If you’re looking for culturally rich and naturally beautiful day trips from Tokyo that WON’T be full of other tourists, then this is the list for you.

Exploring Tokyo is an adventure in itself, take it from someone who has lived and worked here for the past 2 years, but sometimes the never-ending crowds can get a little overwhelming. Recently, it seems like every tourist in Japan has the same three-stop agenda: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, with the occasional day trip to Nara or Hakone.

If you’re anything like me, you want to get off the beaten track and experience a different side of Japan: serenity, peace, and authenticity. Instead of doing exactly the same thing as everyone else just to get the same picture and prove you were there, why not delve deeper into how local Tokyo-ites actually spend their weekends?

The beauty of being in such a vibrant city is the wealth of incredible destinations just a short journey away. To make this list as tourist-friendly as possible, all these Tokyo day trip destinations are reachable by public transport in less than 2 hours.

Six Best Day Trips from Tokyo

1. Mount Takao

A local favourite, Mount Takao is so more than just hiking. Take the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi station and then walk through the picturesque town streets towards the base of the mountain. You can hike the base of the mountain, take the cable car, or (my personal recommendation) ride the chairlift. It’s inexpensive and so much fun to soar through the trees on the ride-like chairlift, and you even have the option to buy a commemorative photo.

You disembark about halfway up the mountain and have a choice of paths to take you to the summit. Along the way are shrines, food stalls, and even a monkey park to keep you smiling every step of the way. Make sure to check out Tako-san (the octopus-shaped tree) on the way up, and the suspension bridge on Trail 4 when you’re heading back down. Trail 1 is the most direct route to the top and is very easy for all ages and abilities.

The mountain peak has a wonderful noodle restaurant, stunning view of the surrounding mountain range, and plenty of space for picnics and taking photos. Don’t miss out on refilling your bottles with the delicious and free mountain water fountains!

Must Do: Enjoy eating the special udon with local vegetables and mushrooms from the mountain in the summit restaurant! It’s the perfect lunch spot after your leisurely stroll up Mount Takao.

When to Visit: Mount Takao is busiest during the cherry blossom and Momiji (autumnal leaves) seasons due to its unmatched natural beauty. To avoid the crowds during March-April or Oct-Nov, try to visit on a weekday. The mountain is open year-round but be prepared for it to be cold in winter and very hot and humid in the peak summer months.

How to Get There: Takaosanguchi, the nearest station, is only one direct 50-minute train from Shinjuku Station on the Keio Line. To use your JR Pass, take the JR Chuo Line from central Tokyo to Takao Station then switch to the Keio Line for one additional stop (130 yen not covered by the JR Pass).

2. The Tama River

The Tama River is my number one summer activity in Tokyo. This perfect day trip from Tokyo will take you out West towards Mitake to explore along the Tama River. I recommend getting the train to Sawai station the walking straight down to the river. You can set up along the water bank to read, relax, and picnic. Take a dip in the water, ideal for beating those hot and humid Tokyo summer days, but be prepared for some strong currents!

Next to the Tama River is a fresh tofu restaurant with outdoor seating as well as a small sake brewery that offers tastings. This is your opportunity to experience the amazing local food and regional specialities that you won’t find anywhere else.

For something more active, hike along the riverside to enjoy the shrines and valley that this area is famous for. Once you reach Mitake, there are multiple water sports rental shops and white water rafting tours to make the most of the impressive river currents.

Must Do: Finish the day at Mitake Bridge and take in the incredible sight of Mitake Gorge. So few people know to visit this amazing area so the views are quiet and almost completely uninterrupted.

When to Visit: The Tama River is the ideal escape from Tokyo’s summer heat between June and August. Mitake Gorge is especially beautiful during the Momiji season in October and November when the Japanese maple leaves turn bright red.

How to Get There: Sawai is only 90 minutes from Shinjuku and can be accessed using the JR Pass. Take the Chuo Line to Ome Station and transfer to the Ome Line for another 6 stops to Sawai. The views along the way are amazing.

3. Kawaguchiko

One of Mount Fuji’s Five Lakes, Kawaguchiko is the best way to see Fuji-San in one day from Tokyo. You can hop on a bus straight from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko station and spend the day chasing mountain views from the scenic lake. From Kawagushiko station, walk 15 minutes north to the Lake, stopping at Haostay cafe for a coffee on the way.

You can take the ropeway cablecar to the top of a nearby mountain for direct views of Fuji-san as well as find freshly made treats like mochi and curry pan. I like to then take the 45-minute walking trail back down to take in the forest, flowers, and wildlife.

For days when the ropeway line is just a little too long, or if heights are not your thing, opt to walk the circumference of the lake instead. It is a flat walk from the walkway to Lake Kawaguchi Great Bridge with the loop taking around 1 hour. Mount Fuji magically appears over the lake as you walk making for a relaxing afternoon activity.

Must Do: Try the regional speciality, Hotou at Hotou Fudo restaurant. This dish involves hand-cut noodles served in a broth made from local vegetables. Alternatively, stop by Fuji Tempura Idaten for an unbelievable lunch experience!

When to Visit: Kawagushiko can be visited year-round, just make sure to bring plenty of layers for the cold winter months. More important than the season is the day you choose to go! Mount Fuji is renowned for disappearing into the cloud so check the weather for a clear day before travelling.

How to Get There: Take the direct bus from Shinjuku Bus Station straight to Kawaguchiko Station. The journey is around 90 minutes (but can be longer due to traffic) and you can buy tickets online or in person.

4. Enoshima

Enoshima is an island less than 90 minutes from Tokyo and accessible via train. Get off at Enoshima station and walk 10 minutes across the Enoshima Benten Bridge to arrive at the Island. From here, you can explore to your heart’s content. Enoshima is home to street food, a large shrine, and even caves sneaking underneath the island.

You can either walk up the many staircases to Hetsunomiya Shrine or pay to take the escalators to the top. It is so special to visit this shrine in the middle of an island and exploring the surrounding area is nothing short of magic.

There are countless restaurants at every turn offering seafood and soba, not to mention the souvenir stalls for magnets, postcards, and handmade crafts.

Must Do: Climb down the stairs on the far side of the island to see the vantage point famously featured in The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai.

When to Visit: June is a particularly amazing time to visit Enoshima as it is the Aji or Hydrangea season. Flowers line every path in an explosion of delicate colour and texture. It will be hot and humid, but the flowers make it worth it.

How to Get There: Take the Shonen-Shinjuku Line 50 minutes from Shinjuku to Fujisawa Station then change to the Enoshima line and ride it 6 minutes to the final stop.

5. Nikko

Two hours from Asakusa Station is the historical and cultural heart of Tochigi prefecture, Nikko. The town is renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Toshogu Shrine, its unmatched Momiji-filled valleys, and an ancient charm that transports you back into the Shogun era.

The best way to spend a day in Nikko is to walk 30 minutes from Nikko station to Shinkyō Bridge and then explore the mountains. There are multiple temples and shrines nestled amongst the trees with the area also boasting waterfalls and scenic lakes. For those seeking relaxation, the region’s hot springs, or onsen, offer a perfect way to unwind amidst picturesque settings.

Nikko town is home to craft stores offering handmade art, wonderful restaurants, and plenty of sweet treats to keep you going.

Must Do: Try Nikko’s speciality food, Yuba. It’s known as tofu skin and forms on the surface of soy milk when slowly heated. Its texture and flavour are delicate but delicious and is typically served as a side with shoyu.

When to Visit: Nikko is most famous for its autumn foliage, bringing in tourists from every part of Japan. Despite this being the high tourism season, Nikko is a very special place to visit all year round.

Distance from Tokyo: You can get the Toby Railway Express from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko station in under 2 hours. This is not covered by the JR Pass and you will need a specific ticket to ride this train bought from the ticket counter.

6. Akigawa Valley

This little-known spot for tourists is a much-loved destination for locals and one of the most unique day trips from Tokyo you can have. Hidden in the western part of Tokyo’s Akiruno City, Akigawa offers a refreshing escape with its pristine river, lush forests, and laid-back ambience. The Valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring crystal-clear waters, river trekking, and riverside BBQs.

You will need to take a train and a bus to get into this almost secret valley, and I suggest getting off at 荷田子 (Nadako) bus stop and walking through the countryside lanes to Tea Room Mube. There, you can drink the highest quality drinks in a traditional setting overlooking a mystical mountainside. This whole area is cash only, so make sure to stop by an ATM before you leave for the day.

Walk along the road to Agikawa Valley where you picnic, fish, and hike. There are countless trekking paths to take you up into the mountains or down along the river, some of the area is relatively unkempt so you may want to remember sturdy shoes and practical clothes to really get off the beaten track.

Must Do: Once you’re finished hiking and eating, stop by Seoto-no-yu Onsen or its free foot bath for the ultimate relaxation before heading back to Tokyo.

When to Visit: Akigawa Valley comes alive in the late spring and early summer. It’s warm enough to dip in the river and BBQ but not too hot to hike and explore.

How to Get There: Getting to Akigawa can be a little more tricky. Take the Chuo Line from Shinjuku station to Tachikawa (about 26 minutes), then transfer to the Ome Line to Musashi-Itsukaichi (another 30 minutes). Catch the 10 bus from the front of the station (the bus stop is called 武蔵五日市駅) for to Akigawa Valley.

These are my personal favourite day trips from Tokyo that I would recommend to any friend coming to visit. They will show you another side of life in Tokyo through the scenic natural beauty and areas of rich cultural experience that you simply cannot get in the cities.

For more Tokyo Guides, explore my Best Tokyo Cafes and Digital Nomad Life in Tokyo.

Any questions? Leave them in the comments below.