20 Cities Near Tokyo for Unforgettable Day Trips

If you’re feeling tired of Tokyo or simply looking for ideas for a fun day trip, the good news is there are so many cities near Tokyo waiting to be discovered. You could explore the Edo-period buildings in the charming town of Sawara, gaze up at the giant Buddha statue in Kamakura, or explore the shopping boutiques housed inside Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse to start.

Each of the 20 cities near Tokyo mentioned in this article will make unforgettable day trips, are great places to visit, and will hopefully inspire you to hop on a train or bus and get out of Tokyo to explore. Happy reading!

Contents

• Yokohama
• Kamakura
• Nikko
• Hakone
• Sawara
• Kawagoe
• Odawara
• Narita
• Utsunomiya
• Tochigi City
• Takasaki
• Kashima
• Karuizawa
• Chichibu
• Atami
• Chiba City
• Ashikaga
• Okutama
• Shizuoka City
• Nagoya

20 Cities Near Tokyo to Explore for Unforgettable Day Trips

1. Yokohama

Japan’s second largest city and very close neighbor just south of the city of Tokyo, Yokohama has many sights and attractions you won’t want to miss. As one of the first Japanese cities to open to trade with the West in the mid-19^th century, Yokohama was a port city that became a major economic and cultural hub for Japan.

Today, you can still see the foreign influence in its architecture and culture. Major attractions include the Minato Mirai 21 shopping outlet, the iconic Yokohama Landmark Tower, the Red Brick Warehouse shopping and restaurant complex, and Japan’s largest Chinatown. If you have time be sure to visit some of the historic homes and mansions that are open to the public or take a night cruise passing the many industrial factories which make for a real Bladerunner-type experience after dark.

Don’t Miss:

• Cup Noodles Museum: A museum dedicated to instant and cup noodles as well as its creator Momofuku Ando where you can make your own original flavor of cup noodles!
• Chinatown: Explore the streets of Japan’s largest Chinatown and taste all the delicious food on offer.
• Kirin Beer Factory: A large brewery offering tours and a tasting room of famous beers.

Travel time from Tokyo: 20 minutes by train

2. Kamakura

The city of Kamakura, also known as ‘mini-Kyoto’ thanks to its volume of shrines and temples was the unofficial Japanese capital from 1185 to 1333 during the reign of the Kamakura shogunate. After the fall of the shogunate, the city continued to dominate the east of the country for several hundred years before gradually ceding influence to surrounding areas.

Today, Kamakura is a small but popular destination for international and domestic tourists due to its proximity to central Tokyo, its high number of seasonal festivals, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines, and other historical attractions. Like Kyoto, it also has its own bamboo forest. As a coastal city, it is also a great place to visit during the summer months.

Don’t Miss:

• The Great Buddha: A large bronze statue of Amitabha on the grounds of the Kotoku-in Buddhist temple.
• Endoshima: A small tourist island off the coast of Kamakura known for the Enoshima shrine, good beaches, surfing, and hot springs.
• Komachi-dori: A bustling shopping street lined with shops and restaurants.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour by train

3. Nikko

The small city of Nikko located north of Tokyo in Tochigi prefecture is perhaps best known for Toshogu, the grand Shinto shrine, and the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan for several centuries, and the Futarasan shrine which dates back more than 1,200 years.

Other attractions include the Nikko National Park with its beautiful view of the mountains, natural hot springs, and seasonal colors, particularly in the autumn months. Nikko is the perfect destination for a mini-getaway from Tokyo and is home to many traditional ryokans and hot-spring resorts.

Don’t Miss:

• Toshogu Shrine: One of Japan’s many UNESCO world heritage sites, a Shinto shrine and burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
• Shinkyo Bridge: (pictured above) A red and black bridge close to the entrance of the nearby Futarasan shrine.
• Kegon Falls: One of Japan’s most famous waterfalls.

Travel time from Tokyo: 2 hours 20 minutes by train

4. Hakone

Hakone is a mountain town best known for its many hot springs, natural beauty, and impressive views of Mount Fuji, making it a popular destination for tourists. Just 100km west of Tokyo, it is a good option for a day trip.

A popular way of exploring Hakone is by circling the region on five different modes of transport including a train, cable car, ropeway, boat, and bus, this is called the Hakone Round Course. It can be done using the Hakone Freepass, and if you start early enough, it can be completed in a day trip from Tokyo.

Don’t Miss:

• Hakone Round Course: Perhaps its main attraction and a popular and scenic way of exploring the Hakone region via different modes of transport.
• Hakone Open Air Museum: Japan’s first open-air museum features collections of works by many famous artists.
• Lake Ashi: Also known as Lake Ashinoko, a scenic crater lake that forms part of the Hakone region.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour by train

5. Sawara

Sawara is a charming town known for its many well-preserved Edo-period-style buildings and waterways. During the Edo period, Sawara town was a popular transport hub for businesses, some of which are still in operation and lend to the old-world atmosphere.

Visitors can take a boat tour along the Ono River to enjoy the traditional architecture or watch the seasonal Sawara Matsuri Festival, where floats of giant dolls are wheeled through the streets.

Don’t Miss:

• ‘Little Edo’ boat tour: A sightseeing cruise along the Ono River past Edo-period buildings.
• Suigo Sawara Ayame Park: A botanical garden located in the Suigo-Tsukuba National Park.
• Katori-Jingu Shrine: A 2,700-year-old Shinto shrine, and head of approx. 400 Katori shrines around the country.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 50 minutes by train

6. Kawagoe

Located on the North-Western border of Tokyo, the historic city of Kawagoe is a popular destination for a day trip from the capital of Japan. ‘Little Edo’ as it is known locally is home to many historic sites constructed in the Edo-period style. During this period, the city prospered under the authority of feudal families loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate and it became a commercial and transport center.

Some of Kawagoe’s main attractions include Kitain Temple, a Buddhist temple known for its main hall which was originally part of the original Edo Castle, and Kawagoe Castle, the closest castle to Tokyo open to visitors.

Don’t Miss:

• Warehouse District: Retro shopping street with many traditional buildings.
• Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley): A shopping street known for its huge variety of penny candy stores.
• Kawagoe Matsuri: A hugely popular festival held on the third weekend of October each year, with extravagant musical floats and local food stalls.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 15 minutes by train

7. Odawara City

This modest-sized port city of Kanagawa prefecture on the southern coast of Japan looking out across Sagami Bay once was host to several key military defeats and successes throughout Japan’s history, notably due to its castle which was once one of the best-defended in the country.

One of Odawara’s most notable attractions, the 550-year-old castle, which once belonged to Togukawa Ieyasu, has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since its construction, and the reconstructed keep seen today is a draw for many tourists.

In addition to the castle, other popular places include the Prefectural Museum of Natural History and the scenic Enoura Observatory.

Don’t Miss:

• Odawara Castle: A 500-year-old Japanese fortification constructed during the Kamakura period. A landmark of Odawara City.
• Wanpaku Land: A large children’s amusement park, with a botanical garden and children’s play areas.
• Sakawa Coast: A large, popular, and scenic beach on the southern edge of Odawara City facing Sagami Bay.

Travel time from Tokyo: 49 minutes by train

8. Narita

Just east of Tokyo, Narita is perhaps best known as the site of one of Tokyo’s two main international airports, however, Narita has plenty more to offer visitors than jetlag and airport security checks!

Close to the train station is Omotesando, an 800m street of shops built in the style of the Edo period, and restaurants offering many local dishes such as freshwater eel.

One of its most popular attractions is Naritasan, a Buddhist temple founded over 1,000 years ago by a disciple of the famous Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The large grounds and beautiful historic buildings include the Great Main Hall and a gilded three-storied pagoda.

Don’t Miss:

• Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple: A very popular thousand-year-old Buddhist temple located in a large temple complex in Narita City.
• Naritasan Park: A large and beautiful Japanese garden with plum blossoms, ponds, and seasonal plants.
• Omotesando Shopping Street: An 800m shopping street home to around 150 restaurants and souvenir shops

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 20 minutes by train

9. Utsunomiya

North of Tokyo, Utsunomiya is the largest city in Tochigi prefecture and perhaps best known for its gyoza, crispy Japanese dumplings filled with ground pork, and other herbs. There are more than 200 gyoza restaurants in Utsunomiya specializing in variations of the popular dish including chicken, pork, seafood, and kimchi.

Other notable sites located around the city include Utsunomiya Castle (pictured), which was the site of a major battle between the Tokugawa shogunate and imperial forces during the shogunate’s decline. Also, The Venus of Gyoza statue, a half dumpling, half goddess statue that can be found near Utsunomiya train station. You can also take an underground lake cruise through the Ohya quarry if you’re brave enough!

Don’t Miss:

• Oya History Museum: A busy and awe-inspiring museum built inside a massive underground quarry.
• Local gyoza dishes: Utsunomiya is known for its local variations of the famous Japanese dumpling. Many restaurants offer their own unique styles and flavors.
• Heiwa Kannon: A 27-meter-high statue of Kannon hand carved into the wall of the former Oya stone quarry.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 20 minutes by train

10. Tochigi City

North of Tokyo, Tochigi city is in the very south of the prefecture and is its third largest city. During World War II it escaped significant damage, so many of its historical buildings such as shops, temples, and traditional storehouses called kura still remain in the city center. This includes the Kuranomachi Museum of Art, a 200-year-old museum housing local art and ceramics.

The Yanaka Reservoir, a confluence of three major rivers that run through Tochigi, can be found south of the city. It is a popular destination for sailboats and windsurfing, and in 2012 it was designated a wetland site of international importance by UNESCO.

Don’t Miss:

• Hike Mt. Ohira: A short trip from the city, this mountain is known for its cherry blossoms during spring and the hydrangea festival in June.
• Try an Edo Experience: In keeping with the town’s traditional architecture, try an Edo experience such as traditional sweets making, incense making, or kimono rental.
• Ashikaga Flower Park: A large park with stunning seasonal flower displays, also known for its beautiful 150-year-old wisteria tree.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 45 minutes by train

11. Takasaki

Just over an hour northeast of Tokyo, Takasaki is the largest city in Gunma prefecture. During the Edo period, it prospered as a major transportation hub due to its proximity to the Nakasendo highway which connected Edo and Kyoto.

It is famously home to the Daruma doll, a hollow round traditional Japanese doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. It is considered a talisman of good luck in Japan and is an extremely popular gift.

Just outside the city, a giant 41-meter statue of the Buddhist goddess of Mercy, Kannon, can be found atop Mt Kannonyama. Visitors can enter the statue and climb the nine floors for a beautiful view of Takasaki.

Don’t Miss:

• Haruna Jinja Shrine: An old and photogenic 1,400-year-old Shinto shrine set among the rocky frame of Mt. Haruna.
• Takasaki Byakue Daikannon statue: A statue of the Buddhist Goddess Kannon, located on the summit of Mt. Kannonyama.
• Mount Haruna Ropeway: A popular cable car that offers aerial views of Lake Haruna from 1,391 meters atop the mountain.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 15 minutes by train

12. Kashima

Kashima city sits on the eastern coast of Japan facing the North Pacific Ocean. Its location kept it mostly out of the conflicts of Japan’s feudal history, however, the city emerged as a significant industrial zone for steel, and a commercial fishing port.

The city is home to Kashima Shrine, a Shinto Shrine that is one of the oldest and most visited shrines in Japan, particularly between the first and third of January when more than half a million people come to celebrate the new year. Kashima is also home to the Kashima Antlers, a major team in the J1 League, the top tier of Japan’s professional soccer league.

Don’t Miss:

• Kashima Jingu Torii gate: A unique torii gate located in the waters of the Wani River, a short distance from Kashima Jingu Shinto Shrine.
• Deer Park at Kashima Jingu Shrine: A wooded garden on the grounds of the Kashima Jingu Shrine which includes large numbers of local deer.
• Hirai Beach: The Gold Coast of Ibaraki, a white sandy beach facing out to the North Pacific Ocean.

Travel time from Tokyo: 2 hours by train

13. Karuizawa

The resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture is known for its mild weather and unrivaled outdoor scenery. Fans of the Japanese reality show Terrace House may also recognize it as the location for the ‘Opening New Doors’ series.

Karuizawa is one of the oldest and most popular summer resorts in Japan. A few miles west of Takasaki, Karuizawa also benefitted from its proximity to the Nakasendo highway during the Edo period and later developed a reputation as a summer resort for foreign expatriates and Japanese tourists.

Visitors to the area enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, skiing, and sightseeing some of the local natural beauty spots such as the active volcano Mount Asama, and the Karuizawa Shiraito Falls (pictured above).

Don’t Miss:

• Karuizawa Shiraito Falls: A peaceful and beautiful arc-shaped waterfall surrounded by green woodland and mountains.
• Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Stone Church: An unusual glass and stone church dedicated to the memory of the founder of the Nonchurch Movement of Christianity.
• The Ginza shopping street: This street runs along the old Nakasendo highway and is home to many local shops.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 30 minutes by train

14. Chichibu

The rural city of Chichibu located northwest of Tokyo in Saitama prefecture is known for its mountain shrines. Thirty-four temples reach across the mountains that surround the city, forming the Chichibu Kannon Pilgrimage route, one of three circuits that form the larger 100 Kannon Pilgrimage Route, dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

The scenic natural environment and proximity to Tokyo make Chichibu a popular destination for such sightseeing attractions as Hitsujiyama Park, the Icicles of Mitosuchi, and Shibanozakura no Oka. Tourists can also take boat journeys through the rock formations of the Arakawa River.

Chichibu is also known for its brewing industry, its four main breweries based throughout the city were constructed during the Edo period between 1603 and 1867.

Don’t Miss:

• Hitsujiyama Park: A park in Chichibu city known for its beautiful pink moss fields which come into bloom in the spring.
• Chichibu Shrine: A 1,000-year-old Shinto shrine known for the annual Chichibu Night festival which takes place every December.
• Icicles of Misotsuchi: A scenic and dramatic display of icicles formed from spring water that can grow as long as 8 meters.

Travel time from Tokyo: 2 hours by train

15. Atami

An hour southwest of Tokyo in Shizuoka prefecture, Atami city lies in Sagami Bay facing south towards the Pacific Ocean. Known for its warm weather and relatively mild winters, the city sits on the edge of a volcanic region.

The name ‘Atami’ which means ‘hot ocean’ refers to the city’s famous hot springs which have been popular with visitors since the 8^th century. In the 1980s many hotel resorts and luxurious ryokan were constructed as the tourism boom grew, however, Japan’s economic turmoil in the 90s led the industry into decline. Recently, Atami has seen growth in tourism again due to its proximity to Tokyo.

Don’t Miss:

• Atami Castle: A tourist attraction from the 1950s that offers Edo-period costumes, popular cherry blossom viewing spots, and an exhibition of Japanese castles.
• MOA Museum of Art: A private museum built to house the art collection of millionaire and religious leader Mokichi Okada.
• Atami Plum Garden: A popular and scenic Japanese garden known for its hot springs, 500 plum trees, and festival that is held between January and March each year.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 10 minutes by train

16. Chiba City

The largest and capital city of Chiba prefecture is less than an hour away by train across Tokyo Bay. Its proximity to the capital of Japan makes it a convenient spot to escape the crowds for a day or two.

One of the best ways to explore Chiba city is via the world’s longest suspended monorail which snakes through the city for more than 15km. Some of the city’s most scenic and popular attractions include Chiba Park, a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing, and Chiba Port Park on the edge of the bay. Another popular draw is its proximity to Tokyo Disneyland, which is less than 40 minutes away by train.

Don’t Miss:

• Inage Seaside Park Pool: A huge seaside park with a range of different pools and waterslides and other water activities.
• Chiba Port Tower: A 125-meter-tall tower and Chiba city landmark that includes an observation deck and restaurant.
• Inohana Castle: The ruins of a nearly thousand-year-old hilltop castle with many reconstructed elements and a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

Travel time from Tokyo: 50 minutes by train

17. Ashikaga

The small city of Ashikaga in Tochigi prefecture can be reached by taking the Shinkansen north of Tokyo and then a local train west into the southwestern corner of Tochigi prefecture.

Known throughout most of its history as a producer of silks and other textiles and parks, the city’s normally humid climate makes it an ideal environment for wildlife. Its spring wisteria blooms and the illuminated gardens of Ashigaka Flower Park are popular draws for tourists.

There are also several historical sites located throughout the city worth visiting including Ashikaga School, the oldest in Japan, and Bannaji Temple, an 800-year-old Buddhist temple surrounded by a moat and wall.

Don’t Miss:

• Ashikaga Flower Park: A beautiful park known for its picturesque wisteria displays and multicolored flower tunnels.
• Coco Farm and Winery: A Japanese vineyard surrounded by mountains offerings tours, tastings, and a souvenir shop.
• Ashikaga Gakko: The oldest school in Japan constructed roughly 1,200 years ago. Originally used by Zen monks to teach Confucianism.

Travel time from Tokyo: 2 hours 15 minutes by train

18. Okutama

Okutama can be reached in just over two hours by train on the north-westernmost limits of Tokyo Metropolis. The town sits inside the massive Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, and a day trip from Tokyo can feel a little like you are escaping into the wilderness with its scenic lakes, impressive mountains, and lush green forests all around.

Best known for its outdoor activities and relaxing environment, some of Okutama’s attractions include Hatonosu Canyon, a large gorge along the Tama River with walking trails, beautiful shrines, and hotels, and Sawanoi Sake Brewery, a 300-year-old brewery nestled among the trees alongside the Tama River.

Don’t Miss:

• Nippara Limestone Caves: A colorful and breathtaking 1,200-meter-long cave network and the largest in the Kanto region.
• Mugiyama Floating Bridge: Nicknamed ‘Drum Can Bridge’, it is one of two floating bridges visitors can take across Lake Okutama when water levels allow.
• Lake Okutama: A variety of sights, activities, shrines, restaurants, cafes, and seasonal attractions can be found all around the lake.

Travel time from Tokyo: 2 hours 15 minutes by train

19. Shizuoka City

The capital city of Shizuoka prefecture, Shizuoka City is located halfway between Tokyo and Nagoya, and is known for its impressive views of Mount Fuji, and green tea. It is considered one of the best places in Japan for tea growing.

Originally within the province of Suruga which was established in the Nara period (710 to 794), the city grew in prominence in the early 17^th century when Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu abdicated and established a second court in Sunpu.

Located along the Tokaido route, one of the historic five routes that connected Tokyo (Edo) to the outer provinces during the Edo period, the city became known for supplying most of Japan’s tea.

Don’t Miss:

• Sunpu Castle: The ruins of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s former castle, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
• Miho no Matsubara beach: A 7km-long beach lined with pine trees and a popular viewing spot for Mount Fuji.
• Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: A 400-year-old Shinto Shrine and the original burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the famous Shogun who united Japan.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 15 minutes by train

20. Nagoya

The fourth most populated city in Japan, and the capital city of Aichi prefecture, Nagoya city became a major industrial hub for Japan after the Meiji Restoration, around the beginning of the 20^th century. Unfortunately, this also made it a target of air raids during World War II, which destroyed a lot of the industry and much of Nagoya Castle.

Today, it is once again a center of economic strength for Japan, and several major manufacturing companies, such as the Toyota Motor Corporation, are based in the city. It’s also home to the famous Legoland theme park in Japan.

Popular sites include the SCMaglev and Railway Park – a museum tracing the history of trains in Japan, and Nagashima Resort, a theme park which is home to some of Japan’s best rollercoasters.

Don’t Miss:

• Nagoya Castle: A 400-year-old Japanese castle constructed during the Edo period. Destroyed during WWII and has been under reconstruction since.
• Atsuta Jingu Shrine: A revered Shinto Shrine believed to have been constructed around 900 years ago to house the legendary sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi.
• Ghibli Park: A theme park that opened in 2022 located just outside Nagoya city, dedicated to movies by the famous Studio Ghibli.

Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 40 minutes by train

Hopefully this list of 20 cities near Tokyo has given you some ideas for day trips based on your interests and how far you want to travel! And if you are heading to Tokyo, be sure to check out my popular 5-day Tokyo itinerary!