Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is a well-known and popular tourist destination in Japan. Located just outside of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is easily accessible as a day trip from the city.  

This is Japan's tallest mountain, and from its summit, you can see for miles in every direction. You can even see all the way to Tokyo on a clear day! Mount Fuji is the perfect day trip because it's an excellent place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and enjoy some peace and quiet. There is also a lot to do. Aside from hiking to Mount Fuji's peak, the area provides a range of other activities such as hot springs, biking, and camping.

Visiting Mount Fuji is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This natural wonder will leave you speechless, whether you decide to hike to the summit or simply enjoy the views from the bottom.

Nikko

Nikko is another great place to get away from the busy streets of Tokyo, and to experience a more traditional side of Japan. There’s a number of reasons why you should visit Nikko. For starters, it's only approximately two hours by train from Tokyo, making it a convenient journey. Second, Nikko is home to many beautiful shrines and temples, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Finally, with numerous hiking trails and the gorgeous Lake Chuzenji, Nikko is a terrific place to explore nature.

Hakone

Hakone is a great destination to visit for a variety of reasons. It's only an hour away by train from Tokyo. It's also extremely gorgeous, with Mt. Fuji visible on a clear day and the lovely Lake Ashi dotting the landscape. In Hakone, there are several fantastic hot springs to rest in after a long day of exploring. Hiking, biking, and taking a cable car up to the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway are just a few of the things you can do to keep yourself busy. Hakone has a variety of excellent museums and art galleries, making it an ideal location for learning about Japanese culture and history. And of course, no visit to Hakone would be complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine!

Kamakura

There are so many reasons why a day trip to Kamakura is totally worth it. For one, it's home to a number of historical sites and landmarks, including the Kamakura Daibutsu, a gigantic Buddha statue from the year 1252. Additionally, it is a lovely city with plenty of open space and a gorgeous beach. Last but not least, it is a fantastic spot to dine, with a variety of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious local dishes. So, if you want to visit a place that is rich in history, culture, and food, Kamakura is the place to go!

Enoshima

Why is a day trip to Enoshima from Tokyo a fantastic idea?  For one, it's a quick 1hour and 40 min train ride away from the city, so it's easy to visit the island for the day. Enoshima is also home to a wide range of attractions, from the well-known Enoshima Shrine, the lit up Enoshima lighthouse,  to stunning beaches and scenic paths. The island provides a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, which makes it a great change of pace from the busy city. You can't leave Enoshima without first sampling its traditional Japanese food, which includes fresh seafood from the nearby port.

Yokohama

Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan and one of its major ports. Located just an hour's train ride south of Tokyo on the island of Honshu, Yokohama is a bustling metropolis with a population of over three million people. The city is home to a flourishing business community as well as a big number of multinational corporations. The city is also a popular tourist destination, including attractions such as Yokohama Chinatown, Yokohama Bay Bridge, and Yokohama Landmark Tower. You will have a great time shopping, dining, and sightseeing in this vibrant city.

Oshino Hakkai

There are springs at the foot of Mount Fuji called Oshino Hakkai.

For a multitude of reasons, Oshino Hakkai is an excellent day trip from Tokyo. For starters, it's breathtakingly beautiful, with eight natural springs bubbling up into a small pond. 

Furthermore, Oshino Hakkai is an excellent spot to sample traditional Japanese cuisine. The region is well-known for its wonderful soba noodles, which are served at a number of restaurants and cafes.

Finally, Oshino Hakkai is a wonderful place to simply unwind and enjoy the beauty of Japan. The springs are known to have healing capabilities, and the peaceful ambiance is the ideal antidote to Tokyo's relentless hustle.

Nagano

Nagano is a three-hour train ride from Tokyo, and there is enough to see and do in the city and its surrounding area to make for a wonderful day trip.

For instance, it's home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Japan, including the Japanese Alps and Chubu-Sangaku National Park. Nagano is also a mecca for outdoor sports like hiking and skiing, as well as hot springs and onsens. Additionally, the city is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Togakushi Shrine and the Zenkō-ji temple.

Nagano is also a foodie's paradise, with a variety of delectable local specialties like soba noodles and sake. 

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a great day trip from Tokyo because it's a stunningly beautiful place with a rich history. The community is nestled in a remote mountainside area and can only be reached by bus, making it an ideal getaway from the bustling city.

Traditional thatched-roof houses, some of which are over 250 years old, can be found in the village. The dwellings are created in a distinctive style known as gassho-zukuri, which roughly translates to "constructed like hands in prayer." This architectural design is intended to endure heavy snowfall, and the homes are frequently used as storage locations for rice and other crops.

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. The town is a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture and culture. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy some stunning scenery, Shirakawa-go is the perfect place for you.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is the perfect day trip from Tokyo for anyone interested in learning more about Japanese history and culture. The city is home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which honors the victims of the city's atomic bombing during World War II. Visitors can also learn about the city's significance as Japan's capital during the Meiji period.

The city is also an excellent site to sample local cuisine. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with cabbage, noodles, and meat or seafood, is popular in the city. Visitors can also find Hiroshima-style oysters, which are grilled with a sweet soy sauce glaze.

Hiroshima, with its blend of history and culture, is a terrific day trip from Tokyo for those looking to venture off the beaten path. It's a four-and-a-half-hour train ride from Tokyo.