14 Exciting Day Trips from Tokyo, Japan (2024)

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Need a break from the big city of Tokyo? Consider taking one of these exciting day trips from Tokyo, Japan in order to explore more of what Japan has to offer!


Tokyo is one of those cities where it would be very difficult to get bored, even after spending several days there.

Despite being full of amazing things to do, after awhile, you may find yourself wanting a break from the buzzing metropolis. Lucky for you, there are so many amazing day trips from Tokyo you can take!

A few years ago, I spent about 2 weeks in Tokyo alone and made sure to take advantage of all the wonderful day trips in the area.

With the help of some of my travel blogging friends, I have put together a list of some of the most exciting day trips from Tokyo.

Whether you’re looking to get a magnificent view of Mount Fuji, hang out with snow monkeys at an onsen, or take a deeper dive into Japanese culture, there’s a day trip here for you!

Many of the best day trips from Tokyo are accessible via a guided tour. If you’re a more independent traveler, all of the day trips on this list are accessible via Japan’s excellent public transportation system (and if you have a JR Pass, many of the trains you’ll take for the day trips are included!).

Are you ready to escape the big city buzz? Keep reading for a guide to some of the best day trips from Tokyo, Japan, including how to get there, what to do, where to eat, and more!

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.

Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms which are viewed from lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan

Map of the Best Day Trips from Tokyo

A map showing the day trips from Tokyo featured in this post

For an interactive version of this map of the best day trips from Tokyo, click here or on the map above.

Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Each day trip features helpful information like general directions from Tokyo to the day trip destination and the approximate travel time.

Keep in mind that routes can change at a moment’s notice. Before heading out on your journey, check your route on Google Maps or HyperDia.

1. Kyoto

The green bamboo stalks in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, located nearby Kyoto

Visiting Tokyo and want to spend a day exploring another one of Japan’s best destinations? Consider taking a day trip to Kyoto!

Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is known for its abundance of Buddhist temples, Shinto Shrines, and traditional architecture. You can easily spend a few days exploring Kyoto and all it has to offer, but visiting it on a day trip from Tokyo is a great way to check out the city if you’re short on time.

The easiest and quickest way to get to Kyoto from Tokyo is via the Shinkansen (bullet train), which leaves every 15 minutes from Tokyo Station. This trip is included with the JR Pass, so I’d recommend getting one if you’re planning on visiting Kyoto from Tokyo (the cost of the round-trip Shinkansen ticket on its own is nearly the same price as a 7-day JR Pass!).

The travel time from Tokyo to Kyoto is about 2 hours, so I recommend taking the earliest departure you can to maximize your time in Kyoto.

Once you arrive at Kyoto Station, it’s time to hit the ground running and see as much of Kyoto as you can in a day!

Start your morning by heading to Arashiyama to visit the Instagram-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This is a super popular spot, but the crowds tend to be smaller during the early hours. After exploring the forest, head to the nearby Tenryu-ji Zen Temple.

Up next, make your way to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Spend some time here admiring the beautiful temple and its surrounding gardens.

Now, you’ll probably be working up an appetite, so head back to the center of Kyoto for lunch at Nishiki Market. The 5-block long market street is filled with every Japanese dish you could think of, as well as souvenirs, fresh produce, and seafood vendors.

In the afternoon, it’s time to head to another of Kyoto’s most popular spots: the Fushimi Inari Shrine. You’ve definitely seen photos of the paths covered in thousands of bright orange torii gates.

Then, it’s time to visit another of Kyoto’s famous temples: Kiyomizu-dera. This Buddhist temple offers great views of the Kyoto cityscape.

In the evening, head to Kyoto’s Gion district to end the night. Gion is Kyoto’s geisha district, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a geisha (known as geiko in Kyoto) or maiko (a geisha in training) heading to work.

Gion is home to beautiful streets and alleyways lined with traditional buildings – exploring here will feel as if you stepped back in time. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Kyoto.

To make your day trip to Kyoto even easier, consider taking a guided full-day tour of Kyoto, which takes you to many of the stops I mentioned and more!

Getting to Kyoto from Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station (duration: about 2 hours 15 minutes). This is included with a JR Pass.

2. Fuji Five Lakes and Kawaguchiko

Contributed by Rhonda from Travel? Yes Please!

Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji in Japan's Fuji Five Lakes area
Photo by Rhonda from Travel? Yes Please!

The Fuji Five Lakes is a popular area for viewing Mt. Fuji and can easily be visited on a day trip from Tokyo, either by guided tour or independently.

For independent travelers, buses leave Tokyo from Shinjuku and arrive at Kawaguchiko in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Kawaguchiko is the main, most developed lake in the area. Here, you can rent a car for a few hours or board the Retro buses for hop-on-hop-off sightseeing service.

There are many interesting places to visit and things to do around the lakes, far more than you can experience on a day trip, so you’ll have to be selective.

Of course, you’ll want to see Mount Fuji, which can be enjoyed from several locations in and around Kawaguchiko.

Other main attractions are the Mount Tenjo Ropeway, Chureito Pagoda, and the sacred ponds and thatched-roof buildings at Oshino Hakkai.

Kawaguchiko also has several great restaurants serving a variety of cuisine including Japanese, Korean, and Italian. The local specialty is Houtou, a miso soup with udon noodles and pumpkin, and can be tried at the restaurant Hoto Fudou Kita-Honten.

Getting to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo

Take the non-stop bus from the Shinjuku Express Bus Station (Busta Shinjuku) to Kawaguchiko Station (duration: around 2 hours).

3. Chureito Pagoda

Contributed by Catrina from 24 Hours Layover

A girl in a blue shirt and black pants looking at the Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background
Photo by Catrina from 24 Hours Layover

One of the best day trips from Tokyo is to Chureito Pagoda.

Chureito Pagoda is a famous and picturesque spot located in the town of Fujiyoshida and is renowned as one of Japan’s most iconic viewpoints. It offers a breathtaking panorama of majestic Mount Fuji with the red pagoda in the foreground.

Chureito Pagoda is easily accessible from Tokyo by public transport in just over 2 hours.

It’s then a short walk from the station to the base of the pagoda, followed by the ascent of the 398 steps to the viewing platform!

If you would prefer a private guided tour, you can do a one-day sightseeing tour from Tokyo, which stops off at Chureito Pagoda, as well as Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Hakkai.

From the Chureito Pagoda viewing platform you can get absolutely incredible photos, and if you visit during cherry blossom season in spring, or the autumn foliage season there will be an added touch of natural beauty.

A visit to Chureito Pagoda is a popular day trip destination for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the area, but to fully appreciate the stunning view and see Mount Fuji clearly, visit on a day with clear weather.

Mount Fuji is often shrouded in clouds, so checking the weather forecast in advance will increase your chances of capturing a clear view.

If you’re after some food afterwards, Fujiyoshida offers various dining options to enjoy delicious Japanese food. Look for traditional local dishes such as hoto noodles, and try the delicious Fujiyama beer too!

If time allows, you can also visit the fun Fuji-Q Highland amusement park in Fujiyoshida!

Getting to Chureito Pagoda from Tokyo

Take a bus from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station. From there, take a train to Shimoyoshida Station.

4. Tokyo DisneySea

Contributed by The Sisters Who Voyage

A pirate ship on the water at Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo DisneySea | Photo by The Sisters Who Voyage

Spending a day at Tokyo DisneySea is a popular day trip from Tokyo that tourists and locals love doing, no matter what time of the year.

The Tokyo Disney Resort is home to two Disney Parks, Tokyo DisneySea, and Tokyo Disneyland. The former is incredibly unique as it’s the only one of its kind in the world; if you have to choose between the two, visit DisneySea!

When planning your trip to DisneySea, make sure to book your tickets in advance as they sometimes sell out.

The nice part about the parks is they are located within Tokyo; it takes around 20 minutes to get to the parks by hopping on the Keiyō Line at Tokyo Station and getting off at Maihama Station.

Then, you’ll head to the gateway station transfer to jump on the Disney Resort Line for the monorail.

Remember, there’s a ton to do at DisneySea, so you’ll want to head over right before the park opens for “rope drop” – what Disney calls opening time.

Now that you’ve landed in Tokyo DisneySea, you’ll want to make the most of the day!

Some of the best rides we loved were Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones, and Toy Story Mania. However, the best part about DisneySea is the cute snacks, food, and drinks you can get!

If you love mochi, stop and get the little green men mochi at one of the small vendors, they are delicious. You’ll have luck at Ristorante di Canaletto if you love Italian food. Head to New York Deli for yummy sandwiches, and for Japanese food, definitely go to Restaurant Sakura!

When you’re done with all that, end your day with a classic Disney Fireworks show. The Sky Full Of Colors is beautiful and themed for the 40th anniversary. 

Getting to Tokyo DisneySea from Tokyo

Tokyo DisneySea is located just outside of Tokyo, so getting there from the city is super easy.

From Tokyo Station, you can take the JR Keiyō Line to Maihama Station. From there, walk to the Disney Resort Gateway station where you can hop on the monorail directly to DisneySea.

5. Kamakura

Contributed by Lena from Nagoya Foodie

Photo by Lena from Nagoya Foodie

Kamakura is an amazing day trip from Tokyo. The city is located about an hour from Tokyo, and there are multiple trains you can use to reach Kamakura Station. From Tokyo Station, I recommend the Yokosuka Line.

The most famous sight in Kamakura is probably the Great Buddha of Kamakura, but there are other amazing temples and shrines worth a visit such as Hase Dera close to the Buddha, Hokokuji with its little bamboo grove and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura.

Because of the many temples and shrines, Kamakura is often referred to as Little Kyoto.

Other activities not to be missed in Kamakura are swimming at Yuigahama Beach, shopping at Komachi Dori shopping street, and of course trying all kinds of delicious foods.

Kamakura is famous for Shirasu, a tiny white fish. They are served either raw, cooked, or deep-fried on rice and you can find a Shirasu Don at every corner in Kamakura.

I recommend a visit to a restaurant called Akimoto. It serves the best Shirasu and vegetable Tempura set I have ever had. The restaurant is very popular and it is not uncommon to wait for hours to get a table.

Other things I recommend are purple sweet potato soft-serve ice cream, a local specialty, and the flavored peanuts at Mameya.

Getting to Kamakura from Tokyo

From Tokyo Station, take the JR-East Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station (included with JR Pass; duration: 1 hour).

6. Hakone

Contributed by Sean from Living Out Lau

Photo by Sean from Living Out Lau

If the walls of people at Shibuya or the weird things in Akihabara has proven to be too much for you, why not take a day trip to Hakone?

Hakone is a small town located about 1.5 hours away from Tokyo by train.

Situated next to the active volcano Hakone, many people come here to enjoy the natural scenery, go hiking, or relax in one of the onsens (hot springs).

There are tons of great things to do in Hakone to keep you busy on your day trip.

When you are in Hakone, you cannot miss the Hakone Ropeway, which is a cable car that connects the city of Hakone to the nearby volcanoes.

At the top, there is a shop that sells black boiled eggs, a special attraction in Hakone. The eggs are boiled in water filled with minerals such as iron and sulfur, resulting in eggs so nutritious they can give you an extra 7 years of life. So don’t eat too much unless you want to live forever!

After you are done with the cable car, either spend the rest of your time relaxing at the famous onsens in the area or at Hakone Shrine.

The onsens in Hakone are some of the best in Japan and they have both outdoor and indoor ones. My favorite was definitely the Tenzan Onsen.

If you don’t like getting naked (not completely) or if you have tattoos, then head over to the Hakone Shrine. Hakone Shrine is an important religious monument situated right on Lake Ashi. The views there, especially at sunset, are unforgettable.

After your visit, you’ll definitely find that Hakone is one of the best day trips from Tokyo.

Getting to Hakone from Tokyo

From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen (Kodari or Hikami) to Odawara. From there, take the Hakone Tozan Bus from Odawara Station to Oohiradai Station. Total duration: around 1 hour 20 minutes.

7. Yokohama

Contributed by Kay from The Awkward Traveller

Yokohama, Japan Chinatown gate
Yokohama Chinatown | Photo by Yu Kato on Unsplash

Yokohama is the perfect day trip from Tokyo, and it actually turned out to be one of my favorite days in my week-long trip to Tokyo!

You have a few options to visit Yokohama. If you have a JR Pass, you can catch the JR Tokaido line from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.

If you don’t have the JR Pass (I didn’t), then head over to my favorite Tokyo district for Shibuya Station and take the Tokyu Toyoko Line! Either will take you straight to Yokohama in about 45 minutes!

I’d recommend heading out earlier in the morning to grab a bite at Eggs N Things before the legendary lines start to form.

Then, walk off your breakfast by strolling through Yokohama’s multicultural area near Motomachi shopping street (yay shopping!) and Yamashita Park.

If you’re in Japan during the cherry blossom season, you can find the perfect viewing spot at Mitsuike-Koen, a lake surrounded by over 1,600 cherry blossom trees!

For lunch, head over to gorge yourself at Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum in Yokohama, the world’s first foodie amusement park featuring – you guessed it – RAMEN!!

Here you can try ramen from all over Japan, represented by nine famous restaurants from different regions of the country. And, it’s all in one convenient location! The entrance is free for children under six and only about $3 USD for adults.

Next, head over to Yokohama Chinatown for more shopping and, let’s be real, photo ops! But if you’d rather fancy a pint, you can go to the Kirin Brewery Company which offers free tours (and sampling!) of its facilities!

My favorite thing to do in Yokohama was checking out the Cup Noodles Museum! Yes, ramen again, BUT YOU’RE IN JAPAN!

You’ll learn the history of instant noodles as well as make your OWN flavor! It’s rad.

Then, before you head back to Tokyo, end the day at Cosmoworld, a small theme park (about four rides) that used to have the highest Ferris wheel in Japan. It’s all really cute and not too expensive either!

Getting to Yokohama from Tokyo

If you have a JR Pass, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Yokohama Station (48 minutes).

If you don’t have a JR Pass, take the Tokyu Tōyoko Line from Shinjuku Station to Yokohama.

8. Mount Takao

Contributed by Sarah from A Social Nomad

Green, tree covered hills viewed from the summit of Mount Takao near Tokyo
View from the Mount Takao Summit | Photo by Sarah from A Social Nomad

At just an hour on the train from Tokyo, Mount Takao is a haven of green, nature, and hiking that’s very easy to get to.

Takaosan, as the mountain is also known holds the title of the world’s most climbed mountain, likely because of its proximity to Japan’s capital city (and you might encounter a few crowds during Cherry Blossom season or the fall foliage times).

Taking a day trip to Mount Takao from Tokyo is perfect if you want to escape the city.  There are 8 well-signposted trails here that have varying degrees of difficulty and both a chair lift and a cable car/funicular for those wanting to take it a little easier.

Take the Keio line from Tokyo Station to Takaosanguchi, which takes about an hour. Once you arrive you can start hiking, or head to the ticket office for the easier options! 

There are plenty of places to eat around Mount Takao, and vending machines too, of course – even at the summit!

Takao is known for its ecology, so don’t miss Takao599 – the museum that details the flora, fauna, and animals of the area.

You can also see that in real life – there’s a monkey park here, and the ticket also gives you access to a wildflower garden area. 

When you’re done exploring, head to the Japanese onsen at the base of the mountain and relax in the natural hot spring before heading back to the city!

Getting to Mount Takao from Tokyo

Take the Keio line subway from Tokyo Station to Takaosanguchi. The journey takes around an hour.

9. Kawagoe

Contributed by Mayi from Secret Moona

Preserved Japanese architecture in Kawagoe, Japan - a great day trip from Tokyo
Photo by Mayi from Secret Moona

If you are looking for great day trips from Tokyo, Kawagoe is a really good option.

Nicknamed Little Edo due to its close relationship with Edo (former name of Tokyo), Kawagoe is a great place to visit and offers lots of things to do.

The history of the former merchant town, as well as its preserved architecture, are a delight for visitors.

The best way to reach Kawagoe is by getting the Tobu Railways Kawagoe Discount Pass which offers a round trip between Ikebukuro station and Kawagoe station, access to buses in town, and discounts at selected shops.

The first thing to do when you arrive in Kawagoe is to head to the Warehouse District, a charming street lined with Edo style merchant warehouses. Admire the bell tower while exploring and sampling some traditional sweets in Penny Candy Lane.

Kawagoe is known for its sweet potatoes so be sure to head over to Bromagee where you will be able to taste an amazing chocolate and sweet potato fondant cake.

Don’t miss out on a visit to the Buddhist temple of Kita-in where you can admire a collection of 500 stone statues of Buddha’s disciples. The temple is home to the only remaining structures of the former Edo Castle.

Getting to Kawagoe from Tokyo

To get from Tokyo to Kawagoe, get a Kawagoe Discount Pass (610 yen for adults). This pass includes a round-trip ticket from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station.

10. Nikko National Park

Contributed by Emma from Emma Jane Explores

The red Shinkyo bridge over a stream in Nikko, Japan
Photo by Emma from Emma Jane Explores

Nikko is a beautiful town and national park located in the mountainous region north of Tokyo and is one of the best places to visit in all of Japan. It is famous for its revered natural scenery, but also for its elaborate and historic Buddhist and Shinto shrines that lie in the area.

The park is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and for good reason. The pristinely preserved temples and shrines in the area date back to the 1600s and are still in immaculate condition.

The most famous shrine here is the Toshogu Shrine, which is incredibly decorative, ornate and expansive. In particular, take a moment to observe the beautiful wooden carvings all over the Yomeimon Gate.

Also located in Nikko is a famous photo opportunity with the very famous Shinkyo bridge which curves over a picturesque stream. If you’re a waterfall lover, like me, you’ll also want to check out Kegon No Taki which is one of Japan’s most well-known waterfalls.

Located in the northern Tochigi Prefecture of Japan’s biggest island, Honshu, Nikko is usually a few degrees colder than Tokyo, so if visiting in winter, then be sure to rug up as you brave the elements outside.

I’d recommend visiting in the Autumn foliage season as there’s nothing more spectacular than seeing the national park lit up in the flaming red Japanese maple leaves.

Nikko is one of the most perfect day trips from Tokyo as it is easily accessible via train in less than 2 hours. If you have a JR Pass, then your travel to Nikko will be covered by the pass. If not, the train travel cost one way is just under 3000 yen.

Getting to Nikko from Tokyo

To get to Nikko from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsuyomina (free with a JR Pass). From there, take the JR Line to Nikko (free with a JR Pass). The journey will take a little over 2 hours.


11. Sayama Berryland

Contributed by Kate from Passports and Playgrounds

Blueberries on a vine at Sayama Berryland in Sayama, Japan
Blueberries at Sayama Berryland | Photo by Kate from Passports and Playgrounds

You only need to travel an hour to escape the concrete jungle of Tokyo and explore the natural beauty of Japan.

In the summer, many Tokyoites will travel to Saitama Prefecture and experience a classic blueberry-picking event.

With warm sunshine and delicious in-season produce, Sayama Berryland is the best farm to visit. From June to August, you can pick as many blueberries as you can in thirty minutes. They are proud of being one of the largest blueberry farms in Japan.

The blueberry bushes are outside but enclosed in netting to prevent birds from eating the fruit. Do remember to pack sunhats, water, and sunscreen as there is no shade in the blueberry patches.

Before you visit Sayama Berryland, make sure to check their website for hours of operation. The farm will close due to rain and bad weather. Even though the blueberry fields are outside, the farm’s policy states that no umbrellas are allowed on the property.

Picking fruit is an excellent activity for everyone. What makes this experience special is that the workers on the farm will show you which berries are ripe for picking.

If you cannot make it to the farm in the summer, Sayama Berryland offers Shiitake mushroom hunting from October to December.

From December to May, families can experience eating fresh strawberries grown from the hothouses, and dip the strawberries in condensed milk. Yes, strawberry picking is considered a winter event in Japan.

Blueberry picking tickets can only be purchased on the farm with yen (cash) or major credit cards. The price for 30 minutes of blueberry picking is 2500 yen for adults, with a discounted price on weekdays.

Before you leave, do not forget to pick up some pastries or jams made on the farm. They make great gifts!

Getting to Sayama Berryland from Tokyo

Sayama Berryland is less than an hour away from Tokyo via car with free parking available. If you are traveling via train, Sayama Berry Land is about a 30-minute walk from Shin-Sayama Station on the Shinjuku Line.

12. Kawasaki

Contributed by Alexander from Gourmand Trotter

The Kawasaki, Japan skyline at night

Kawasaki a city in the Kanagawa prefecture and a part of the Greater Tokyo Area. It has a population of 1.5 million people and offers a very local experience.

It’s not one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo, but it’s an easy one to do by train.

Kawasaki is famous for Kawasaki Motorcycles, which originated here. However, the city has much more to offer that makes it worth visiting.

Some of Kawasaki’s main attractions include Nakagawa stable (sumo wrestling), Kawasaki Daishi (a very popular temple in the Kanto region), and Kanayama Shrine, which is the site where the famous Kanamara Matsuri Penis Festival takes place every year.

It’s easy to get to Kawasaki from Tokyo, as the city is located between Tokyo and Yokohama and is very well-connected by train.

I recommend eating at Genki Sushi when visiting Kawasaki, it’s a nice sushi chain with reasonable prices and a central location. There are various ramen and curry places where you can eat as well.

Kawaski is also home to a Koreatown and has the largest concentration of Koreans in Japan, after Osaka. Here, you can find a good selection of K-Beauty as well as getting the latest K-Pop Idol goods.

Getting to Kawasaki from Tokyo

Tokyo to Kawasaki is just a 17-minute train ride, making it one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo. Take the JR Line from Tokyo Station to Kawasaki.

13. Matsumoto

Contributed by Tess from Tessomewhere

The black exterior of Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle | Photo by Tess from Tessomewhere

While Matsumoto requires a slightly longer journey of around 2.5 hours by train from Tokyo, the trip is undoubtedly worthwhile to witness one of Japan’s few remaining original castles.

Matsumoto Castle, known as the ‘Crow Castle’ due to its striking black exterior, is a registered National Treasure of Japan.

Upon arrival, marvel at the castle’s exterior as you stroll through the manicured Castle Park before purchasing a ticket (700 yen per adult) for a self-guided tour inside. Free guided tours also take place by volunteers, inquire at the counter outside the castle park.

Once inside, explore the castle’s displays and exhibits, delving into the rich history of the city and the castle itself. Don’t forget to ascend the stairs to the castle’s sixth floor, where a panoramic view of the city below awaits.

While Matsumoto Castle stands as the main highlight of the town, be sure to wander through the charming historic shopping streets of Nawate-Dori and Nakamachi-Dori. As you stroll, keep an eye out for the quirky frog statues along Nawate-Dori!

For craft beer enthusiasts, Matsumoto Brewery boasts two taprooms in town where you can taste locally brewed ales.

Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Matsumoto’s renowned soba buckwheat noodles for a late lunch before hopping back on the train to Tokyo.

Getting to Matsumoto from Tokyo

From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Limited Express bound for Matsumoto (included in JR Pass, duration: 2.5 hours).

14. Jigokudani Monkey Park

Contributed by Caroline from CK Travels

Snow monkeys in the water at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan
Photo by Caroline from CK Travels

For a truly incredible and unique experience, head to Nagano to visit the beautiful Japanese Macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Nagano is located north-west of Tokyo and is 80 minutes away by bullet train.

Once you reach Nagano Station you can purchase a Snow Monkey Pass for 3,600 yen – this pass includes transportation to the park using either a local train or bus, plus the entry fee to the park.

I recommend taking the express bus journey (which takes 40 minutes) and then walking a lovely uphill trail path through the cedar forest for a further 25 minutes to reach the monkeys.

Once you arrive at the top, you will find a large natural onsen next to a river with many wild snow monkeys playing or bathing in the hot waters.

The park is open all year round but the best time of year to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park is during the winter months (December to March) as it is more scenic with snow-capped trees, and the monkeys are more likely to be bathing.

You will need to allow yourself around 5-6 hours for the entire experience (the return journey, the walk to the park, and time spent with the Nagano snow monkeys) but it is a bucket-list worthy experience not to be missed!

Getting to Jigokudani Monkey Park from Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station. From there, purchase the Snow Monkey Pass, which includes transportation to the park via train or bus as well as admission to the park.


Day Trips from Tokyo: FAQs

Is Kyoto a good day trip from Tokyo?

Yes! Even though Kyoto is a bit far from Tokyo, it’s only about a 2-hour trip on the bullet train. If you’re limited on time in Japan, visiting Kyoto on a day trip from Tokyo is a great way to see more of the country.

How many days do you need in Tokyo Japan?

I spent about 10 days total in Tokyo and I felt that was a great amount of time in the city. At minimum, I would recommend spending 5 days in Tokyo – the city is so big and it has so much to see & do that it would be hard to get a good feel for the city in less time.

Do we need a JR Pass?

If you’re spending all of your time in Tokyo and only taking day trips to nearby locations that don’t require a bullet train, then the JR Pass might not be worth it. But if you’re taking at least one round-trip bullet train trip, especially to somewhere further like Kyoto, then the 7-Day JR Pass is probably worth it as it only costs a bit more than the round-trip ticket.

As you can see, there are so many amazing choices when planning your day trips from Tokyo.

No matter which day trip from Tokyo you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time filled with culture, food, and fun! Have you taken any day trips from Tokyo? Which one is your favorite?

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