The top 5 day trips from Tokyo for hikes, hot springs, and surf

Whether you're a Tokyo newbie or a seasoned explorer, there are countless discoveries just a train ride away from the city center. Nikkō and Kamakura unveil Japan's rich history through their temples and shrines, while Mt. Takao, Hakone, and Izu Oshima Island offer a refreshing break from Tokyo's bustling streets.

Accessible within an hour or two by train, these destinations are perfect for a day trip from Tokyo. Consider using the Tokyo Wide Pass for some savings if you plan to travel for three consecutive days. Here are our top picks for an unforgettable day out from Tokyo.

1.Meet the Big Buddha of Kamakura

Travel time: One hour

Kamakura, once a seat of power in Japan from 1185 to 1333, offers a captivating glimpse into its historical past. Modern-day Kamakura is a perfect day trip from Tokyo, boasting attractions like the majestic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and a variety of Zen temples.

Among these temples, don't miss Japan’s oldest Zen monastery, Kencho-ji, and Hokoku-ji with its charming bamboo forest. However, the highlight of Kamakura is undoubtedly the Daibutsu, an impressive 11.3-meter-high bronze statue of Buddha, peacefully resting at Kotoku-in Temple since its casting in 1252.

How to get to Kamakura from Tokyo: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. From there, most of Kamakura's attractions are within walking distance. To reach the Big Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple, take the retro Enoden tram for three stops to Hase, then it's just a five-minute walk north.

2.Experience island life on Izu Oshima

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Many travelers are unaware, but Tokyo actually includes islands within its city limits, such as the Izu Island chain and the remote Ogasawara archipelago. The closest to the mainland, Izu Oshima, offers an active day away from the city.

For an adventurous day, hike around the crater of volcanic Mt. Mihara, Oshima’s tallest peak at 2487 feet (758 meters), then unwind in the outdoor hot-spring baths at Miharayama. Alternatively, rent a bicycle and explore the 91-square-mile island, passing coastal hot springs, unique rock formations, and Oshima’s iconic camellias (from January to March).

How to get to Oshima Island from Tokyo: Catch a high-speed jet ferry from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Terminal, near Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome Line or a short walk south of JR Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote Line. Ferries arrive at Oshima’s Motomachi or Okata ports, where you can take buses to the main attractions or rent a bicycle or car.

3.Visit Nikkō’s spectacular Tōshō-gū shrine

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

While Tokyo has its share of shrines, Nikkō takes it to another level. The UNESCO World Heritage-designated Tōshō-gū Shrine, the resting place of the first Edo-era shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, is a must-visit.

Approached by towering cedars, the shrine boasts highlights like a five-story pagoda and impressive gateways such as the Yomei-mon, adorned with vibrant carvings of birds and dragons against a backdrop of black lacquer and gilding.

Within the complex, marvel at the gilded Buddhas at Rinnō-ji and subtle decorations like the famous carvings of the three monkeys embodying "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil."

How to get to Nikkō from Tokyo: Nikkō has two nearby stations: JR Nikkō and Tōbu Nikkō. The quickest route from Tokyo is via Tōbu Railway’s Kegon or Spacia X limited-express trains between Asakusa and Tobu Nikkō. Alternatively, a joint JR-Tōbu service departs from Shinjuku. Buses from both Nikkō and Tōbu-Nikkō stations connect to Tōshō-gū and other key sights. Alternatively, it's about a 20-minute walk from the stations to Tōshō-gū.

4.Escape to Mount Takao for hikes, views, and clear air

Travel time: 55 minutes

You don’t have to travel far for stunning views of Mt. Fuji. On clear days, the majestic peak is visible from the top of 599m (1965ft) Mt. Takao, located in Tokyo. Takao offers one of the easiest ways to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty.

The hike to the top takes only 90 minutes to two hours, but you can shorten it by taking a cable car halfway up. Along the way, you’ll pass Yakuō-in Temple, known for its fire walking festival in March. Near the peak, Takao's cherry blossoms draw crowds for hanami picnics in spring, while the seasonal Beer Mount beer garden is perfect for a post-hike refreshment from mid-June to mid-October.

How to get to Takao from Tokyo: Take the Keio Line special express from Shinjuku to Takaosan-guchi Station. From there, it's a five-minute walk to the trailhead or the cable car, which can take you halfway up the mountain.

5.Immerse yourself in the hot springs and scenery of Hakone

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Hakone, a mountainous retreat, is a favorite day trip from Tokyo. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji and witness the steaming sulfur vents of Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley). Don't miss out on soaking in hot spring baths like Yunessun and exploring an outdoor art museum featuring works by Rodin and Picasso. While a day trip is possible, consider staying overnight at a ryokan, a traditional inns with their own hot spring baths.

How to get to Hakone from Tokyo: Take Odakyu’s limited-express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. To save money, purchase a Hakone Freepass, which covers the return train trip and provides two or three days of unlimited access to buses, ropeways, and other transportation within Hakone.