Best Day Trips From Tokyo On A Japan Vacation

Like Nikko, many of the Tokyo tourist attractions in Kamakura are of the historical sort, which makes sense: It was Japan's capital between the late-12th and mid-14th centuries. However, even if you don't delve into the specific backstory of Kamakura, the city will astound you visually. I recommend starting at the 11th-century Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, from whose steps you can look down over the whole Kamakura area, and then proceed under the red torii gates of Komachi-dori Street into the town center.

From here, you can take two paths. One is to head to Kotoku-in, which is home to Kamakura's most famous attraction, the aptly named "Big Buddha." Come here in spring or fall to see the stunning view of the 35-foot bronze Buddha flanked by cherry blossom billows or red maple leaves. In any season, go inside the statue to get an awesome view of Kamakura's cityscape and beaches. Alternatively, if you travel to Kamakura in the summer, these are also the best places to hit the surf on a day trip from Tokyo.

Another option is to get onboard a streetcar and ride to Enoshima, a small island just off the coast of mainland Kanagawa Prefecture. Some travelers like to get lost amid the enchanting environs of Enoshima Shrine, while others ascend the Enoshima Sea Candle. On clear days, you'll not only get a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji but even of the Tokyo skyline towering far in the distance.

Kamakura is easy to integrate into a trip to Tokyo. Simply make your way to Tokyo Station and ride the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station. If you want to see some more temples, you could get off one stop early, at Kita-Kamakura, on the way down. Likewise, if you're still hungry for adventure on the way back, stop in Yokohama and make a visit to the delicious Cup Noodles Museum.

Mt. Fuji is one of the most iconic images you'll encounter during your Japan trip, and while you can see the famous peak from central Tokyo, I personally love getting a little closer. One of my favorite places for this is the Fuji Five Lakes region, and in particular Lake Kawaguchi. Strolling along the lake shore and seeing the massive mountain reflect in its glassy waters should absolutely be on your Japan bucket list!

Traveling to Kawaguchiko also puts you just a short distance from Fujiyoshida, where two main ways to see Fuji await. A more traditional one is Chureito, a five-story pagoda behind which Fuji rises in a way that will make you feel like you've stepped into a postcard. The other is Fuji-Q Highland, a thrilling theme park where you can take in Fuji views from the heights of speeding hyper-coasters and sky-scraping drop towers.

Another way to incorporate Mt. Fuji into your Japan vacation is to travel to the hot springs town of Hakone. While it's a bit farther from Fuji — the mountain appears farther away, and can be invisible if the skies aren't perfectly clear — it's also one of the best places in Japan to discover onsen bathing culture. Put on a traditional yukata and some geta sandals, and visit any of the many day spas in the center of town.

To get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo, ride a Highway Bus (these depart hourly) directly from Shibuya Mark City shopping mall or from the Yaesu Exit of Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko. Or, if you're headed to Hakone, ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Odawara, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line and ride it to Hakone-Yumoto, where you'll find most onsen facilities. Note that if you want a clear view of Mt. Fuji from Hakone, you'll need to take a local bus onward from here to volcanic Lake Ashi.