Kanto Travel Guide: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Best Day Trips

The Kanto region, where major international airports of Narita and Haneda are located, is the largest gateway to Japan. The metropolitan city of Tokyo, the Japanese capital, is the center of a region that includes 6 surrounding prefectures. While the Kansai region, which includes Kyoto and Osaka, transcends the aristocratic elegance of medieval times, the Kanto region preserves a minimalist samurai-era philosophy in its temples and old towns, and a lively culture of townspeople in Edo, the old Tokyo, even amid the modern-day hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

This Japan Kanto region offers soothing Day Trips from Tokyo to escape the overwhelming energy of the city. Kamakura, famous for its historic temples, still retains the chic of Ozu Yasujiro's world; the gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tosho-gu temple in Nikko features the famous curved wooden three monkeys; and healing hot springs and a clear lake in the Hakone highlands. Even the foot of Mt. Fuji is within a Tokyo to Mt. Fuji Day Trip's reach of Tokyo. As the highlights of Japanese traditional culture, food, and nature are all packed in this region, you don't need to spend so much time on the train or bus to experience them all. Be it a day trip or a round tour, check out the must-visit places on a Kanto region map and get ready for your trip in Japan!

Top Destinations: Hakone, Nikko & Kamakura

Destination Deep Dive: Highlights & Transport

Hakone: Hot Springs & Highlands Figuring out How to Get from Tokyo to Hakone is simple, making it the perfect getaway.

• Top Highlights: Ashinoko Lake, Owakudani, and Hakone Shrine.
• Tokyo to Hakone: The fastest option is a direct Tokyo to Hakone Train using the Romancecar Tokyo to Hakone service (~1.5 hrs). Alternatively, take the Shinkansen Tokyo to Hakone route via the Tokyo to Hakone Bullet Train to Odawara.
• Hakone to Tokyo: The return Hakone to Tokyo Train is equally convenient.

Nikko: Shrines & Nature If you want to know How to Get to Nikko from Tokyo, the railway options are fantastic for a Tokyo to Nikko Day Trip.

• Top Highlights: Tosho-gu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji.
• Tokyo to Nikko: The direct Tokyo to Nikko Train takes ~2 hours. You can also utilize the Tokyo to Nikko Shinkansen route to Utsunomiya.
• Nikko to Tokyo: The Nikko to Tokyo return journey is frequent, especially in the late afternoon.

Kamakura: The Samurai Capital For those wondering How to Get to Kamakura from Tokyo, it's incredibly close.

• Top Highlights: The Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, and Enoshima.
• Tokyo to Kamakura: The Tokyo to Kamakura Train takes under an hour, making a Tokyo to Kamakura Day Trip effortless.
• Kamakura to Tokyo: Direct trains make the Kamakura to Tokyo commute simple.

Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko: Iconic Peaks A Day Trip to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo is a highlight for many visitors.

• Top Highlights: Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Oishi Park.
• Tokyo to Mt. Fuji: You can take the Tokyo to Mt. Fuji Train (Fuji Excursion) or hop on a direct Tokyo to Mt. Fuji Bus.
• Mt. Fuji to Tokyo: The Mt. Fuji to Tokyo return options run into the evening.

Best Kanto Area Itineraries

Kanto 3-Day Itineraries

In these itineraries, you don’t need to stay in different hotels, as you can travel to all of them from Tokyo. Combine these ideas and make your own itinerary. If you want to get even more inspired, try creating your own itineraries with Omio’s Japan Trip Planner (it’s free!).

A Great Deal: Take a refreshing tour from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, take a relaxing hike in the Hakone highlands, and look up at the Buddha statue in Kamakura. To make the most of the Kanto region’s attractions, the all-in-one Japan Rail Pass is the ticket that helps you travel comfortably by sparing you the cost of buying individual tickets. And it saves you up to 22% on money. The more you ride, the greater the deal. Book it on Omio now!

1. Kanto Highlights Itinerary: Kamakura, Hakone, Mt. Fuji

Day 1: Tokyo → Kamakura → Enoshima Visit the historic town of Kamakura and look up the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in temple. Stroll Komachi Street for Japanese sweets and handmade crafts. Head to Enoshima Island for a beautiful scenery of Sagami Bay.

• Highlights: Kotoku-in (Great Buddha), Hasedera Temple, Komachi Street, Enoshima Island, Enoshima Sea Candle, Sunset over Sagami Bay.
• Tokyo → Kamakura: Trains to Tokyo hubs connect directly via the JR Yokosuka Line. Fastest time: ~55 min–1 hr. Typical price: ~¥950.
• Kamakura → Enoshima: Enoden Railway. Fastest time: ~25 min. Typical price: ~¥260.
• Enoshima → Tokyo: Enoden + JR Tokaido or Shonan-Shinjuku Line. Fastest time: ~1 hr 20 min. Typical price: ~¥1,200.

Day 2: Tokyo → Hakone Hakone highland area is located south of Tokyo. Spend the day enjoying volcanic landscapes, scenic lake cruises, and relaxing hot springs. You can see the majestic Mt. Fuji in Hakone.

• Highlights: Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi Cruise, Hakone Shrine, Open-Air Museum.
• Tokyo → Hakone: Odakyu Romancecar (direct). Fastest time: ~1 hr 20 min. Typical price: ~¥2,500–2,700. Alternative: Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara + Hakone Tozan Railway. Fastest time: ~1 hr. Typical price: ~¥4,000–5,000.
• Hakone → Tokyo: Romancecar or local train + Shinkansen. Fastest time: ~1–1 hr 20 min. Typical price: ¥2,500–5,000.

Day 3: Tokyo → Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko) Take a bus or train for 90 minutes, and visit Japan's most iconic mountain and enjoy spectacular views from the Fuji Five Lakes region. The most popular lake, Kawaguchiko, offers a reverse view of Fuji reflected on the surface.

• Highlights: Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Oishi Park, Local cafés with Fuji views.
• Tokyo → Kawaguchiko: JR Limited Express Fuji Excursion (direct). Fastest time: ~1 hr 50 min. Typical price: ~¥4,130–4,500. Alternative: Highway Bus from Busta Shinjuku. Fastest time: ~1 hr 45 min–2 hr 15 min. Typical price: ~¥2,200–2,500.
• Kawaguchiko → Tokyo: Fuji Excursion or Highway Bus. Fastest time: ~1 hr 50 min. Typical price: ¥2,200–4,500.

2. Kanto Nature Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo → Nikko Escape the city and discover Nikko's UNESCO World Heritage shrines, waterfalls, and mountain scenery in Nikko. Nikko is famous for the high quality of its hot spring water. They have many onsen hot spring spas for day-trip visitors.

• Highlights: Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Rinnoji Temple, Kanmangafuchi Abyss.
• Tokyo → Nikko: Tobu Limited Express (direct from Asakusa). Fastest time: ~1 hr 50 min. Typical price: ¥3,000–4,000. Alternative: JR Tohoku Shinkansen + JR Nikko Line. Fastest time: ~1 hr 45 min–2 hr. Typical price: ¥5,500–6,500.
• Nikko → Tokyo: Tobu Limited Express or JR. Fastest time: ~1 hr 50 min. Typical price: ¥3,000–6,500.

Day 2: Tokyo → Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko) Kawaguchiko is one of the most popular resort areas, with museums, parks, cafes, and restaurants. Many handicraft activities and large forest parks are available, making the Kawaguchiko area an ideal destination for a group with kids.

• Highlights: Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Oishi Park.
• Tokyo → Kawaguchiko: JR Limited Express Fuji Excursion (direct). Fastest time: ~1 hr 50 min. Typical price: ¥4,130–4,500. Alternative: Highway Bus from Busta Shinjuku. Fastest time: ~1 hr 45 min–2 hr 15 min. Typical price: ¥2,200–2,500.
• Kawaguchiko → Tokyo: Fuji Excursion or Highway Bus. Fastest time: ~1 hr 50 min. Typical price: ¥2,200–4,500.

Day 3: Tokyo → Hakone Finish your nature-focused journey with volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and views of Mt. Fuji.

• Highlights: Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi Cruise, Hakone Shrine, Open-Air Museum.
• Tokyo → Hakone: Odakyu Romancecar (direct). Fastest time: ~1 hr 20 min. Typical price: ¥2,500–2,700. Alternative: Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara + Hakone Tozan Railway. Fastest time: ~1 hr. Typical price: ¥4,000–5,000.
• Hakone → Tokyo: Romancecar or local train + Shinkansen. Fastest time: ~1–1 hr 20 min. Typical price: ¥2,500–5,000.

Kanto History & Culture Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo → Kawagoe Kawagoe is known as “a little old Tokyo (Edo)” for its well-preserved merchant streets and traditional warehouses. Try sake and other preserved foods made using traditional methods in their beautiful shops, renovated from the warehouses.

• Highlights: Kurazukuri Warehouse District, Toki no Kane (Bell Tower), Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho), Hikawa Shrine.
• Tokyo → Kawagoe: Tobu Tojo Line (from Ikebukuro). Fastest time: ~30–35 min. Typical price: ~¥500. Alternative: JR Saikyo Line + Kawagoe Line. Fastest time: ~50–60 min. Typical price: ~¥770.
• Kawagoe → Tokyo: Tobu Tojo Line or JR. Fastest time: ~30–35 min. Typical price: ¥500–770.

Day 2: Tokyo → Kamakura Explore one of Japan's ancient capitals, filled with temples, shrines, and coastal charm.

• Highlights: Great Buddha (Kotoku-in), Hasedera Temple, Komachi Street, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
• Tokyo → Kamakura: JR Yokosuka Line (direct). Fastest time: ~55 min–1 hr. Typical price: ~¥950.
• Kamakura → Tokyo: JR Yokosuka Line. Fastest time: ~1 hr. Typical price: ~¥950.

Day 3: Tokyo → Nikko Complete your cultural journey with one of Japan's most magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Highlights: Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Futarasan Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge.
• Tokyo → Nikko: Tobu Limited Express (direct from Asakusa). Fastest time: ~1 hr 50 min. Typical price: ¥3,000–4,000. Alternative: JR Tohoku Shinkansen + JR Nikko Line. Fastest time: ~1 hr 45 min–2 hr. Typical price: ¥5,500–6,500.
• Nikko → Tokyo: Tobu Limited Express or JR. Fastest time: ~1 hr 50 min. Typical price: ¥3,000–6,500.

Kanto Travel Tips & Transport Links

• Start early: Popular day-trip destinations become crowded after 10 a.m., especially on weekends and during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. If expanding northward, routes connecting via trains to Tokyo offer great linkages to the Tohoku region or out to the northern island with Hokkaido travel routes.
• Reserve Limited Express trains: Seats on the Romancecar to Hakone and Fuji Excursion trains to Kawaguchiko often sell out, particularly during peak travel periods.
• Check the weather for Mt. Fuji: Visibility changes throughout the day. Morning usually offers the best chance to see the mountain clearly.
• Consider staying overnight: Although many destinations are reachable as day trips, spending a night in Hakone or Nikko allows you to enjoy hot springs and quieter evenings after the crowds leave.
• Travel with IC cards: Cards such as Suica and PASMO are accepted on most local trains and buses throughout the Kanto region. If you're a Japan Rail Pass holder, all JR trains are included.

Essential Travel Guides

Before you travel across Kanto, make sure you know how to navigate the transport networks smoothly:

• Transit Networks: Check out the high-speed parameters of the Shinkansen or discover specific train from Tokyo to Hakone features for smooth transit.
• Inter-regional Travel: If you are planning to take a train from Tokyo to Fuji or pre-book airport transfers, compare providers on Omio.
• Private Railways: For travel during early summer or sections not covered by JR networks, look into regional coach lines like Willer Buses. If mapping an itinerary toward the Chubu region, secure your Kyoto trains or Osaka trains in advance.

Kanto Travel FAQs