Day Trips from Tokyo: Rin's Guide from See You Again

Day Trips from Tokyo: Rin's Guide from See You Again

If you are planning a trip to Tokyo and don't want to keep changing hotels, but you'd like to experience the surrounding towns full of nature, history or authentic Japanese cuteness, a day trip from Tokyo (leaving in the morning and returning in the evening) is the perfect answer.

Besides the popular one-day trip to Disneyland, today Rin has gathered 3 top routes that are easy to reach, have beautiful views and offer delicious local food. We've included a detailed itinerary so you can follow in our footsteps.

1. Nikko: a World Heritage site amid mountains and autumn leaves

The World Heritage capital in Tochigi Prefecture, famous for its magnificent temples and shrines, nature, waterfalls and the renowned red bridge. It is perfect for nature and history lovers.

Recommended itinerary (Nikko Day Trip)

• 07.00 - 09.00 Depart from Asakusa Station on Tobu's Limited Express Spacia train to Nikko Station, or travel by private van.
• 09.00 - 12.00 Take a bus to Toshogu Shrine and admire the magnificent wood carvings and the famous three monkeys. Then walk across Shinkyo Bridge for some beautiful photos.
• 12.00 - 13.00 Stop for lunch along the way and try "yuba" (fresh tofu skin), a well-known specialty of Nikko.
• 13.00 - 15.30 Take a bus up the mountain to see Kegon Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, and enjoy the view of Lake Chuzenji.
• 15.30 - 18.30 Travel back to Tokyo and enjoy some evening shopping in Asakusa.

2. Kamakura & Yokohama: Pay respects to the Great Buddha and soak up the seaside port atmosphere

A route that blends the classic charm of an ancient town with the modern feel of a seaside port city.

Suggested itinerary (Kamakura & Yokohama Day Trip)

• 08.00 - 09.00 Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station to Kita-Kamakura Station.
• 09.00 - 11.30 Visit Engakuji Temple and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a Zen temple. Then take the train on to Kamakura Station to walk to Kotoku-in Temple and pay respects to the giant outdoor Buddha statue (Kamakura Daibutsu).
• 11.30 - 13.30 Stroll and shop for tasty snacks on Komachi-dori Street, and stop to take photos at Kamakurakoko-mae Station (the Slam Dunk railway crossing) by the sea.
• 13.30 - 15.00 Take the Enoden line and then JR to Yokohama.
• 15.00 - 19.00 Enjoy the sea breeze at Yamashita Park, see the Red Brick Warehouse, and finish with a delightful dinner of authentic Chinese food in Yokohama Chinatown, followed by an evening view of the Ferris wheel at Minato Mirai.

3. Kawagoe: Step back in time in "Little Edo"

If you don't want to travel far, Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture is the perfect choice. It takes just over 30 minutes from Tokyo, and you'll find well-preserved Edo-period merchant houses.

Suggested itinerary (Kawagoe Day Trip)

08.30 - 09.30 Depart from Ikebukuro Station on the Tobu Tojo Line and get off at Kawagoe Station.

09.30 - 12.00 Stroll through the Kurazukuri Zone, an old town of Edo-style clay-walled buildings, take photos with the old bell tower (Toki no Kane), and sample tasty treats in Candy Alley (Dagashi Yokocho).

12.00 - 13.30 Stop for grilled eel over rice (Unagi), a famous dish of Kawagoe.

13.30 - 15.30 Visit Kitain Temple to pray and make a wish, and admire the Gohyaku Rakan statues (500 arhats, each with a different facial expression).

15.30 - 17.00 Travel back to Tokyo and continue shopping in Shinjuku or Shibuya as you like.

You can easily take the train to these destinations around Tokyo yourself. But for families with adults and children, or with lots of luggage, a private car with driver will make things more convenient, save time, and make your trip much smoother.

If any route interests you, or you'd like Rin to arrange an exclusive private tour group, feel free to message us anytime!