14 Popular Destinations Near Tokyo for Day Trips and Overnight Stays

This shopping street preserves the atmosphere of Edo that has disappeared from much of modern Japan.
The Warehouse District is lined with fire-resistant, warehouse-style merchant buildings that developed from traditional Edo-period townhouses. It has been designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and selected as one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Historic Landscapes.
Visitors can admire historic structures such as the Osawa Residence and Toki no Kane, sample snacks while walking through Kashiya Yokocho, where traditional candy and Japanese confectionery shops stand side by side, or rent a kimono and explore the neighborhood.

Toki no Kane is one of Kawagoe's best-known landmarks. It stands out prominently among the traditional warehouse-style buildings lining the street.
The three-story wooden tower is approximately 52 feet tall. Its bell rings four times a day at 6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
The original tower was built about 400 years ago, reportedly by Sakai Tadakatsu, lord of the Kawagoe Domain. It burned down several times in successive fires, and the present structure is the fourth iteration.
It was designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Kawagoe City in 1958 and selected as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan to Preserve in 1996.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a historic shrine believed to have been founded approximately 1,500 years ago.
Its main sanctuary features intricate carvings and has been designated a National Important Cultural Property.
One of the shrine's signature sights is the ema tunnel.
Ema are wooden plaques offered at shrines to make a wish or express gratitude for a wish that has been granted. Visitors can walk through a mystical passage filled with approximately 30,000 of these plaques.

For more places to experience Japanese history and culture in Kawagoe, see this selection of popular attractions.

This waterfront park is a short walk from Yokohama Chinatown.
It opened in March 1930 on land reclaimed using debris from the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Its approximately 18-acre grounds feature a spacious promenade, flower beds, and fountains, providing a relaxing setting for Yokohama residents and visitors alike.
The park offers views of Yokohama's signature scenery, including Yokohama Port and the skyline around Landmark Tower. It is popular both during the day and after dark.

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse once served as one of Japan's most advanced warehouse facilities from the Meiji through Taisho periods.
Today, its two historic warehouse buildings have been transformed into a cultural and shopping complex with stores, restaurants, and multipurpose halls.
Warehouse No. 1 contains halls for dance and theater performances, event spaces, long-established Yokohama businesses, and shops selling local souvenirs.
Each floor of Warehouse No. 2 has a different theme, with a range of restaurants, cafes, and stores.

This Japanese garden was created by businessman and patron of the arts Hara Sankei.
Across its expansive 43-acre grounds, historic structures transported from Kyoto, Kamakura, and other locations—including several National Important Cultural Properties—have been carefully arranged.
Different flowers bloom throughout the seasons, and the garden holds events celebrating them at various times of year.

If this is your first visit to Yokohama, see this selection of attractions you will not want to miss.

Enoshima Shrine is one of Japan's Three Great Shrines Dedicated to Benzaiten.
It consists of three main shrines dedicated to three sister goddesses: Tagirihime-no-Mikoto at Okutsumiya, Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto at Nakatsumiya, and Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto at Hetsumiya. They are associated with blessings for relationships, artistic achievement, financial fortune, success in competition, and more.
A legend tells of a dragon that once lived here, and the extensive grounds contain various structures associated with the dragon and the three sister goddesses.

This Japanese-Western botanical garden stands on the site of a garden established in 1882 by Enoshima-based merchant Samuel Cocking and has a distinctly tropical atmosphere.
Tropical plants and various flowers grow throughout the grounds, creating changing scenery in every season.
Seasonal events are another highlight.
Other attractions include Japan's only surviving brick greenhouse ruins, the French toast specialty cafe LONCAFE, and a local history museum where visitors can learn about Enoshima.

Located inside Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, this 137-foot observation lighthouse is a symbol of Enoshima.
Its indoor and outdoor observation decks provide panoramic views across Enoshima and, on clear days, as far as the Izu Peninsula and Mount Fuji.
During the Shonan no Hoseki illumination event, held annually from late November through late February, visitors can look down from the observation deck over the illuminated island.
Take the elevator up to the observation deck, then use the spiral staircase on the way down.
The fully glazed outdoor staircase adds a touch of excitement while allowing you to continue taking in the views from the Enoshima Sea Candle.

See this article for a selection of attractions where you can experience Enoshima's scenery and cuisine.

Located in the center of Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine has long been regarded as a symbol of the city.
It is also known for its connection to Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, and attracts many worshippers. The current main sanctuary was constructed in 1828 and is designated a National Important Cultural Property.
The shrine is also renowned for its natural scenery. Cherry blossoms bloom around the Genpei Ponds in spring, followed by lotus flowers in summer.

Meigetsuin is a temple of the Kenchoji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Its principal object of worship is a seated statue of Sho Kannon.
Known as the Hydrangea Temple, its grounds are covered in blue when approximately 2,500 hime hydrangeas reach full bloom in June. Their pale blue color is also known as “Meigetsuin Blue.”

This railroad crossing inspired the location featured in the opening sequence of the animated adaptation of the basketball manga SLAM DUNK, which has enthusiastic fans in Japan and around the world.
The retro train passing through the crossing, with the sea visible beyond the tracks, creates a memorable view.
It is located just outside Kamakurakokomae Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway, better known as the Enoden, which runs between Kamakura and Fujisawa.

To learn more about Kamakura, see this article featuring a selection of the city's popular attractions.

This park occupies land that was once part of the Hayama Imperial Villa, a retreat used by the Emperor. It has also been selected as one of Kanagawa's 50 Best Parks.
The grounds include a Japanese garden where visitors can stroll among seasonal flowers, fall foliage, a pond filled with carp, and a small waterfall.
When you need a break, stop at the Japanese-style cafe Ikkeian or the Shiomi-tei rest area and relax in a traditional setting.

Hayama Marina is both a yacht harbor and a commercial complex offering shopping and dining.
Visitors can shop and choose from Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine while looking out toward Enoshima and Mount Fuji.
Short cruises lasting approximately 45 minutes provide an easy way to take a trip out on the water.
Before leaving, pick up one of MARLOWE's popular handmade baked custard puddings served in a beaker as a souvenir.

Morito Daimyojin, the principal guardian shrine of Hayama, was founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, who ruled during the Kamakura period.
It enshrines two deities, Oyamatsumi-no-Mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, who are associated with blessings such as good fortune, protection from misfortune, and safe childbirth.
Behind the shrine grounds, visitors can see the Sunset at Morito, selected as one of Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Views.
Do not miss the view of Enoshima, offshore reefs, and distant Mount Fuji illuminated by the setting sun.

The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway carries many visitors from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi up Mount Tenjo.
From inside the gondola, passengers can admire the scenery with Lake Kawaguchi below.
Mount Tenjo is renowned for its head-on views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Its observation deck, renovated in July 2017, is twice the size of the previous deck.
In addition to panoramic views of Mount Fuji and its foothills, visitors can explore popular features such as the Bell of Tenjo, Usagi Shrine, and a ceramic disc-throwing area.

The Lake Kawaguchi sightseeing boat Appare takes passengers on an approximately 20-minute cruise around Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes.
Departing from Appare Pier, the boat passes beneath Lake Kawaguchi Ohashi Bridge before turning near Unoshima, the only island in the Fuji Five Lakes, and returning to the pier. The route offers distinctive views of Mount Fuji that can only be experienced from the lake.

Oshino Hakkai is the collective name for eight spring-fed ponds supplied by water from Mount Fuji: Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, Sokonashi-ike, Choshi-ike, Waku-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagami-ike, and Shobu-ike.
The area was once a lake that dried up, leaving the eight springs behind.
The water is exceptionally clear because melted snow from Mount Fuji is filtered for approximately 20 years through underground layers of lava.

To discover more places around Lake Kawaguchi, see this article featuring popular attractions and natural scenery in the surrounding area.

Along Hakone's main sightseeing route, transfer from the cable car to the ropeway at Sounzan Station. After gliding through the air for a while, the scenery suddenly changes.
The lush greenery disappears, replaced by exposed, crumbling rock and white plumes of steam rising from the mountainside.
This is Owakudani, a volcanic crater formed by Hakone's most recent volcanic activity. The white gas continuously rising from its fumaroles contains sulfur and fills the air with a distinctive odor.

These sightseeing ships sail across Lake Ashi, one of Hakone's most scenic locations. The fleet consists of three colorfully and elaborately decorated vessels: Royale II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko.
Each accommodates approximately 500 passengers and travels between Togendai Port, Hakonemachi Port, and Motohakone Port in 25 to 35 minutes each way.
On clear days, the open deck is especially inviting. Feel the refreshing breeze while taking in the mountains and seasonal natural scenery.

Counted among Hakone's seven traditional hot springs, Hakone-Yumoto Onsen is known as the area's largest hot spring town. Its waters are said to have been discovered during the Nara period. In the Edo period, it prospered as a hot spring town along the Tokaido, one of the five major highways of the time. Today, hot spring facilities, accommodations, restaurants, and souvenir shops continue to line its lively streets. It remains Hakone's central hot spring district and welcomes large numbers of visitors every day.

To learn more about Hakone, see this article covering attractions to include in a relaxing trip.

Located along the Shiraito Highland Way scenic driving route, Shiraito Falls is one of Karuizawa's leading attractions. It takes its name from the fine, threadlike streams of Mount Asama snowmelt that emerge from the rock face. The curtain of remarkably clear water fills the surrounding area with cool, refreshing air.
The falls drop approximately 10 feet and follow a gentle curve across a width of about 230 feet, creating a scene reminiscent of a painting. The contrast between the green trees and white water is particularly striking.

Located directly outside the south exit of JR Karuizawa Station, this is one of Japan's largest resort-style shopping malls. Its grounds are divided into 10 areas and bring together approximately 240 stores selling famous brands, interior goods, accessories, outdoor products, and more in a verdant setting.
It is an appealing destination for purchasing high-quality products from leading brands at outlet prices.

This “small town” incorporates a grove of more than 100 native Japanese elms growing beside a clear stream. Nine buildings are connected by a spacious wooden deck.
Based on the concept of “everyday life in Karuizawa,” the complex contains 16 distinctive stores, restaurants, and cafes. They include branches of a popular soba restaurant and bakery from the Kyu-Karuizawa area, as well as a shop selling high-quality Scandinavian goods.

For more of Karuizawa's many highlights, see this article featuring a selection of popular attractions.

Lake Chuzenji is believed to have formed approximately 20,000 years ago when lava from an eruption of Mount Nantai blocked a valley.
At an elevation of 4,163 feet, it is one of Japan's highest lakes.
The peaceful lakeshore at the foot of Mount Nantai offers scenery that changes with each season. The azaleas of early summer and fall foliage are especially impressive.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. A central highlight of the World Heritage-listed Shrines and Temples of Nikko, it contains 55 elaborately decorated structures, including eight National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties. Master craftspeople gathered from across Japan to embellish the buildings with lacquer, vivid colors, and numerous carvings on their pillars and other surfaces.

Nikko has many waterfalls, but Kegon Falls is arguably the best known.
Water from Lake Chuzenji plunges down a 318-foot cliff, displaying both the force of nature and its sculptural beauty. An elevator descends to an observation deck near the base of the falls, where visitors can experience the thunderous sound and spray up close.

To experience Nikko's natural scenery, World Heritage sites, and hot springs, see this article as well.

Mount Omuro is an isolated 1,903-foot peak in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Its distinctive overturned-bowl shape has made it a familiar symbol of the Izu-Kogen area.
Formed by volcanic activity approximately 4,000 years ago, Mount Omuro is a nationally designated Natural Monument and one of the largest scoria cones in the Izu Tobu volcanic group.

The Jogasaki Coast is one of eastern Izu's leading scenic destinations and forms part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
This approximately 5.6-mile volcanic rock coastline was created from lava released during Mount Omuro's eruption about 4,000 years ago and subsequently shaped by marine erosion.
Visitors can look down at the sea from a suspension bridge or take a sightseeing boat to view the cliffs from the water.

Ryugu Sea Cave is located in the Toji district of Shimoda at the southern end of the Izu Peninsula and is one of the area's best-known attractions.
Much of the southern Izu Peninsula contains deposits from undersea volcanoes that erupted approximately 1 million years ago. Tectonic activity later raised these layers, creating the landscape seen today.
Caves formed when waves strike coastal cliffs and erode soft geological layers and faults are known as sea caves. Ryugu Sea Cave is one such example.

To learn more about Izu and its popular attractions, see this article as well.

This shrine has long been worshipped in Atami as a place associated with good fortune and auspicious blessings. Its grounds contain the sacred Okusu camphor tree, a designated Natural Monument, and the shrine is popular as one of Japan's leading spiritual sites.
Estimated to be 2,100 years old, this vigorous camphor tree is said to extend your life by one year if you walk once around its trunk. Another legend holds that a wish will come true if you circle the tree while silently repeating it. Many worshippers visit seeking longevity, good health, and the fulfillment of their wishes.

This beach is busy with swimmers in summer and offers clear views of the Atami Marine Fireworks Festival, held more than 10 times each year. A quarter-mile row of palm trees, white sand contrasting with the blue sky, shallow water, and gentle waves create the atmosphere of a tropical resort.
Its location has also earned it a reputation as both a sunrise beach and a moonlit beach. Seasonal nighttime illuminations are held at certain times of year.

This castle keep shines prominently from its hilltop overlooking Atami. Despite its appearance, however, it is not a historic castle. It is a five-tiered, nine-story castle-style tourist facility built in 1959.
Its main attraction is the view from the top floor. From 141 feet above ground and 525 feet above sea level, visitors can take in a sweeping 360-degree panorama encompassing the city of Atami and the distant Izu Peninsula.

See this article for a selection of attractions showcasing Atami's varied appeal.

The Tama area has many other appealing attractions beyond those introduced here.
See this article for a suggested one-day itinerary that makes it possible to experience the area's many highlights.