5 Best Day Trips from Tokyo You Can Easily Do in One Day

Japan is one of my favorite countries, and I’ve visited several times over the years. Every trip gives me another reason to come back. From discovering new places to appreciating small details, it makes traveling here consistently easy and enjoyable. One thing I especially love is the changing seasons, when the weather (summer aside) makes exploring even more rewarding.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a city that feels endlessly stimulating from the moment you arrive. There’s so much to see and do—neon streets, quiet neighborhoods, and incredible food on every corner. But on our second trip, some of my favorite moments came from slowing things down and taking day trips from Tokyo instead, stepping outside the city to explore places that were completely different yet surprisingly close.

Within an hour or two, I found myself hiking through forested mountains, wandering temple grounds, walking down old Edo-era streets, and standing face-to-face with Mt. Fuji on a clear morning. What surprised me most wasn’t just how beautiful these places were, it was how easy they were to reach.

If you’re looking for the best places near Tokyo for a day trip, these are the ones I genuinely think are worth your time. Each destination offers a completely different experience, and all of them can be done in a single day without feeling rushed.

Author’s Note
I’ve visited all of these destinations on different trips while staying in Tokyo, some planned and others spontaneous. Each place listed here is somewhere I’d genuinely recommend based on ease of travel, pacing, and how enjoyable it was to explore in a single day.

1. Mt. Takao – A Simple Nature Escape Just Outside Tokyo

For our second trip to Tokyo, adding a hike was the perfect way to experience something different, and Mt. Takao was an easy choice. Less than an hour from the city, it provides a quiet break from Tokyo’s pace—cooler air, softer sounds, and tree-lined paths that naturally slow you down.

What I love about Mt. Takao is how flexible it is. You can hike the entire way up, take the cable car or chairlift if you’re short on time, or combine both. The trails are well-maintained and beginner-friendly, and along the way you’ll pass small shrines, viewpoints, and food stalls that keep the walk relaxed rather than strenuous.

On clear days, the view from the top stretches all the way to Mt. Fuji, which still seems surreal considering how close you are to Tokyo. It’s one of the easiest ways to add nature to your itinerary without committing to a long trip.

Why I recommend Mt. Takao:

• One of the easiest day trips from Tokyo
• Perfect for beginners and casual hikers
• Beautiful in every season
• Ideal when you want a quiet reset

Read more: Hiking Mt. Takao – An Easy Nature Escape from Tokyo

2. Kawagoe (Little Edo) – A Taste of Old Japan Near Tokyo

Kawagoe was one of those places that surprised me. It’s close to Tokyo, easy to reach, and yet completely removed from modern city life. Often called “Little Edo,” this town preserves the atmosphere of old Tokyo in a way that’s approachable and unpretentious.

Lined with traditional warehouses, walking down Kurazukuri Street is like stepping into another era. Just around the corner, Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) adds a playful nostalgia with old-fashioned sweets and snacks. It’s a place where you don’t need a strict plan, and wandering is the whole point. Kawagoe is also known for its matcha and sweet potato treats, adding another layer to its charm.

Kawagoe works especially well as a half-day trip, making it perfect if you want something cultural without feeling overwhelmed.

Why I recommend Kawagoe:

• One of the best historic towns near Tokyo
• Compact and easy to explore on foot
• Great for slow travel and photography
• Filled with neighborhood cafes
• Less crowded than central Tokyo attractions

Read more: Kawagoe Day Trip – Exploring Little Edo in Saitama

3. Kamakura – Temples, Coastal Views & Slower Days

Kamakura has a noticeably slower rhythm than Tokyo. Once Japan’s political center, it’s now a relaxed coastal city known for its temples, walking paths, and ocean views—all easy to reach as a day trip from the capital.

Many visitors come for the Great Buddha, but Kamakura offers far more than a single landmark. During our visit, we headed toward Hasedera Temple, where gardens, seasonal scenery, and coastal views create a calmer, more immersive experience than we expected. Even as someone who doesn’t usually seek out temples, this was one of those places that quietly leaves an impression.

The day naturally ended by the sea, around Kamakurakokomae Station and its iconic railway crossing. With ocean air, open views, and a laid-back pace, it was a fitting snapshot of what makes Kamakura special—unhurried, scenic, and very different from Tokyo.

Why I recommend Kamakura:

• Ideal mix of history and nature
• Easygoing coastal atmosphere
• Perfect for first-time visitors to Japan

Read more: Kamakura Day Trip – Temples, the Great Buddha & Coastal Views

4. Yokohama – Food, Culture & Waterfront Views

Yokohama seems familiar yet different from Tokyo. It’s a large city, but with more open space, wider streets, and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere that makes it an easy choice for a low-effort day trip.

Our visit was brief, more of a detour than a deep dive, but it still left a strong impression. We spent time around the waterfront and stopped by a few spots, which gave us a good sense of the city without needing a packed schedule.

Even with limited time, Yokohama is the kind of place worth returning to. From its food scene to its gardens and historic waterfront areas, there’s clearly more to explore than can fit into a single afternoon, and that slower pace is part of its appeal.

Why I recommend Yokohama:

• Great food and open spaces
• Family and solo-traveler friendly
• Easy access from Tokyo

Read more: Yokohama Day Trip – Chinatown, Minato Mirai & the Waterfront

5. Mt. Fuji – Japan’s Most Iconic Day Trip from Tokyo

Seeing Mt. Fuji is one of those experiences that depends heavily on timing. But when it works, it’s unforgettable. On a clear day, the view from Kawaguchiko or the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes feels almost unreal.

This is the one day trip where I always recommend flexibility. Clouds come and go quickly, but when Fuji reveals itself, it dominates everything around it. Lakes, ropeways, quiet streets—all of it feels centered around the mountain. It’s iconic for a reason.

Why I recommend Mt. Fuji:

• One of Japan’s most memorable sights
• Stunning in every season
• Easy to combine nature and sightseeing

Read more: Mt. Fuji Day Trip – How to See Fuji from Tokyo

How to Choose the Best Day Trip from Tokyo

• Short on time? → Mt. Takao / Yokohama
• Love culture and history? → Kamakura / Kawagoe
• Chasing views? → Mt. Fuji / Mt. Takao

Final Thoughts

Tokyo is extraordinary, but stepping outside the city adds a depth to your trip that’s hard to appreciate until you do it. The places near Tokyo are close, varied, and genuinely rewarding, offering a completely different side of Japan without requiring long travel days.

Since this was already our second time in Tokyo, it felt natural to focus more on what lies beyond the city. That said, these trips are worthwhile whether it’s your first visit or your fifth. Even with limited time, choosing just one of these destinations can shift your experience—slower, more balanced, and more memorable.

Have you visited any of these places, or are you planning a day trip from Tokyo soon? Feel free to leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram @lorismaeshielda—I’m always happy to talk travel. 😊