14 AMAZING DAY TRIPS TO TAKE FROM TOKYO

Day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo

Tokyo is an amazing, vibrant city. There are many popular tourist attractions in Tokyo to see. A visit to Tokyo will keep you busy for days. But, if you have some free time, you might want to explore these day trips to take from Tokyo. It might even offer you a break from the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city.

Table of Contents

Getting around Tokyo

Hands down, the easiest way to travel around Tokyo and beyond is via the train networks. Japan is a world leader in rail and the trains are easy and convenient to travel on.

One thing to note is that train fares in Japan aren’t cheap. Even if your fare is only 230Y, those 230Y trips add up very quickly.

The Japan Rail Pass

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If you are visiting as a tourist, you can order a Japan Rail Pass. This needs to be ordered prior to leaving your home country. Once you are in Japan, you exchange the pass with a ticket.

You can only exchange the pass at certain train stations. This means that you may need to travel to one of these stations if it is not close to you.

The Japan Rail Pass is cost-effective. If you are travelling from Tokyo to Osaka and back again on the Shinkansen, it has basically paid for itself. Be aware that the JR Pass cannot be used on certain classes of the Shinkansen for free travel, such as Nozomi or Mizuho class trains.

Please note that the Japan Rail Pass can only be used on JR lines. All other lines will still need to be paid for.

Related: Order your JR Pass here

Catch the shinkansen in Japan

HyperDia

The best website and app you can use for train travel in Japan is HyperDia. This recommendation cannot come highly enough. Japan’s rail network is so complex, and this is the perfect way to unravel it.

All you need to do is enter in the station you are starting your trip at, then enter the station you want to go to, and HyperDia will work its magic. It will tell you what train to catch, what station you need to change at and how much the fare is. It also tells you what network you will be travelling on, JR or the subway or other local lines.

Without this app, many travellers would get lost!


Hakone day trip from Tokyo

A day trip to Hakone is probably one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. Hakone is in the Kanagawa prefecture. Hakone was an important place in Edo-era Japan. It was a checkpoint location for travellers along the Tokaido Road.

The best way to experience Hakone is by purchasing a Hakone Free Pass ticket. If you are visiting for one day, it’s recommended that you complete one big loop and enjoy the attractions along the way.

The closest JR station is Odawa Station. From here you will need to ride the Hakone Tozan Train which includes some amazing switchback movements up the mountain. When you arrive at Gora, you will transfer to the Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway crosses the opening of a volcano. After the ropeway, make your way to Lake Ashi for a cruise on a pirate ship.

Day trip to Hakone from Tokyo

After your cruise over Lake Ashi is finished, you can visit the Hakone Tokaido Checkpoint Museum. This is an Edo-era military checkpoint featuring restored soldiers’ quarters and a lookout. On a clear day, you can see Mt Fuji.

From here you can continue walking to the next town via the Old Tokaido Road Ancient Cedar Avenue. Along the walk, you will see Hakone Jinjya Heiwa-no-Torii in the distance across the lake. It is a stunning landscape if the weather is clear and you can see Mt Fuji. You will also see the Hakone Shrine 1st Torii Gate which is a large gate that spans the road.

There are many more amazing things to do in Hakone. If you have multiple days, you could take your time and enjoy Hakone more, but otherwise, a day trip to Hakone is still a fantastic way to spend a day.



As there are so many amazing things to see in this area, you may not be able to see them all in one day. If you’re planning on staying overnight, look no further than Hakone Yutowa. It is close to Hakone Gora Park, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car entrance, as well as the Museum of Photography. You can’t get a more convenient location!


Jigokudani Monkey Park day trip from Tokyo

Visiting the Snow Monkeys from Tokyo can definitely be done in one day. It is a long day though, so be warned! The monkey park is home to wild Japanese macaques. The macaques are referred to as Snow Monkeys because they can live in cold areas where it snows for many months of the year.

Jigokudani Monkey Park is in the mountainous area of Yudanaka. This area is renowned for onsen and hot springs. The Snow Monkeys have their own hot spring that they spend time in. Visitors to the park can view the monkeys in the hot spring and in the wild. There are many families of monkeys living in this park.

Day trip to the Snow Monkeys from Tokyo

Jigokudani Monkey Park is in the Nagano prefecture. It will take about 2 ½ hours from Tokyo Station to Yudanaka Station. Only a portion of this trip is on JR lines, so you will need to pay for a local ticket from Nagano to Yudanaka even if you’re travelling on a Japan Rail Pass.

When you arrive at Yudanaka, depending on how many people are in your group, try and negotiate to catch a taxi with other people that are heading to the park. On the way back, it is possible to walk back to the station as it is mostly downhill.

A visit to see the Snow Monkeys is an excellent day trip from Tokyo. These monkeys are famous worldwide, and it is a worthwhile day trip.



The Yamanouchi region is known for its amazing thermal hot springs and onsens. As a day trip from Tokyo can be quite long, you might be tempted to spend the night in Yudanaka. There are also 9 public baths in Yudanaka, so maybe you’re up to the challenge of visiting them all. The town is dotted with onsen properties to stay at. You will be spoilt for choice. Shibu Hotel is a great choice for your stay.


Kamakura day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Cass @ Cassie the Hag

At just an hour from Tokyo Station, it is very easy to visit Kamakura on a day trip. With many beautiful temples on offer and even a beach to relax on should you have warm weather, it is well worth a visit. My favourite temple here was Kokoku-Ju, which is also known as the Bamboo Temple due to the tall bamboo that rivals its more famous counterpart – Arashiyama, the far more over-crowded bamboo forest in Kyoto. You can enjoy a relaxing rest sipping on traditional green tea while enjoying nature here.

Day trip to Kamakura from Tokyo

Kamakura’s own famous temple has to be Kotoku-in Temple, which has an 11.4m tall Amida Buddha statue. Made from bronze, this statue still stands its ground even following a tsunami in the 15th century. This historical destination has many more shrines and temples to explore if you have time.

The prominence of Buddhism makes Kamakura a particularly great destination for vegan travellers and I enjoyed my lunch at the Kamakura Vegetable Cafe. Surfers can also treat themselves to the waves at Yuigahama Beach, a lovely sunset spot.



If you want to get away to the beach or you just want to spend some more time in Kamakura, then you will definitely need a place to stay the night. The JR-East Hotel Mets are near Ofuna Station, so it has great connections to public transport. Alternatively, it is easy to walk around all the main Kamakura tourist attractions, just make sure you wear comfortable shoes.


Nagoya day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Lena @ Nagoya Foodie

Nagoya is Japan’s 3rd largest city and lies conveniently between its bigger brothers Tokyo and Osaka. Because it is connected to Tokyo by bullet train it makes for a great day trip destination.

Nagoya is actually a very important city historically. The three warlords associated with the unification of Japan were all born around Nagoya for example. You can learn about Nagoya’s fascinating history at the Tokugawa Art Museum where many of the relics of the ruling Tokugawa Owari clan such as tea ceremony utensils, armour, and swords, Noh theatre masks, and stage items, as well as texts and scrolls are displayed. Another great place to visit if you are interested in history is Nagoya Castle with its authentic reconstructed Honmaru Palace. A one-story wooden structure with beautiful wall paintings and intricate wooden carvings that used to be the residence of the ruling lord of Nagoya.

Day trip to Nagoya from Tokyo

Another highlight of Nagoya is the local food called Nagoya Meshi. Dishes in Nagoya are said to have a stronger flavour than those in other parts of the country. Try Miso Nikomi Udon (Miso stewed Udon noodles) or Miso Katsu (deep-fried pork cutlet in a rich red Miso based sauce) if you want to try the locally used red Miso (fermented bean paste).

It couldn’t be easier to get to Nagoya from Tokyo. Hop on the bullet train at Tokyo Station and you will arrive at your destination Nagoya Station in 1 hour and 40 minutes. The one-way trip costs 11500 yen but is included for free if you have a Japan Rail Pass the convenient tourist train ticket many travellers to Japan use.



Nagoya has many attractions, both historical and contemporary ones. Nagoya has its own local rail network as it’s a large city. For this reason, it is best to stay near the main station which makes it easy to travel around via the public transport network. A great hotel with positive reviews is the Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel.


Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Hartej and Manpreet @ Your Vegan Adventure

A trip to Mount Fuji is an awesome day out from the city of Tokyo. The Mt Fuji ropeway is the best way to see the mountain and will give you stunning views of the active volcano.

It is beautiful to see small streams of clear smoke pushing out of the mountain as you make your way on the ropeway. There are very few mountains in the world quite like this, with an active volcano so this all makes the experience totally unique. The ropeway will take you about 400metres upwards within just a few minutes. On arriving at the first observation deck, you will be welcomed with stunning views of Mt Fuji, from 1000metres above sea level.

Day trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji

The tip for the trip is that when you buy your tickets from the office, grab yourself the package which includes the ropeway and a ride in the pleasure boat. This will cost you 1600Yen, with the boat ride taking you around the stunning Fuji Five Lakes and giving you more views of the mountain.

If you are staying downtown in Tokyo, you should set out towards Mt Fuji around 9 am to miss the peak hours for public transport. It can be quite uncomfortable when it’s very busy and that can put a downer on the day. We recommend allowing 90minutes for travel to and from Kawaguchiko, and about 5 hours in the mountain area.



There are so many places to stay around Mt Fuji. One of the most amazing places to see Mt Fuji is in the Lake Kawaguchi region. Not only can you see Mt Fuji in all its glory, but you can also visit the Fuji-Q Highland theme park. The Noborisaka Hotel is a great hotel with uninterrupted views to Mt Fuji. Also, you can relax in the onsite onsen after a busy day of sightseeing.


Mount Takao day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Audrey @ That Backpacker

If you’re looking for a nature escape not too far from Tokyo, then Mount Takao is a great destination to consider. Located about an hour west of Tokyo, this 599-metre mount is a popular destination offering hiking trails, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to visit.

The easiest way to reach Mount Takao is by railway. You can hop on the Keio Line at Shinjuku and it’s a 54-minute journey from there. Two tips: make sure you get on the express train to avoid unnecessary stops, and also ride past Takao Station getting off at Takaosanguchi Station which marks the start of the hike.

There are three ways to get up Mount Takao: you can ride the funicular, take the chair lift, or hike with your own two feet. The funicular, known as Takao Tozan Cable, is a fun option since this is the steepest railway line in all of Japan. It takes you halfway up the mount and runs every 15 minutes.

Day trip to Mount Takao from Tokyo

One of the main attractions on Mount Takao is Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, a Buddhist temple dating back to 744. Many people come here to pray to the tengu for good luck; these are supernatural beings from a Japanese legend that are thought to take the form of birds of prey, which is why they are sometimes depicted with beaks. You’ll notice the sculptures of tengu throughout the temple grounds.

There are plenty of food vendors as you climb Mount Takao, so if you start to feel hungry, you can sample things like mitarashi dango, rice dumplings covered in soy sauce; tenguyaki, bird-shaped pancakes stuffed with red bean paste; and matcha cheese tarts, which are buttery pastries layered with red bean paste and matcha cheesecake.

Once you reach the summit of Mount Takao, there are a few different lookout points to enjoy the views; on a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance!




Yokohama day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Jordan @ Queer in the World

The high-rise metropolis of Yokohama is the second-largest city in Japan, but so often overlooked by travellers to Japan. There is so much to explore in this high-spirited city, including microbreweries, a fascinating art scene, buzzing bayfront and a Ramen museum that has to be seen to be believed. There is even a tight-knit but fun gay scene in Yokohama. Even better? You can easily explore Yokohama on a day trip from Tokyo by taking the JR Yokohama Line or subway. It is only around a 45-minute journey! 

Day trip to Yokohama from Tokyo

Yokohama has an abundant history of innovation, business, and multifariousness as one of the first Japanese ports to be exposed to foreign trade back in the 19th century. This partly explains why Japan’s biggest Chinatown is found here. There is also the hyper-Instagrammable Ōsanbashi Pier, the soaring Yokohama Landmark Tower, the Cosmoworld amusement park, and the hipster Red Brick Warehouse district. Exploring Yokohama is about embracing the slower pace of life here, with open waterfront spaces, walkable streets, and fresh sea air to breathe.

To be so close to Tokyo, and yet feel so different is a large part of the drawcard here. There is more space, more smiles, and people are less hurried. It would be best if you planned to stay late and catch the last subway back as the Yokohama nightlife is very much a highlight, with bars more relaxed and uncrowded compared to Tokyo.



A little more upmarket is the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel with magnificent views across the port city. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city. This hotel also features a sauna, indoor pool and spa, to make your stay more comfortable.


Nagano day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Chelsea @ The Portable Wife

Located just 80 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train, Nagano is the perfect day trip from Tokyo for nature lovers. Nagano City has several tourist attractions, while its central transit station offers links to a variety of hikes, waterfalls, and other outdoor activities in the larger prefecture.

One of the most popular things to do in Nagano is to visit Zenko-ji Temple. This beautiful complex sits against a forested mountain backdrop that bursts into colour during autumn. Zenko-ji houses the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan over 1,300 years ago. While the original sacred statue is locked away from the public eye, a replica goes on display every six years.

Day trip to Nagano from Tokyo

There’s also a pedestrian street leading up from the city to the temple, where you’ll find a variety of cafes and shops selling traditional Japanese foods and souvenirs. It’s an excellent place to grab lunch after exploring Zenko-ji.

Venturing outside of Nagano City by bus, you’ll find a remarkable thousand-year-old forest within the Japanese Alps. An hour-long bus journey from Nagano Bus Terminal will bring you to the cedar tree-lined Togakushi Shrine.

Here, you’ll find several hiking trails leading up Mt. Togakushi, with one main path for the five shrines and several side paths to reach the stunning Mirror Lake and botanical garden. It takes the better part of a day to hike the entire trail and back, but you can opt to ride the bus to the top Okusha Shrine and walk down to save time.



If you are visiting Nagano and are looking to explore the many hiking trails, you might be better to stay the night so you can relax your tired muscles. Nagano is a major tourist city and so there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. If you’re planning to stay around the main train station so you have easy access to public transport, a great place to stay is Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi.


Nikko day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Wendy @ The Nomadic Vegan

If all the concrete in Tokyo is starting to get to you, this small mountain town is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. There’s much more to see in the surrounding area, but if you just want to visit the historic town centre then Nikko makes the perfect day trip from Tokyo.

The town’s star attraction is the Tosho-gu Shrine. No matter how many shrines you’ve seen before, it’s a safe bet that you haven’t seen anything like this. Built as a mausoleum for the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, it’s much more ostentatiously decorated than the typical Shinto shrine. If you want to visit the attached museum, a combined ticket costs 2100 yen, or you can visit just the shrine for 1300.

Day trip to Nikko from Tokyo

Probably the second most famous sight in Nikko is a small, arched vermilion bridge that crosses a stream. Known as the Shinkyo Bride, it’s said to be among the three finest bridges in all of Japan. There’s a 300-yen fee to cross the bridge, but it’s not necessary to pay this unless you really want to snap a selfie of yourself standing on the bridge. Otherwise, viewing and photographing the bridge is totally free.

A lesser-known but equally rewarding site is the Takino-o shrine. The most interesting thing about a visit to this shrine is the five-kilometre walk along an ancient pilgrimage route to reach it. This trail passes through peaceful forest and offers a little taster of walking the Kumano Kodo trail on the Kii peninsula. For lunch, Yasai Café Meguri is a great option offering healthy, plant-based food.

Trains from Tokyo take about two hours to reach Nikko and depart at least once an hour.



Nikko is a little bit further away from Tokyo, which means packing everything you want to see into one day can be difficult. For this reason, it might be nice to stay the night so you’re able to see everything at a more relaxed pace. Hotels in this area can be a little on the expensive side, but the Nikko Station Hotel II is quite reasonable. Located near to Nikko station, it is convenient for utilising public transport.


Enoshima day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Mainak @ Places in Pixels

Enoshima is a tiny island near Kamakura, in the Kanagawa prefecture of Japan. Although a small island, travellers flock there throughout the year, primarily of its happening beach culture and spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. But Enoshima is not only about these. Enoshima Shrine and the Enoshima Aquarium are definitely places that must not be missed during a trip to Enoshima.

One can leisurely walk around the island while enjoying the natural beauty and many street performers. Being a small and hilly island, everything in Enoshima is within walking distance but the climb can be challenging for some. To ease this difficulty, an escalator (paid service) is available that conquers the main climb.

Day trip to Enoshima from Tokyo

Reaching Enoshima is also very easy and quick – it’s only an hour from Tokyo by train. The island, connected by a bridge to the mainland, is a mere 15 min walk from the Enoshima Station on the Enoden line or from Shonan-Enoshima Station on the Shonan Monorail.

For travellers who love to try out local food items, Enoshima has plenty to offer. One can try ikayaki (grilled squid), odango (sweet dumplings), local beer and ice cream monaka (ice cream with sweet red bean paste).



While there are not many accommodation options on the actual island of Enoshima, Iwamotoro is a great hotel to stay at. It is more on the expensive side, but you should be able to find cheaper options on the mainland.


Kyoto day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Derek and Mike @ Robe Trotting

The city of Kyoto belongs on every Japan bucket list, and it’s a perfect day trip from Tokyo. You can reach Kyoto by high-speed rail in about two hours. Trains arrive and depart from Kyoto in the southern part of the city, at Kyoto Station.

There’s a lot to do and see in Kyoto, but one of the must-see attractions is Kinkaku-ji Temple. It’s also known as the Golden Temple and it’s one of the most famous sites in the city. It’s in the northwest of Kyoto surrounded by beautiful gardens.

All visitors should also see the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine, if for no other reason than to put it on Instagram. It’s the famous orange gates that climb a mountain in Kyoto and you see on every postcard and social media captured in Kyoto.

Day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo

Another impressive site is the temple called Kiyomizu-dera which looms over the eastern hills of the city. There’s a narrow path to the summit and it’s lined with boutiques, food stalls and other shops. It’s not the most peaceful and serene temple because of that, but the views are breathtaking and it’s an unforgettable experience.

After shrines and temples, a great place to relax for a bite to eat is the Nishiki Market. The site has been providing food to visitors since the 14th century, but in the original days, it was a fish market. Today it caters to tourists and you can find a good meal that won’t blow your budget.

From there you can visit one more shrine. It’s about a 15-minute walk to Yasaka Shrine and the entrance to Marayama Park. There you may be lucky enough to walk among the cherry blossoms but it’s always a great attraction.



Kyoto is an amazing cultural city and one that should not be missed if you are travelling to Japan. You could easily spend 5 days here and still not see everything that this city has to offer. The city has many prefectures that make it up. Deciding on the area you want to stay in may not be easy. In the following article, all the hard work has been done for you. It lists the different prefectures and what key Kyoto tourist attractions are close by. It might help with your Kyoto trip planning.
Read this article on where to stay in Kyoto.


Osaka day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Pamela @ The Directionally Challenged Traveler

A quick three-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo will get you to the foodie paradise of Japan – Osaka! Osaka earned its nickname “the nation’s kitchen” during the Edo period when it was the centre of the rice trade. The name stuck, and it is still Japan’s culinary centre. There are a few shinkansen running from Tokyo to Osaka, so hop on one in the morning so you have plenty of time to explore the city! 

Start your day with a bit of history with Osaka Castle. The Castle is a museum inside, so give yourself at least an hour inside. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the city.  If you want more birds-eye views, then visit Abeno Harukas, which is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. For lunch, head towards Tsutenkaku tower – an icon of Osaka since the early 1900s. Labourers who rebuilt Osaka after WWII would gather here for lunch. This area features Japanese-style pubs and cheap cafeteria-like restaurants with unique menus. Pick somewhere that looks delicious, but don’t leave room for dinner (trust me!).

Day trip to Osaka from Tokyo

Walk off your lunch and head to Kuromon Ichiba – a covered market brimming with personality and local shops. Often called “Osaka’s kitchen” because of the local, fresh ingredients, it’s also a great place to go souvenir shopping! You’ll find handmade souvenirs, toy vending machines, knife shops and more here! Hopefully, you’re hungry again – Dotonbori is the entertainment district of Osaka and gets bustling around 5:00 pm. From street food to luxury restaurants, eating in Dotonbori is a must-do. Taking a picture with the Glico running man, ride the oval Ferris wheel, and trying takoyaki (octopus’ balls) are just a few of the things this area has to offer visitors! Osaka is one of the best day trips from Tokyo!



Osaka is a huge city! Finding the right accommodation for your needs should be easy as there are so many places to choose from. A good idea is to stay near a station on the Loop Line railway for convenience. But if you want to be near the action, Sotetsu Grand Fresa is located close to the entrance of Dotonbori. Staying here will ensure you get to experience the excitement and atmosphere of Dotonbori.


Hakone Open Air Museum day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Renata @ Bye:Myself                                                                          

While Mount Fuji is certainly one of Japan’s most iconic sight, Fujisan tends to be a bit shy and enjoys hiding behind big grey clouds. So if you are coming to Hakone to get a glimpse of this sacred mountain, you might be disappointed. But don’t you despair: For those who cannot see the mountain can still admire grand beauty – namely at the Hakone Open Air Museum.

The complex was opened in 1969 and has been Japan’s first Open Air Museum. Here, manmade pieces of art are matching the natural beauty of the surrounding sceneries.

The venue consists of five indoor galleries; however, the most alluring settings are the outdoor exhibits. On 70,000 square meters, there are about 120 pieces on permanent display. Many of the sculptures are made by Japanese artists. But there are sculptures from many different epochs created by sculptors from all over the world: Henry Moore, Constantin Brâncuși, Barbara Hepworth, Niki de Saint Phalle and many more. The large space, the majestic mountains under a clear blue sky – or below dramatically grey clouds – are the perfect background for those masterpieces. Besides the outdoor space, there are five indoor galleries including a really captivating Picasso Exhibition Hall.

Hakone open air museum

But the Open Air Museum will not only inspire grown-ups. Even the youngest visitors will certainly like some of the quirky pieces and enjoy climbing pieces of art such as Peter Pearce’s Curved Space Diamond Structure and Toshiko MacAdam’s knitted playground. Something that’s usually strictly forbidden when visiting a museum.

If you like to become creative yourself, you can play around at the art laboratories. Of course, there are two cafeterias and vending machines on the premises in case you need some refreshments and, obviously, you exit the venue through a gift shop.

The Hakone Open Air Museum is open from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. and costs 1600 yen unless you have any sort of discount.

Hakone open air museum day trip from Tokyo

The train ride from Tokyo is between 90 minutes and two hours. You must change trains at Odawara. With a JR Pass, you can get there by the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Otherwise, there is the Odakyu line leaving from Shinjuku Station. From Odawara, you are shuttled by the Hakone Tozan train for another 360 Yen to Chokoku No Mori station.

If you want to explore more of Hakone, the Hakone Free Pass is a great option. It includes a round trip from Tokyo on the regular train and unlimited use of many means of transportation around the Hakone region. In addition, you have discounted access to some attractions.


Hitachi Seaside Park day trip from Tokyo

Visited by Amanda @ Bucket List Seekers

Just a short two-hour train and bus ride to the north of Tokyo will bring you to the city of Hitachinaka, where the Hitachi Seaside Park is located. With its manicured gardens, majestic fountains and vast green spaces, the park is like a colourful playground with several different fields of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year. There is also features a Ferris wheel, plus 28 other attractions making it perfect for a family day out or picnic amongst the blooms.

The most popular time of year to visit the Hitachi Seaside Park is Spring when the beautiful blue Nemophelia is in full bloom. But if you happen to visit Japan in Autumn, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display from the Kochia plants (Summer Cypress) plants as they transform into bright crimson red. 

Day trip from Tokyo to Hitachi Seaside Park

With over 32,000 Kochia plants, it actually looks like a red carpet that blankets the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Kochia plants are actually green for most of the year, but around mid-October, they begin to transform into bright red fluffy balls. Unfortunately, much like the cherry blossoms, they’re only in bloom for a few weeks, before they change back to green. 

The Hitachi Seaside Park website posts daily flowering updates so you can check before you head there, and determine which types of flowers are in bloom.

To get to the Hitachi Seaside Park from Tokyo; take the JR Joban line (limited express) from Shinagawa Station to Katsuta Station. There are buses located outside Katsuta Station that will take you to the park, these run approximately every 15-20 minutes. Entry to the park costs 450 Yen per adult. Please note that the park is closed on Mondays.



As Hitachinaka is a fair distance from Tokyo, you might want to stay the night so you have more time to explore the area as there’s so much more to see. If you want to stay, most of the hotels are around Mito Station. Hotel Terrace the Garden Mito is a great hotel that’s close to the station which makes travelling around by public transport easy.


Final thoughts

Tokyo is the perfect city to launch your holiday in Japan. There are so many things to see just in Tokyo alone. But the hustle and bustle can be overwhelming for some.

If you are wanting to escape the city lights, there are many amazing places you can reach by taking a simple train ride. The rail network really is one of the best in the world. It makes it easy to travel long distances to these locations as a day trip from Tokyo. As you’ve read in this article, Japan is full of wonderful places just waiting to be explored by a traveller just like you!


More on Japan

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1-day tour of Kyoto by bicycle
Visiting Kinkakuji in Kyoto
Travel planning for Japan

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