Most travelers never look beyond Tokyo, but they should.
Just an hour away, three incredible cities reveal completely different sides of Japan, from breezy seaside promenades to nostalgic old towns and serene temples by the coast.
Each offers a refreshing change of pace and a glimpse into local life beyond the capital.
Let me show you these amazing cities near Tokyo and how to get there with my suggested day-trip itinerary. 😊
1. Yokohama – The Cosmopolitan Port City
a. Why Visit
Yokohama feels like Tokyo’s laid-back cousin who studied abroad.
This port city gives you room to breathe with its wide waterfront promenades and international vibe that Tokyo just doesn’t have.
You’ll love how everything flows here. The harbor breeze, the mix of historic Western buildings and ultra-modern architecture, and that feeling of space you don’t get in Tokyo’s packed streets.
Best of all? You can see it all in one day and be back in Tokyo for dinner.
b. Highlights
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: Historic 100-year-old warehouses turned into a cool shopping and event complex with seasonal markets
- Marine & Walk Yokohama: Trendy open-air mall with harbor views and terrace restaurants perfect for sunset dining
- Yokohama Chinatown: Japan’s largest Chinatown packed with 600+ restaurants and shops in colorful streets
- Yokohama Landmark Tower: A 70-story skyscraper with Japan’s fastest elevators whisking you to panoramic city views
- Cup Noodles Museum: Interactive fun where you design your own cup noodle and learn about instant ramen history
- Yokohama Cosmo World: Waterfront amusement park with the iconic clock-faced Ferris wheel lighting up the night sky
- Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street: Chic historic shopping street with European vibes and stylish boutiques
- Yamashita Park: Japan’s first seaside park with rose gardens and the old ocean liner Hikawa Maru floating as a museum
c. Must-Try Foods
- Iekei Ramen: Yokohama’s signature rich pork and soy broth ramen at the original Yoshimuraya near Yokohama Station
- Yuzu Shio Ramen: Refreshing chicken ramen with citrus at Afuri (Landmark Tower, 1st floor)
- Ricotta Pancakes: Fluffy heaven at bills (Red Brick Warehouse)
- Chicago Pizza: Deep-dish pizza and craft beer at Butcher Republic (Red Brick Warehouse, 3rd floor)
- Shijimi Clam Tsukemen: Unique dipping noodles at Ramen Tsuchinotomi near Sakuragicho Station
- Steamed Pork Buns: Giant juicy buns at Edosei in Yokohama Chinatown
- Panda Buns: Adorable steamed buns with panda faces at Rouishin in Yokohama Chinatown
d. How to Get There
From Shibuya to Minato Mirai: Take Tokyu Toyoko Line (through service to Minatomirai Line) from Shibuya Station directly to Minatomirai Station (35 minutes, ¥510).
From Shinjuku to Minato Mirai: Take JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Yokohama Station, then transfer to Minatomirai Line to Minatomirai Station (45 minutes total, ¥ 780).
From Tokyo Station to Minato Mirai: Take JR Tokaido Line or JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station, then transfer to Minatomirai Line to Minatomirai Station (41 minutes total, ¥690).
From Shinagawa to Minato Mirai: Take JR Tokaido Line from Shinagawa Station to Yokohama Station, then transfer to Minatomirai Line to Minatomirai Station (30 minutes total, ¥510).
Pro tip: Minatomirai Station puts you right at Cup Noodles Museum and Cosmo World. Alternatively, take the Minatomirai Line to Nihon-Odori Station and walk 10 minutes to reach the scenic harbor area and Red Brick Warehouse.
e. Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
- Minatomirai Station – 9:50 AM
- Cup Noodles Museum – 10:00 AM
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse + Lunch – 12:00 PM
- Marine & Walk Yokohama – 2:00 PM
- Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street – 3:00 PM
- Yokohama Chinatown + Dinner – 5:00 PM
- Return to Tokyo via Motomachi-Chukagai Station – 7:00 PM
2. Kawagoe – The Little Edo Time Capsule
a. Why Visit
Want to see what Tokyo looked like 200 years ago? Kawagoe is your answer.
This charming town kept its Edo-period streets intact, complete with traditional clay warehouses and old merchant shops.
Walking down the main street feels like stepping into a samurai movie, but without the crowds you’d find at similar spots.
The best part? It’s only 30 minutes from Ikebukuro, making it the easiest historical escape from Tokyo.
b. Highlights
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine:1,500-year-old shrine famous for matchmaking blessings and summer wind chime festivals
- Chiikawa Mogumogu Hompo Kawagoe: Cute character shop with exclusive Chiikawa goods and themed sweets
- Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley): Nostalgic alley with 20 traditional candy shops selling old-fashioned sweets
- Kawagoe Kumano Shrine: Interactive shrine where you toss rings for luck and walk on pebbles for health
- Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street: Main street lined with impressive black warehouse buildings housing shops
- Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower): Iconic 16-meter bell tower that still chimes four times daily
- Taisho Roman Street: Charming street with Western-influenced buildings from the 1920s era
- Kitain Temple: Ancient temple with relocated Edo Castle rooms and 538 unique stone Buddha statues
c. Must-Try Foods
- Sweet Potato Chips: Giant crispy chips bigger than your face at Koedo Osatsuan (near the Bell Tower)
- Unagi: Grilled eel over rice at historic Ogakiku restaurant (founded 1807)
- Miffy Bread: Adorable bunny-shaped pastries at Miffy Kitchen & Bakery Kawagoe (Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street)
- Unagi: Another top eel option at Kawagoe Ichinoya (since 1832) with a slightly different sauce
- Sweet Potato Soft-Serve: Purple sweet potato ice cream at Kashou Umon Bell Tower Branch
- Kawagoe Pudding: Silky sweet potato custard in cute jars at Kawagoe Pudding shop
d. How to Get There
From Shinjuku to Kawagoe: Take Seibu Shinjuku Line from Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Hon-Kawagoe Station (50-60 minutes, ¥520).
*This is the best option – Hon-Kawagoe Station is just a 5-minute walk from the historic area. Alternatively, take JR Saikyo Line from Shinjuku Station to Kawagoe Station (55 minutes, ¥770) – but this station is 15-20 minutes from the sights.
From Shibuya to Kawagoe: Take JR Saikyo Line from Shibuya Station to Kawagoe Station (60 minutes, ¥860).
From Ikebukuro to Kawagoe: Take Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station (30 minutes, ¥490) – fastest option.
From Tokyo Station to Kawagoe: Take JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line from Tokyo Station to Ikebukuro, then transfer to Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoe Station (60 minutes total, about ¥700 to ¥1070).
Station tip: Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu) is closest to the attractions. Kawagoe Station (JR/Tobu) has more trains but requires a longer walk or short bus ride.
e. Suggested Day Trip Itinerary (Weekdays)
- Honkawagoe Station – 9:03 AM
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine – 9:10 AM
- Kashiya Yokocho – 10:10 AM
- Chiikawa Mogumogu Hompo Kawagoe – 11:00 AM
- Miffy Kitchen & Bakery Kawagoe – 11:30 AM
- Lunch at Yuno Udon – 12:00 PM
- Ichibangai Shotengai – 1:00 PM
- Toki no Kane – 2:00 PM
- Starbucks Coffee – 2:30 PM
- Koedo Osatsuan – 3:00 PM
- Taisho Roman Yume-dori – 3:30 PM
- Kawagoe Kumano Shrine – 4:30 PM
- Dinner at Ogakiku or Kawagoe Ichinoya – 5:00 PM
- Return to Tokyo via Honkawagoe Station – 6:30 PM
Read More: The Best Day Trip Guide to Kawagoe from Tokyo
3. Kamakura – The Coastal Temple Town
a. Why Visit
Kamakura gives you something special: ancient temples and beach vibes in one spot.
This former samurai capital sits right by the ocean, so you can explore 800-year-old Buddhist temples in the morning and relax on the beach by afternoon.
The famous Great Buddha has been watching over the city since the 1200s, creating this peaceful atmosphere you won’t find in busy Tokyo.
Trust me, riding the cute Enoden train along the coast while temple-hopping is an experience you’ll never forget.
b. Highlights
- Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha): The famous 11.3-meter bronze Buddha statue sitting outdoors since the 13th century
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Kamakura’s most important shrine with grand stairs and vermillion buildings
- Hasedera Temple: Hillside temple with massive Kannon statue and ocean views from the observation deck
- Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Temple): Serene temple with 2,000+ bamboo stalks where you can sip matcha in the grove
- Meigetsu-in Temple (Hydrangea Temple): Zen temple famous for thousands of blue hydrangeas in June and its circular window
- Enoshima Island: Small island with shrines, caves, and observation towers reached by the scenic Enoden train
- Yuigahama Beach: Sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunset walks just minutes from the temples
- Komachi-dori Street: Bustling 350-meter shopping street leading from Kamakura Station, packed with trendy boutiques, souvenir shops, and incredible street food
Street Food Guide (Komachi-dori Street):
- Giraffa Curry Pan: Crispy, deep-fried bread filled with rich Japanese curry and melted cheese.
- Maruten: Freshly fried fish cakes on a stick with flavors like octopus and cheese.
- Sakura no Yumemiya: Colorful and photogenic dango rice dumplings with various sweet toppings.
- Hannari Inari: Unique rolled inari sushi in a fried tofu pouch served with creative fillings.
- Toshimaya Setokoji: Kamakura’s most famous souvenir – dove-shaped shortbread cookies called “Hato Sablé”.
- Wasai Yakura Komachidori: Famous shirasu-don whitebait rice bowl using fresh local seafood from Sagami Bay.
- Tomoya Kamakura Komachi: Great Buddha-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste or custard.
- Kamakura Chacha: Premium matcha ice cream where you can choose your richness level from 1 to 5.
- Crêpe Shop Coquelicot: Long-standing crepe stand with huge variety of sweet and savory fillings.
c. Must-Try Foods
- Traditional Breakfast: Grilled fish set with Enoden train views at Cafe Yoridokoro (near Kamakura-Kokomae Station)
- Thick Pancakes: John Lennon’s favorite fluffy pancakes at Iwata Coffee Shop (on Komachi-dori)
- Tonkatsu: Juicy pork cutlets at Aratama Katsu Tei (on Komachi-dori)
- Gourmet Burgers: Creative burgers with city views at Rooftops (6th floor near Kamakura Station)
- Niagara Cheeseburger: Dramatic cheese waterfall burger with ocean views at Windera Café (Shichirigahama)
- International Cuisine: Japanese beef hamburg at DoubleDoors (Shichirigahama)
- Linguine with Prawns: Australian-style brunch at bills Shichirigahama (with Pacific Ocean views)
- Tori Paitan Ramen: Rich chicken broth ramen at Ginza Kagari Kamakura Branch (just off Komachi-dori)
- Enoshima Bowl: Fresh seafood over rice at cliffside Enoshima Uomi-tei (on Enoshima Island)
d. How to Get There
From Shinjuku Station to Kamakura: Take JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura Station (60 minutes, ¥950).
From Shibuya Station to Kamakura: Take JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shibuya Station to Kamakura Station (55 minutes, ¥950).
From Tokyo Station to Kamakura: Take JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station (55 minutes, ¥950).
All routes are direct with no transfers needed! Once at Kamakura Station, the main shopping street Komachi-dori is right outside, and you can use the charming Enoden train line to reach Hase area (Great Buddha) and beaches.
e. Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
- Kamakura Station – 10:00 AM
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu – 10:10 AM
- Komachi-dori Street – 11:10 AM
- Lunch at Wasai Yakura Komachidori – 1:10 PM
- Hasedera Temple – 2:30 PM
- Kotoku-in Temple – 4:30 PM
- Yuigahama Beach – 5:30 PM
- Dinner at Aratama Katsu Tei – 7:00 PM
- Return to Tokyo via Kamakura Station – 8:00 PM
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Photo Credit:
Photos by PIXTA