With so much to see and do in downtown Tokyo, it’s no wonder that so many travelers choose it as their base when visiting Japan, and as japan’s most populous city, it’s a popular choice for residents too, of course. However, there are times when teh Tokyo city center can start to feel a little too hustling and bustling, or just general wanderlust starts to kick in, and you find yourself craving a day trip out of the capital.
So when that mood hits, there’s Japanese travel portal jalan’s new ranking of the 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo, as compiled from survey answers from 1,031 respondents between the ages of 20 and 59 living in Japan’s eastern kanto region. All of the destinations are within two hours by train of Tokyo Station, so let’s hop on the figurative train and see where the survey results take us.
10. Sawara historic district (Chiba Prefecture)
We start off by heading to Tokyo’s neighbor to the east, Chiba Prefecture. Sawara is a neighborhood within the city of Katori, and it’s also known as “the little Kyoto of northern Chiba” as of its rows of preserved buildings. In particular, the area along the canals where trade flourished during the Edo period (1603-1867) is not to be missed, with boats carrying passengers up and down the waterways as their guides explain the local history and culture.
9.Tobu Zoo (Saitama Prefecture)
tobu Zoo actually describes itself as a “hybrid leisure land,” as there’s more to the place then just the zoo where a penguin became an otaku and fell in love with an anime character. There’s also a theme park with full-size roller coasters, a summertime swimming pool, and illumination displays on winter nights.8. Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki prefecture)
We’ve been fans of Hitachi Seaside Park for a while. The hills at the back of the park are always worth strolling to the top of to take in the view of the surrounding area, but especially so in fall, when the tens of thousands of kochia bushes turn a dazzling shade of crimson, or in the fall when the similarly sized area of baby-blue Nemophilia flowers come into bloom.“`html
Unforgettable Day Trips from Tokyo
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Tokyo is a vibrant, bustling city, but sometimes you need an escape. Luckily, Japan’s efficient transportation system makes it easy to explore beyond the capital. Here are some of the best day trips from Tokyo, offering a diverse range of experiences – from historical temples to stunning natural landscapes.
1. Hakone: mountain Scenery and Art
Hakone is a mountain resort town known for its hot springs, natural beauty, and views of Mount Fuji. It’s a classic day trip destination, easily accessible by train.
- What to do: Cruise across Lake Ashi, ride the Hakone Ropeway (offering volcanic hot spring views), and explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
- Getting there: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours by train from Shinjuku Station.
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2. Kamakura: Temples,the Great Buddha,and the Sea
Kamakura,a coastal city south of Tokyo,boasts numerous temples,shrines,and the iconic Great Buddha statue. It’s a fantastic blend of history and seaside charm.
Highlights include:
- Kotoku-in Temple (home to the Great Buddha)
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- Hase-dera Temple
- Yuigahama Beach
Travel time: Around 1 hour by train from Tokyo Station.
3.Nikko: Shrines, Temples, and Natural Beauty
Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its elaborate shrines and temples nestled in a beautiful forested setting. It’s a bit further afield, but well worth the journey.
Nikko offers a stunning contrast to the urban landscape of tokyo. The intricate carvings and vibrant colors of the shrines are truly breathtaking.
Key attractions:
- Toshogu Shrine
- Futarasan Shrine
- Rinno-ji Temple
- Kegon Falls
Travel time: Approximately 2 hours by train from Tokyo.
4. Kawagoe: “Little edo”
Kawagoe, frequently enough called “Little Edo,” preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period with its traditional warehouses, temples, and charming streets. It’s a delightful step back in time.
Don’t miss:
- Kurazukuri Street (Warehouse District)
- Kitain Temple
- Toki no Kane (Bell Tower)
Travel time: About 30-60 minutes by train from Tokyo.
5. Shibamata Taishaketensando (Tokyo)
