Exploring Tokyo & Surrounds.
#TOKYO.
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Highlights: For things to see and do within Tokyo, please visit our sightseeing map (places with orange icons are open on or before 7 am) https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1mi_ZXjlBLnSI85JGuEjQxXkfy54VI-I&ll=35.65978160450729%2C139.6723881&z=11
#Day trips from Tokyo.
1. Katsuura & 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.
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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).
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Highlights - Awa-Kominato Station: Alight at Awa-Kominato Station (in Kamogawa) for Uchiura Beach, Kominato Fishing Port, Tanjoji Temple (pictured).
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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.
2. Chiba City, & Katori.
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).
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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.
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Highlights - Sawara Station (Katori): Alight at Sawara Station for the historic river district (pictured).
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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.
3. 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.
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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.
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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.
4. 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.
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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.
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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.
5. Kofu.
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.
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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).
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Rail Pass: The JR National Rail Pass can be used for the entire journey between Shinjuku and Kofu.
6. Tochigi.
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).
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Highlights: Kuranomachi Promenade (pictured), Korai Bridge, Tochigi City Literature Museum Building, Shin Mei Gu, Hirayanagi Hoshinomiya Shrine, Iwashita New Ginger Museum.
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Rail Pass: The JR National Rail Pass is valid for travel between Tokyo and Tochigi on the JR lines.