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Forget Mount Fuji. Here are 5 underrated day trips to take from Tokyo, according to a Japanese local.

July 31, 20240
Enomoto suggests hiking to see the different waterfalls, including Kegon Falls in Nikko.

Kengo Enomoto

Trip: Take the Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko station

Duration: 2 hours

Price: 1,400-3,340 yen, or $9-$21.50, one-way.

Nikko is perfect for hikers and nature lovers, Enomoto said. It’s also one of his favorite day trip destinations.

The mountainous town has various hiking trails to visit its three main waterfalls, Yudaki, Ryuzu, and Kegon. It’s also famous for the Toshogu shrine, a lavish complex that combines Shinto and Buddhist elements.

Enomoto suggests visiting in the fall for the best weather and scenery. He also recommends stopping by a street stall to try yuba, a local delicacy made from tofu skin.

2. Unwind in the hot springs and beaches of Atami
Chichibu is a small town with a sense of old Japan.

Kengo Enomoto

Trip: Take the “Red Arrow” limited express train by Seibu Railway from Ikebukuro Station to Seibu Chichibu Station

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: 1,700 yen, or $11, one-way

For travelers who need a break from city life, Enomoto recommends Chichibu, a small town with a feel of “old Japan.”

Located in the Saitama prefecture, Chichibu has forested mountains and valleys for outdoor activities like river rafting. In the late Spring, Hitsujiyama Park blossoms into a field of pink when shibazakura, or moss pink, is in full bloom.

4. Take a short ride to Kawagoe to shop and eat sweet potatoes
Hike along the coast of Jogashima, an island in the Miura peninsula.

Kengo Enomoto

Trip: Buy a Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket from Shinagawa and take the Keikyu line to Misakiguchi

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: 4,250 yen, or $27, for unlimited trips on the Keikyu line

The Miura Peninsula is a great place to stop for seafood and sea views.

Enomoto suggests walking around its famous Misaki port to enjoy tuna and stopping by the nearby Jogashima Island for coastal walking trails.

He recommends purchasing a Misaki Tuna Ticket, which covers the cost of transport tickets and exclusive tuna dishes at selected restaurants.

Enomoto advises checking the transportation schedule in advance for a successful day trip, as buses and trains are less regular outside Tokyo. “I also made a mistake like that,” he said.

And although day trips are a great way to explore off the beaten path, Enomoto recommends not completely skipping Tokyo if this is your first time in Japan.

“By seeing Tokyo, I think you can have contrast in your itinerary and appreciate more of the day-trip destinations.”