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Guide to Tokyo Daytrips | MATOKA's Japan Travel Guide
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items There is so much to do in Tokyo, but it can get overwhelming. A change of scenery can make your trip that much better. Why not visit Yokohama, an hour south of Tokyo, where the architecture is more western but the Japanese culture is still thriving. ...
Map
Sections
5
Transportation and more
Yokohama
Kamakura
Enoshima
Kawagoe
Transportation and more
Some things to think about when you're planning your daytrips!
If you're interested in traveling in and around Mt Fuji, consider a tourist pass, which gives you access to several types of transport for 3 consecutive days in this mountainous and volcanic region.
MT. FUJI-SHIZUOKA TOURIST PASS
Traveling outside of Tokyo may mean less options for WiFi. If you need consistent WiFi throughout your trip, consider investing in pocket WiFi as an alternative to using data roaming.
Pocket Wifi
YOU DO NOT NEED A JR PASS FOR TOKYO DAY TRIPS! But you will need an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) or a train pass in order to get to these locations. Check out some of the options you can purchase ahead of time! Or you can buy a ticket directly at the sta...
Train Day Passes, Suica and Pasmo, and more
Yokohama
An hour away by train, Yokohama is a bustling city filled with great eateries, shopping, museums and events. Check out the Pikachu event each spring as well as the Ramen Museum and Cup Noodle museum. Chinatown also offers great dim sum and AYCE optio...
Filled with shops and restaurants with a coastal western vibe, this is a great shopping district overlooking the sea with picturesque areas in and out of the structure.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
I know there are a lot of car lovers out there and many of the car meets are underground (you need to know someone). So why not get the experience through a tour in Yokohama! There are also walking tours that will take you to some of the main attract...
Daikoku Car Meet Tour and Walking Tours in Yokohama
We've all had cup noodle before, but dive into the history of cup noodle in this fascinating museum. If that's not enticing enough, you can build your own cup noodle or book a class to actuall create the noodles from scratch!
Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama
The biggest Chinatown in Japan, this area is home to many dim sum and AYCE restaurants, souvenir shops and my mom's favorite confectionary!
Yokohama Chinatown
This is a MUST DO if you're in the Yokohama area. North of the Yokohama station lies the Ramen Museum in an unassuming urban area. It may look no thrills from the front, but step inside and into the downstairs area to find yourself in an entirely new...
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Yes, there's a Gundam in Odaiba, but if you want the real experience, check out the Gundam Factory!
Gundam Factory Yokohama
Kamakura
Probably one of the few places in Japan where you'll get real street food, Kamakura is a beach town filled with history. Mainly known for the Daibutsu (giant Buddha statue), it offers a lot of beautiful temples and scenery. Be prepared for a bit of w...
When people say there's no street food in Japan, they mean that there isn't except for Komachi-dori street. This is one area where street food lines the road. From confectionaries to seafood to matcha ice cream, get ready for some good eats~
Komachi-dori Street
Known as “Big Buddha”, this temple is a bit of a walk. If you're willing to wait for the bus, then no problem but make sure to pull out your google maps to get there if you're on foot. It's worth it once you get there though.
Kotoku-in (Daibutsu)
At the end of Komachi-dori street is this beautiful temple view, surrounded by ponds filled with koi, multiple shrines and a peaceful nature view. Definitely a highlight of Kamakura!
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu · 2 Chome-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan
On a sunny day, this beach is amazing! I was unfortunately not there on a sunny day though…once again this is a bit of a walk away, but if you're going to Kamakura specifically for a beach day, then this is the place to go!
Kamakura Yuigahama Beach
Booking a tour gives you a different Kamakura experience, like making your own Hanko (stamp) or even having a personal car tour (if you're not a fan of walking, this is a must).
Make a Hanko, Private Car Tour or Geisha Experience in Kamakura!
Enoshima
Situated on an island south of Kamakura, Enoshima is another popular area to visit. Since the island is smaller, sightseeing is easy and very walkable. Would definitely recommend this as a late summer or early fall retreat!
The main shrine on this unassuming island, take in the sea air while visiting one of the three shinto shrines, dedicated to the worship of the kami Benten.
Enoshima Shrine
Also known as the Shonan Observatory Lighthouse, this is used as an observation deck and lighthouse and is located in the Samuel Cocking Garden.
Enoshima Sea Candle
Home to the Sea Candle, this botanical garden is home to a number of tropical plants and is a great place to walk through.
Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden
The main bridge to get to Enoshima island.
Enoshima Benten Bridge
Once used for Buddhist religious practices, this cave experience features a small shrine. You are given a candle to help guide you to the grave of the founders. 1000 entry fee to wander between two caves.
Enoshima Iwaya Cave
Kawagoe
If you want to step back into historic Japan, Kawagoe is the place to go. With the architecture preserved from Edo-period classic towns, it's a destination offering artisan goods and unique snacks.
People come far and wide to be transported into Edo period Japan and see this street, lined by historic, warehouse style buildings
Kawagoe Travel: Warehouse District (Kurazukuri Street)
While it's great to venture off by yourself and with friends, if you really want to know the history of an area, it's better to book a walking tour with a professional! Kawagoe has a lot of rich history too, which is something I may have missed out o...
Kawagoe Private Walking Tours
Kawagoe is known for its confectionaries, in particular: CANDY! They have a whole street with tons of vendors selling traditional Japanese candies, great for souvenirs or just when you are munchin!
Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley)
Kitain Temple features a former building of the Edo Castle. A bit more traditional and less flashy than you will see in Kyoto or Asakusa
Kawagoe Kita-in Temple