Top Day Trips from Tokyo for Australians

Tokyo dazzles with its neon skyline, ancient culture, and vibrant city life, but sometimes, even the most thrilling city can be good for the soul when you spend a day away. For Australians travelling to Japan, Tokyo has an excellent transport network that makes day trips from Tokyo both simple, inexpensive, and filled with variety. Whether you’re after some views of Mount Fuji, explore coastal temples, or find peace in the mountains, here are the best day trips from Tokyo to enhance your Japanese adventure.

Where is Tokyo located in Japan for tourists?

Tokyo is located on the eastern side of Honshu, Japan’s largest island, and is the political, cultural and commercial hub of the country. Situated on Tokyo Bay in the Kanto region, the city is ideally positioned for day trips to nearby mountains, forests, and historic towns. For Australians, Tokyo’s central location and extensive rail networks make it an ideal base to enjoy amazing day trips, whether you’re looking to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji or wander a path lined with temples.

Why take day trips from Tokyo?

If you’re coming to Japan from Australia, you probably want to spend a few days in Tokyo. But just because you’re local doesn’t mean you have to stay still. You can reach ancient towns, national parks, hot spring spas, and traditional villages in one to two hours. Each of these destinations reveals a different side of Japan’s rich and varied culture. 

These side adventures are perfect for

• Blending urban thrills with tranquil natural beauty.
• Getting a good view of Mount Fuji.
• Visiting temples and places of cultural interest.
• Enjoy learning about local crafts, food, and festivities.
• Using your JR Pass or IC card to unlock easy and affordable day travel.

1. Hakone: Springs, Fuji, and a lake escape

• Travel time: 1½–2 hrs by train
• Best for: Aussies who want to relax in an onsen, appreciate gorgeous landscapes, and do art.

Hakone is a popular day trip for many reasons. On clear days, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji, soak in natural hot springs, and take a tour of Lake Ashi. You can also ride the Hakone Ropeway over the volcanic Owakudani Valley or visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which showcases sculptures set against a stunning mountain backdrop.

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the age-old onsen culture of Japan.
• Cruise Lake Ashi’s still waters with sweeping views of Mount Fuji framing the landscape.
• Look at the steam vents that come out of the Owakudani volcanoes.
• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum to see captivating sculptures.

2. Kamakura and Enoshima: Temples and seaside charm

• Travel time from Tokyo: 1–1½ hrs by train
• Best for: Temple-hopping and beachy vibes

Kamakura, which is frequently called the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan,” has many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, such as the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu). There are nice walking pathways in the calm neighbourhood. It’s a short trip from there to Enoshima, a little island with caves, ocean views, and a story about a dragon.

Highlights

• Check out the Great Buddha statue at Kōtoku-in. It is 13 metres tall.
• Visit Hōkoku-ji Temple’s bamboo forests.
• Explore the tunnels and treks on the beach on Enoshima Island.
• You may try fresh seafood along the seaside promenade.

3. Nikko: UNESCO World Heritage and waterfalls

• Travel time from Tokyo: Approximately 2 hours by train.
•  Best for: Those who appreciate ancient sites and natural beauty.

There are some stunning temples and scenery in Nikko. With its elaborate carvings and rich history, Tōshō-gū Shrine is considered one of Japan’s finest architectural treasures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is for Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The adjacent Nikkō National Park has beautiful Kegon Falls, sacred bridges, and calm lakes. You should come here if you’re an Australian who is interested in traditional architecture and spiritual heritage.

Highlights

• Admire the intricate carvings of Tōshō-gū Shrine.
• Cross the famous red Shinkyo Bridge.
• Marvel at the 97-metre-high Kegon Falls.
• Follow peaceful trails around Lake Chūzenji inside Nikkō National Park.

4. Mount Takao: A mountain escape with city views

• Travel time from Tokyo: Reachable from Tokyo in under an hour by rail.
• Best for: Those who enjoy nature and low-impact hikes.

One of the easiest hikes in Tokyo is Mount Takao (Takaosan). It’s a great place to spend the day outside without having to pack all of your hiking gear. You can walk along different pathways, visit the Yakuō-in shrine, or take a break from climbing by using the chairlift or cable car. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji from the summit, particularly magical during the autumn and cherry blossom seasons!

Highlights

• Enjoy hiking trails suited to all levels of experience.
• hs for different levels of experience.
• Cable car and chair lift access.
• Traditional mountain temple Yakuō-in.
• Opportunity to see Mt. Fuji from the top. 

5. Kawagoe: Step back in time to Edo-era Japan

• Travel time from Tokyo: Around 1 hour by train.
•  Best for: A glimpse of old Japan with modern convenience near the capital.

Kawagoe, which is sometimes called “Little Edo,” is a pretty village with structures from the 17th century that are still in good shape. It’s great for seeing traditional Japan close to Tokyo. Take a walk down Kurazukuri Street to see old clay warehouses, little shops, and the sweets alley (Kashiya Yokocho). It’s a low-stress environment that families or guests who want to feel more at home in the real world would love.

Highlights

• Visit the homes of merchants from the Edo period.
• Street cuisine and sweet potato ice cream are good things to try.
• Catch a glimpse of the past at the famed Toki no Kane, Kawagoe’s enduring bell tower.
• You can buy crafts and antiques from stores in the old town.
  

6. Lake Kawaguchi (Fuji Five Lakes): Best Mt Fuji views

• Travel time from Tokyo: 2 to 2.5 hours by train or highway bus
• Best for: The best place to take pictures of Fuji that look like postcards and rest by the lake.

Among Mount Fuji’s five surrounding lakes, Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchi-ko) stands out for its beauty and accessibility. This is the easiest area to get stunning pictures of Mount Fuji. People who go to Oishi Park can walk along the lake, ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, and see flowers that bloom at different times of the year. This is where Australians who have always longed to view Fuji up close go.

Highlights

• Stunning lake views with Mount Fuji rising in the background.
• Charming cafés dot the lakefront, paired with peaceful cycling routes.
• There are ropeways and viewing decks atop Mount Fuji.
• Museums about Fuji and peaceful places in nature.

Other quick day trips worth considering

If you are going to be in Japan for a few weeks, here are some interesting day trips you can take from Tokyo:

• Chichibu (Saitama): Hiking in the mountains or walking among shrines and seasonal flower festivals.
• Yokohama: Japan’s second city with ramen museums and waterfront walking.
• Mount Nokogiri (Chiba): Journey to a mountainside wonder with a carved stone Buddha, aerial ropeways, and breathtaking cliff-top scenery.
  

Tips for planning your Tokyo day trips

• Use a Japan Rail Pass or IC card: Australians who visit Japan can save a lot of money by using a JR Pass or a Suica/Pasmo card to get around Tokyo.
• Start early: Most places are only 1-2 hours away, but getting up early lets you avoid crowds and make the most of your day.
• Check weather conditions: You need a clear sky to see Mount Fuji, and some trails may be blocked in the winter. Always check the weather forecast for your area again.
• Pack smart: Bring snacks, water, a portable charger, and a light jacket. The mountains can be windy even in the summer.

Conclusion 

For Aussies visiting Japan, day trips from Tokyo provide the perfect way to connect with this great nation’s culture, nature, and history. Whether it’s soaking in a hot spring, hiking through moss-laden forests, or enjoying centuries of history in temple towns, each excursion only adds to the depth of your holiday. So go on! Hop on a train, charge that camera battery, and discover Japan beyond the city limits!