{"id":491,"date":"2025-01-07T15:55:56","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T07:55:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php\/2025\/03\/07\/the-top-5-day-trips-from-tokyo-for-hikes-hot-springs-and-surf\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T09:56:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T01:56:08","slug":"the-top-5-day-trips-from-tokyo-for-hikes-hot-springs-and-surf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/?p=491","title":{"rendered":"The top 5 day trips from Tokyo for hikes, hot springs and surf"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether you are a first-time visitor to Tokyo or know the city well, there are plenty of surprises waiting on the capital\u2019s doorstep.<\/p>\n

The temples and shrines of Nikk\u014d and Kamakura offer a window into Japanese history, while Mt Takao, Hakone, and Izu Oshima Island provide a natural contrast to Tokyo\u2019s crowded, urban heart.<\/p>\n

All of these spots can be reached within an hour or two by train from Tokyo. If you travel on three consecutive days, you may be able to save a few yen by using the Tokyo Wide Pass. Here are our top picks for a day trip from Tokyo.<\/p>\n

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Kamakura is known for its Zen temples and shrines \u00a9 Korkusung \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Meet the Big Buddha of Kamakura<\/h2>\n

Travel time:<\/strong> One hour<\/p>\n

From 1185 to 1333, the coastal town of Kamakura temporarily replaced Kyoto as the then seat of power in Japan. It\u2019s the remnants of that era that make modern-day Kamakura such a compelling day trip from Tokyo, with sights like the magnificent Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and a varied collection of Zen temples.<\/p>\n

The latter includes Japan\u2019s oldest Zen monastery, Kencho-ji, and Hokoku-ji and its small bamboo forest. However, the highlight at Kamakura is the Daibutsu, an 11.3m-high (37ft) bronze statue of Buddha resting serenely at Kotoku-in Temple since being cast in 1252.<\/p>\n

How to get to Kamakura from Tokyo<\/strong>: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. Once there, most of Kamakura\u2019s sights are walkable, but for the Big Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple take the retro Enoden tram three stops to Hase, from where it\u2019s a five-minute walk north.<\/p>\n

2. Experience island life on Izu Oshima<\/h2>\n

Travel time: <\/strong>1 hour 45 minutes<\/p>\n

Few travelers realize it but thanks to the Izu Island chain and remote Ogasawara archipelago, Tokyo technically has islands within its city limits. The closest to the mainland, Izu Oshima, makes for an active day away from the city.<\/p>\n

To get a sweat on, hike around the crater of volcanic Mt Mihara, Oshima\u2019s most dominant peak at 2487ft (758m), then soak in the outdoor hot-spring baths at Miharayama.<\/p>\n

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Alternatively, rent a bicycle and circumnavigate the 91 sq mile island, taking in coastal hot springs on route, distinctive rock formations, and (from January to March) Oshima\u2019s signature camelias.<\/p>\n

How to get to Oshima Island from Tokyo:<\/strong> Take a high-speed jet ferry from Tokyo\u2019s Takeshiba Terminal, which is next to Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome Line or a short walk south of JR Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote Line. Ferries arrive at Oshima\u2019s Motomachi or Okata ports, from where you can catch buses to the main sights or rent a bicycle or car.<\/p>\n

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People of Nikko celebrate Yayoi festival in Nikko: a traditional event, which started in 767-770 \u00a9 Tooykrub \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Visit Nikk\u014d\u2019s spectacular T\u014dsh\u014d-g\u016b shrine<\/h2>\n

Travel time: <\/strong>1 hour 45 minutes<\/p>\n

You can see shrines in Tokyo, but Nikk\u014d is on a whole different level. The UNESCO World Heritage-designated T\u014dsh\u014d-g\u016b Shrine is the resting place of the first Edo-era shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu.<\/p>\n

After an approach lined by towering cedars, the highlights include a five-story pagoda and imposing gateways like the Yomei-mon, a riot of black lacquer and gilding that\u2019s adorned with vibrant carvings of birds and dragons.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere in the complex are the spectacular gilded buddhas at Rinn\u014d-ji, plus subtle decorations like the carvings of the three monkeys of “see, speak and hear no evil” fame.<\/p>\n

How to get to Nikk\u014d from Tokyo: <\/strong>Nikk\u014d has two neighboring stations: JR Nikk\u014d and T\u014dbu Nikk\u014d. The quickest route from Tokyo is to use T\u014dbu Railway\u2019s Kegon or Spacia X limited-express trains between Asakusa and Tobu Nikk\u014d, although a joint JR-T\u014dbu service also starts from Shinjuku. Buses connect both Nikk\u014d and T\u014dbu-Nikk\u014d stations to T\u014dsh\u014d-g\u016b and other key sights. Alternatively, it\u2019s about a 20-minute walk from the stations to T\u014dsh\u014d-g\u016b.<\/p>\n

4. Escape to Mount Takao for hikes, views and clear air<\/h2>\n

Travel time: <\/strong>55 minutes<\/p>\n

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You don\u2019t have to go to all the way to Hakone for great Fuji views. When the weather is clear, Fuji looks resplendent from the top of 599m (1965ft) Mt Takao.<\/p>\n

Still inside Tokyo, Takao is arguably the easiest way to experience Japan\u2019s natural surrounds. The hike up only takes 90 minutes to two hours but it can be made even shorter by taking a cable car halfway up.<\/p>\n

On the way, you\u2019ll pass through Yaku\u014d-in Temple, a center for ascetic training that holds a fire walking festival on the second Sunday of every March.<\/p>\n

Toward the peak, Takao\u2019s cherry blossoms are a popular spot for hanami<\/em> (flower-viewing) picnics in spring, while the seasonal Beer Mount beer garden at the top is ideal for a post-walk thirst quencher from mid-June to mid-October.<\/p>\n

How to get to Takao from Tokyo: <\/strong>Ride the Keio Line special-express from Shinjuku to Takaosan-guchi Station. From there, you are a five-minute walk from either the trailhead at the foot of Takao or the cable car, which can take you halfway up the peak.<\/p>\n

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Hakone is famous for its traditional spas, and one of Japan’s most scenically located torii<\/em> gates \u00a9 Vincent St. Thomas \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Immerse yourself in the hot springs and scenery of Hakone<\/h2>\n

Travel time:<\/strong> 1 hour 20 minutes<\/p>\n

Mountainous Hakone is one of the most popular side trips from Tokyo. A jaunt here delivers up-close views of Mt Fuji and the steaming sulfur vents of Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley), plus hot-spring bathing complexes like Yunessun, and even an outdoor art museum home to work by Rodin and Picasso.<\/p>\n

While Hakone can be explored in a day, consider an overnighter at a ryokan<\/em> (these traditional inns have their own hot spring baths).<\/p>\n

How to get to Hakone from Tokyo:<\/strong> Catch Odakyu\u2019s limited-express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. You\u2019ll need a reserved seat, though outside of holiday periods you can buy that at the station on the day of travel. To save yen, also get a Hakone Freepass. It covers the return train trip and gives two or three days of unlimited use of the buses, ropeways, and other transportation networks you\u2019ll need to get around Hakone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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