamakura and Enoshima in an economical one-day bus tour from Tokyo .

1 hour 50 minutes by train from Asakusa Station 2-day Nikkō pass available : ¥ 2,120 (round trip, does not incl. limited express fare) Recommended guided Nikkō day tour from Tokyo

Easily extended into a weekend trip but great for a busy day too, Nikkō is famed for its stunning scenery and numerous temples and shrines. You can explore the cultural spots or escape into nature, such as the nearby waterfall or lake. Make sure to visit the elegant Tōshōgū Shrine , dedicated to the founding ruler of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu.

See our Nikkō sightseeing guide for more info on what to do there, and our Nikkō transport guide for the best ways to get there from Tokyo.

1 hour 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station ¥ 2,470 (one way) Recommended: Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train

Home to hot springs galore, onsen eggs, mountains, and teahouses, Hakone is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. Perfect for a nature-based escape, it has  three great hiking trails , as well as gondolas to volcanic valleys and pirate ships that traverse a beautiful lake. There are over a dozen museums in the area so you can take your pick, from wandering around the Hakone Open Air Museum to Impressionist collections at the Pola Museum . It’s also a great place for Evangelion fans to see their favorite spots from the anime. You may need more than a day in Hakone to experience everything.

Read more about the things you can get up to in Hakone and other options to get there in our full Hakone guide .

5. Kawaguchiko

2 hours by train or bus from Shinjuku Station From ¥ 2,200 (one way) Recommendeded: day trip tour to Kawaguchiko or Mt Fuji Day Trip with Private English Speaking Driver

Mount Fuji is probably pretty high on your Japan list, and unless you’re climbing it , a view of the world-famous volcano is hard to beat. Enter Kawaguchiko. Here you can choose from views across fields of moss phlox , clear lakes, or lavender — in fact, there aren’t many places that won’t have Mt. Fuji somewhere in the background. The most iconic of these can be found featuring the Chūreitō Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park, or on top of a rollercoaster at Fuji Q Highland .

With annual flower festivals, plenty of museums and nature spots, onsen, and more, Kawaguchiko is an easy day trip from Tokyo with lots to choose from.

Take a look at our full Kawaguchiko day trip guide for all the info, especially on how to get there: highway buses may be a better option than trains for some visitors.

Pro tip: This Mt. Fuji day trip tour , which includes a visit to the fifth station of Mount Fuji, plus a ride on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and a stop-off at Lake Kawaguchi, for ¥ 11,900 , is a good-value way to see the sights.

30 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station ¥ 490 (one way)

Nicknamed Little Edo, Kawagoe is a charming town that has preserved the Edo feel with traditional buildings and plenty of great food. A 15- to 30-minute walk from Kawagoe Station, Kurazukuri Street is lined with preserved warehouse buildings characterized by clay walls and tiles. There are over 200 in the surrounding area and many have been turned into cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of traditional (and reasonable) lunch sets, with the local specialty being eel.

Editor’s note: Eel (unagi) is endangered , so you may want to think twice before ordering it.

There is also a whole street dedicated to sweets, in Kawagoe. If you go on the 18th of the month, you’ll see plenty of kimono-wearers (and can wear one yourself if you like), as discounts are given to those sporting the traditional outfits.

See if this is the day trip for you with our mega Kawagoe guide .

7. Mount Takao

55 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station ¥ 430 (one way) Idea: Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring

Easy to get to, fun to hike, and home to a monkey park, Takao is a brilliant day trip for hikers and is only an hour from Tokyo. There is the lovely Yakuoin Temple around halfway up the mountain, with a creepy bird-faced Tengu standing guard. Once you reach the top, there are amazing panoramic views of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji to enjoy, as well as a wild plant garden and the aforementioned monkey park. Check out our guide to hiking routes near Tokyo, including Takao .

For more details on Takao, how to get there, and what to do once you’ve arrived, check out our full Mount Takao guide .

8. Odawara City

1 hour 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station ¥ 910 (one way)

See one of the closest castle keeps to Tokyo. Odawara is a great day trip with a beautiful castle carefully restored from Edo-period drawings. You can also enjoy the fishing port for a slap-up lunch of freshly caught fish in a donburi (rice-bowl dish) at the Odawara Fish Market Den . Stroll in the relaxing Tsujimura Botanical Gardens to round off your afternoon before heading back to the big city.

Read about more castles near Tokyo .

Pro tip: Let a knowledgeable guide show you the sights, and then sit down to dinner with a geisha as part of a special Odawara tour .

9. Ibaraki’s Ushiku Daibutsu

1 hour 30 minutes by train and bus from Tokyo Station ¥ 1,690 (one way)

An unusual day trip takes you to see the second largest Buddha in the world — and to explore its rather surreal insides. Situated in Ibaraki , the statue stands as a perfect excuse for a day in the country, plus a picnic. You can venture inside the Buddha to practice calligraphy , see 3,000 golden Buddhas, have your shrine book signed, and enjoy views from the observation deck. The surrounding gardens have a petting zoo, koi pond, and flower displays, which change with the season.

Have a look at the full Ushiku Daibutsu article if you fancy scaling the beast.

10. Chichibu

1 hour 20 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station ¥ 1,700 (one way)

Known mainly for its shiba-zakura festival in spring, Chichibu is a small-ish city in the west of Saitama that’s very underrated. Originally an industrial town, Chichibu is moving more toward tourism, and with its incredible mountains, that shouldn’t be a difficult transition.

There are plenty of shrines and temples to visit, as well as a pilgrimage route featuring 34 Buddhist temples. Chichibu has long had a reputation for meisen , a special silk produced only in the town and highly lauded in Edo times. You can still visit the Meisenkan to see original looms and purchase some locally made silk.

11. Kawasaki

15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station ¥ 320 (one way)

Smaller and not as well known as Kanagawa Prefecture largest city ( Yokohama ), Kawasaki is still a lovely location with plenty to explore. While it might be best known for a certain festival , Kawasaki has other attractions, including the rather massive Daishi Temple , the Doraemon Museum , and the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum to stroll around (known as the Nihon Minkaen). Unfortunately, Kawasaki’s once-famous dystopian warehouse amusement arcade  has long since closed.

12. Takasaki

1 hour 45 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station ¥ 1,980 (one way)

Takasaki is a laid-back city in Gunma . It is the home of Daruma — the angry-faced figures you will no doubt have seen on your travels, who bring good luck in accomplishing goals. A large majority of them are made here and you can find plenty for sale as souvenirs. There’s also the Takasaki Daruma Ichi, a market full of Daruma held on January 6 and 7.

You can visit the Jigenin Temple complex to see Daruma of every shape and size, which also happens to be near one of the biggest Kannon statues in Japan. The White-Robed Kannon stands at 40 m tall and you can enjoy views from the top for ¥ 300 . Combine that with a walk along the traditional Ishiharamachi Shopping Street and you’ll have a grand day out!

1 hour 40 minutes by train from Tokyo Station ¥ 1,980 (one way)

Atami is a hot-spring resort and a brilliant day trip from Tokyo — it has plenty of unusual attractions to keep you entertained. As well as soaking in salt-water hot springs, lazing on the beach, and enjoying the views, you can also visit a fake castle, which houses displays about real castles, enjoy the trick-art museum, and even get the gondola up to the sex museum , aka Treasure House (that actually makes it weirder?).

Plus, there is the excellent MOA Museum of Art with a mixture of Eastern and Western pieces, including work by Monet, Rembrandt, and Ogata Korin. Atami is also a good destination for divers and plum blossom lovers .

Check out our full day-trip guide to Atami and explore other nearby Izu spots , too.

Pro tip: For the non-Cheapo in a hurry, you can take the Shinkansen to Atami and slim the journey time down to 40 minutes.

14. Mt. Nokogiri

2 hours 5 minutes by train from Tokyo Station ¥ 1,980 (one way) Idea: Hike Mt. Nokogiri with a guide

For a real escape into nature, Nokogiriyama (aka Sawtooth Mountain) is an amazing hike filled with quarry drops, stunning views and plenty of Buddhas. The Nihonji Temple complex is stretched out across the mountaintop and has lots to explore. From the largest cliff-carved Buddha to a 30-meter Goddess of Mercy with 1500 (mostly decapitated) arhat in between, you’ll be happily distracted as you clamber up the stairs carved into the mountain. The famous View to Hell is really incredible, both to look at and enjoy yourself, and is right by the Goddess of Mercy, which might allay some vertigo fears.

Check out our guide to getting to hell and back .

15. Okutama

2 hours by train from Shinjuku Station ¥ 1,110 (one way)

A beautiful haven filled with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and plenty more — Okutama is perfect for a long weekend or a quick escape. There are full-day hiking trails like this one , which takes you across three mountains, or you can try some of the more relaxed wanderings in the valleys. The upper reaches of the Tama River are a brilliant place to relax away from the sweltering city heat in summer and also offer a wide range of water sports, like rafting . You can also visit Nippara Cave —the longest in the Kanto region.

16. Misaki Port Town and Jogashima Island

1 hour 40 minutes by train and bus from Shinagawa Station ¥ 1,090 (one way)

If you really want to escape, there’s nowhere better than an island to really feel like you’ve put some distance between you and Tokyo. On the Miura coast of Kanagawa, the small fishing town of Misaki (known as Japan’s “tuna town”) has its own fish market early in the morning and plenty of fresh fish to fill up on too. The official market finishes at 9 a.m., but most stalls remain open till late afternoon.

Feeling fancy? You can snag yourself a luxury overnight stay in Miura , complete with your own private sushi chef (it’s not as pricey as it sounds).

Jogashima Island is connected to Misaki Town and is rocky with some swimming spots, plus a hiking trail that takes you all the way around — a distance of about 3–4 km. If that seems like too much work, get off early at Miura-kaigan Station and head to Miura Beach or visit the early-blooming cherry blossom festival in March.

Our Miura day trip guide  has more details on the peninsula.

17. Yokohama

25 minutes by train from Tokyo Station ¥ 490 (one way)

The second biggest city in Japan with over 3 million people, Yokohama has plenty to keep you entertained if you’re after a city break from your city break. With stunning night views across the Minato Mirai waterfront area, not one but two ramen museums (the  Cup Noodle Museum  and the  Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum ), an amazing  art scene , the beautiful  Sankei-en Gardens  and a massive  Chinatown , you can have a brilliantly busy day out in a more relaxed city.

Check out our sample itinerary for ideas on how to spend a day in Yokohama .

1 hour 5 minutes by train from Ueno Station ¥ 3,890 (one way)

The capital city of nearby Ibaraki Prefecture, Mito was once the stronghold of the Mito clan in the Edo period. It is now most famous for the stunning Kairaku-en Gardens , which are one of the top three gardens in the country.

The gardens were designed by Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth feudal lord of the clan, as one of the first public gardens (even though it was only for samurai level and above). Regular buses run from the station to the gardens and you can also enjoy the incredibly modern Art Tower and the Mito City Museum .

For a more nature-based day out, you could visit Lake Senba and cycle around as there are bike rental places nearby. If you’re there in spring, there’s a delightful plum festival .

19. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station ¥ 230 (one way)

Among the more unique Disney resorts, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are markedly different from the others dotted across the world.

Aside from just enjoying all the usual rides and Disney stuff, you can visit the only DisneySea , try the variety of popcorn flavors, and enjoy all the matching costumes (and this time we mean the guests, not the characters). These two parks are (we’re told) the only ones in the world not wholly owned by Disney (although they do have creative control), so it is a great chance to see a Japanese twist on classics — although don’t worry, nothing key has been altered!

If you’re keen to head to the fun straight from the airport, check out our Narita to Disney guide . If you want pointers to good hotels in the area, check out our Disney accommodation guide , and here are some tips for saving money at Disney .

Pro tip: Pre-book your Tokyo Disney Resort tickets online , for ease of entry.

20. Nagatoro and the Arakawa River

2 hours 15 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station ¥ 1,950 (one way)

Nagatoro arguably offers some of the most stunning, unspoiled nature in all of Japan, as well as the chance to get involved. You can enjoy a riverboat tour through some surprisingly rapid waters, with over 200,000 visitors trying it every year. If you like a little danger, you can try white water rafting or paragliding, and if you don’t, there’s a riverside hiking trail too.

The small town is home to Hodosan Mountain Shrine and Iwadatami shopping street, which is filled with local produce. There’s an occasional steam train, the “ Paleo Express ” running on the Chichibu Railway, which stops for a while and lets off steam at Nagatoro. Remember to try the local specialty of walnuts and sun-dried tomatoes, as well as locally made soba and udon.

21. Chiba City

40 minutes by train from Tokyo Station ¥ 660 (one way)

One of the closest day trips from Tokyo, Chiba City is packed with all things traditional as well as some amazing modern creations too. The castle is a folk museum with plenty to learn, and Chiba Shrine is not to be missed. You can enjoy some great art at the Hoki Museum , which focuses on realism and has a variety of works. There is also the Chiba Museum of Art and the Science Museum , so no one is left wanting on the museum front.

To get around the city, you can ride the world’s longest-suspended monorail which feels wrong, but is definitely safe. One of the most visited spots is the Chiba Port Tower, which was built to commemorate the population reaching 5 million in the 1980s, and offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. There are numerous parks and even a zoo complete with pandas — so you can balance your day perfectly.

22. Katsunuma

2 hours 10 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station ¥ 1,980 (one way)

Fans of wine, look no further. Katsunuma is one of the top three wine producers in the country and is only a stone’s throw away in nearby Yamanashi Prefecture . Despite the humidity, wine has been successfully produced in Japan since the Meiji Period (with Emperor Meiji being a great fan himself). It does require a slightly different procedure compared to grapes grown in less humid countries, but is no less delicious!

With plenty of wineries nearby, you can enjoy unlimited tastings like the coin-operated wine machines from ¥ 100 at Budo no Oka , or just enjoy the hospitality of the different wineries on your route — although purchasing is recommended eventually. Along with the grapes, the area produces plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and you can easily pick up some delicious treats for dinner before heading home.

23. Shuzenji Onsen

2 hours by train from Tokyo Station ¥ 4,640 (one way)

Grab a rickshaw, rent a kimono, and bask in the tranquility of this sleepy onsen town. Shuzenji Onsen is known for its crimson foliage in autumn , when many of the already beautiful local sights get a dust of gold. Here you’ll find one of the oldest hot spring baths in Izu, Tokko no Yu (look, don’t touch); a bamboo grove down a narrow path; a vermillion “lovers” bridge; and Shuzenji Temple, which often holds events throughout the year.

You can take the Odoriko train directly to Shuzenji Station from Tokyo, but the journey is even quicker — around 1 hour 30 minutes — if you grab the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and change to the Izuhakone Tetsudo-Sunzu Line at Mishima Station. A special bus liner for ¥ 2,000 operates during the autumn season.

24. Jōgasaki Coast

1 hour 50 minutes by train and bus from Tokyo Station ¥ 4,480 (one way)

This jagged coastal walk in Izu is for those who like getting out into nature. Its scenic ocean views, lighthouse, and suspension bridges show the rugged side of Japan.

Get off at Jōgasaki-Kaigan Station and walk around 20 to 30 minutes to the start of the Jogasaki Picnical Course. You can then follow the coast to Izu Oceanic Park and end by getting a bus to Izu-Kōgen Station, where you can head back to Tokyo. If you are feeling adventurous, you could extend your hike along the coast or grab a 30-minute bus (Bus No. 108) from Izu Oceanic Park to extinct volcano Mt. Omuro .

Consider spending more than a day in the Izu Peninsula and see what else it has to offer.

25. Ashikaga City

1 hour 30 minutes by train from Asakusa Station ¥ 2,050 (one way)

Ashikaga City in Tochigi Prefecture is one of those cities that exists out of most visitors’ realm of knowledge, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. The best time to visit is in spring, when the flower festivals at Ashikaga Flower Park are in full swing (see e.g. the Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival ), but the park also puts on a great illumination show in winter. The city also has Ashikaga Gakkō, Japan’s first organized school that includes an idyllic Japanese garden.

For a full look at what to do and how to get there, see our day trip to Ashikaga City guide .

Watch our video for 5 of the top Tokyo day trips -->

First published in July 2017. Last updated in March 2024, by Alex Ziminski. All information is subject to change, including prices.

閱讀中文版本: 25個精選東京近郊一日遊

• Kamakura Station
• Great Buddha of Kamakura
• Enoshima Shrine
• Kawagoe Station
• Kawaguchiko Station
• Chiba Castle (Chiba City Folk Museum)
• Odawara Castle
• Kawasaki Daishi
• Tsujimura Botanical Gardens
• Fujiko F. Fujio Museum (Doraemon Museum)
• Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum (Nihon Minkaen)
• Chiba Shrine
• Hoki Museum
• Chiba City Museum of Art
• Chiba City Museum of Science
• Restaurants
• Odawara Fish Market Den
• Bullet train
• Hot springs
• Sightseeing

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10 of the best hotels in Tokyo, from charming ryokans to Japanese onsen retreats

Japan’s capital is one of the most diverse and thrilling cities on Earth — but its sheer size can make choosing a hotel daunting. Here are 10 places to stay in Tokyo to make your trip all the more memorable.

With its glinting skyscrapers, narrow alleyways, lantern-festooned temples and neon-clad arcades, Tokyo is one of the most diverse and thrilling cities on Earth — but its sheer size can make choosing a hotel daunting. Over the past decade, accommodation options have broadened to include trendy ryokans (traditional inns) and indie hotels. Because there’s no single city ‘centre’ in the Japanese capital, you’ll almost certainly have to do some travelling — likely on the efficient metro system — to see its highlights, so don’t get overly hung up on location. Instead, think about what’s more important after a day’s sightseeing: an al fresco pool or a cool in-house bar.

1. Hoshinoya Tokyo

Best for: cultural immersion Leave the city, and your shoes, behind as you step onto the tatami floors of this skyscraper ryokan. It’s a low-lit retreat of shoji screen doors and incense-scented air, with a second-floor lobby that includes a little salon for tea ceremonies. The 84 rooms are spread across the next 14 floors, with each level centred around a traditional ochanoma lounge serving teas, sake and house-made snacks. The rooms themselves are plush, with raised-platform futon beds, deep-soak tubs and jersey kimono-style pyjamas. An immense 17th-floor onsen-spa has hot spring waters pumped in from 5,000ft below the city streets, with a vaulted roof that leaves it part-open to the elements. The 10-table basement restaurant serves exquisite French-Japanese tasting menus and the in-room bento box breakfasts are highly recommended. Rooms: From ¥112,000 (£589), two-night minimum stay.

2. OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka

Best for: budgeting In a skyscraper-cluttered metropolis, a hotel with an intimate, neighbourhood vibe can be a rare thing. Yet this branch of cool, affordable chain Omo, by Hoshino Resorts, has just that, packaged up in a modern building in the northern district of Otsuka. Cleverly designed rooms make the most of every square inch, with loft-style beds suspended above tatami mat seating areas and storage space integrated into walls and stairs. There’s also a laundry room on the fifth floor, where guests can wash and dry clothes for just a few quid, and an all-day cafe that transitions from breakfast space to coffeeshop to bar as the day progresses. Sign up for a local tour with one of the dedicated ‘Omo Rangers’, who will take you around the excellent local tempura and ramen shops — or even on an Otsuka bar crawl. Rooms: From ¥16,000 (£84).

3. TRUNK (Hotel) Cat Street

Best for: loft-style cool This felt like an entirely new concept in Tokyo when it first opened in 2017: a design-forward boutique hotel with universally appealing NYC-style coolness. Seven years on, the concept has now been copied many times in the city, but it’s still hard to top the original in the shopping area of Shibuya, just off Cat Street. Its lounge, restaurants and shop attract fashionable Tokyoites as much as hotel guests, and its bedrooms come with a breezy, minimalist aesthetic. Some have balconies with hammocks while larger options, like the Dining Suite, include spaces such as a kitchen area or terrace. Don’t be surprised to see dapper couples heading for the rooftop; it’s a popular venue for city weddings. Rooms: From ¥51,774 (£273).

4. Palace Hotel Tokyo

Best for: royal luxury This elegant hotel in Otemachi has long been a favourite with well-heeled Tokyoites who come for the dining options and spa. It helps that it’s mere steps away from the Imperial Palace, the city’s most exclusive address, and close to the swish shops of the upmarket Ginza district. Good-sized rooms — some of them featuring balconies — overlook an expanse of moat-carved gardens. An extensive breakfast buffet has princely appeal thanks to elegant platings of grilled fish, pickled plums, rice and miso soup; if that’s not to your taste, there’s eggs benedict and croissants, too. The in-house restaurants also have the wow factor, with two Michelin-starred options: French-inspired Esterre, in partnership with Ducasse Paris, and Chinese-focused Amber Palace. Rooms: From ¥91,800 (£483).

5. ONE@Tokyo

Best for: solo travellers In the east of the city, a 10-minute walk from the Tokyo Skytree observatory tower, One@Tokyo has a high-profile pedigree for a budget hotel, having been designed by Japanese starchitect Kengo Kuma. Functional yet not austere, its communal spaces — from the open lobby to the greenery-dotted rooftop — fuse industrial metallics with warm woods and a palette of unfussy greys. With their friendly price point and compact footprint, the lead-in standard semi-double rooms are perfect for solo travellers who want a step up in comfort and privacy from one of the city’s legendary capsule hotels. Long-stay discounts apply when booking for five nights, making it a perfect base if you’re planning day trips out of the city, too. Rooms: From ¥15,000 (£79).

6. Hotel New Otani Tokyo

Best for: amenities More urban resort than hotel, this vast property — once a filming location for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice — occupies a verdant location between multiple parks in the central Chiyoda ward. The hotel is fringed by 10 acres of 400-year-old Japanese gardens and, unusually for Tokyo, also has an al fresco swimming pool. The 1,474 rooms are spread across three wings, and there are more than three-dozen dining options, plus a lounge with free nibbles and drinks for Executive House Zen guests. Rooms: From ¥36,000 (£189).

7. Shiba Park Hotel

Best for: bookworms The printed page takes centre stage from the moment you walk in to this hotel, which houses a collection of around 1,500 books. As well as a double-height atrium lined with wooden shelves of books, there’s also a fireside library lounge and book corners on every floor, each themed around different aspects of Japanese culture. The rooms are comfy, contemporary retreats in which to curl up in with a good read — and the views of Tokyo Tower, lit up like a beacon at night, aren’t half bad either. Rooms: From ¥21,870 (£115).

8. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Best for: families With reasonable prices, a prime location near Shinjuku station and views out to Mount Fuji on a clear day, this option ticks a lot of boxes. Rooms are a bit bland (unless you plump for a suite with tatami mats and shoji screen doors), but for families, the spacious four-bed options more than make up for the uninspiring decor. On-site experiences such as tea ceremonies make getting a culture fix easy if you’re wrangling kids. The seventh-floor outdoor pool, 11 restaurants and laundromat also help. Rooms: From ¥35,200 (£185).

9. Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel

Best for: nightlife-lovers For years, Shinjuku’s red-light district Kabukicho was rather sordid, the kind of place you’d head to for late-night karaoke and beers but not for a respectable hotel. All that’s changed with this recent opening, which reflects the fun of the city’s party heart but also has style and class. Set across floors 18 to 38 in the new Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the neon bustle below, as well as electric-hued carpets and the occasional pop art wall mural. On the building’s lower floors, a retro-styled arcade, cinema, live music space and food hall with regional dishes keep the entertainment flowing around the clock. Rooms: From ¥31,000 (£163).

10. Tokyo Station Hotel

Best for: European-style elegance Opened in 1915, and set within the original 20th-century Tokyo Station, this grand hotel could have been lifted from London or Paris. Red bricks and soaring domes characterise the exterior; chandeliers, marble and button-back headboards are part of the old-world European opulence inside. Take tea in the high-ceilinged lobby lounge, ringing with live piano music and the clink of fine silverware, and end the day at the venerable Bar Oak, which serves up an array of Japanese whiskies in moody, wood-lined environs. If you’re planning to adventure beyond the capital, the location is unbeatable. Tokyo Station is the main Shinkansen (bullet train) terminal, serving popular destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka, and you can go from bed to boarding in mere minutes. Rooms: From ¥135,332 (£711).  

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One Week in Tokyo: The Ultimate Bucket List & 7 Day Itinerary

City Travel , Japan

This post is your one week in Tokyo bucket list with travel tips. Tokyo is anything but short on fun. You can spend a lifetime here visiting a new place every day and still never see it all. Let that be a hint.

This past summer I got to check off Tokyo from my bucket list. A city I dreamt about visiting for as long as I can remember. It was also my first time in Asia, so you can imagine my excitement. I didn’t want to waste any time exploring the city. After one week I left with great memories, learning lessons and a strong desire to return asap.

I’ve made this guide to show you my daily itinerary for 7 days, as well as, tips I’ve picked up along the way. It’s a great read to get you started in the planning process. Enjoy!

Psst. . . Looking for more guides around Japan? Check out my other posts.

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Know Before You Go: 7 Tips for Visiting Tokyo

These are tips I gathered from trial and error or trial and success I shall say.

1) Transportation doesn’t have to be expensive

There are two airports in Tokyo, Narita and Haneda. Both are far from the city center where many visitors stay. Taxis are incredibly expensive. For the same travel time but half the price, purchase a ticket after you land for the Limousine bus.

We booked our drop off location at the nearest metro station to our Airbnb and walked from there. The next morning we went back to the metro station and purchased our Suica Cards.

Suica Cards are the way to go for metro transportation around Tokyo. They work across all lines and can be purchased online for pickup on Klook or at a metro kiosk. You will be required to leave a 500 YEN deposit which is refundable when you return your Suica card. 

From there you can upload however much you want. For the week that I was there, I spent around 6500 YEN ($60) on metro rides.

If you’re going out at night consider staying near clubs and bars because the metros close at 11 pm. If not, you risk a long walk home or a pricey taxi fare. Taxis are so expensive many locals will stay up all night until the subway lines reopen.

2) Sounds APPetizing

Download these apps to navigate the metros.

Tokyo Metro

Tokyo subway.

Unlike most other major cities, Tokyo’s metro lines are owned by three different companies, which makes getting around very confusing. T heir tracks never cross so you have to pay attention to the detail.

Our first day was the worst. Luckily, a nice man who spoke English helped us. We also downloaded the apps which I mentioned above and it was (mostly) smooth sailing from there. 

3) Forget about SIM cards

Pocket WiFi is cheaper and the way to go. Don’t know what pocket wifi is? It’s the greatest thing ever. A small device you carry around that grants you unlimited data on multiple devices. 

We rented our pocket WIFI from Japan Wireless . It was $75 for 2 weeks ($5.35/day). Verizon Wireless was going to charge me $10/ day for one device. No thank you. As for SIM cards, they are for only one device which could be shared via hotspot but pocket WiFi will give you further range.

PRO TIP: Order it online before you leave so that it’s ready from pickup at the airport. 

4) No cash = problems

Japan is a cash-heavy economy. With so many small businesses unwilling to pay the credit card fees, they operate solely on cash.

If you plan to get off the beaten path or shop markets you need cash. I brought $500 worth of YEN in cash for two weeks. 

5) This is how you use the toilet

Apparently squatting on top of the toilet seat in an issue because you will see a “do not do this” sign in every stall. I have never thought to do this, but if you have, please don’t.

All the bathrooms sound like a rainforest – that is the noise option found conveniently in your stall. If you have a shy bladder just know you can always turn on the rain noise from your toilet seat touchpad.

Sometimes the touchpad is on the wall and sometimes it’s adjacent to the seat.

If all else fails

You can always do as the westerners do and use the flush knob.

Unlike many European cities, public toilets are everywhere in Tokyo and free. I never ran into a problem of needing to pay to use. The public restrooms are actually quite nice, even at the metro stations. I brought toilet seat covers just to be safe but never needed them.

6) Passport tax break

We came across a few stores that offer to remove taxes upon showing your passport. This could come in handy if you’re shopping for souvenirs. Many stores will have a sign out front indicating the tax break.

If you plan to do any driving tours or rent a car you will need your International Driving Permit before you leave.

7) Get Your International Drivers Permit

There is one thing worth doing in Tokyo which I mention later that requires you to possess an international driver’s permit. You will need to get this before you leave for your trip. You can get it from a A A A office for $20.

Here’s how to apply:

1. Fill out the paperwork found on AAA

2. Get two passport photos (I got mine from Costco)

3. Bring a valid driver’s license

4. Go to a local AAA branch with all required documents and pay the $20

Should I stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku?

Given all the amazing neighborhoods, travelers are still very likely to book accommodation in Shibuya or Shinjuku. Both have tons of shopping, nightlife, and attractions, so my answer to you is book whatever hotel is within your budget and near a metro line. If that happens to be in Shibuya great. If that’s Shinjuku, also great.

Might I suggest a few hotels?

Hotel Tsubaki Kinshicho (love hotel)  offers couples a relaxing space in the Sumida Ward District. If you’re interested in temples you will be near plenty. You’re also only a 4-minute walk to Kinshicho Station.

Hotel D-Wave Shinjuku (love hotel)  is located in the heart of Shinjuku. Only a quarter-mile walk to Golden Gai and steps away from shopping and more.

Imperial Hotel (art nouveau)  is a luxury hotel in Chiyoda City next to the Imperial Palace and several metro lines.

The Nine Hours Hotel (capsule hotel) for the budget-conscious traveler who is looking for a unique stay for less. The hotel itself is nicely decorated and a short walk to Asakusa station.

Keio Plaza Hotel (art nouveau)

JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku (luxury hotel)  offers guests luxury in the heart of Shinjuku. You’re only a 3-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station.

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Welcome to another world. Also known as Shinjuku.

One Week in Tokyo Itinerary

I now present my Tokyo bucket list – a mishmash of non-touristy and popular things you absolutely cannot miss despite the risk of being in a heavy tourist area.

To be honest, there are so many people living in Tokyo. It’s the most densely populated city in-the-world so the chances of you finding a spot that isn’t crowded are slim to none. I wouldn’t be worried about finding yourself in touristy areas for the sake of crowds because everywhere is crowded.

Tokyo is massive (no surprise there) so I found it helpful to explore 1-2 neighborhoods per day – leaving an extra day or two to revisit places if needed.

Knowing where is where will greatly help you navigate the city, so I’ve broken down this itinerary by neighborhoods along with points of interest in each.

The Exhausting Arrival Day

I recommend arriving at night and going straight to bed to help reset you to the new time zone. This is one way to combat jet lag . After a long flight you will inevitably be exhausted, so might as well arrive at a bedtime hour. This will help you be ready for the next day.

Those first-day feelings. When you stop and take a picture every 3 seconds because it all looks, unlike anything you have ever seen.

Another way to overcome jet lag is to wake up and fast until lunch. That said, you can start your morning with a nice workout, followed by a trip to the metro station to get your Suica card.

Explore Shinjuku

Tokyo Government Building has a free observation deck for you to come and enjoy your first views of Tokyo.

Visit the Takashimaya department store at Takashimaya Times Square. My favorite part is located in the food court. A massive floor with all kinds of goodies from artisanal bread, ice cream, chocolates, and more!

Drinks at Old Blind Cat . An old school dive bar with delicious cocktails. One of my girlfriends who is from Tokyo told me about this place so of course, I had to trust her recommendation. It’s exactly what you imagine a dive bar to be only way better drinks. If you love Old Fashions as much as I do, then it’s worth a quick visit.

ADDRESS: Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3

Dinner at Alice’s Fantasy Restaurant . I have been wanting to visit this restaurant since the early days of Pinterest. I kid you not, I saved a pin from this place years ago. Like when you could scroll to the end of your Pinterest feed. Early adopter heyyy.

This restaurant takes you on a larger than life adventure to the Queen of Hearts domain. Giant card troops and red heart-shaped tables transport you to a magical world. The servers are all dressed adorably like Alice.

ADDRESS: Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−6−2 T-wing ビル B2

Golden Gai for a night out with the locals. There are over 270 of these tiny bars across a few rows known as Golden Gai. Most places will require a minimum drink spend so chose wisely.

Go to late-night Karaoke and sing with a live band at Pub Karaoke Studio Himawari .

ADDRESS: Miyata Bldg. 5F-B, 1-4-12 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo ( Next to Shinjuku ward office, located on the fifth floor of Miyata building)

You might also like the famous Robot Caf e . I never got a solid review from people so decided to skip it. It’s expensive, the food menu looks awful, and I still don’t know what it’s about. I’m still mentioning it because I can’t truly knock something I haven’t tried.

Tokyo Disney marks my fourth park. You can imagine my excitement. A rainbow shirt purchase was 100% necessary. The writing says, “happy as a rainbow”. which was totally accurate.

The next two days will be spent at the happiest place on earth or at least one of them, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea . You want to purchase your tickets in advance online. The ticket lines get crazy and will waste so much time. We got 2 two day pass for $244.

Below are some purchase options from Get Your Guide. I use them for everything! I also wrote a separate post showing the differences between Tokyo Disneysea and Disneyland with a video!

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Teamlab Borderless is an interactive art experience. There are no words to describe how magnificent this place is.

Get an early start to your day at Teamlab Borderless . They open at 10 am. I recommend getting there about 15 minutes before they open so you can be the first person in. It will get super busy, so if you want to enjoy the rooms without waiting in lines, go early.

Teamlab Borderless will take you a couple of hours to experience it all after which you can get lunch nearby for head to Shibuya station.

Mirrors, mirrors, around the walls. Who is the fairest of them all? My boyfriend for capturing this moment.

Explore Shibuya

Shibuya is known for cutting edge clothing stores, a wide array of dining options, and vibrant nightlife.

Shibuya is also home to the busiest crosswalk in the world. People from around the world come to both view the madness and join in with fellow pedestrians as they scramble from one side to the other.

The Shibuya scramble from Starbucks.

One of the best places to view Shibuya crossing is the nearby Starbucks. Once you exit Shibuya station you will see the Starbucks sign. You can’t miss it.

This Starbucks also happens to be one of the busiest ones in the world. Coincidence? I think not. We got lucky and found a couple leaving as we were coming in, but if you find yourself without a view, head to one of these nearby and equally great viewpoints:

Mag’s Park at the Magnet by Shibuya 109 . You do have to pay an entrance fee to enter this open-air observation deck. Hours of operation are daily between 11 am – 11 pm.

L’occitane cafe on the 2nd or 3rd floor will offer great views of the crosswalk. if you’re hungry it might be worth it to have your lunch here while enjoying the views., shibuya station has decent views. it would be so much better if the glass didn’t have a design on them..

The main gate marks the entrance to the sacred grounds.

Find peace at Meiji Shrine – a dedication to the deity of Emperor Meiji. He was the first Emporer to modernize and westernize Japan to join with major world powers.

Once you pass the main gate (shown above), you will have a decent walk to the Meiji Shrine with stop-offs along the way. There are a lot of things to see here which require admissions. The Meiji Shrine, however, is free to enter.

P.S. You are not permitted to bring food in.

Grab a drink at Tight . Tight is a tiny bar in the Shibuya drinking alley that fits maybe 5 people comfortably. It’s hard to find if you’re not paying attention. They have a tiny sign outside.

Its small size is not the only thing that makes Tight unique. They also infuse their own liquor in-house such as peach brandy and lemon gin to use in their delicious cocktails. Overall, it was a great atmosphere with great concoctions.

ADDRESS: 1 Chome-25-10 ,  Shibuya,  Tokyo Prefecture

Having fun twirling around Takeshita Dori in my Lolita dress from To Alice.

Explore Harajuku

Harajuku is located between Shibuya and Shinjuku. Takeshita Dori is the famous shopping street here and center to all things Kawaii meaning “cute”.

You cannot walk down this street and not feel joy with the amount of adorable pink things inside every store. One of the best stores is To Alice ; A Lolita fashion store. That’s where I bought the dress you see in the picture above. Worth every cent.

Meet Harry the Hedgehog. He has sass and loves to nap in the palm of your hands.

The Hedgehog Cafe is less of a cafe and more so an animal store where potential buyers can pay to play with the hedgehogs for an hour. They do encourage you to adopt one at the end of your visit.

Get dessert before dinner at Dobutsuen The Zoo Ice Cream Shop . Not only is the ice cream adorable, but it was also one of the best we had during our whole trip to Japan. So good!

The price of each place is determined by color and design. Be sure to look at your menu before picking up from the conveyor belt.

Conveyer belt Sushi for dinner is a must. Price is determined by color and design of the plate so if you’re not paying attention you might be picking up a plate costing 500 Yen. A full meal for one person plus beer and tip cost $25.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for on the conveyor belt, just ask the cook to make it for you. The menus list a few order phrases for non-Japanese speaking guests.

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Start your morning with a little thrill at Street Kart Tokyo Bay BBQ . Dress up as your favorite Disney, Superhero or Anime character and hit the road in, you guessed it, a go-kart. It was awesome!

This is the time for you to whip our your international driving permit and passport. After, you will watch a short safety video then hit the road.

Make sure you say hi to Aydan. He was our awesome tour guide who comforted me when I got nervous about driving on the busy streets of Tokyo in a go-kart.

What I love most about Tokyo are all the lights. It’s the ultimate urban metropolis.

Explore Akihabara

Akihabara is known as the anime district. It’s home to tons of arcades and shops with all kinds of anime goods; SEGA being the most popular one.

While you’re walking in awe, stop in a few retail shops to discover what’s inside. We ended up in a retro card exchange shop with expensive AF Pokemon trading cards.

Of course, we had to experience the SEGA arcades . This is not what you imagine an arcade to be. Some floors are only claw machines while others are sit down games; I can’t even begin to explain it.

Hitachino Brewing Lab is a local craft beer bar worth stopping by.

ADDRESS: Japan, 〒101-0041 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Sudacho, 1 Chome−25-4

Only smiles at the Senso-Ji shrine.

Explore Asakusa

Asakusa is home to Senso-Ji Shrine – Tokyo’s oldest temple. It’s a large ground with lots of activities for cost. We paid to shake out our fortune from a box and bought burners to toss into some spiritual bowl. Honestly, it was all a smokey blur but fun to say the least.

You do need to remember that this is a sacred place so be respectful of the people who come to worship. If the signs say no photography then respect their wishes.

We got lucky and caught a wedding ceremony. That was really cool to witness for a brief moment. Maybe the same will happen to you.

You will break for lunch at Nakamise Shopping Street . This is a wonderful market with a mix of food and goods.

Tokyo Dome City is home to amusement rides, shopping, dining, and event arena.

The final day. By this time, you will be a little worried you didn’t see everything and that’s because you didn’t. Tokyo is just too big to see it all. I felt the same way but had to check myself and realize I still saw a lot and for that I was grateful.

To end your journey with some adventure and cheer, head to Tokyo Dome Cit y for thrills and meals.

Tokyo Dome City is an entertainment complex; home to amusement rides, dining, shopping, arcades, and a concert hall where you might catch a K-Pop concert. It was a great ending to a perfect week.

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Green tea soft serve ice cream from Nakamise Market.

How much does it cost to visit Tokyo for a week?

Tokyo is known to be very expensive. It’s not a lie. Because of this, we watched our pennies when it came to food and drinks. We didn’t drink much alcohol and shopped at local grocery stores where we bought water, snacks and the occasional lunch or late-night snack.

Here is how much I spent over one week in Tokyo:

Accommodation $884

Airbnb: $884, transportation $128, airport transfer $8, suica card $120, food & drink $230, attractions & shopping $345, senso-ji activities: $2, arcade games: $8, rides at tokyo dome: $5, street kart tip: $5, disneyland: $103, shopping in harajuku $162, teamlab borderless $60.

Total cost for 1-week in Tokyo for two people: $1,579. This does not include international flights or pocket wifi which is included in my total cost for 2-weeks in Japan. 

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Kawaii fashion comes in two forms. The colorful and the gothic. Special thanks to these people for allowing me to snap a photo of them.

Tokyo Packing List

For once, I am going to suggest you do all your shopping in Tokyo. There are way too many places to not take advantage of. Closet makeover? Everything you need will be there. Even Q-tips are cheaper than in the USA.

If you have specific brands you cannot live without, then bring them. That or risk it in the off chance you will find it there for less. I found my favorite face wash in the world in Tokyo for half the price in the USA.

RECAP: One Week in Tokyo Bucket List

Walk around shinjuku admiring the views, free observation deck at tokyo government building, drinks at old blind cat, dinner at alice’s fantasy restaurant, night out in golden gai, karaoke at studio himawari, disneyland & disneysea, experience the art at teamlab borderless, drinks at tight in shibuya, witness shibuya crossing, play with adorable hedgehogs at hedgehog cafe, go shopping on takeshita-dori in harajuku, monster cafe, dobutsuen the zoo ice cream shop, meiji shrine, conveyor belt sushi, street kart tokyo, walk the street of akihabara, grab a local craft beer at hitachino brewing lab, play inside the sega arcades, senso-ji shrine, nakamise shopping street, tokyo dome city.

Tokyo transported me into another world. As a westerner, it was the most incredible city I’ve ever been to. If you ever get the chance to go, which I hope is soon, you will love it. 

• Cost of 2-weeks in Japan
• Tokyo Disneysea vs Disneyland

Are you ready for your week in Tokyo or what? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) when you purchase through these links, which helps me keep my lights on and order pizza from Dominos! I am extremely grateful. Thank you.

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I’m Allison, a born and raised Vegas girl on the endless pursuit of epic adventures. I created Seeking Neverland as a way to help grown-ups see the world and live a fun and fulfilled life! Read my full story here

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How to Plan a Day Trip to Uji? + One Day Uji Itinerary 

Wondering how to plan a day trip to Uji? This is where I step in! I will help you plan your one day Uji itinerary and share a lot of useful tips to make your trip fun, easy-going yet filled with the best attractions of Uji.

Uji is a beloved destination among locals traveling around, however, still quite a hidden gem of Japan . It is located south of Kyoto and can be easily reached from Kyoto , Nara , and Osaka . Uji is known as a producer of green tea, which can be sampled at a traditional tea ceremony.

In this Uji travel guide, I will share useful travel tips for visiting Nara and put together a one-day itinerary so you can maximize your time and see the essentials of this charming town.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at  no extra cost  to you.

Is Uji worth visiting?

Visiting Uji in one day is a great idea to escape the big crowd of Kyoto and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The picturesque town of Uji is one of Kyoto’s most popular day trips. 

The town is crossed by the Uji River where you can take a romantic boat ride, or walk along the bank. The Uji Bridge is historically important in traditional Japanese literature and it is considered one of the most romantic spots in Japan. 

The best things to do in Uji for one day will include seeing the famous Byodoin Temple, which is part of the UNESCO Heritage, and visiting a tea house. 

How to get to Uji?

Best passes for your day trip to nara.

🚆 Get your JR West Kansai Pass (1, 2, 3, or 4 Days)

🚂 Or purchase Kintetsu Rail Pass (1, 2, 5, or 5 Days Plus)

Planning a day trip to Uji is extremely easy since it is easily accessible by train. You can take the JR Nara Line or the Keihan Uji Line from Kyoto Station or Osaka. If you are coming from Tokyo or other major cities in Japan, you can take a Shinkansen to Kyoto Station and transfer to the local train to Uji.

There are also bus services that run from Kyoto Station to Uji. The journey takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

How to get around Uji?

Once you arrive in Uji, you can easily explore the city on foot or by bicycle. This way you can get the best out of your one-day Uji itinerary. In fact, one of the best things to do in Uji for one day is to walk the town’s narrow streets and enjoy the traditional Japanese architecture. For any people with particular needs or in a rush, taxis can be found outside the train station.

Best things to do in Uji in one day

• Find the temple depicted on the 10 yen coin
• Take a cruise on the Uji River
• Sip the same cup of matcha that the Japanese Royal family regularly enjoys
• Shop for souvenirs in the oldest Tsuen Tea House in Japan
• Taste Matcha soba at Torikiku
• Discover lesser-known treasures like Koshoji Temple and Manpuku-Ji

Byodo-In Temple

A day trip to Uji starts with the most iconic landmark in the town and one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. What makes Byodo-In Temple so famous is the fact the temple is depicted on the 10 yen coin. 

This stunning temple is approximately 1000 years old, although it has been severely damaged and rebuilt during these centuries.

The architecture is the finest example of the Buddhist Pure Land and with its garden, Byodo-In Temple represents the Pure Land Paradise. The biggest treasure in the temple is the famous Phoenix Hall, home to an Amida Buddha statue.

You will have to follow a path around the gardens to see the temple and you will need approximately 30 minutes.

The temple opens every day from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm with the last entry until 5.15 pm. Tours of the Phoenix Hall are from 9.30 am to 4.10 pm. The admission fee is 600 yen, with an additional 300 yen for a tour of Phoenix Hall.

Curious fact! There is a replica of Byodo-In in Hawaii.

RELATED : How to Plan a Day Trip to Nara? + One Day Nara Itinerary

Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu 

Would you like to try the same tea that the Japanese Shogun and imperial family have drunk for centuries? Sounds appealing right? This is possible and it is part of your ultimate Uji in a one-day itinerary.

The history of Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu started during the Tensho Era and it has been successful since then. Here you will not only have the chance to learn the history of the place but also take the chance to experience an authentic tea ceremony.

The owner of the store will proudly explain the history of his family while another host will hold the ceremony for you. You will start by grinding your matcha and will be guided step by step in the preparation of the matcha. The store will also provide you with some local sweets for your ceremony.

The entrance to the store and museum is free of charge. The tea ceremony costs 1100 yen if you book in advance and 1320 yen if you want to make the walk-in appointment. I recommend you book it not only to save some money but also to find the best availability and English-speaking guides.

This is one of the best things to do in Uji for one day and probably one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. The store is open all year long from 9 am to 5 pm. Find the contacts here.

RELATED : 14 Days in Japan: Japan Golden Route Itinerary For First Timers

Uji River cruise And Bridge

One of the best ways to explore Uji is through its river. A river cruise is a fantastic idea to see the town from a different perspective and have a unique experience. 

And this will give you the chance to take a close look at the legendary Uji Bridge. The bridge plays a key role in the development of the city and is linked to great stories of the Japanese past, historical and fictional. This bridge is also one of the oldest in Japan, as it was built in 646.

If you visit Uji during the summer, the boats that take these romantic tours are used for cormorant fishing around dusk. This event usually takes place from June to late September.

You can purchase the tickets directly at the place, it will cost around 2000 yen.

RELATED : Complete Kyoto Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Kyoto

Tsuen Tea House 

Your one-day in Uji itinerary has to include a visit to the oldest tea house in the world. It dates back to 1160 and it was founded by a Samurai. Nowadays, the house is run by the 24th head of the same family.

The tea house is built in a typical Japanese style and it overlooks the Uji River, making it a lovely location to sit down and take a break.

This is another perfect location to purchase high-quality teas and local specialties and to try a fabulous Matcha parfait! You will feel how the bitterness of matcha will blend perfectly with the sweet cream. If you want something lighter, you can also enjoy a cup of matcha with paired sweets for approximately 900 yen.

RELATED : 150+ Best Japan Quotes and Japan Instagram Captions + Beautiful Sharable Photos

Koshoji Temple

Byodo-In temple is not the only holy site to visit in the town. Koshoji Temple is one of the best things to see in Uji in one day. Originally built in 1233 at a different location in Kyoto, the temple was moved to Uji in 1648.

This peaceful place embodies perfectly the Japanese architecture and spirit, blending the buildings with nature. It is surrounded by gardens and you can enjoy a peaceful walk around the temple.

The shrine is open every day from 5 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is 500 yen.

RELATED : Osaka Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Osaka

Torikiku serves local traditional specialties that you probably don’t know exist, like matcha soba. This consists of pasta made with buckwheat and matcha. This dish can be served cold or warm depending on the pairing. The restaurant is quintessential of the Japanese spirit and hospitality, with an open kitchen so you can enjoy seeing your food getting ready.

In case you are done with matcha you can also find other Japanese specialties like tempura. Itadakimasu!

RELATED : Best Kyoto Tours: Unique Experiences in Kyoto That You Don’t Want to Miss

Bonus spot! Manpuku-ji

Manpuku-ji is one of my favorite hidden gems and a great add-on to your ultimate Uji in a one-day itinerary. It is located further away from other attractions on this itinerary and requires a longer walk or quick train ride to Keihan Obaku Station.

This picturesque temple is the head temple of the Zen Obaku sect, which originally comes from China. The influence of China is visible in the architecture and details of the temple, making this a unique place to visit in Uji. The fish board (Gyoban), the Lecture Hall, and the Zen gardens can’t be missed, they will be one of the highlights of your travel to Uji.

It is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and the admission fee is 500 yen.

Further reading for one day Nara itinerary

14 Days in Japan: Japan Golden Route Itinerary For First Timers

How to Plan a Day Trip to Nara? + One Day Nara Itinerary

18 Best Free Things to Do in Kyoto + Kyoto Budget Tips

Travel tips for Kyoto:

• 25 Best Photo Spots in Kyoto That You Must Visit
• How to Rent a Kimono in Kyoto: Detailed Process with Prices
• Complete Kyoto Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Kyoto
• Best Kyoto Tours: Unique Experiences in Kyoto That You Don’t Want to Miss
• 13 Best Ryokan in Kyoto with Private Onsen That Will Blow Your Mind
• Where to stay in Kyoto? Hotel Review of Mimaru Kyoto Nijo Castle
• 15 Best Places to Photograph Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Travel tips for Osaka:

• 15 Best Photo Spots in Osaka That You Can’t Miss
• 12 Best Ryokans in Osaka with a Private Onsen
• Osaka Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Osaka
• 10 Best Food Tours in Osaka for Foodies
• How to Plan a Day Trip to Himeji: Travel Tips and Things to Know Before Visiting

Travel tips for Tokyo:

• 13 Best Tokyo Tours: Fun and Unique Experiences in Tokyo
• 13 Incredible Hotels With Tokyo Tower View In Tokyo
• 15 Epic Hotels with a Mount Fuji View in Japan

Or read more about Kyoto | Osaka | Tokyo | Himeji | Nara | Uji | Japan

Other useful tips for visiting Japan

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda 💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide , Viator , and Klook have it all 🚗 Considering renting a car in Japan? Use Rentalcars 🚂 If you need transfers, bus or train tickets, check 12Go 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo

In conclusion… 

This is the end of your Uji one-day itinerary and if you were wondering what to do in Uji for one day, I bet I have cleared up all your doubts. I am sure you will have a wonderful time visiting all these beautiful places in Uji.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

Pin it for later and save the best things to do in Uji for one day!

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