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Tokyo Day Trips: 8 Cool Summer Getaways
Summer in Tokyo is a trial, even for the most sun-loving of us. With the extreme humidity, trapped city heat, and long days, it’s no wonder people look for cool escapes.
But where do you go? With options from beaches to hikes and giant Buddhas, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are our recommendations for Tokyo summer day trips that prove you don’t need to go too far to forget about the sticky city streets. And while we say they’re day trips, they can easily be extended into overnight getaways.
If none of these tickle your fancy, check out our year-round Tokyo day-trip guide for more ideas.
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1. Enoshima: An island escape
Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station, transfer to Enoshima Electric Railway at Fujisawa Station (or pay extra and take the Romance Car all the way)
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
¥650 (one way)
With stunning stretches of beach and plenty to explore, Enoshima is the best place to be in summer. Besides two chill beaches, there is plenty else to do.
Things to do
At Enospa, you can enjoy mixed pools, separated baths, and even views of Mt. Fuji on a good day. Meanwhile, Enoshima Shrine houses a statue of Benten, where you can wash your money to make it multiply (she is the goddess of wealth after all, as well as a dragon defeater). Note that some parts of the shrine complex require entry fees.
For a relaxing walk, explore the botanical gardens of the Samuel Cocking Garden, along with a small lighthouse known as the Sea Candle. The island is also home to two easily accessible caves, one dedicated to the dragon which apparently used to terrorize the area.
See our Enoshima guide for more. And for other beach options, try our cheapo beach guide. We have Tokyo day-trip ideas for divers too.
2. Okutama: All the nature
Chūō Line from Shinjuku Station, transfer to the Ōme Line at Tachikawa or Ōme Station.
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Shinjuku Station
¥1,110 (one way)
Okutama has a wealth of valleys, forests, and mountains. Choose from the many hiking trails (we recommend Mt. Kumotori), hot springs, and lighter strolls.
Things to do
You can camp and have a BBQ by the river, enjoy fishing with rental gear available at Hikawa Kokusai Masu Tsuriba, and even take to the water yourself. Why not try some white-water rafting?
Nippara Limestone Cave is also in Okutama. It’s the longest cave in the Kantō region, and a refreshing 11 degrees Celsius all year round. The cave is naturally formed and has some impressive rock formations with tactical lighting, giving it a mystical feel.
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See our Okutama day-trip itinerary for more ideas.
3. Miura Peninsula: “Tuna town”
Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Yokohama, then switch to the Keikyu Main Line and alight at Miurakaigan Station
Approximately 1.5 hours
¥1,137 (one way)
For a breezy summer escape that feels worlds away from Tokyo, hop on a train to the Miura Peninsula. This pocket of Kanagawa serves up fresh tuna to rival that of Toyosu Fish Market, coastal trails, and that salty sea air you didn’t know you needed.
It’s made even more appealing by Keikyu’s value-packed day-trip ticket, which includes round-trip travel, a seafood lunch, and discounts on local attractions.
Things to do
Start in the port town of Miura with a maguro donburi or tuna ricebowl — simple and satisfying, and cheaper than its central Tokyo counterpart. Then wander through the local fish market or stop by Miura Brewery for a pint of crisp, small-batch beer.
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Jogashima Island is a short bus ride away, with wind-beaten cliffs, a French-designed lighthouse, and plenty of quiet spots for a snack with a view (just watch out for the birds).
Read our complete Miura day-trip guide.
4. Nokogiriyama: Mountain with a view to hell
Sōbu Line from Tokyo Station to Hama-Kanaya Station. May need to transfer to the Uchibo Line at Chiba Station.
Just over 2 hours (or under 2 hours via the Sazanami Line for ¥3,460)
¥1,980 (one way)
A 330m-tall mountain on the Bōsō Peninsula, Nokogiriyama has stunning views of Tokyo Bay, a beautiful temple complex, and a chance to look into hell. Well, you know, sort of.
There fastest trail going up Nokogiriyama takes about an hour. If you’re not in the mood to hike, there’s also a ropeway.
What to see
Along any walk on this mountain, you will find yourself surrounded by stone statues big and small, carved into and out of rock. The largest is the 30m-high relief statue of Hyaku Shaku Kannon, housed within the sprawling temple complex of Nihonji Temple, who was carved into the walls of the mountain between 1780 and 1783.
The most famous part of the mountain is the Jigoku Nozoki, also known as the “view of hell”. It has a precipice so extended it can give the bravest of souls vertigo. After a little adrenaline, make your way back down the mountain, enjoying the myriad expressions of the carved Buddhist worshippers on the “1500 Arhat Approach”– although only around 500 are left standing today.
Check out our Nokogiriyama hiking guide for more details.
5. Nagatoro: Mountain shrines and rushing rivers
Laview express to Seibu-Chichibu, transfer to the Chichibu Rail Line at Ohanabatake, and head to Nagatoro Station
Approximately 2 hours
Around ¥2,100 (one way, depending on the route)
Nagatoro is tucked between the forested slopes of Mount Hodo and the clear rush of the Arakawa River. From the scent of cedar along shrine paths to the splash of rapids beneath a wooden boat, this day trip stirs the senses — especially in summer.
Things to do
Drift up the mountain on the Mt. Hodosan Ropeway for panoramic views and cool, pine-scented breezes, or duck into the quiet stone cellar of Nagatoro Sake Brewery to sip local sake.
Seasonal blooms brighten the area throughout the year, but you’ll want to look out for hydrangeas in June/July, especially beautiful with fresh rain.
Local specialties like handmade tofu and charcoal-grilled ayu or sweetfish make for a satisfying lunch. Don’t miss the Iwadatami, a stretch of weathered rock formations that resemble tatami mats, rippling along the river’s edge. It’s a favorite spot for photos, picnics, and simply shooting the breeze.
For all the details, check out our complete day-trip guide to Nagatoro.
6. Jōgasaki Coast: Sights for sore eyes
Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station, then transfer at Odawara for the JR and Izu Kyūkō lines to Jōgasaki-Kaigan or Izu-Kōgen Station
Approximately 3 hours
¥3,180 (one way)
Looking for a coastal escape that’s equal parts rugged and relaxing? Just a few hours from Tokyo, Jōgasaki Coast on the Izu Peninsula offers dramatic cliff walks, suspension bridges, and ocean views that more than reward the journey.
What to expect
With a mix of seaside trails, fresh seafood, and hidden photo ops, it’s the kind of day trip that feels like a real break from the city. If you can spare time to stay longer, we highly recommend making this an overight trip — or longer. If you do it as a day trip, be sure to set off early.
In Jōgasaki, you’ll stumble upon some delightfully oddball museums: a lamp-filled ode to Art Nouveau, and a teddy-bear haven complete with a Totoro-themed workshop.
Intrigued? See our Jōgasaki day-trip itinerary.
7. Matsumoto: Slow city break
Highway bus from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station.
Approximately 3 hours
¥3,600 (one way)
Nestled in Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto is a beautiful city filled with art galleries, spectacular castles, and plenty of cute little cafés.
Things to do
Handily, it is the perfect city for exploring with minimal effort (ideal for summer heat) as you can rent bicycles and cycle around the flat city to your heart’s content. While there are plenty of shrines and temples to explore, there is also Crow Castle.
Also — the famous artist Yayoi Kusama was born here. Head to the Matsumoto City Museum of Art for a brilliant permanent exhibition of her paintings and installations — even if you’re not a big art fan.
The city has numerous quaint museums including an old-school house and a timepiece museum, as well as a traditional shopping street with sweet treats and antique stalls. The surrounding area offers onsen (hot springs) and country walks, as well as wasabi farms if you are looking to spice things up a bit.
Read more about planning your Matsumoto getaway.
8. Ushiku Daibutsu: An unusual adventure
Ueno-Tokyo Line from Tokyo Station to Ushiku Station. Then catch a local bus to the statue (infrequent).
Approximately 1.5 hours
¥1,690 (incl. bus) (one way)
Towering high at 120m and weighing in at a whopping 4,000 tons, the Ushiku Daibutsu is a sight to behold.
What to expect
Unlike most Buddha statues, you can venture inside this one to see rooms filled with statues, eerie music, and amazing views. With spaces including the “World of Infinite Light and Life” and the “World of the Lotus Sanctuary”, you can practice your calligraphy skills and admire hundreds of golden statues, and also have your trusty shrine book signed.
The gargantuan Buddha is located in a small park with a (sad when we went) petting zoo, flower fields, and a koi pond — with lots of great spots for a picnic. This is ideal if you want an easy day out, no hiking, no trekking, more of a nice-day-in-the-park kind of vibe — with a touch of the unusual, of course.
While we do our best to ensure accuracy, details may vary. Post first published in 2017. Last updated in May 2025.
