Day Trips – Plan Efficiently

Day trips let you explore more while minimizing hotel changes.

From Tokyo, Nikko offers ornate shrines and waterfalls, Hakone is famous for hot springs and Mount Fuji views, and Kamakura boasts the Great Buddha and seaside temples. From Kyoto, Nara is a classic (and only 45 minutes away), home to free-roaming deer and the giant Buddha at Todai-ji Temple. Uji is perfect for green tea lovers, with Byodo-in Temple featured on the ¥10 coin.

Use JR Passes or regional train passes to save money on these routes. Plan day trips for weekdays if possible—weekends can be crowded with local visitors. Train schedules can be checked on Hyperdia (https://www.hyperdia.com) or Google Maps.