Best Day Trips from Tokyo: 8 Escapes Within 2 Hours

AirHuntr Editorial

June 18, 2026

Tokyo is immense, but some of Japan's most iconic scenery sits within two hours of the city. These day trips are all easily done without a rental car — just the JR Pass and local trains.

Nikko (2 hours by train)

Japan's most ornate shrine complex sits in a cedar forest in the Tochigi mountains. Tosho-gu Shrine is a riot of gold lacquer, painted carvings, and elaborate detail — built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Edo Shogun. The surrounding area has waterfalls (Kegon Falls drops 97 meters), Lake Chuzenji, and excellent hiking. Take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa or the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya. A Tokyo Wide JR Pass covers the Shinkansen option.

Kamakura (1 hour by train)

A coastal temple town south of Tokyo. The Great Buddha (Kotoku-in) — a 13.35-meter bronze figure sitting in an open field — is one of Japan's most recognizable images. Beyond that: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the Zen temple Engaku-ji, and the bamboo garden at Hokoku-ji (pay a small fee to drink matcha tea among the bamboo). Enoshima island is 15 minutes by train from Kamakura and worth adding. Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station.

Hakone (1.5 hours by train)

Mt. Fuji views, volcanic scenery, open-air art museum, hot spring ryokans. Best done as an overnight trip but manageable as a long day trip. Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku — the most scenic approach.

Yokohama (30 minutes by train)

Japan's second city has its own distinct identity: Chinatown (the largest in Japan, excellent dim sum), the Minato Mirai waterfront, the Cup Noodles Museum, and the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Easy half-day trip on the JR Keihin-Tohoku or Yokosuka Line.

Kawaguchiko (1.5 hours by bus)

The closest of the Fuji Five Lakes to Tokyo. The best Mt. Fuji photographs come from here — reflected in the lake, framed by sakura trees in spring, or dusted in snow in winter. Direct buses from Shinjuku Bus Terminal. Check the weather forecast before going — Fuji is visible only on clear days.

Nikko Alternative: Kusatsu Onsen (3 hours by bus)

A stretch beyond 2 hours, but one of Japan's finest hot spring towns. Highly acidic water, snow-covered streets in winter, the famous Yubatake (hot spring field) at the center of town — a wooden lattice where spring water flows and cools. Two-hour direct buses from Shinjuku run several times daily.

Narita (1 hour by train)

Counterintuitive given it's the airport area, but Narita's old town is genuinely worth visiting: Narita-san Shinshoji Temple (founded in 940 AD) connected to the airport by a 40-minute train ride. The approach street (Omotesando) has traditional craft shops, eel restaurants, and sake breweries. Ideal for early arrivals or late departures.

Izu Peninsula (2 hours by Shinkansen to Atami)

A peninsula south of Tokyo with black-sand beaches, hot springs, and fishing villages. Atami is a classic Japanese seaside resort town. The MOA Museum of Art in Atami has a superb Japanese and Chinese art collection with ocean views. Shimoda, at the southern tip, is where Commodore Perry forced Japan open to trade in 1854 and has good beaches and history.

Practical Tips

The Tokyo Wide Pass (around €35 for 3 days) covers most of these destinations on JR trains
Download the Hyperdia app for train route planning
Leave early — day-trip crowds are heaviest 10am–3pm
All destinations are well-served by English-language signs and information
Coin lockers at Tokyo Station or Shinjuku mean you can leave luggage and travel light

Most day trips work best on weekdays when crowds are thinner. The exception is Kamakura in early morning — worth doing on any day if you arrive before 9am.

✈ Live Deals Right Now

Verified promotions — updated daily

See all →