More about: 8 Best Day Trips from Tokyo
1. Excursion to Mount Fuji and Hakone
Mount Fuji, with its perfect silhouette, is one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. From Tokyo, it can be reached by bus or bullet train, and many tours combine the visit with the Hakone region, famous for its hot springs and scenic views.
The tour usually includes stops at Fuji's Fifth Station, Lake Ashi for a boat ride, and the Hakone cable car for a spectacular view of the mountain. The tour lasts 10-11 hours, and prices are around €100-150, depending on the activities included.
2. Mount Fuji tour from Tokyo
If you prefer a more direct visit to Mount Fuji, there are tours that focus exclusively on this impressive volcano. These tours include bus transport to the Fifth Station, from where you can get spectacular views, weather permitting.
Some tours allow for short hiking trails or visits to nearby shrines dedicated to the sacred mountain. The duration varies between 8 and 10 hours, with prices ranging from €80-120, depending on whether meals and additional stops are included.
3. Nikko and Toshogu Shrine tour
Nikko is one of the most recommended tours from Tokyo for its incredible natural environment and historic temples. The main attraction is the Toshogu Shrine, an impressive complex decorated with gilded details and exquisite carvings.
The tour usually includes transport by train or bus, visits to Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenji. The tour lasts 9-10 hours, and prices range from €100-130, depending on additional activities.
4. Excursion to Kamakura, the city of temples
Just an hour's train ride from Tokyo, Kamakura is an ideal day trip destination. This ancient capital of Japan is home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a bronze statue over 13 metres high, as well as impressive temples such as the Hasedera and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
The tour may include a stroll along the charming Komachi-dori shopping street, where you can sample Japanese sweets and local handicrafts. The tour usually lasts about 8 hours, with prices ranging from €50 to €100, depending on whether it includes a guide and private transport.
5. Excursion to Yokohama, the futuristic city
Just 30 minutes away by train, Yokohama is one of Japan's most modern and vibrant cities. Excursions often include a visit to Chinatown, the largest in Japan, and the Landmark Tower observation deck, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
Another point of interest is the Ramen Museum, where you can sample different varieties of this iconic dish. The tour lasts 5-7 hours, with prices ranging from €40-80, depending on the activities included.
6. Japanese Alps tour: Takayama and Shirakawa-go
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, a trip to Takayama and Shirakawa-go will transport you to rural Japan. Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, with thatched roofs designed to withstand snowfall.
These tours usually last all day, including transport by bus or bullet train. Prices range from €150 to €200, depending on the tour and meals included.
7. Hitachi Seaside Park Flower Fields Tour
If you're travelling in spring or autumn, a trip to Hitachi Seaside Park is an unforgettable experience. This park, located two hours by train from Tokyo, is famous for its colourful flower fields, such as blue nemophilas in April or red kochia in autumn.
The tour usually includes transport and free time to stroll through the gardens. The duration is 7-8 hours, with prices ranging from €50-90, depending on the type of transport.
8. Excursion to Kawagoe, Little Edo
Kawagoe, just an hour's train ride away, is known as Little Edo for preserving the traditional architecture of the Edo period. On this tour, you can wander the streets lined with old warehouses, visit Hikawa Shrine and sample Japanese sweets in Candy Alley.
The tour usually lasts about 6-7 hours, with prices ranging from €40 to €80, depending on whether it includes a guide and additional activities.