Tokyo is a world-class metropolis. However if you happen to want a break from the fast-paced metropolis life, think about 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 simple half-hour to 120 minutes by practice or ferry. Better of all, these locations are beautiful in all 4 seasons. So, escape your JR Go or Passmo/Suica playing cards and prepare for some enjoyable!

Finest Day Journeys from Tokyo

One of the simplest ways to expertise these Tokyo day journeys is by practice, however if you’re up for the problem, you’ll be able to lease a automobile as nicely. It provides you with extra freedom and suppleness to discover these superb locations.

In case you are searching for extra info on Tokyo, learn our Tokyo journey information at The Finest Issues to do in Tokyo, Japan

1. Kamakura

From 1185 to 1333, Kamakura was the de facto capital of Japan. There’s a purpose 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 rather simple to get temple/shrine overload. For that purpose, it’s greatest to restrict the variety of temple/shrine excursions to a few a day.

In the event you’re solely in Kamakura for someday, three very particular spiritual websites are nicely price a go to. For a extra in-depth information to Kamakura learn: Issues to do in Kamakura Japan – The Final Seaside Escape

Hasa-dera Temple

The temple was established in 736 and is legendary for its 11-headed wood statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The attractive grounds embrace ponds full of colourful fish, and beautiful landscaped areas. E-book this extremely rated day journey from Tokyo with an area information to see the native surf spots and Buddhist temples, in addition to leafy inexperienced forest trails together with the together with the spectacular Nice Buddha and Hokokuji Bamboo Forest.

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine

One of the crucial distinctive shrines in Japan, Zeniarai Benzaiten dates again to 1185. Guests come right here to scrub their cash within the shrine’s particular waters. In accordance with legend, when you spent your washed cash, your luck and fortune would multiply. Though the money-washing legend is an plain draw, the shrine’s web site could be very particular: you entry it by passing by a tunnel cave.

At the present time tour to Kamakura features a journey from Tokyo to Kamakura, residence of the Samurai. When you meet your information, you’ll set off on the Daibutsu Path for a 6 km (3.7 mile)hike from the Nice Buddha (Daibutsu) to the Jochi-ji Zen temple with stops at a few of the 5 of necessary Zen temples in Kamakura. You may personalize this tour as you see match.

Kotoku-in Temple

The preferred temple in Kamakura, the Huge Buddha (Daibutsu) is so linked to the 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 be well-known for glorious buying and all kinds of worldwide cuisines. In the event you’re seeking to strive an area specialty, Kamakura is legendary for shirasu – whitebait. There are lots of methods to eat shirasu – dried, uncooked, or boiled. If that is outdoors your consolation degree, one factor is definite – at Kamakura, you’ll have plenty of scrumptious choices to select from.

• Finest Suited For: These excited 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 related 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 gorgeous 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 may be even a shrine devoted to the dragon, together with a temple devoted to the goddess.

This bus tour from Tokyo takes you to each Kamakura and Enoshima. Begin by strolling Wkamiya Avenue to Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine adopted by buying at Komachi Avenue. You’ll then go to Hase-dera (Hase temple), residence to one of many largest wood statues in Japan, the well-known eleven-headed statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy. The journey then ends in Enoshima to discover its many shrines devoted to Benten, a goddess of excellent fortune, wealth, music, and information.

Sea Caves

Though it entails a number of units of steep stairs, among the best 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 crucial 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.

On the furthermost cave, a contemporary dragon statue stands in welcome, dramatically lit in shades of purple and scorching pink. Kitschy? Sure. However It’s nonetheless fairly cool.

For such a compact island, a visit to Enoshima famously entails quite a lot of bodily exercise. In the event you love Japanese meals, this can be 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) company can use escalators to entry numerous sights. The worth of tickets relies on how excessive up you want to go.

Given its romantic historical past, it’s simple to grasp the island’s reputation with younger lovers. The views from the highest are breathtaking, and on a transparent day, Enoshima Island has completely beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.

Meals to Strive

Whereas there are many sit-down eating places on the island, it may be a enjoyable expertise to simply 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 scorching croquette, atop a rice bowl, or (gulp!) as a tender cream in a cone.

• Finest Suited For: These searching for a one-of-a-kind island expertise. Because of the island’s geography, those that are pretty lively will benefit from the expertise probably 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). Comply with the well-marked indicators and stroll throughout the bridge to Enoshima Island.

3. Misaki and Jogashima Island

Are you a maguro (tuna) lover? In that case, you’ll love Misaki. The fishing city is understood for having one in every of Japan’s high tuna hauls. No matter dish you need to strive, relaxation assured – the standard can be top-notch.

Misaki can be recognized for its fish market. Whereas it’s presently closed attributable to COVID, guests usually have the chance to view the tuna public sale course of through the glass home windows available on the market’s second ground.

Jogashima Island

Close to Misaki Harbor is Jogashima Island, accessible both through bridge or a brief boat trip.

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 mountaineering trails. Probably the most scenic of these trails will take you by well-maintained lighthouses and alongside seashores of volcanic rock.

These whose temperament is extra mellow can select to easily take pleasure in contemporary breezes and ocean views whereas picnicking.

Meals to strive: It could be a disgrace to go to Misaki and NOT get their tuna. Whereas Misaki is most well-known for its tuna, as a fishing village ALL of the seafood is great. An unimaginable set menu that features miso soup, a bowl of rice and tuna, and inexperienced tea will possible run roughly ¥1600 ($11).

• Finest Suited For: Out of doors fans and maguro lovers.
• From Tokyo: It can take you about 90 minutes to get from Tokyo Station to Misakiguchi Station. Outdoors the station, take a taxi or the NR 2 Bus to Misaki Port (roughly 18 minutes).
• From Misaki Port to Jogashima: Jogashima Island could be accessed by a 5 minute boat trip from Misaki Port or a 2.2-kilometer stroll throughout the bridge.

4. Yokosuka

Yokosuka has a protracted historical past as a Sailor city. Initially, 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.

As of late, the town hosts each the Japan Maritime Self Protection Pressure and the U.S. Navy. Due to the Sailor affect, two must-try culinary specialties to strive when in Yokosuka are Kaigun (Navy) Curry and the “Navy burger”.

Whaaaaaat? A burger as a culinary vacation spot merchandise? You greatest imagine it. And Japan’s tackle a U.S. Navy burger is nothing wanting beautiful.

On U.S. Navy ships, Wednesdays are affectionately referred to as “Burger Day”.

Kaigun Curry

As for Kaigun Curry, it’s consumed by Sailors aboard Japan Maritime Self-Protection ships each Friday. Posters inside Keikyu Line practice compartments usually characteristic tourism campaigns highlighting these two genuine “Sailor” dishes.

Whereas it’s a lot simpler to get contemporary merchandise at sea as we speak, securing provides to feed a hungry crew for lengthy durations at sea was far harder within the previous days of crusing. Whereas Western Sailors died attributable to scurvy, many Japanese Sailors died attributable to B1 deficiency (beriberi) caused by an absence of thiamine. With out this important vitamin, Sailors may exhibit signs similar to psychological confusion, lack of muscle operate, and paralysis.

Kanehiro Takaki, a superb Japanese naval medical officer, performed 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 concept from India – in consuming curry, a dish filled with thiamine.

Japanese Sailors got here to like the dish, and introduced the recipe again residence. Over time, Kaigun Curry established itself as a preferred dish. Enjoyable reality: every Japan Maritime Self-Protection Pressure ship has its personal curry recipe.

Both 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 as we speak.

As one may count on from a Sailor city, there are many outlets in Yokosuka that promote Japanese and U.S. Sailor-inspired merchandise, from squadron patches to Kaigun curry packets.

• Finest Suited For: Historical past and nautical buffs.
• From Tokyo: It’s roughly an hour practice trip from Tokyo Station to Yokosuka Chuo.

5. Chiba’s Nokogiriyama

Though Chiba Prefecture is most well-known for Disneyland, why not expertise an genuine cultural treasure off the overwhelmed observe by heading for Nokogiriyama? However while you’re there it is best to pop into Disneyland. Decide up your day cross upfront right here.

The primary Buddhist temple was commissioned at Nokogiriyama over 1300 years in the past. At a peak of 31.05 meters (101.8 ft), the Diabetsu (Buddha) at Nokogiriyama is among the tallest Buddha statues in Japan.

Past its peak, the Buddha is hanging in that it was carved into the mountain in 1783. Because the Buddha of therapeutic, the determine has a mild expression and holds a drugs bowl in his hand.

A journey to Nokogiriyama is an element religious pilgrimage, and half embracing your internal Indiana Jones. Learn all about my expertise at Nokogiriyama and an Encounter With Chiba’s Nice 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. A few of this has been as a result of passing of time and publicity to nature. And a few of the harm – the place it’s apparent the statue was beheaded – was attributable to anti-Buddhist actions in the course of the Meiji Restoration.

Those that are 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 superb views. At a scenic overlook referred to as “Hell’s Peak”, the adventurous can enterprise to a railing on the fringe of a cliff and take photographs.

Have completely zero curiosity in a hike up a 300-meter mountain? Take the cable automobile from the bottom to the highest for ¥500. Be aware: though the cable automobile takes guests to the highest, there may be nonetheless quite a lot of strolling up/down steep stairs to get to the most well-liked viewpoints.

• Finest Suited For: Out of doors adventurers with sturdy legs who’re keen to place in effort to get to a very beautiful cultural treasure.
• From Tokyo: One of the simplest ways to entry it’s to take a practice from Tokyo to Keikyu-Kurihama. Stroll the brief distance to Kurihama Harbor and catch a 40-minute ferry to Chiba (¥1600 round-trip). The ferries run usually, are spotlessly clear, and are a enjoyable solution to cross Tokyo Bay.

6. Kurihama

Kurihama, a part of Kanagawa Prefecture, is a stunning 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 overseas commerce.

It’s onerous to overstate the importance of this quiet, unassuming place reverse Kurihama Harbor. And but this doc gave rise to what would change into trendy Japan. Learn extra: Thoughts-Blowing Info about Japan

Kurihama Flower Park

Lower than a 20-minute stroll from Perry Park is Kurihama Flower Park, a 144-acre oasis the place flowers bloom year-round. In case you are there in April or Might, the poppies are particularly beautiful. Tons of 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

On the high of the hill stands what’s arguably Kurihama Flower Park’s most well-known attraction: a 9-meter (27-foot) Godzilla slide. What’s the “King of Monsters” doing at a wonderful flower park?

In accordance with 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.

Nonetheless, 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.

Though solely youngsters beneath 12 can go up Godzilla and slide down his monumental tail, he’s nonetheless price a go to.

• Finest Suited For: These excited about historical past and politics (Perry Park), and people looking for a soothing afternoon at a stunning park. Though the ascent up Kurihama Flower Park is steep, for just a few hundred yen the park’s “Flower Practice” will transport company the place they need to go.
• From Tokyo: It’s roughly a 75 minute practice to both Keikyu Kurihama station. From there, it’s a simple 15-20 minute stroll to Kurihama Flower Park or Perry Park. Each parks are freed from cost.

7. Yokohama

Yokohama is lower than 20 miles from Tokyo. Though thought-about a part of the larger Tokyo space, Yokohama undoubtedly has its personal character. It has the excellence of being the 2nd largest metropolis in Japan.

In 1859 it grew to become one of many first ports within the nation open to overseas commerce. As such, Yokohama has a really city, worldwide fame.

For proof, look no additional than Yokohama’s Chinatown, which is among the largest on the earth. The brightly coloured, bustling .2-kilometer sq. space options a number of outlets and eating places alternatives to expertise completely different forms of Chinese language delicacies. One of many largest attracts at Yokohama’s Chinatown is a cease at Kanteibyo temple, devoted to the Chinese language god of prosperity and enterprise.

Different widespread areas to take a look at whereas in Yokohama are the historic Pink Brick Warehouses close to the harbor. Initially used as customs buildings, they now carry out the operate of a shopping center and occasion venue.

Tokyo and Yokohama are huge cities and one of the simplest ways to absorb the view is from above. E-book this 30 minute helicopter tour to admire the beautiful views of Tokyo, Yokohama and Mount Fuji on a transparent day.

Cup of Noodles Museum

To expertise one in every of Japan’s biggest culinary exports, head to the Cup of Noodles museum.

Put up World Conflict II, Momofuku Ando invented the cup of noodles in 1958 as a method to offer cheap, flavorful meals for a contemporary employees. His invention would go on to change into one in every of Japan’s high 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 components to design your individual bespoke cup of noodles. It’s a enjoyable memento to take residence.

• Finest Suited For: Those that love Chinatown or want 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 Journeys from Tokyo

8. Nikko

Whereas 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. In the event you drive, it’s even higher to discover a few of the high locations in Nikko.

Most individuals come to Nikko to see its superb UNESCO World Heritage Websites, the Nikko Temples and it is among the greatest 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 probably the most highly effective man in Japan in 1600. He was named Japan’s first Shogun after uniting the nation from a fierce civil conflict. His Mausoleum is situated inside the Tosho-gu Shrine and is among the most necessary shrines in all of Japan.

Proper subsequent door to Tosho-gu Shrine is the Buddhist temple of Rinnoji. Make sure that to strive the Zen Meditation expertise on this temple. If you wish to plan an extended itinerary in Nikko see our information at Full Nikko Japan Journey Information – 18 Issues to do and Locations to See

• Finest Suited For: Individuals excited about Japanese historical past and tradition and to do some outside adventures.
• From Tokyo: Catch the Tobu Specific 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 if you happen to favor.

9. Mount Fuji

As the very best and most well-known mountain peak in Japan, climbing Mount Fuji is one in every of high Japanese bucket listing adventures. Also referred to as Fuji-san, it’s an lively volcano that’s thought to be one in every of Japan’s three sacred peaks and iconic websites.

Regardless of standing at 12,388 ft (3,776 metres) excessive and its comparatively steep slope, it’s undoubtedly potential for newbies to climb as much as the highest. In actual fact, over 300,000 individuals climb Mount Fuji yearly. You don’t have to climb it to take pleasure in Mount Fuji, today journey from Tokyo takes you to the most effective scenic spots to take photographs of Fujisan. It additionally goes to Kawaguchiko Lake, the Arakura Sengen Shrine and the Gotemba Heiwa Koen Peace Park.

If you wish to climb Mount Fuji learn our: The Full Information to Climbing Mount Fuji

Finest Suited For: Individuals excited about journey and open air.
From Tokyo: In the event you’re taking the Yoshida Path and planning to get to the Fifth Station by the freeway bus, you’ll be able to take it from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal.

And these are some superb day journeys from Tokyo. Japan is a surprising nation to go to, so ensure to get out of the town to benefit from the stunning and numerous countryside. It has extra outside areas and forests that you just’d count on!

• Learn extra about Japan Journey