With such an extensive train system, traveling in Japan is easier. There are many options for day trips from Tokyo with just 1-2 hours on the train. Here are a few of my favorite: 

1. LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO & MT. FUJI

A great area to admire the beauty of Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchiko is about 2 hours from Shinjuku Station. Enjoy a day on thrilling rides at Fuji-Q Highlands, take a sightseeing cruise on lake Kawaguchiko, or get on the Kachi-Kachi Ropeway to see the majesty of this iconic sight from it's view deck. 





2. KAMAKURA

This is a great day trip to admire significant Buddhist temples near Tokyo. See one of the largest bronze statues in Japan and a National treasure - The Great Buddha of Kamakura at the Kotoku-in Temple. See the Hase Kannon Statue made from one single piece of camphor wood , Jizo stone statues, and an amazing view of the coastal city of Kamakura from the Hase Dera Temple. Both are within a 10 minute walk from the nearest train station. 




For more information, you check out my blog entry: http://coffeecakesandsuitcases.blogspot.com/2016/07/day-trips-from-tokyo-kamakura.html






3. GOTOKUJI

Known as the temple of the Beckoning Cat or Maneki Neko, this small temple complex in the quiet neighbourhood of Setagaya is away from many tourists. Believed where the origin of the Maneki Neko, see many different sizes of this lucky cat in an area of the temple and look for some of them hiding around. 







For more information, you check out my blog entry:http://coffeecakesandsuitcases.blogspot.com/2016/07/day-trips-from-tokyo-gotokuji-temple.html


4. HAKONE


A great day trip or a short stay, Hakone offers a different view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. This resort town has many hot springs, ropeways & trains with amazing views of the season.  best times to go is during Spring when flowers like cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and azaleas are in bloom and in the  Autumn when fall foliage and Pampas Grass fields are golden. 


For more information, you check out my blog entry:http://coffeecakesandsuitcases.blogspot.com/2016/07/day-trips-from-tokyo-hakone.html



5. GALA YUZAWA

A ski-resort 70 minute by bullet train from Tokyo Station. This is a good destination for a day in the snow. You can ski or snowboard down the slopes or just sled down and play in the snow. This is seasonal however depending on the ski season. A special train station that stops at the rental office and ropeway station is opened during the peak season. Make sure to book ahead your seats as there are not a lot of non-reserved cars. 







Another good day trip from Tokyo that I'd like to visit next time is Nikko.