Day Trips in Tokyo

Part of the Tokyo travel guide — see every topic in All Tokyo Guides.

Tokyo is a big city, but the sea and the mountains are close. In one or two hours by train you can walk on a beach, climb a forest trail or see a big waterfall. This guide covers Kamakura on the coast and Nikko in the mountains, both good for nature. Hakone, the hot spring area near Mount Fuji, has its own guide, so it is only mentioned here.

Kamakura beaches

Kamakura is a seaside town about one hour south of Tokyo Station on the JR Yokosuka line. Yuigahama and Zaimokuza are its main beaches, with soft dark sand and views across the bay. In summer, beach huts serve food and drinks. The official swimming season is about July and August, with lifeguards. The rest of the year the beaches are good for walking, surfing and watching the sunset. Ride the small Enoden train along the coast to Enoshima, a small island joined to the land by a bridge. On clear days you can see Mount Fuji across the water.

Kamakura hill trails

Low green hills surround Kamakura, and forest trails link many parts of town. The trails are short, often one to two hours, with roots, steps and some steep parts. Wear good shoes, as the paths can be muddy after rain. The Tenen course runs along the ridge on the north side, with views over the town and the sea. Some trails close for repairs after big storms, so check the town's notices before you go. Finish at the beach or in the small streets near Kamakura Station, which have cafes and snack shops. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

Nikko falls and lakes

Nikko is in the mountains about two hours north of Tokyo. Tobu limited express trains leave from Asakusa. JR Pass holders can go by bullet train to Utsunomiya and change. From Nikko, a bus climbs the Irohazaka road, with its many sharp bends, to Lake Chuzenji in about one hour. Next to the lake is Kegon Falls, 97 metres high, one of the most famous waterfalls in Japan. A lift goes down to a platform near its base. Higher up are Ryuzu Falls and the Senjogahara marsh, with flat boardwalk trails across open grassland. Okunikko Yumoto has hot springs at the end of the bus line.

Nikko in autumn

Autumn is the most popular time in Nikko. The leaves change colour first at the top, around Yumoto and Senjogahara, usually in early to mid October. Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls follow in mid to late October. Lower down near Nikko town, the colour comes in late October to early November. The Irohazaka road can have very long traffic jams on autumn weekends, so go on a weekday and start early. It is much colder at the lake than in Tokyo, so bring a warm layer. In winter, snow can close some trails. Nikko needs a full day, or one night to see more.

Hakone in brief

Hakone is a hot spring area in the hills southwest of Tokyo, near Mount Fuji. It is easy to reach in about 90 minutes on the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku. Visitors ride a mountain train, a cable car and a ropeway, then cross Lake Ashi by boat. On clear days you see Fuji above the lake. There are many hot spring hotels and open-air art museums. Many people stay one night to relax in a hot spring bath. See our separate Mount Fuji and Hakone guide for full details, routes and the best season.

Day Trips at a glance

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