Go Tokyo Your Experience
After exploring bustling areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya City Walk in Tokyo, consider a change of pace with these nature-filled day trips nearby. Here are eight must-visit spots that offer a breath of fresh air just outside the urban sprawl, from viewing Mt. Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko to the historic charm of Kamakura and Enoshima.
1. Karuizawa – Nagano Prefecture: A Highland Town Offering Natural Beauty
A two-hour drive from Tokyo, Karuizawa is nestled in Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by snowy mountains and crystal-clear waters. With summer temperatures ranging from 18 to 29 degrees Celsius, it serves as an ideal retreat from the heat.
Karuizawa is perfect for cycling and enjoying the tranquility of nature. Attractions like the Swan Lake “Kumoba Pond” offer year-round beauty, with activities such as shopping at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza after a day outdoors.
Additionally, the area boasts ski resorts and hot springs, where visitors can enjoy snowy landscapes while soaking in a hot bath, making it a popular vacation spot for locals.
2. Lake Kawaguchiko: Iconic Views of Mt. Fuji and Hot Spring Stays
Lake Kawaguchiko is renowned for its accessibility from central Tokyo and its stunning views of Mt. Fuji. It offers a mix of seasonal landscapes and accommodations with open-air hot springs overlooking Mt. Fuji, alongside local delicacies from Yamanashi Prefecture.
3. Hakone: A Haven for Hot Spring Enthusiasts
Easily reached with a 90-minute ride on the Odakyu Romancecar, Hakone is famed for its abundant natural hot springs. Whether soaking in a hot spring hotel or experiencing a day spa, Hakone relaxes both body and mind.
It’s also home to the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Hakone Museum of Art, making it a cultural as well as a scenic hotspot. A cruise on the pirate ship across Lake Ashi provides breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.
4. Kamakura and Enoshima – Iconic Scenes from “Slam Dunk”
Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kamakura is about an hour from Shinjuku and is popular for its scenic railway crossing featured in “Slam Dunk.” Visitors often take the Enoden line along the beautiful coastline, stopping at seaside cafes to relax.
5. Nikko: Where Nature Meets History
In Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, Nikko combines natural beauty with historical sites. It hosts spectacular landscapes and is famous for the World Heritage site “Nikko Toshogu Shrine,” linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Nikko also attracts visitors with its Kinugawa Onsen, offering a blend of history and nature that draws over 6 million tourists annually.
6. Kawagoe – “Little Edo”: A Step Back in Time
Known as “Little Edo,” Kawagoe offers a nostalgic walk through history, with locals often donning traditional kimonos. It features ancient snacks and boutique shops ideal for souvenirs.
Kawagoe is also famous for the “Kitain Temple” known for granting matrimonial blessings and houses a historic eel restaurant over 200 years old. The area is just a 32-minute train ride from Tokyo via the Tobu Railway.
7. Atami: Sun, Beaches, and Fireworks
Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, a 36-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo, Atami boasts beautiful seascapes with its Sunshine Beach being a must-visit. The annual summer fireworks, combined with traditional wear, offer a romantic setting.
8. Saitama: A Family-Friendly Nature Retreat
Just an hour away from Tokyo, Saitama offers expansive forests ideal for family outings. Attractions include the Rurumi Park in Hannō and the Totoro Forest in Tokorozawa, providing a perfect setting for leisurely walks and fresh air, suitable for a relaxing family holiday.