TOKYO & NEARBY TOURS
7 Must Have Tokyo Day Tours
While Tokyo is a wonderful place to visit, sometimes you need an escape from the endless skyscrapers and bustle of city life. From exploring Buddhist temples in the mountains to relaxing on a beach away from the city, there are so many one-day and half-day tours of Tokyo to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the world. Here are seven great 1-day tours extending past central Tokyo.
1 – Hiking Mt Takao
Transit time: 1 hr 14 minutes from Tokyo Station
If you’re after a one-day tour out of Tokyo, you should consider visiting this magnificent natural feature. Known as Japan’s most popular hiking spot, Mt Takao has many trails to explore, offering spectacular views over Tokyo and Mount Fuji on clear days (which are pretty frequent).
The Shiozawa Plateau is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you’ll be exploring a piece of history while taking in some fantastic views. As a bonus, there are numerous Shinto shrines to explore and picnic areas to relax in after your hike.
A word of advice when booking this Tokyo one-day tour: Mt Takao can get quite crowded on weekends, so to avoid the crowds, it’s best to go during the week when the weather is cooler.
2 – Mount Fuji Day Tour
Transit time: 2 hours 16 minutes from Tokyo Station
At Tokyo’s doorstep, Mount Fuji is well within day-trip range from the big city. This imposing volcano has to be one of Japan’s most iconic and beautiful landmarks and is an absolute must-visit during your stay.
For the best chance of reaching the peak, take a tour leaving from Tokyo station. Experienced guides will help your climb, as well as provide interesting facts about the mountain’s history. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the landscape, and an experience that you’ll never forget.
If climbing Mount Fuji isn’t in your plans, visit Kawaguchiko at the base of the mountain. Explore the charming streets and learn about the area’s history through the town’s plentiful museums and shrines.
Kawaguchiko is also home to some of the most iconic natural phenomena known in Japan. For example, depending on the time of year, you can see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom or watch the leaves change color in the fall months.
Book a Mount Fuji day tour from the central station, and discover this iconic landmark for yourself.
3 – Odaiba Seaside Park on Tokyo Bay
Transit time: 11 minutes from Tokyo Station
Want to explore Tokyo Bay on your half-day tour, but keep out of the way of huge crowds? You should visit Tokyo’s best-kept secret: Odaiba Seaside Park. This artificial island has been transformed into a giant playground, perfect for you to discover for hours on end. Enjoy the island’s many parks and gardens, beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces, and excellent shopping.
Odaiba Park is an excellent location for families or solo travellers and can be visited year-round. So, book your tickets from Tokyo station, and get ready for a unique adventure you won’t soon forget!
4 – Nikko National Park
Transit time: 62 minutes from Tokyo Station
Just an hour away from Tokyo, you’ll find Nikko National Park. With so much to explore, this Tokyo one-day tour can easily be extended into a fun-filled weekend. Nikko is home to stunning scenery, shrines, and fascinating history. Explore the cultural side of this charming Japanese national park while enjoying hot springs and gorgeous views.
If you’re a history buff, make sure to visit the Toshogu Shrine – this fascinating statue was created in celebration of the founding Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu.
5 – Odawara City
Transit time: 75 minutes from Tokyo Central Station
If you like magnificent castles and rich historical value, Odawara is a great choice for a one-day tour from Tokyo. Carefully restored from Edo-period paintings, this beautiful piece of architecture is surrounded by lush gardens and shrines from years past.
Visit the fishing port for some of the freshest seafood in Japan, before strolling through the Tsujimara Botanical Gardens on a warm summer’s day. Just 75 minutes from central Tokyo, this beautiful seaside town can be made into a one-day adventure, or squeezed into a half-day Tokyo tour depending on your time frame.
6 – Kawasaki City
Transit time: 18 minutes from Tokyo Station
Less than 20 minutes from the city center, Kawasaki is a great idea for a half-day tour from Tokyo. The city’s history goes all the way back to the Edo period, when it was used to transport goods to and from Shogunate strongholds.
These days, the city is home to countless museums and historical attractions. Make sure to visit the Kawasaki Daishi Temple, known for its giant bronze Buddha statue. For a look into the Edo period, the Nihon Mikaen open-air Museum is home to over 20 preserved buildings that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
7 – Misaki Town and Jogashima Island
Transit time: 70 minutes from Tokyo Station for Misaki, 90 minutes for Jogashima
If the city life has become too much, there’s no better way to escape than to an island off the coast. Located on the Miura coast of Kanagawa, Misaki is home to one of the finest fish markets in Japan. So wake up early on the weekend for this one-day tour from Tokyo, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a regional produce market, and pick yourself up some fresh seafood to enjoy by the ocean.
Don’t let its size fool you – Jogashima Island has some beautiful hidden swimming holes and nature trails that will take you the whole way around the island. So get your hiking boots on and wander through the spectacularly wild coastline, taking in those incredible views.
If you’re after a one-day tour from Tokyo, there’s an option to suit every itinerary. From gorgeous full-day hikes up Mount Fuji to a half-day tour of Kawasaki, you can choose an escape that’s right for you. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as the leaves change color, or bask in the iconic cherry blossom trees during the spring – the choice is yours.
Looking for other tours in Japan. Check One Day Osaka Tours
Other Popular Tokyo Day Tours