Best day trips from Tokyo for Aussie travellers

Should you be from Australia and wish to experience more than simply the great lights of Tokyo, you are fortunate. Japan’s excellent rail system and near proximity to regional destinations provide a range of interesting day trips from Tokyo. Whether you want to see peaceful hot springs, breathtaking mountains, or historic temples, this book will help you navigate the greatest day trip possibilities from Tokyo—perfect for Australian adventurers looking for culture, adventure, and nature.

Mount Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes

No trip to Japan is complete without seeing Mount Fuji; the Fuji Five Lakes area is among the finest locations to achieve this. Particularly Lake Kawaguchi, the region provides panoramic views of the snow-covered summit. Also close by is Fuji-Q Highland, a well-known amusement park featuring record-breaking roller coasters.

How to get there: Ride the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then switch to the Fujikyu Railway at Kawaguchiko Station. Roughly two and a half hours.

Why Australians like it:

• Especially in the winter and spring, clear vistas of Mount Fuji.
• Adrenaline rush at Fuji-Q High
• Perfect for Instagram-worthy trip photographs.

Hakone: Hot Springs, Views, and Art

Hakone fulfils every requirement for a peaceful escape from Tokyo. Its natural hot springs (onsen), beautiful Lake Ashi, and breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji make it well-known, as does the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which features works by Picasso and other masters.

How to get there: From Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, ride the Odakyu Limited Express. The walk lasts about 90 minutes.

Noteworthy Characteristics

• Enjoy genuine Japanese onsens.
• Find the outdoor art initiatives.
• Amazing vistas are provided by the Hakone Ropeway.

Historic Nikko

About two hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrating Japan’s spiritual and architectural splendour. The Toshogu Shrine, which has detailed carvings and gold-leaf workmanship, is the main draw. Nikko National Park also features tranquil forest paths and waterfalls.

How to get there: Board the Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko Station.

What sets it apart?

• A great mix of history, culture, and hiking.
• Less touristic than central Tokyo.
• Perfect for Australians who love the outdoors.

Chill in Kamakura

An ancient coastal town within an hour from the metropolis, Kamakura is well known for the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). There are also lovely beaches perfect for surfing, little commercial lanes, and ancient Zen temples.

How to get there: Take the JR Yokosuka Line straight to Kamakura from Tokyo Station.

Top Things to Do:

• Visit Hase-dera Temple.
• Ride the charming Enoden train to Enoshima.Enjoy the beach with the locals.

Easy-going Yokohama

Yokohama is a great option if you like a city vibe without the harshness of Tokyo. Nearby are the Cup Noodles Museum, Japan’s largest Chinatown, and the contemporary Minato Mirai area.

How to get there: Use the JR Tokaido Line or the Keihin-Tohoku Line (30 minutes) from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station.

Reasons to Visit:

• Family-oriented events.
• Perfect for gourmets.
• A nice tempo contrast from Tokyo.

Enoshima: A peaceful island retreat

A little island linked to the mainland by a bridge, Enoshima is famous for its unusual mix of beaches, caves, and gardens. For residents, it’s a well-liked coastal refuge; for tourists, it’s a famous seafood spot.

How to get there: From Shinjuku, ride the Odakyu Line to Katase-Enoshima Station.

What to Anticipate:

• Beautiful sunsets.
• Restaurants serving fresh fish.
• Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Cave Exploration

Kawagoe: Step into Ancient Japan

Often called “Little Edo,” Kawagoe provides a nostalgic trip back to the Edo Period. Just a short drive away, its antique merchant warehouses, bell tower, and traditional sweet shops make it a cultural treasure.

How to get there: From Ikebukuro Station, take the Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoe Station, which takes around 30 minutes.

Reasons to Visit:

• Authentic Japanese buildings.
• Easy to look into in a half-day.
• Many chances to sample regional food.

Nature at Mount Takao

For those who appreciate fresh air and hiking, Mount Takao is a gratifying climb. The mountain features several paths and the calm Yakuoin Temple at the summit. You might even see Mount Fuji on clear days.

How to get there: From Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station, the Keio Line takes roughly one hour to reach.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

• Picturesque hikes of different difficulty.
• Choices for cable cars and chairlifts
• Nature near the city.

Flowers at Hitachi Park

Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi Seaside Park is famous for its lovely flower meadows. Visit in the spring for stunning nemophila (baby blue eyes) and in the fall for flaming red kochia bushes.

How to get there: From Ueno to Katsuta Station, ride the JR Joban Line; then switch to a local bus.

Aussie-friendly traits:

• Perfect for those who love taking pictures.
• Calm picnic sites
• Family-friendly and easily reachable.

Discover Chichibu

Hidden gem Chichibu, in Saitama Prefecture, is famous for its vibrant events like the Chichibu Night Festival, temples, and hiking paths. The moss phlox fields at Hitsujiyama Park blossom with colour in April.

How to get there: To reach there, use the Seibu Chichibu Line from Ikebukuro Station.

Its uniqueness derives from

• Authentic small-town Japanese experience
• Great for outdoor pursuits like hiking.
• Festivals and flower seasons bring it to life.

Helpful tips for Australian tourists

• Use a rail pass: A JR East Pass or Tokyo Wide Pass is excellent value if you intend to do several day excursions.
• Honour local customs: If required, take off your shoes and make an effort to pick up some polite Japanese phrases.
• Cash is still king: While cards are gaining popularity, many local eateries and shops only accept cash.
• Travel lightly: a little bag improves day trip enjoyment. Many stations include lockers.

Final thoughts

Although Tokyo is a world-class destination, the magic of Japan resides just outside the city. From spiritual shrines and hot springs to coastal towns and mountain retreats, these day tours from Tokyo provide a great chance for Australian visitors to see the heart and soul of Japan all in one day. Get ready to find the actual beauty of the Land of the Rising Sun by packing your sunglasses and charging your camera.