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Exploring Tokyo & Surrounds.

#TOKYO.

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#Day trips from Tokyo.

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1. Katsuura & Kamogawa.

Tanjoh-ji Temple, Kamogawa

From the pristine Central Katsuura Beach to the sea views of Myokaiji (affectionately dubbed "A Temple that lives with the sea") or to Tanjoh-ji Temple with its grand wooden entrance gate, the coastal cities of Katsuura and Kamogawa are worth venturing out to. 

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  • Journey Duration:   90 minutes by Limited Express Train to Katsuura plus around 20 minutes onto Awa-Kominato. 

  • Highlights - Katsuura: Katsuura Beach, Katsuura Morning Market (6:30 till 11:00 - closed Wednesday), Tomisaki Shrine, Myokaiji /A Temple that lives with the sea (recommended viewing point). 

  • Highlights - Awa-Kominato Station: Alight at Awa-Kominato Station (in Kamogawa) for Uchiura Beach, Kominato Fishing Port, Tanjoji Temple (pictured).

  • Rail Pass: All rail travel is covered by the JR National Rail Pass to and from Tokyo station. For JR regional pass coverage, refer to the specific pass website.   

  • Bonus Tip: For those with enough time, alight at Kazusa-Ichinomiya to see the Tamasaki Shrine and walk up to the Tomb of Hisayoshi Kano, the latter providing some good views of the surrounding area. 

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2. Chiba City, Katori & Narita.

Ono River Historic District, Sawara

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For those still longing for city vibes without the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the Chiba city area makes for a simple yet interesting day trip from the capital. Further afield, the town of Sawara with its charming historic river district is worth a visit, especially to check out the quirky sculptures dotted about the river. Finally, consider heading to Narita to check out the impressive Narita Shinsho-ji.

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  • Journey Duration: Around 40 minutes by local train to Chiba City (or 25 minutes by Shinkansen) plus around 1 hour 10 minutes from Chiba to Sawara (change at Narita).

  • Highlights - Chiba Station: Alight at Chiba Station for Chiba Monorail, Chiba Shrine, Chiba Port Tower & Chiba Port Park, Inohana Castle Ruins. Tojogaoka Historic Park & Tojo-Tei House. 

  • Highlights - Sawara Station (Katori): Alight at Sawara Station for the historic river district (pictured). 

  • Highlights - Narita Station: Alight at Narita Station for Naritasan Omotesando, Naritasan Park, Naritasan Shinsho-ji

  • Rail Pass: All rail travel is covered by the JR National Rail Pass to and from Tokyo station. For JR regional pass coverage, refer to the specific pass website. Note: the JR pass does not cover the Chiba Monorail. 

  • Bonus Tip: Those with flights arriving at Narita airport in the morning may like to consider visiting Narita and Sawara from Narita airport to fill in time before check-in. There are coin lockers at Keisei Narita Station, located just a short walk from the JR Narita Station.​​​

 

3. Omiya & Kawagoe.

The historic town of Kawagoe

Around 35 minutes from the capital, Omiya makes for a worthwhile visit - particularly for those heading to Kawagoe (pictured). The Edo period town of Kawagoe, despite being somewhat popular nowadays, still manages to retain a laidback feel and of course that historic town charm. 

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  • Journey Duration: Around 35 minutes by local train to Omiya plus 20-25 minutes from Omiya to Kawagoe. 

  • Highlights - Omiya: Omiya Park, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Jinja, The Railway Museum, Hikawa Shrine Road.

  • Highlights - Kawagoe: Crea Mall, Taisho Roman Yume-dori, Toki no Kane, Kurazukuri no Machinami (historic warehouse district), Kashiya Yokocho, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, Kawagoe Castle Remains.

  • Rail Pass: All rail travel is covered by the JR National Rail Pass to and from Tokyo station. For JR regional pass coverage, refer to the specific pass website.

  • Bonus Tip: For those curious to check out one of Japan's many animal cafés, consider a visit to Cat Cafe Nekokatsu Omiya Nisshin (https://cafe-nekokatsu.com/ - google translate required for English) a rescue cat café located in Omiya. The store allows both those looking to adopt a rescue cat and those who just merely wish to drop in and hang out for a while. Proceeds from entries go towards helping rescue cats. 

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4. Yokohama

Chinatown, Yokohama

Although not as peaceful and laidback as some of the previous places mentioned, Yokohama certainly does feel much less congested than Tokyo and makes for an incredibly easy day trip. Being about 30 minutes from the capital, it is an excellent option for anyone who doesn't have the time or desire to venture too far out. 

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  • Journey Duration: About 30-35 minutes from Tokyo.

  • Highlights: Cup Noodles Museum, Kisha-Michi Promenade, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama Marine Tower, Gundam Factory Yokohama, Harbour View Park Observatory, Yokohama Chinatown (pictured), Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street, Yamate Italian Garden.

  • Rail Pass: All rail travel is covered by the JR National Rail Pass to and from Tokyo station. For JR regional pass coverage, refer to the specific pass website. For travel within Yokohama a local subway and train line are in operation - note: these are not covered by the JR pass. 

  • Bonus Tip: Attractions in Yokohama are quite spread out with little shade offered between them. Be sure to bring along drinking water and appropriate attire, especially on warmer days. 

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5. Kofu.

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With its beautiful mountainous surroundings, the city of Kofu is an excellent option for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for a while. 

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  • Journey Duration: Limited Express Trains run directly between Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Kofu. Please be aware that reservations are required to board.

  • Highlights: Maizuru Castle Park, Kofu Castle Ruins, Takeda Shrine, Takeda Clan Residence, Yamanashiken Gokoku Shrine, Chōzenji Temple, Kai Zenkōji Temple (pictured), Furouen -Garden of Eternal Life (seasonal opening only).

  • Rail Pass:  The JR National Rail Pass can be used for the entire journey between Shinjuku and Kofu.

  • Bonus Tip: As this train also goes to Otsuki (a transfer point for the popular Lake Kawaguchiko) it is advised to reserve train seats at least a day or two ahead. 


6. Tochigi.

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The city of Tochigi is noted for its historic warehouses overlooking the river, the city of Tochigi makes for a great starting point for those wanting to explore some of the Tochigi Prefecture. The popular Ashikaga Flower Park lies a relatively short (30-minute) train ride away. 

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  • Journey Duration: Around 90-minutes via shinkansen and local train from Tokyo Station (change at Oyama Station).

  • Highlights: Kuranomachi Promenade (pictured), Korai Bridge, Tochigi City Literature Museum Building, Shin Mei Gu, Hirayanagi Hoshinomiya Shrine, Iwashita New Ginger Museum. 

  • Rail Pass: The JR National Rail Pass is valid for travel between Tokyo and Tochigi on the JR lines.

  • Bonus Tip: Those with time to spare may also like to stay a little longer in Oyama.
     

​7. Futo & The Jogasaki Coast.​
 

Jogasaki-Kaigan station in Futo can be reached within 2 hours from Tokyo station and is a good base point for exploring the dramatic Jogasaki Coast. 

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  • Journey Duration: Shinkansen to Atami ( about 45 minutes) then local/express train to Jogasaki-Kaigan (about 45 minutes). 

  • Highlights - Jogasaki-Kaigan Station: Alight at Jogasaki Kaigan Station for New York Lamp Museum & Flower Garden, Kodawaki Lighthouse, Kodawaki Suspension Bridge, Café Candy - Dog Café (closed Wed/Thu) 

  • Rail Pass: Rail travel is covered by the JR National Rail Pass between Tokyo and Ito Station. For travel between Ito and Jogasaki-Kaigan a separate train ticket or pass will need to be purchased. 

  • Bonus Tip: Consider extending the transfer time in Atami to allow time to explore this picturesque seaside city as well.

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8. Shimoda.

Shimoda is certainly a place to consider for those wishing to trade the hectic city vibes of Tokyo for some natural beauty. Situated on the southeastern Izu Peninsula, the city of Shimoda boasts a picturesque canal, scenic viewpoints, and coastal walking opportunities. It can be reached within two and a half hours from the capital. 

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  • Journey Duration: Shinkansen to Atami (about 45 minutes) then local/express train to Izukyu-Shimoda (about 1.5 hr). 

  • Highlights - Shimoda: Shimoda Fuji, Shimoda Ropeway to Mt Nesugata summit, Perry Road (for canal), Shimoda Park, Nabetahama Beach.

  • Rail Pass: The JR Rail Pass is valid between Tokyo and Itō. For travel between Itō and Izukyu-Shimoda an additional fare is required - or use an IC card for this leg of the journey.

  • Bonus Tip: As this option involves a longer travel time, consider spending some time in the seaside city of Atami to break the journey. 

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9. Mito & Kasama.

From castles to temples to picturesque gardens, Mito and Kasama offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Located within 90 minutes of Tokyo, Mito - the capital of the Ibaraki prefecture - and nearby Kasama are worth taking into consideration.

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  • Journey Duration: About 90 minutes to Mito on the Shinkansen plus around 25 minutes onto Kasama. Note: those returning from Kasama to Tokyo will need to change at Tomobe or Oyama for the Shinkansen. 

  • Highlights - Mito:  Art Tower, Mito Toshogu, Mito Castle Ruins, Mito Castle Sannomaru Mito Domain School Kōdōkan, Senba Lake, Tokiwa Shrine, Kairakuen (garden), Ibaraki Gokoku Shrine. 

  • Highlights - Kasama: Kasama Tsutsuji Park (Kasama Azalea Park), Kasama Inari Shrine, Kasama Castle, Shunpu Banriso (Heritage Museum), Kasama Geijutsunomori Park (Kasama Art Forest Park). 

  • Rail Pass: All rail travel is covered by the JR National Rail Pass to and from Tokyo station. For JR regional pass coverage, refer to the specific pass website.

  • Bonus Tip: Consider making Kairakuen (garden) the first point of call in Mito as this opens early (from 7:00 am) 

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10. Niigata.

Lying around two hours from Tokyo, Niigata makes for a pleasant day trip from the capital. 

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  • Journey Duration: A shinkansen from Tokyo to Niigata will take around two hours. 

  • Highlights: Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery, Bandai Bridge, Former Ozawa Family Residence, Saito Villa, Niigatadai Shrine, Niigata-ken Gokoku Shrine, Hakusan Shrine, Niigata Manga Animation Museum, Befco Bakauke Observation Deck.  

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for the journey between Tokyo and Niigata.

  • Bonus Tip: Some attractions involve a small fee, be sure to bring some change along with you to cover these costs. 

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11. Tateyama & Minamiboso.

Consider taking the train around the Tokyo Bay area to Tomiura and Nakofunakata stations in Tateyama. Both stations offer waterfront access, great for coastal/waterfront walks, while Nakofunakata lies home to a couple of noteworthy temples. 

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  • Journey Duration: Around 2.5 hr by rapid/local train from Tokyo to Tomiura or Nakofunakata (change at Kimitsu station). Note: the Shinkansen takes a longer route to both these places and will take more time than the regular trains. 

  • Highlights - Tomiura Station: Alight at Tomiura Station for Myofuku-ji, Suzumejima & Funamashi, Oshima, Okamoto Pier, and Tomiura New Harbour 

  • Highlights - Nakofunakata Station: Alight at Nakofunakata Station for Gakekannon Temple, and Nagoji Temple (8th Century temple with ocean views). 

  • Rail Pass: All rail travel is covered by the JR National Rail Pass to and from Tokyo station. For JR regional pass coverage, refer to the specific pass website.

  • Bonus Tip: As this day trip is further afield consider heading out early to make the most of the day. For those wanting to take the longer route via Awa-Kamogawa (about 3 hours duration), Awa-Kamogawa offers scenic beaches and coastal views as well as  Kyonin-ji Temple. 

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