12 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan

A trip to Japan can be one of the most enriching experiences of your life! The entire country is packed with cities celebrating traditional festivals, showcasing both old and new, and creating the tastiest cuisine!

Even in just Tokyo alone, you’ll be super impressed (and probably encounter some sort of culture shock…but in the best way possible).

But Japan is SO much more than just Tokyo! And the best part is, you don’t necessarily need to travel to the other side of the country to places like Kyoto and Osaka to experience it.

There are actually a bunch of really cool cities near Tokyo, many of which will deeply enrich your Japan trip — without the need for an expensive Shinkansen train ticket.

These cities all have local festivals, local specialty cuisine, historic architecture, and fun attractions to keep you busy for days.

From the modern port city of Yokohama to the mountains and waterfalls that make Nikko so unique, you will find a heavy dose of magic all across the Kanto region.

Regardless of where you decide to visit next from Tokyo, there are plenty of cities to choose from. Let’s dive into 10 cities near Tokyo and get to know the unique things that put them on the map!

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Table of Contents

1. Yokohama

From Tokyo: 40 minutes by car | 30-40 minutes by train

Yokohama - Other Cities To Visit Near Tokyo

Yokohama is the capital city in Kanagawa Prefecture, boasting a population of over 3.8 million, making it the second-most populated city in Japan.

It has the largest high-tech industrial hub and port city in the Greater Tokyo Area. Naturally, with this title, you’ll find prominent companies like Nissan, Koei Tecmo, JVCKenwood, and Bank of Yokohama in the city.

But that’s the boring stuff. Despite its high-tech history, Yokohama has plenty of non-tech landmarks that add to the magic of the city:

Motomachi Shopping Street: An energetic avenue blending modern boutiques with historical charm, offering a fusion of shopping and cultural experiences.
Yamashita Park: A scenic waterfront park where visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls alongside lush greenery and iconic views of Yokohama’s skyline.
Yokohama Chinatown: Japan’s largest and most lively Chinatown, teeming with colorful markets, authentic eateries, and seasonal festivities.
Ōsanbashi Pier: A stylish and contemporary pier offering stunning views of Yokohama’s waterfront, and a popular spot for leisurely walks.
Minato Mirai 21: A futuristic urban development featuring modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and entertainment complexes.
Nippon Maru Memorial Park: Home to the iconic sailing ship Nippon Maru, this park is a maritime sanctuary offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich naval history.
Yokohama Marine Tower: A historic landmark along the waterfront that provides panoramic views of the cityscape and Tokyo Bay. It’s very pretty at night!

When you visit, you have to do at least these two things: go to the ship museum Nippon Maru and spend the day in Yokohama’s massive Chinatown. If you can fit in a third, opt for the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum!

Where To Stay: Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu or Hotel New Grand

👉 Pro Tip: Since Yokohama and Kamakura are both located in the Kanagawa Prefecture, many tour operators host guided tours that visit both destinations in the same day. Here’s one of the most popular ones out there: Kamakura + Yokohama Day Trip From Tokyo

2. Kamakura

From Tokyo: 1 hour 15 minutes by car | 1.5 hours by train

Kamakura - Other Cities To Visit Near Tokyo

Kamakura, just a 1.5-hour train ride from Tokyo, is a charming coastal city rich in both history and culture. Once the de facto capital of Japan during the Kamakura shogunate (1185–1333), it’s now a favorite day-trip destination for its mix of historical significance and scenic beauty.

The highlight for many visitors is the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu), a towering outdoor bronze statue at Kōtoku-in that’s truly awe-inspiring.

Beyond that, Kamakura boasts some pretty spectacular seasonal festivals and a collection of Zen temples and shrines that reflect its deep historical and spiritual roots.

If you’re not into exploring every temple, don’t worry—just strolling through the city’s streets, enjoying the coastal vibe, and sampling local treats makes for a memorable and worthwhile trip.

Where To Stay: Kiyaza Kamakura Resort or Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kamakura-Ofuna Higashiguchi

Where To Eat: Bills Shichirigahama

Done-For-You Tour Option: Kamakura Giant Buddha & Enoshima One Day Tour (From Tokyo)

3. Nikko

From Tokyo: 2 hours by car | 3.5 hours by train

Nikko - Other Cities To Visit In Japan Near Tokyo

Nikkō (Nikkō-shi, 日光市) appeals to nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, as it boasts gorgeous natural landscapes, including waterfalls and serene lakes, along with UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Nikko is in Tochigi Prefecture about 3 hours away from Tokyo by train. Over the years, it’s become a tourist hotspot and local favorite destination, with plenty of exciting attractions to enjoy!

Some of Nikkō’s famous spots include:

the mausoleum of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (Nikkō Tōshō-gū) and that of his grandson, Iemitsu (Iemitsu-byō Taiyū-in)
the ancient Futarasan Shrine, which dates to the year 767 AD
and many famous onsen (hot spring, 温泉) scattered around the city

Because the majestic Kinugawa and Watarase Rivers run through the city, and the fact that there’s the Nikkō Botanical Garden there, Nikkō has a lot of natural beauty.

In fact, the mountains and waterfalls encompassing the city provide the locals with a steady source of hydroelectric power.

Such is the natural splendor of Nikkō that Japan created a saying: “Never say ‘kekkō’ until you’ve seen Nikkō”. The word kekkō translates into magnificent, beautiful, or I am satisfied.

Where To Stay: Nikko Kanaya Hotel or Hoshino Resorts KAI Nikko

Where To Eat: Komekichi Kozushi

Done-For-You Tours Options:

4. Kawagoe

From Tokyo: 55 minutes by car | 1 hour by train

If you like exploring well-preserved Edo-period architecture, sampling traditional Japanese sweets, and immersing yourself in a nostalgic atmosphere, then you’ll love Kawagoe, a charming town often referred to as “Little Edo.”

Kawagoe is best known for its old-world architecture that lines the town streets. Its quiet streets and historic structures offer a delightful journey back in time for history enthusiasts and anyone else seeking a taste of how Japan used to be.

Kawagoe has many fun and historical attractions for you to explore, including:

Bell of Time (Toki no kane, 時の鐘) – a three-story bell tower 52 ft. (16 m) tall, standing as a symbol of the city.
Confectionery Row (Kashiya Yokochō, 菓子屋横丁) – a small backstreet alley where you can buy plenty of old-fashioned snacks & candies for cheap. In this area, you can also get ice cream, sweet potato treats, sweet potato coffee, and beer brewed locally (Coedo Brewery).
Kurazukuri Street (Kurazukuri no machinami, 蔵造りの町並み) – warehouses from the Edo period constructed using a style called kurazukuri (蔵造り).
The Kawagoe Kurazukuri Museum – Walk inside to experience the daily life of an Edo-period merchant. The artisan knife & sword shop, Machikan, is still in operation after countless generations!
Kawagoe Hikawa Festival (Kawagoe Hikawa Matsuri, 川越氷川祭) – Kawagoe’s biggest event of the year! This hundreds year-old float festival is held annually on the third Saturday and Sunday of October. It received a spot on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016.

Accommodation and specialty foods the region is known for are a big part of the overall experience, so here are our top recommendations if you choose to visit:

Where To Stay: Kawagoe Tobu Hotel or Matsumuraya Ryokan

Where To Eat: The area is known for high-quality unagi (eel) and sweet potatoes. Ogakiku is a super popular unagi restaurant that always has a line. Torisei is another great option known for their kamameshi set meal that features both unagi and sweet potato!

5. Mount Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes)

From Tokyo: 1 hour 30 minutes by car | 2 hours 45 minutes by train

Japan doesn’t get more epic than Mount Fuji! Mount Fuji sits with an impressive elevation of 12,389 ft. (3,776 m) and takes first place as the highest mountain in Japan and seventh highest in the world!

It sure is a special landmark, so much so that in June 2013, UNESCO added it to its World Heritage List as a Cultural Site. Its mountainous magnificence inspires countless poets, artists, and pilgrimages, so the title is well-deserved.

Around the north of Mount Fuji’s base is a set of lakes better known as the Fuji Five Lakes area. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, full of cultural attractions and spectacular Fuji views.

The most popular lake to base yourself at is Kawaguchiko, a serene lake surrounded by forests, ryokans, and hot springs. The eastern shore is the most developed, with bus and rail links to Tokyo and most of the area’s hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Highlights of the Lake Kawaguchi area include the quirky, Kawaguchi Music Forest, which focuses entirely on automatic instruments like music boxes and mechanical organs. A little farther along the lake’s north shore is the Itchiko Kubota Museum, dedicated to the eponymous kimono artist and breathtaking kimonos.

From the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, the Mount Fuji Ropeway whisks you to the observation deck on Mount Tenjo in just a few minutes. You’ll be able to catch some of the best views of Mount Fuji from up here.

Where To Stay: Mt.Fuji グランピングテラス (epic glamping) or Toyoko Inn Fuji Kawaguchiko Ohashi

Where To Eat: Hotou Fudo

Done-For-You Tour Option: Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi Tour from Tokyo

6. Hakone

From Tokyo: 1 hour 15 minutes by car | 2 hours by train

Hakone is a town you should be accustomed to hearing at this point. Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is best known for its fantastic onsen culture (hot springs).

It’s relatively close to the greater Tokyo area and provides spectacular views of Mount Fuji, making it a super popular choice for a side trip from Tokyo.

Start your day with a ride on the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji. Then, take a pirate-themed sightseeing cruise across the lake for a unique perspective.

Spend the afternoon soaking in one of Hakone’s famous hot springs or visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where modern art meets nature.

While you’re here, don’t miss the Hakone Gongen, a famous Shinto shrine spoken of in classical Heian period literature. The shrine also hosts a small museum with several rare treasures that are part of the national Important Cultural Property.

Where To Stay: Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU or Fujiya Hotel

Where To Eat: Itoh Dining by NOBU

Done-For-You Tour Option: Mt. Fuji & Hakone One Day Trip (From Tokyo)

7. Izu Peninsula

From Tokyo: 2 hours 30 minutes by car | 3 hours by train

Izu - Other Cities To Visit Near Tokyo Japan

If you like coastal landscapes, relaxing hot springs, and exploring charming seaside towns, then you’ll love the Izu Peninsula.

The Izu Peninsula (Izu-hantō, 伊豆半島) is an expansive mountainous peninsula surrounded by beautiful coastlines, sitting southwest of Tokyo, atop the coast of Honshu Island.

Thousands of tourists frequent its shores annually, many of whom like to enjoy the onsen resorts in Shuzenji, Itō, and Atami. It’s also a favorite for many looking to go surfing, motorcycle touring, sea bathing, and golfing.

While tourism contributes to a substantial part of the Izu Peninsula’s economy, fishing and agriculture are equally important. In fact, Izu Peninsula is among the biggest manufacturers of wasabi in Japan, meaning you can expect a lot of exciting wasabi-flavored dishes, ice cream, snacks, and candies, too!

Hiking is a popular activity for both tourists and locals alike! If you enjoy hiking, two not-to-be-missed trails include the

Odoriko Trail: Joren Falls – Taro Sugi – moderate 5.8 mile (9.3 km) trail in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park.
Mount Amagi – Amagi Kogen Loop – another moderate trail in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park stretching 6.90 miles (11.1 km).

Beachgoers will also find some of the best beaches Japan has to offer, including Ito Orange Beach, Sotoura Beach, and Noribama Beach.

Where To Stay: Laforet Shuzenji Sanshisuimei or Tatsuta Ryokan

Where To Eat: Yamabiko

8. Chichibu

From Tokyo: 2 hours by car | 2 hours by train

Chichibu (Chichibu-shi, 秩父市) is in Saitama Prefecture, far on the west side of Saitama. Located just two hours away from Tokyo by train, Chichibu’s economy prospers thanks to its focus on forestry, tourism, and agriculture.

Most of the Chichibu population resides in river terraces beside the Arakawa River, and a sizeable section of the city forms part of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.

With that said, Chichibu has an abundance of beautiful forests, majestic mountains, and eye-catching waterfalls that will satisfy your need to escape from a bustling city.

Chichibu is also home to several traditional festivals that have locals and tourists buzzing with excitement, with the most prominent being Chichibu Yomatsuri and Kawase Matsuri.

Chichibu Yomatsuri (Night Festival, 秩父夜祭) – a 300-year-old festival held annually on December 2 and 3. You can expect to see decorated tapestries, lanterns, and wood carvings, plus you’ll hear some of the most beautiful traditional flute & drum music. The festival occurs at night, with hundreds of beautiful fireworks illuminating the sky. The exciting fireworks show lasts a whopping two and a half hours, making it one of the festival’s highlights!
Kawase matsuri – a summer shrine festival that takes place from July 19 to July 20. A total of eight groups carry floats and march through the streets to the beat of traditional music. Each group carries a sacred, portable shrine called a Mikoshi to every neighborhood and glorifies them.

There are numerous other places to satisfy your curiosity for wonder and exploration, namely Lake Chichibu, Nakatsugawa Gorge, Mitsumine Shrine, the Okuchichibu Mountains, and Hitsujiyama Park. Chichibu also brews its own exclusive brand of delicious beers!

Where To Stay: NIPPONIA Chichibu Monzenmachi

Where To Eat: Nosaka

Done-For-You Tour Option: Chichibu in Depth: Mitsumine Shrine and Nagatoro (From Tokyo)

9. Utsunomiya

From Tokyo: 2 hours by car | 2 hours and 15 minutes by train

Utsunomiya (Utsunomiya-shi, 宇都宮市) is the capital city of Tochigi Prefecture about 2 hours away from Tokyo.

Utsunomiya is particularly well-known for its tasty gyoza (pan-fried dumplings). It’s a staple in Utsunomiya and a large part of daily life in Japan, so much so that you’ll find more than 200 hundred gyoza restaurants scattered across the city! Needless to say, it’s a must-try when you’re in town.

You’ll also find a quirky 5-foot (1.5m) gyoza statue outside the Utsunomiya JR Railway Station!

Utsunomiya’s love for gyoza doesn’t stop there; they also host an annual Gyoza Dumplings Festival in early November of each year. You’ll get to savor some of the tastiest dumplings in the world and enjoy live performances from Japan’s best musical bands and comedians.

Gyozas aside, Utsunomiya has other exciting local attractions for the adventurous at heart, such as:

Utsunomiya Castle (Utsunomiya-jō) – home to the Toda clan nearing the end of the Edo period. They were daimyo, powerful feudal lords who ruled most of Japan through land holdings from the 10^th to 19^th century.
Tobiyama Castle (Tobiyama jō) – it became a National Historic Site in 1977. It was the stronghold for the Haga Clan, who served as retainers for the Ustunomiya clan during the 13^th century.
Ōya-ji / Ōya-dera – a Buddhist temple and museum holding artifacts dating back to the Jōmon Period (hunter-gather-agriculturist Japan).

Where To Stay: Candeo Hotel Utsunomiya

Where To Eat: Yakiniku Great

10. Kusatsu

From Tokyo: 2 hours 40 minutes by car | 3 hours and 45 minutes by train

Kusatsu Onsen - Best Onsen Towns In Japan

You may have come across the town of Kusatsu when reading up about popular onsen towns to visit across Japan.

Kusatsu (Kusatsu-machi, 草津町) is a small town in Gunma Prefecture located a few hours away from Tokyo. Tourism is a major industry in Kusatsu, with a whopping 90 percent of the residents working in the tourism sector.

Tourists adore Kusatsu as an onsen (hot springs) destination; you’ll find over 100 onsen all over the city, equating to around 34,000 liters of acidic and sulfurous water flowing from the earth every minute!

The properties of onsen are supposedly healing, and the ones in Kusatsu are no exception! Their waters are said to help cure ailments like sprains, burns, chronic gynecological disorders, chronic indigestion, etc.

Whether you believe it or not, one thing is for sure… you will feel relaxed when soaking in an onsen. Among the onsen of Kusatsu are five prominent hot spring venues, namely:

The Yubatake (hot water field) – one of the biggest onsen and one of the town’s main attractions. The onsen has 100 nameplates of famous people who visited Kusatsu.

Netsu no yu (hot water, 熱の湯) – adjacent to the Yubatake and burns at 129°F (54°C). It’s too hot to use, which gave way to a tradition called Yumomi (湯もみ) which means to bash or knead the water. This involves using a wooden board to knead, bash, and stir the water to cool it. Caretakers avoid pouring cold water to avoid diluting the healing waters. Participants dance and sing during the process.
Ōtaki no yu (Great waterfall hot spring, 大滝の湯) – the onsen waters form a waterfall. They constructed the building from wood, installing a single basin inside and outside.
Sai no kawara (Western riverbed, 西の河原) – located in a beautiful valley, this is an outdoor basin measuring roughly 5,382 sq ft. (500 m2) with the ability of fitting over 100 bathers simultaneously! Men and women have separate baths divided by a wooden fence.
The Bälz Onsen Center – an onsen center atop a plateau near the Mount Tengu ski area. You can expect breathtaking views and enjoy time at the Après-ski recreational area.

Where To Stay: Tokinoniwa or Kusatsu Onsen Ryokan Yoshinoya

Where To Eat: Restaurant Liberty

11. Katsunuma

From Tokyo: 1 hour by car | 3 hours by train

Calling all wine lovers! Did you know wine production is a thing in Japan? Yup, it’s not all about sake!

The town of Katsunuma may only be a 90-minute train ride away from Tokyo, but with its lush green hills and towering mountains, it feels a gazillion miles away from the bustle of the big city.

Grape-growing here dates back to the 17th century and the area is now the heart of Japan’s wine industry. When you’re here, it’ll be hard not to fall in love with the surrounding hills striped with rows of grape vines and dotted with wineries.

Home to the country’s unique koshu grape, Katsunuma is home to 30+ wineries. With that said, you should take some time to explore Japan’s viticultural heritage. The enormous wine complex, Budo no Oka, has a hotel, vineyard, onsen, multiple restaurants, a tasting cave, as well as amazing views of the area.

Take a leisurely stroll through the Katsunuma Budokyo, a picturesque valley adorned with grapevines and seasonal flowers. The area is especially stunning during the grape harvest season in late summer and early autumn, offering a vibrant display of colors and activity.

For a deeper dive into the local culture and history, visit the Yamanashi Wine Museum, where you can explore exhibits on the region’s winemaking history and sample wines in a traditional setting.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a hike up Mount Daibosatsu, offering epic views of Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. The tranquil Hottarakashi Onsen provides a relaxing end to your day, with open-air hot spring baths overlooking the scenic landscape.

Where To Stay: Fruit Park Fujiya Hotel

Where To Eat: Koshu Hoto Kosaku OR Wine Restaurant Vinoteca

12. Odaiba

From Tokyo: 15 minutes by car | 30 minutes by train

Odaiba Waterfront - Things To Do In Tokyo At Night

Okay, I’ll admit this one’s not really a ‘city’ near Tokyo (since it’s situated within Tokyo), but with the amount of stuff Odaiba offers, it might as well be!

Odaiba is a waterfront district that many travelers overlook during their time in Tokyo. This area is packed with family-friendly attractions and cutting-edge experiences. Highlights include the futuristic TeamLab Borderless and the all-new Immersive Fort Tokyo.

👉 Pro Tip: Immersive Fort is one of Odaiba’s newest attractions and one you should most definitely not miss! We recommend shelling out the money for the Eido Oiran and Sherlock Holmes experiences. It’ll be like no show you’ve ever seen before. Included in your base ticket is an Alice In Borderland-like experience (where you get to wear a fake collar and take part in a “life-threatening” game) and much more. You can snag discounted tickets on Klook here.

For gamers, Joypolis offers endless entertainment, while shopping malls, the giant Gundam statue, Tokyo’s very own Statue of Liberty, and even a sandy beach add to the assortment of fun you could get into.

The Aqua City Odaiba and Palette Town complexes offer even more shopping, dining, and entertainment options than you can handle in one day.

End your day with a relaxing stroll along the Odaiba Seaside Park, where you can take in the sunset and the pretty nighttime views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.

Planning Your Trip To Japan?

Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!

12 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan

1. Yokohama

2. Kamakura

3. Nikko

4. Kawagoe

Read Next:

A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary For Kawagoe, Japan (From Tokyo)

5. Mount Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes)

Read Next:

2 Days In Kawaguchiko: An Epic Overnight Trip To Mount Fuji

6. Hakone

Read Next:

7. Izu Peninsula

8. Chichibu

9. Utsunomiya

10. Kusatsu

Read Next:

11. Katsunuma

12. Odaiba

Planning Your Trip To Japan?

Mount Fuji Area

Tokyo

Japan In General

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