12 Best Day Trips From Tokyo For Every Season
Need a break from Tokyo's non-stop energy? How to escape the city without killing the vibe.
Tokyo is an endless rush of neon, konbinis, and late-night ramen, but even the most hyper-planned Japan trip needs a breather. Thankfully, Japan’s trains make escaping the city easy. From flower fields and temple towns to mountain views and beachy walks, these day trips deliver new vibes without the stress of overnight travel.
Here’s your ultimate guide to day trips from Tokyo, sorted by season and travel mood, complete with tips for who they’re best suited for.
Day trips from Tokyo during spring (March to May)
1. Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki
Nemophila flowers are in bloom at Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Japan.
In spring, this coastal park becomes a massive carpet of baby blue nemophila flowers from late April to early May. The wide, open fields feel surreal, like you're walking through a fairytale. It’s a bit of a journey, but totally worth it for the dreamy visuals and peaceful picnic vibes.
Best for: Content creators, flower chasers, and anyone craving a soft spring escape
Travel time from Tokyo: About two hours
2. Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi
Illuminated wisteria trees at Ashikaga Flower Park.
Ashikaga is famous for its wisteria tunnels that bloom in late April. Imagine strolling beneath waterfalls of lavender and pink blossoms. It’s quieter than your usual Tokyo park and super aesthetic in both daylight and golden hour.
Best for: Couples, solo wanderers, and slow travellers who love romance and calm
Travel time from Tokyo: About 90 minutes
3. Kawagoe, Saitama
Bell of Time, a bell tower at Kawagoe city in Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
Kawagoe serves Edo-period charm with a modern twist. Rent a yukata, snack on sweet potato treats, or explore thrift shops and vintage stores. Spring weather makes wandering its nostalgic streets even better.
Best for: Culture lovers, retro-style fans, and anyone who wants chill city vibes without the city crowd
Travel time from Tokyo: About one hour
Day trips from Tokyo during summer (June to August)
1. Kamakura and Enoshima, Kanagawa
The Great Buddha in Kamakura.
This classic pairing is perfect for summer. Start your day in Kamakura’s shady temples and hydrangea paths (early summer), then head to Enoshima for beach views, sea caves, and seafood snacks. It’s got the chill of a beach day with just enough adventure.
Best for: Soft girl summer types, temple lovers, and anyone craving a beach breeze
Travel time from Tokyo: About one hour
2. Minakami or Ikaho Onsen, Gunma
Gunma, Japan - July 20, 2024: IKAHO sign and tourists at the beginning of the Stone Steps Street in Shibukawa Ikaho Onsen Town.
IKAHO sign and tourists at the beginning of the Stone Steps Street in Shibukawa Ikaho Onsen Town.
For something completely different, escape to Gunma prefecture. In Minakami, you’ll find summer adventures like whitewater rafting and canyoning. Prefer to chill? Ikaho Onsen is a sleepy hot spring town with retro stairways, traditional inns, and golden mineral baths.
Best for: Nature lovers, quiet escape seekers, and anyone who wants to detox from city noise
Travel time from Tokyo: About two hours
Day trips from Tokyo during autumn (September to November)
1. Mount Takao, Tokyo
A hiker riding a cable car up Mount Takao, Hachioji. Japan.
An easy day hike at the outskirts of Tokyo prefecture, Mount Takao shines in late autumn when the trees turn fiery red and golden yellow. The trail is beginner-friendly, with food stalls and a mountaintop temple to explore. The views are stunning without needing full hiking gear.
Best for: First-time hikers, foliage fans, and anyone craving fresh mountain air
Travel time from Tokyo: About two hours
2. Mount Nokogiri, Chiba
Sunset on the cliff of Jigoku Nozoki meaning Peep into Hell jutting out over the void on a stunning panoramic vantage point in the Mount Nokogiri quarry.
Sunset on the cliff of Jigoku Nozoki (meaning Peep into Hell) jutting out over the void on a stunning panoramic vantage point in the Mount Nokogiri quarry.
Dramatic and peaceful, Mount Nokogiri is one of Chiba’s hidden gems. It features a giant cliffside Buddha and the famous “peek into hell” lookout point with expansive views of Tokyo Bay, the Boso Peninsula, and on clear days, Mount Fuji and the Tokyo Skytree. The autumn colours add an extra moodiness to the landscape, perfect for quiet reflection or epic reels.
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path adventurers, solo travellers, and temple lovers
Travel time from Tokyo: About two hours – take the ferry from Kurihama Port to Kanaya Port
3. Nikko, Tochigi
Top view of Nikko Park from observatory area shown the beauty of nature around Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan.
Top view of Nikko Park from observatory area showing the beauty of nature around Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan.
With its UNESCO-listed shrines, sacred bridges, and misty forests, Nikko feels like walking through a myth. In autumn, its vibrant foliage lights up the mountains and temple paths, making it one of Japan’s top seasonal spots. The journey is longer, but the reward is huge.
Best for: Culture nerds, nature photographers, and anyone seeking main character energy
Travel time from Tokyo: About two hours
Day trips from Tokyo during winter (December to February)
1. Yokohama, Kanagawa
Night view from Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal during Christmas season.
The Red Brick Warehouse’s European-style Christmas market brings winter charm with fairy lights, mulled wine, and cosy vibes. It's festive without the crowd crush, making it great for browsing or just people-watching with a warm drink.
Best for: Couples, casual groups, and anyone who wants holiday cheer without the stress
Travel time from Tokyo: About 30 minutes
2. Hakone, Kanagawa
Tourists take photographs of a pirate ship cruise sailing on Ashinoko Lake through the Torii of Peace at Hakone Shrine.
On clear winter days, Hakone delivers stunning views of Mount Fuji, plus all the chill vibes you need. Soak in an onsen, cruise across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, and hop on the ropeway for misty mountaintop views.
Best for: Wellness seekers, quiet escape artists, and travellers craving scenic hot spring peace
Travel time from Tokyo: About one hour
Whether you're chasing cherry blossoms, escaping the summer heat, soaking in autumn colours, or basking in winter lights, there’s a perfect day trip from Tokyo for every season and every vibe. With Japan’s seamless train system and these handpicked spots just a short ride away, you don’t need to travel far to experience something completely different. So plan smart, pack light, and let your Tokyo adventure breathe with a side trip (or three) that feels just right for the season.