10 Effortless Day Trips From Tokyo For Your Japan Itinerary

Think you’ve seen it all in Tokyo? Think again!

Even if you’ve checked off the usual must-sees in Tokyo, there’s a whole world of hidden gems just outside the city limits that you may not have discovered. I mean, you can only visit Shinjuku and Shibuya so many times before it all gets old. Am I right?

If you’re up for a half-day trip, why not spend an afternoon vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa or immersing yourself in futuristic fun in Odaiba?

For a full day worth of exploration, there’s the spiritual charm of Kamakura or the old Edo atmosphere of Kawagoe waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, history, or just a change of scenery, these day trips offer something for everyone — without straying too far from Tokyo.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

---

Shimokitazawa

Tokyo, Japan – 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station

If you’re into vintage shops, trendy cafes, and a relaxed vibe, Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa district is a must-visit. Known as Tokyo’s hipster haven, it’s filled with thrift stores, record shops, music clubs, and cozy coffee spots perfect for a chill day.

By day, stroll the narrow streets, grab some artisanal coffee, and explore the unique boutiques that line the neighborhood’s quiet streets. By night, pop into one of the many live music clubs or jazz bars for a few hours of laid-back fun.

Need something to eat while you’re there? I recommend Shimokita Rokkaku (set meals for lunch, izakaya at night), Chez Lui (a lovely little French-style bakery), and Andrea’s Crepes (crepes made by the sweetest old lady). We stumbled upon these establishments while exploring the area ourselves, and they were ALL absolute winners!

If you’re super into vintage shopping and coffee, a visit to this part of town will easily eat up a whole day. The best part? It’s so easy to get to from Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Odaiba

Tokyo, Japan – 23 minutes from Shinjuku Station

While Odaiba is another one of those areas that are technically located within Tokyo, it doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic compared to other districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, etc.

Odaiba 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.

The Making of Harry Potter

Tokyo, Japan – 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station

For Harry Potter fans, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo is pure magic. You no longer need to head to London to experience the enchantment of Hogwarts — Tokyo is now home to the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and the first Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Asia.

Highlights include Diagon Alley, the Great Hall (seeing this set during the holiday season is worth the money alone), Platform 9 ¾, and plenty of interactive experiences.

Depending on how obsessed you are with the Harry Potter franchise, expect to spend anywhere from 3-6 hours at the studio, ogling at actual costumes, props, and special creature effects. (According to staff members, the tour takes 4 hours on average.)

Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you’re a Harry Potter fan or not; it’s hard NOT to appreciate how well-thought-out this place is. The sets are impeccably detailed, absolutely beautiful, and totally worth a visit.

You can get your studio tour tickets on Klook here. They have different packages available, including one that includes Studio Tour admission, a digital guide, and an official guidebook.

Kawagoe

Saitama, Japan – 1 hour away from Tokyo by train

Kawagoe, also known as “Little Edo,” is one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo, located just an hour away by train with minimal transfers.

This charming town is a breath of fresh air compared to the modernity of Tokyo. It’s perfect for people who love old-world charm, as the main activities here include exploring well-preserved Edo-period architecture, sampling traditional Japanese sweets and local specialties, and soaking up nostalgic old-town vibes.

Kawagoe is famous for its sweet potatoes, unagi (eel), and historic highlights like the Time Bell Tower, Penny Candy Lane, and the Edo-era warehouses on Old Town Street. Most attractions are within walking distance of the station, making it a relaxing, no-fuss trip.

Whether you’re strolling through the streets seemingly frozen in time, trying sweet potato coffee, or sampling locally brewed Coedo beer, Kawagoe is a delightful escape to the past — without much effort at all.

Fuji-Q Highland

Yamanashi, Japan

Thrill-seekers and coaster lovers, this one’s for you!

Fuji-Q Highland is one of Japan’s top amusement parks, featuring Guinness World Record-breaking roller coasters, a famously massive walkthrough haunted house, a Naruto-themed area, and incredible Mt. Fuji views.

The park also offers gentler rides and fun storybook-themed areas for younger visitors, making it a great destination for families, too.

I’m a sucker for a good roller coaster, so you know I had to make the trek to Fuji-Q Highland to experience them all myself. While I visited as part of a 3-day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko, you could also just day trip here from Tokyo.

There are direct buses that’ll take you there from the major bus terminals around Tokyo.

Lake Kawaguchiko

Yamanashi, Japan – 2 hours by bus

I can’t talk about Lake Kawaguchiko without formally putting it on this list!

While I firmly believe Lake Kawaguchiko and the Fuji Five Lakes area deserve way more than just a day trip, exploring Lake Kawaguchiko alone in a single day is definitely doable.

A trip to Lake Kawaguchiko equates to epic views of Mt. Fuji. The lake is surrounded by so much natural beauty, as well as hot springs hotels and quaint lakeside villages.

On a typical day trip from Tokyo, you’ll be able to squeeze in a cable car ride for panoramic Fuji views, a stop at Oishi Park to see the seasonal blooms, a visit to Oshino Hakkai.

From Tokyo, you’ll find various tours like this one that’ll take care of all the transportation for you, saving you time/effort of getting around so you can see more with such limited time.

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

Gotemba Premium Outlets

Yamanashi, Japan – 2 hours by bus

Shop till you drop at Gotemba Premium Outlets, home to all your favorite high-end stores like Gucci, Prada, Celine, Christian Louboutin, Saint Laurent, Arc’teryx, Adidas, Barbour, Loewe, and more.

The outdoor shopping center is pretty darn big, plus it comes with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop on clear days!

Conveniently reachable by a direct JR bus from Shinjuku (or any of these other bus terminals), it’s an easy day trip for day-trippers looking for sweet deals on luxury goods.

From Gotemba Station, there is a free shuttle bus that departs for Gotemba Premium Outlets at 00, 15, 30, 45 minutes every hour.

Yokohama

Kanagawa, Japan – 35 minutes by train

Just 30 to 40 minutes by train from Tokyo, Yokohama is a fantastic destination for culture, food, and great bay views.

Visit the famous Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, wander through their 160-year-old Chinatown (the food, atmosphere, and colors are all amazing), and enjoy the beautiful waterfront at Minato Mirai 21, a sleek urban district with shopping, dining, and entertainment by the seaside.

Don’t miss the Red Brick Warehouse for unique shopping and dining while you’re in town.

For the perfect end to your day trip, catch panoramic views from the iconic Yokohama Marine Tower or the stylish Ōsanbashi Pier.

Kamakura

Kanagawa, Japan – 1.5 hours by train

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 make for a memorable and worthwhile trip.

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

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

Tokyo Disneyland + DisneySea

Chiba, Japan – less than 1 hour by train

For Disney lovers, a day trip to Tokyo Disneyland and/or Tokyo DisneySea is a no-brainer. Both parks are less than an hour by train from central Tokyo, making it a super convenient way to spend an entire day immersed in Disney magic.

Tokyo Disneyland offers classic fairytale charm and familiar favorites like Cinderella’s Castle, Fantasyland, and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, while DisneySea brings to the table a unique nautical theme you won’t find at any other Disney park in the world.

Regardless of which one you choose to spend your day at, both parks have got you covered on rides, shows, parades, and iconic Disney foods like churros, popcorn in collectible buckets, and creative set meals.

---

Planning Your Trip To Japan?

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

Tokyo

• 15 Super Convenient Hotels In Tokyo (Near The JR Yamanote Line!)
• 2 Days In Tokyo, Japan: Best Things To Do With Your Time
• The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary In Tokyo, Japan
• Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go
• 12 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan
• 20 Best Things To Do In Tokyo At Night
• 20 Top Things To Do In Shinjuku, Tokyo’s High-Energy District
• 10 Of My Favorite Cheap Eats In Tokyo, Japan

Other Posts You’ll Love: