Cover The famous Shinkyo bridge in Nikko, which is just an hour away from Tokyo, Japan (Photo: Getty Images)
The famous Shinkyo bridge in Nikko, which is just an hour away from Tokyo, Japan (Photo: Getty Images)
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From a forest straight out of Studio Ghibli movies to a vantage point to see Mount Fuji, bookmark these easily accessible day trip destinations from Japan’s capital city
Not only is Tokyo a lively city bursting with culture and people, it’s also the perfect travel hub. Japan is home to some of the world’s most efficient transportation, and Tokyo is no different, so why not take advantage and explore all that Tokyo’s surrounding areas have to offer?
The day trips from Tokyo that we have rounded up for you provide the perfect serene nature viewing spots, be it cherry blossoms in spring or autumn’s mellow orange hues in fall. There are also hike routes, nature trails and plenty of sights to see and enjoy, so bookmark these must-visit places near Tokyo now.
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1. Sayama Hills (1 hour away)
The Sayama Hills, which lie to the northwest of Tokyo, is said to have inspired the setting of Hayao Miyazaki’s renowned film My Neighbour Totoro. It not only offers an authentic glimpse of rural Japan that Studio Ghibli fans will treasure, but will also charm nature lovers with its lush greenery and rolling hills.
The area’s clever touches include a signpost that, when viewed at the right angle, combines with background cedar trees to create Totoro’s complete silhouette. The Totoro Foundation maintains a century-old house nearby, which is named “House of Kurosuke” after the film’s fictitious sprite.
Journey time: 1 hour by Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Kotesashi Station
2. Oshino Hakkai (around 2 hours away)
Above Oshino Hakkai is known for its beautiful waterbodies (Photo: Getty Images)
Oshino Hakkai is known for its beautiful waterbodies (Photo: Getty Images)
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Literally meaning “the eight seas of Oshino”, Oshino is home to eight sacred ponds directly fed by the waters melting from Mount Fuji’s snow. Located between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, this peaceful village became a spiritual site during the Edo period, when those passing through for the worship of Mount Fuji would cleanse themselves in the ponds before climbing the mountain. The area offers stunning views of traditional thatched roof buildings, calming water wheels and a wonderful view of Mount Fuji away from the crowds.
Journey time: 2.25 hours by Fujikyuko Express bus
3. Okutama (2 hours away)
Above Okutama is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo (Photo: Getty Images)
Okutama is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo (Photo: Getty Images)
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If you love a relaxing trip to an onsen just as much as a scenic hike, Okutama is the day trip for you. Whilst it’s technically part of Tokyo, the location is a far cry from the bustling metropolis that we conjure when we hear the name “Tokyo”. Enjoy the multisensory experience of wasabi farming in one of the country’s three wasabi-growing regions, or take a stroll through the area’s revitalising forests. Connected by the JR line, Okutama also offers an effortless journey.
Journey time: 2 hours by train via the JR Chuo and Ome lines.
4. Mount Takao (less than 1 hour away)
Above The chair cars leading up to Mount Takao take the scenic route (Photo: Getty Images)
The chair cars leading up to Mount Takao take the scenic route (Photo: Getty Images)
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Less than an hour outside of Tokyo, Mount Takao is one of the closest natural recreational areas to the city, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly, as the area’s proximity to Tokyo makes it a hotspot during weekends. Hiking the mountain takes approximately 90 minutes but if you’d rather save the sweat and take in the sights from the comfort of a seat, the hills are also accessible by cable car and chair lift. The upper cable car station’s observation deck offers a view of all of Tokyo as well as Mount Fuji. If that weren’t enough, the site is home to an onsen, temple and monkey park.
Journey time: 50 minute train on the Keio line.
5. Karuizawa (1.25 hours away)
Above Karuizawa, at the foot of Mt Asam, is known for its mineral baths and spa (Photo: Getty Images)
Karuizawa, at the foot of Mt Asam, is known for its mineral baths and spa (Photo: Getty Images)
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Once a small post station, Karuizawa played an important part in the transportation of postal mails on the Nakasendo route during the olden times. Nowadays, the area is a resort town filled with upscale, beautiful villas perfect for a staycation from Tokyo. The town offers visitors a vibrant shopping street, cafes, bakeries and a Museum of Contemporary Art. Karuizawa also boasts the stunning Shiraito waterfall, mountainous views and opportunities for cycling and golf. The perfect blend of nature and city life, the town has lots to offer visitors who aren’t quite in the mood for a hike, but are still hoping to escape the city.
Journey time: 1.25 hour train via the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen line.
6. Kamakura (1 hour away)
Above The Enoshima and Koshigoe coast, located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture (Photo: Getty Images)
The Enoshima and Koshigoe coast, located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture (Photo: Getty Images)
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Sometimes referred to as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, Kamakura’s most popular attraction is its 11-metre tall bronze statue of Amida Buddha, but the area has lots of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to explore outside of its most-visited site. The Hokokuji temple, in particular, is nestled in amongst a bamboo forest, ideal for a peaceful stroll. Perfect for warm spring or summer days, Kamakura also has sandy beaches to relax on after a morning at their tranquil cultural sites.
Journey time: 1 hour train via the JR Yokosuka line.
7. Nikko (1.5 hours away)
Above Less than two hours from Tokyo is this picturesque town of Nikko where you can spend a day immersed in nature (Photo: Getty Images)
Less than two hours from Tokyo is this picturesque town of Nikko where you can spend a day immersed in nature (Photo: Getty Images)
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If cherry blossom viewing spots are on the top of your list, look no further than Nikko.The city is home to the Nikko Kaido Cherry Blossom trail, a route which hosts 1,500 cherry blossom trees originally built for nobles passing through on their way to Nikko from Tokyo. Alongside radiant views of unforgettable sakura, year-round highlights include picturesque riverboat rides as well as waterfalls, hot springs and the charming Shinkyo bridge.
Journey time: 1.5 hours via the JR Shinkansen and Nikko lines.
