The best day trips from Tokyo with kids

There is no shortage of things to do in Tokyo – you could spend a month here and still not see it all. However, sometimes you need to take a break from the city. Or maybe you simply just want to see more. Either way, here are the best day trips from Tokyo with kids. 

Pin it for later!

Some of the links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the links. You can help support this blog by using these affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend companies that I personally use when traveling.  

Planning day trips from Tokyo with kids

The most popular day trips from Tokyo with kids have prearranged day tours you can join. Joining small group tours is great, so that you can meet new friends on your trip. 

For a more intimate experience, you can also arrange private tours for your day trip from Tokyo. Private tours allow you to see only what you want to see, and allow flexibility when traveling with young children, like babies or toddlers. 

If you prefer to make your own way, you can use your JR Pass to take the train from Tokyo to most destinations. This option offers the most flexibility for day trips with toddlers, so you can also factor in naps.  

If you will be staying near Tokyo for your entire Japan vacation with kids, check out the JR Pass West. This is a more economical option for families who will not be venturing too far, and don’t need a rail pass to cover all of Japan. 

Read next: Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) with kids

Mt Fuji & Hakone

Long considered to be a sacred mountain in both Japanese Buddhism and Shintoism, Mt Fuji has been inspiring artists and writers for centuries. Mt Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, and was also designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013 for its cultural and spiritual significance. 

Located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the city of Hakone is synonymous with Mt Fuji. Hakone is known for its natural beauty and onsen (hot springs). 

You will also find the landscape surrounding Mt Fuji to be beautiful, both in the spring during sakura (cherry blossom) season, and in the fall when the leaves change colors. This is an excellent place for nature lovers to come hike the many paths surrounding the mountain, or to simply enjoy a picnic in nature.

You’ll instantly recognize the snow capped volcano in a photo, making this a must see destination for any trip to Japan! 

The trip to Hakone will take about 1.5-2 hours, depending your mode of transportation.

💡 Pro tip: On a clear day, you can see Mt Fuji from many different buildings in Tokyo.

Best Hakone tour

This day trip to Hakone from Tokyo is perfect for kids! You’ll sail around Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, which offers great views of Mt Fuji. This is a great place to see cherry blossoms in the spring, or stunning foliage in autumn!  

For lunch, you’ll take a ramen class, including making your own noodles! 

Climb the Sakuya-Hime staircase to the Churei-to Pagoda and make your way up to the observation deck. You can also take the sloping path for an easier climb. 

Round out your trip at Oshino Hakkai, where you’ll find vendors selling fresh seasonal fruit, regional treats and souvenirs. 

Keep in mind this tour is not stroller friendly, so if you’re bringing an infant, make sure you have your baby carrier! 

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: kids that need to burn off energy running up 398 stairs

Mt Fuji, something different

Looking for something a little different to explore Mt Fuji with kids? Try this Mt Fuji Ice Cave Exploration and Sea of Trees Forest adventure. This tour is perfect for exploring more of Mt Fuji that most people miss, and is great for adventure-seeking travelers. 

• 🔢 Ages: 6+
• Best for: active kids who are interested in nature and caves

Planning your own Hakone & Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo

Use the Hakone Freepass Voucher for unlimited travel between Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto station. This pass is also valid on the famous pirate ship Royal II, the scenic ropeway and Hakone local transportation. Select your pass validity for 2- or 3-days, allowing you to see everything without being rushed! 

Alternatively, you can book individual train tickets (or use your JR Pass) from Shinjuku station to Kawaguchiko, the hometown of Mt Fuji.

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: families who want to experience Hakone at their own pace

Best Hakone experiences

⛵ You must set sail on the pirate ship, Royal II, that sails around Lake Ashi. 

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: seeing Mt Fuji from another perspective

🚠 Book the scenic ropeway to get panoramic views of the famous volcano and surrounding lakes. 

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: seeing Mt Fuji from the sky

🛁 Onsens (hot springs) are a quintessential Japan experience. Check out this coed swimsuit friendly onsen “theme park” in Hakone. Take note that children still in diapers will need to use swim diapers, and are not allowed in the swimsuit free area.

If you have tattoos, they will need to be covered by your swimsuit or a rash guard. You can purchase rash guards in the gift shop, but they will only have small sizes, so it’s best to plan ahead and bring your own.

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: kids who like hot tubs 

For more action, check out the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park! There are plenty of thrilling rides for big kids, plus plenty of activities for toddlers and babies. Fuji-Q is family fun for all ages!

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: fun activities for kids of all ages

Kamakura

Kamakura is considered to be the home of the samurai. This former Japanese capital is an excellent day trip from Tokyo for both its natural beauty and for learning more about the history of the samurai. 

Getting to Kamakura from Tokyo will take about 1-1.5 hours, depending your mode of transporation.

Best Kamakura tour

Start your Kamakura day trip at the serene Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, filled with beautifully landscaped gardens, traditional Japanese bridges and a koi pond. 

At Hase-dera Temple, you’ll find the famous statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. 

You’ll also see the colossal bronze Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple. 

Finish off your tour at Enoshima Island, a tranquil, lush island with coastal paths providing unmatched views of the Pacific Ocean. 

• 🔢 Ages: 4+
• Best for: families who need a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo

Plan your own Kamakura day trip from Tokyo

Book the Hakone Kamakura Pass for unlimited travel between Hakone and Kamakura. This pass is valid on many attractions in both Hakone and Kamakura, including the Hakone ropeway, the pirate ship cruise Royal II, and public transportation in Hakone and Kamakura.

This pass works best if you stay in Hakone. I recommend staying in the highly rated Hakone Setsugetsuka hotel! 

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: families who want to experience Kamakura at their own pace

Best Kamakura experiences

👘 Rent a kimono or yukata, and have a photoshoot in this traditional Edo town! 

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: family portraits for your holiday card

Nikko

Nikko is home to the Toshogu Shrine, the National Treasure of Japan and considered by many to be the most beautiful shrine in Japan. This town has stunning mountain landscapes, waterfalls and hiking trails. Keep your eyes peeled for wild monkeys! 

If you take the train, it’s about 1 hour to Nikko from Tokyo. On a bus, it’ll take about 1.5 hours to reach Nikko from Tokyo.

Best Nikko tour 

On this day trip to Nikko, you’ll start by visiting the Toshogu Shrine, one of the most beautiful shrines in all of Japan. 

Get into nature by stopping at Kegon Waterfall, one of the top 3 in Japan! 

Round off your trip at Lake Chuzenji, at the foot of Mt Nantai (an active volcano!).  

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: families who need a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo

Best Nikko experiences

The main attraction in Nikko is the Toshogu Shrine, so make sure you visit! 

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: families who want to see a serene, beautiful shrine 

Kawagoe

Kawagoe, nicknamed “Little Edo,” is a traditional Edo-style town about an hour from central Tokyo. At such a short distance, this is an easy half-day trip from Tokyo allowing you to see traditional Kurazukuri buildings, and shop in Candy Alley. 

From Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, it only takes about 30 minutes to reach Kawagoe!

Best Kawagoe tour

Take a private tour of Kawagoe, where you can pick your must-see spots in town, with a knowledgeable guide. 

You can easily plan your own trip by taking the train from Tokyo. 

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: anyone who wants to see a well preserved traditional Edo town

Best Kawagoe experiences

👘 Rent a kimono or yukata, and have a photoshoot in this traditional Edo town! 

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: family portraits for your holiday card

🍣 Learn to make sushi in a historical Edo house. 

• 🔢 Ages: 2+
• Best for: little chefs in the making who are brave enough to eat raw fish

Matsumoto

Matsumoto is a beautiful city famous for Matsumoto Castle, one of the 12 original castles of Japan not destroyed from war or natural disasters. This castle is also considered one of the 3 Treasures of Japan.

Although it takes 3 hours to reach Matsumoto from Tokyo, I still highly recommend making the trek to this beautiful castle.

Plan your own Matsumoto trip

Use your JR Pass to get to Matsumoto. Since this town is 3 hours from Ikebukuro station, consider staying the night at the highly rated Fukashiso Ryokan. For a budget friendly option, check out the Ryokan Matsukaze.  

•  🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: families who want a traditional Japanese ryokan experience

Best Matsumoto experiences

🏯 Make sure you see the stunning Matsumoto Castle. Remember to bring socks, as you’ll have to remove your shoes to climb the stairs. 

•  🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: families who want to see a traditionally preserved castle

⚔️ Join a small group tour of the Matsumoto Castle, then dress up like a samurai and engage in a (pretend) sword fight! 

• 🔢 Ages: 0+
• Best for: kids who want to get in on the action and feel like a real samurai

✒️ Artsy kids will enjoy a calligraphy class near the Matsumoto Castle. 

• 🔢 Ages: 3+
• Best for: creative kids who like art, or are perfecting their handwriting

Wrapping it up

There are so many day trips from Tokyo you can take with kids. Whether you want to visit the super famous Mt Fuji, or take a break from crowds in Kamakura, you are sure to find a memorable destination near Tokyo on your family vacation.

Protecting your Japan family vacation

Japan is a gorgeous island country showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. However, from earthquakes to typhoons, Mother Nature can be very unkind to the Land of the Rising Sun.

From weather to lost luggage to illness (especially with kids), make sure you protect your family vacation by getting travel insurance.

I personally use Arch RoamRight for all my travel, and recommend all my clients use the same. Get your personalized quote here!

You may also like:

• Things to do in Tokyo with babies and toddlers
• Japan shinkansen (bullet trains) with kids
• Best hotels with toddlers in Tokyo
• Apps for Japan travel with kids

Pin it for later!

Molly

Molly spent her 20’s traveling the world, mostly solo. She loves planning travel almost as much as actually traveling, and loves the added challenge of traveling with her toddler. Get to know Molly.

Follow along for wanderlust inspiration, destination guides and family travel tips. Need help planning your vacation? Let’s chat!