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Tokyo Outskirts: 8 Best Day Trips from Tokyo – Nagano, Saitama, and Kanagawa

Japan Travel Guide

When it comes to traveling, Japan is definitely one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists from around the globe. You have been to Tokyo too many times that you are bored already? Don’t worry, here we have collected 8 popular attractions near Tokyo for you in this article. Going on a day trip to the outskirts of Tokyo to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city is a must-do if you are visiting Japan soon! Compared to the busy downtown of Tokyo, the atmosphere of these areas is much more tranquil and relaxed. Read on for the 8 best day trips from Tokyo.

Introduction to the Outskirts of Tokyo

(source: youinJapan )

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Karuizawa

輕井澤
Karuizawa Kumoba Pond (source: Hiroaki Kaneko)

Located between Nagano and Gunma, a great geographic location makes Karuizawa a nice place to enjoy a day trip. It only takes you 70 minutes to arrive at Karuizawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The fresh air, the beautiful nature, and the cute European style wooden cabins attract not only foreign tourists but also local Japanese people to spend their weekends or holidays in Karuizawa. Most importantly, Karuizawa owns the nearest ski resort to Tokyo!

📍Attractions nearby: Formerly Mikasa Hotel, Kumanokotai Shrine, Karuizawa Kogen Church, Karuizawa Stone Church, Kumoba Pond, Shirato No Taki Fall, Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Ski Resort, Hoshino Resort

Mount Fuji

富士山
source:GoWiFi

When it comes to visiting the outskirts of Tokyo, we cannot miss the one and only — Mount Fuji! There are a lot of viewpoints to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji, we will suggest you join the day tours provided by the local travel agencies instead of taking Shinkanshen or Railways by yourselves. Since the viewpoints are quite difficult to reach by only public transport, and the local travel agencies will take you to multiple locations by bus, where you can have a good look at Mount Fuji.

📍Attractions nearby: Kawaguchiko, Fujikyu Highland, Kachikachi

Saitama Ken

Kawagoe Shi

小江戶川越
Streets in Kawagoe (source:KKday

Nicknamed “Koedo Kawagoe”, Kawagoe Shi is one of the most popular attractions for foreign tourists nowadays. Only 30 minutes from central Tokyo, you can experience the traditional and pure Japan which you can’t see in the bustling city. There are many well preserved historical sites, shrines and old buildings, while walking down the town, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to ancient Edo. Moreover, there are tour buses that can take you to different attractions in town, which is very convenient. We highly recommend you to visit Kawagoe!

⭐️Personal recommendation: Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park. Located near the Motokaji Station, Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park is a great place for family with kids to enjoy a carefree afternoon together.

📍Attractions nearby: Kawagoejyo Honmaru Palace, Hikawa Jinja

Chichibu

秩父
source:フォト蔵

If you, unfortunately, missed the cherry blossom season in Japan, just visit Chichibu on the outskirts of Tokyo for Shibazakura(Moss Phlox)! The huge Shibazakura hill at the Hitsujiyama Park, which is one of the biggest sea of flowers in the Kanto area, blossoms from April to May every year. And during the Shibazakura seasons every year, the Shibazakura Festival will be held at the Hitsujiyama Park. It’s definitely a must-do to appreciate the Shibazakura, enjoy Japanese food, and have a good time!

Moreover, you can appreciate the Shibazakura in spring, the maple trees in autumn, and the natural icicles in winter. Chichibu is a great holiday destination throughout the year!

📍Attractions nearby: Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu Shrine, Nagatoro, Hodosan Shrine

Kanagawa Ken

Hakone

箱根神社
Hakone Shrine (source: Richard, enjoy my life!

Located in Kanagawa Ken, Hakone is well-known for its hot spring in the Kanto area. Only 1.5hr, you can arrive at Hakone from Shinjuku by Odakyu Romancecar. Purchase your Hakone Free Pass and fully enjoy Hakone in 2 or 3 days!

📍Attractions nearby: Onshi Hakone Park, Hakone Shrine, Owaku-Dani Valley, Sengokuhara

Yokohama

橫濱中華街
Yokohama Chinatown (source:Toomore Chiang

Yokohama is the third biggest city in Japan. Only 30 minutes from Tokyo, in Yokohama, you must visit the famous Chinatown and the glamorous night view. And Yokohama is so much more than parks and Japanese gardens where you can take a stroll, visiting the interesting museums and shopping malls is also a great option!

📍Attractions nearby: Chinatown, Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum, Anpanman Children’s Museum, Yokohama Red Brick Ware House, Yamashita Park, Sankeien Garden, Minato Mirai.

Kamakura

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Kamakura-Kōkō-Mae (source: chunyu Lin)

Kamakura in Kanagawa Ken owns a huge number of monuments and heritage buildings. The Simple and unsophisticated streets of Kamakura, the shrine heritage, and the must-visit Railroad Crossing scene in anime SLAM DUNK!

📍Attractions nearby: Kamakura-kōkō-mae eki, Kotokuin Temple (Daibutsu), Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Enoshima

江之島神社
Ejima Shrine (source:neko

Arriving at Enoshima Station, you will soon reach the Enishima downtown walking through Enoshima cross-sea bridge. You must try the “Shirasudon Rice Bowl”, which is the iconic local cuisine in Enoshima. There are a lot of restaurants and shops selling souvenirs at Benzaiten Nakamise-Dori, Ejima Shrine locates at the end of this shopping street. Moreover, Enoshima is one of the “cat islands” locates closest to Tokyo, head to Enoshima NOW if you are a cat lover!

📍Attractions nearby: Ejima Shrine, Enoshima Aquarium, Enoshima Sea Candle

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