Tokyo is a world-class metropolis. But should you want a break from the fast-paced metropolis life, take into account one in every of these day journeys from Tokyo to one in every of seven close by landmarks.
These locations close to Tokyo vary from a straightforward half-hour to 120 minutes by practice or ferry. Best of all, these locations are beautiful in all 4 seasons. So, escape your JR Pass or Passmo/Suica playing cards and prepare for some enjoyable!
Best Day Trips from Tokyo
The finest strategy to expertise these Tokyo day journeys is by practice, however in case you are up for the problem, you’ll be able to lease a automobile as properly. It provides you with extra freedom and suppleness to discover these superb locations.
If you’re searching for extra info on Tokyo, learn our Tokyo journey information at The Best Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
1. Kamakura
From 1185 to 1333, Kamakura was the de facto capital of Japan. There’s a cause why this metropolis is called a “Little Kyoto” – it’s bursting with historical past, tradition, and non secular buildings. With 65 temples and 19 shrines, it is extremely simple to get temple/shrine overload. For that cause, it’s finest to restrict the variety of temple/shrine excursions to 3 a day.
If you’re solely in Kamakura for at some point, three very particular non secular websites are properly value a go to. For a extra in-depth information of Kamakura learn: Things to do in Kamakura Japan – The Ultimate Seaside Escape
Hasa-dera Temple
The temple was established in 736 and is known for its 11-headed picket statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The lovely grounds embody ponds full of colourful fish, and wonderful landscaped areas.
Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine
One of essentially the most distinctive shrines in Japan, Zeniarai Benzaiten dates again to 1185. Visitors come right here to clean their cash within the shrine’s particular waters. According to legend, when you spent your washed cash, your luck and fortune would multiply. Although the money-washing legend is an simple draw, the shrine’s web site could be very particular: you entry it by passing by means of a tunnel cave.
Kotoku-in Temple
The hottest temple in Kamakura, the Big Buddha (Daibutsu) is so linked to town itself that the statue is prominently featured on tourism packages and magazines. The 44-foot bronze Daibutsu was constructed within the mid-Thirteenth century and has survived earthquakes, fires, and battle.
Kamakura can also be well-known for glorious buying and all kinds of worldwide cuisines. If you’re trying to attempt a neighborhood specialty, Kamakura is known for shirasu – whitebait. There are some ways to eat shirasu – dried, uncooked, or boiled. If that is outdoors your consolation degree, one factor is for certain – at Kamakura, you’ll have numerous scrumptious choices to decide on from.
Best Suited For: Those fascinated about exploring conventional Japanese tradition and historical past.From Tokyo: It’s simply over an hour by practice from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station.
2. Enoshima Island
This charming island is linked by a 600-meter bridge to the mainland. The island has a romantic backstory: a fierce dragon who had been terrorizing the native villagers renounced his evil methods to win the love of the attractive goddess Benzaiten. Enoshima Island is a testomony to their love.
The dragon theme is woven all through the island, from the carved statues to the ornate lamp posts. There is even a shrine devoted to the dragon, together with a temple devoted to the goddess.
Sea Caves
Although it entails a number of units of steep stairs, among the finest locations to go to is the ocean caves. For ¥500, ($3.50 USD) workers will current you with a candle to discover the caves and see historic statues. The candle isn’t actually mandatory as there may be ample lighting. All the identical, it’s a enjoyable contact that provides to the sense of journey and it’s small element that younger guests actually love.
At the furthermost cave, a contemporary dragon statue stands in welcome, dramatically lit in shades of purple and sizzling pink. Kitschy? Yes. But It remains to be fairly cool.
For such a compact island, a visit to Enoshima famously entails plenty of bodily exercise. If you like Japanese meals, it is a nice likelihood to work up an urge for food and get your cardio in. Enoshima comes with HUNDREDS of stairs.
Don’t really feel like taking the steps, or have already got the physique of a Greek god? The island has a tiered ticket system, and for between ¥200-800 yen ($1.50 – $8USD) friends can use escalators to entry varied sights. The value of tickets is determined by how excessive up you want to go.
Given its romantic historical past, it’s simple to grasp the island’s recognition with younger lovers. The views from the highest are breathtaking, and on a transparent day, Enoshima Island has completely beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.
Food to Try
While there are many sit-down eating places on the island, it may be a enjoyable expertise to only graze on the many meals stalls. As with close by Kamakura, shirasu (white bait) is an Enoshima specialty. There are a number of methods to take pleasure in shirasu: in a sizzling croquette, atop a rice bowl, or (gulp!) as a gentle cream in a cone.
Best Suited For: Those searching for a one-of-a-kind island expertise. Due to the island’s geography, those that are pretty energetic will benefit from the expertise essentially the most.From Tokyo: It’s an hour from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. From Kamakura Station, take the scenic Enoden Line practice to Enoshima Station (roughly 25 minutes). Follow the well-marked indicators and stroll throughout the bridge to Enoshima Island.
Misaki and Jogashima Island
Are you a maguro (tuna) lover? If so, you’ll love Misaki. The fishing city is understood for having one in every of Japan’s prime tuna hauls. Whatever dish you need to attempt, relaxation assured – the standard can be top-notch.
Misaki can also be identified for its fish market. While it’s presently closed as a consequence of COVID, guests usually have the chance to view the tuna public sale course of through the glass home windows in the marketplace’s second ground.
Jogashima Island
Near Misaki Harbor is Jogashima Island, accessible both through bridge or a brief boat journey.
Whereas Enoshima Island is a vacationer vacation spot filled with caves and must-see temples, Jogashima offers off a relaxed getaway vibe. The sparsely populated island has a number of glorious mountain climbing trails. The most scenic of these trails will take you by well-maintained lighthouses and alongside seashores of volcanic rock.
Those whose temperament is extra mellow can select to easily take pleasure in contemporary breezes and ocean views whereas picnicking.
Food to attempt: It could be a disgrace to go to Misaki and NOT get their tuna. While Misaki is most well-known for its tuna, as a fishing village ALL of the seafood is great. An unbelievable set menu that features miso soup, a bowl of rice and tuna, and inexperienced tea will possible run roughly ¥1600 ($11).
Best Suited For: Outdoor fans and maguro lovers.From Tokyo: It will take you about 90 minutes to get from Tokyo Station to Misakiguchi Station. Outside the station, take a taxi or the NR 2 Bus to Misaki Port (roughly 18 minutes).From Misaki Port to Jogashima: Jogashima Island might be accessed by a 5 minute boat journey from Misaki Port or a 2.2-kilometer stroll throughout the bridge.
Yokosuka
Yokosuka has a protracted historical past as a Sailor city. Originally, Yokosuka was one in every of 4 distinguished shipyards for the Japanese Imperial Navy. In 1884, the Yokosuka Naval District was constructed for the protection of Japan.
These days, town hosts each the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and the U.S. Navy. Because of the Sailor affect, two must-try culinary specialties to attempt when in Yokosuka are Kaigun (Navy) Curry and the “Navy burger”.
Whaaaaaat? A burger as a culinary vacation spot merchandise? You finest consider it. And Japan’s tackle a U.S. Navy burger is nothing wanting beautiful.
On U.S. Navy ships, Wednesdays are affectionately often known as “Burger Day”.
Kaigun Curry
As for Kaigun Curry, it’s consumed by Sailors aboard Japan Maritime Self-Defense ships each Friday. Posters inside Keikyu Line practice compartments often characteristic tourism campaigns highlighting these two genuine “Sailor” dishes.
While it’s a lot simpler to get contemporary merchandise at sea right this moment, securing provides to feed a hungry crew for lengthy intervals at sea was far tougher within the previous days of crusing. Whereas Western Sailors died as a consequence of scurvy, many Japanese Sailors died as a consequence of B1 deficiency (beriberi) led to by an absence of thiamine. Without this significant vitamin, Sailors may exhibit signs comparable to psychological confusion, lack of muscle operate, and paralysis.
Kanehiro Takaki, an excellent Japanese naval medical officer, carried out scientific experiments and realized that the signs had been diet-related. The Imperial Navy noticed the meals different Navies had been consuming and took a web page from British Sailors – who had taken the thought from India – in consuming curry, a dish filled with thiamine.
Japanese Sailors got here to like the dish, and introduced the recipe again house. Over time, Kaigun Curry established itself as a preferred dish. Fun truth: every Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship has its personal curry recipe.
Either pre- or post-curry/burger, journey to Mikasa Park and take a look at the Japanese battleship Mikasa. An iconic battleship, the Mikasa participated in a number of main conflicts, and is the one pre-dreadnought battleship remaining right this moment.
As one may count on from a Sailor city, there are many retailers in Yokosuka that promote Japanese and U.S. Sailor-inspired merchandise, from squadron patches to Kaigun curry packets.
Best Suited For: History and nautical buffs.From Tokyo: It’s roughly an hour practice journey from Tokyo Station to Yokosuka Chuo.
Chiba’s Nokogiriyama
Although Chiba Prefecture is most well-known for Disneyland, why not expertise an genuine cultural treasure off the crushed observe by heading for Nokogiriyama?
The first Buddhist temple was commissioned at Nokogiriyama over 1300 years in the past. At a top of 31.05 meters (101.8 ft), the Diabetsu (Buddha) at Nokogiriyama is the tallest Buddha Statue in Japan.
Beyond its top, the Buddha is hanging in that it was carved into the mountain in 1783. As the Buddha of therapeutic, the determine has a mild expression and holds a medication bowl in his hand.
A journey to Nokogiriyama is an element religious pilgrimage, and half embracing your internal Indiana Jones. Read all about my expertise at Nokogiriyama and an Encounter With Chiba’s Great Stone Buddha
Takai Arhats – Enlightened Disciples
The strolling paths on the mountain are lined with the stone figures of Takai Arhats (enlightened disciples). Sadly, a number of of the Takai Arhats have been broken or destroyed. Some of this has been because of the passing of time and publicity to nature. And a few of the injury – the place it’s apparent the statue was beheaded – was as a consequence of anti-Buddhist actions in the course of the Meiji Restoration.
Those who’re exceptionally match will benefit from the problem of a strenuous hike up the mountain, the place they are going to be rewarded by beautiful nature and wonderful views. At a scenic overlook often known as “Hell’s Peak”, the adventurous can enterprise to a railing on the fringe of a cliff and take pictures.
Have completely zero curiosity in a hike up a 300-meter mountain? Take the cable automobile from the bottom to the highest for ¥500. Note: though the cable automobile takes guests to the highest, there may be nonetheless plenty of strolling up/down steep stairs to get to the preferred viewpoints.
Best Suited For: Outdoor adventurers with sturdy legs who’re prepared to place in effort to get to a very beautiful cultural treasure.From Tokyo: The finest strategy to entry it’s to take a practice from Tokyo to Keikyu-Kurihama. Walk the quick distance to Kurihama Harbor and catch a 40-minute ferry to Chiba (¥1600 round-trip). The ferries run often, are spotlessly clear, and are a enjoyable strategy to cross Tokyo Bay.
Kurihama
Kurihama, a part of Kanagawa Prefecture, is a beautiful place to spend a morning or afternoon. Kanagawa is understood for 2 legendary arrivals: U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew Perry and Godzilla.
At Perry Park, a easy monument pays tribute to Commodore Perry’s arrival in Japan and the 1854 signing of The Treaty of Kanagawa. Up till the signing, Japan had spent two centuries in a state of voluntary seclusion. The signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa resulted in Japan opening its borders to international commerce.
It’s laborious to overstate the importance of this quiet, unassuming place reverse Kurihama Harbor. And but this doc gave rise to what would develop into fashionable Japan. Read extra: Mind-Blowing Facts about Japan
Kurihama Flower Park
Less than a 20-minute stroll from Perry Park is Kurihama Flower Park, a 144-acre oasis the place flowers bloom year-round. If you’re there in April or May, the poppies are particularly pretty. Hundreds of hydrangeas will reward guests who journey in June or July in bloom. Go in September or October, and the fields are carpeted by one million cosmos flowers.
Godzilla
At the highest of the hill stands what’s arguably Kurihama Flower Park’s most well-known attraction: a 9-meter (27-foot) Godzilla slide. What is the “King of Monsters” doing at a stupendous flower park?
According to the unique 1954 Godzilla movie, Godzilla first made land at close by Tatarahama seashore. A slide was initially constructed on the seashore, however over time degraded and wanted to be eliminated.
However, native companies and personal people missed the beloved monster and raised funds to deliver Godzilla again to their neighborhood. The present Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower Park was unveiled in 1999 and has two English phrases carved on the bottom: GODZILLA RETURNS.
Although solely youngsters beneath 12 can go up Godzilla and slide down his huge tail, he’s nonetheless value a go to.
Best Suited For: Those fascinated about historical past and politics (Perry Park), and people looking for a calming afternoon at a beautiful park. Although the ascent up Kurihama Flower Park is steep, for just a few hundred yen the park’s “Flower Train” will transport friends the place they need to go.From Tokyo: It is roughly a 75 minute practice to both Keikyu Kurihama station. From there, it’s a straightforward 15-20 minute stroll to Kurihama Flower Park or Perry Park. Both parks are freed from cost.
Yokohama
Yokohama is lower than 20 miles from Tokyo. Although thought-about a part of the better Tokyo space, Yokohama positively has its personal character. It has the excellence of being the 2nd largest metropolis in Japan.
In 1859 it turned one of many first ports within the nation open to international commerce. As such, Yokohama has a really city, worldwide status.
For proof, look no additional than Yokohama’s Chinatown, which is without doubt one of the largest on this planet. The brightly coloured, bustling .2-kilometer sq. space options a number of retailers and eating places alternatives to expertise totally different forms of Chinese delicacies. One of the largest attracts at Yokohama’s Chinatown is a cease at Kanteibyo temple, devoted to the Chinese god of prosperity and enterprise.
Other common areas to take a look at whereas in Yokohama are the historic Red Brick Warehouses close to the harbor. Originally used as customs buildings, they now carry out the operate of a shopping center and occasion venue.
Cup of Noodles Museum
To expertise one in every of Japan’s biggest culinary exports, head to the Cup of Noodles museum.
Post World War II, Momofuku Ando invented the cup of noodles in 1958 as a means to offer cheap, flavorful meals for a contemporary employees. His invention would go on to develop into one in every of Japan’s prime cultural exports.
Not solely are you able to study the historical past of this invention, for ¥400 yen (2.50 USD) you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of substances to design your personal bespoke cup of noodles. It’s a enjoyable memento to take house.
Best Suited For: Those who love Chinatown or need to humble brag about creating their very own instant-noodles package deal.From Tokyo: Catch one of many many trains from Tokyo. The journey to Yokohama will take lower than half-hour.
Bonus Tokyo Day Trip – Nikko
While Dave and I visited Nikko on a four-day journey from Tokyo, many individuals pop into Nikko for a single-day journey. With quick trains leaving Tokyo, it could simply be visited in a brief day. If you drive, it’s even higher to discover a few of the prime locations in Nikko.
Most folks come to Nikko to see its superb UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Nikko Temples and it is without doubt one of the finest locations in Japan to benefit from the fall colors.
The primary attraction in Nikko is the Tosho-gu Shrine devoted to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tokugawa Ieyasu was essentially the most highly effective man in Japan in 1600. He was named Japan’s first Shogun after uniting the nation from a fierce civil warfare. His Mausoleum is situated throughout the Tosho-gu Shrine and is without doubt one of the most necessary shrines in all of Japan.
Right subsequent door to Tosho-gu Shrine is the Buddhist temple of Rinnoji. Make certain to attempt the Zen Meditation expertise on this temple. If you need to plan an extended itinerary in Nikko see our information at Complete Nikko Japan Travel Guide – 18 Things to do and Places to See
Best Suited For: People fascinated about Japaneses historical past and tradition and to do some out of doors adventures. From Tokyo: Catch the Tobu Express practice from Asakusa Station or the Tokyo Sky Tree. Nikko is situated 157 km north of Tokyo. Locals drive to the area, so you’ll be able to drive too should you favor.
And these are some superb day journeys from Tokyo. Japan is a surprising nation to go to, so make sure that to get out of town to benefit from the lovely and numerous countryside. It has extra out of doors areas and forests that you simply’d count on!
Read extra about Japan Travel