Day Trips
Easy escapes from Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto
14 guides
Arashiyama Guide: Tenryu-ji, the Sagano Romantic Train and How to Plan Your Day
Kyoto's western hills have a famous temple garden and a scenic little train. Tenryu-ji's fees and hours, how the Sagano Romantic Train works (and when it does not run), and how to get there.
Fushimi Inari Taisha: How to Visit Kyoto's Thousand Torii Gates (Without the Crowds)
Kyoto's famous tunnels of red torii gates, five minutes by train from Kyoto Station. How to get there, how far to hike up Mt. Inari, the shrine's rules, and the best times to avoid the crowds.
Ghibli Park Tickets Explained: Premium vs Standard Passes, Prices and How to Buy
Ghibli Park near Nagoya sells timed, named tickets in advance. The Premium and Standard pass prices, which areas each covers, the monthly sale dates, and the rules about names, ID and refunds.
Himeji Castle Day Trip: New 2026 Ticket Price, Koko-en Garden and How to Get There
Japan's most beautiful original castle is an easy trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Himeji Castle's admission rose to ¥2,500 in March 2026 (under 18s are free). Tickets, hours, Koko-en Garden and a simple plan.
Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Trip: Ferry, Itsukushima Shrine and Peace Museum Costs
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Museum and the shrine island of Miyajima make a powerful day. The ferry fares, the ¥100 island visit tax, Itsukushima Shrine and ropeway prices, and the museum's ticket and hours.
Kanazawa Guide: Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle Park and the 21st Century Museum
Kanazawa is one of Japan's best-preserved castle towns, famous for Kenroku-en, one of the country's most celebrated gardens. Entry fees and hours for Kenroku-en, the castle and the 21st Century Museum, with free-entry days.
Koyasan Guide: Kongobuji Admission, Okunoin Hours and November 2026 Closures
Koyasan, the mountaintop temple town in Wakayama, has one of Japan's most atmospheric cemeteries. Kongobuji's admission fees and the common ticket, Okunoin's lantern hall hours and the viewing restrictions this November.
Kyoto Temple Hours 2026: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji and Autumn Night Openings
Opening hours for Kyoto's three most visited temples, the Kinkaku-ji ticket price, and the Kiyomizu-dera evening openings from November 21 to 30, 2026. Plus how to fit them into one day.
Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: Ticket Prices, Hours and Which to Choose
Tokyo's two tallest landmarks both have observation decks. Ticket prices for Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, the service fee for buying at the counter, opening hours, and which view suits you.
Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: The Classic Loop and the Hakone Freepass
Hot springs, a pirate ship on Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji views, all in one day from Tokyo. How to do the classic Hakone loop, what the Hakone Freepass covers, and the ropeway closures to know about this winter.
Kamakura and Enoshima Day Trip from Tokyo: Route, Passes and Entry Fees
The Great Buddha, seaside temples, a little train along the coast and an island with sunset views. How to see Kamakura and Enoshima in one day from Tokyo, which pass to buy, and what the main sights cost.
Mt. Fuji Day Trip to Lake Kawaguchiko: Train vs Bus, Bus Passes and the Ropeway
The classic Mt. Fuji views are at Lake Kawaguchiko, under two hours from Shinjuku. Train or highway bus, which local bus pass to buy, the ropeway, and how to give yourself the best chance of seeing Fuji.
Nara Day Trip from Kyoto or Osaka: Deer, the Great Buddha and Entry Fees
Friendly deer, the world's largest bronze Buddha hall and a lantern-lined shrine, all within walking distance. How to plan a Nara day trip, what Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha cost, and how to behave around the deer.
Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Toshogu Shrine, the NIKKO PASS and What It Costs
Gold-covered shrines in a cedar forest, waterfalls and a mountain lake, about two hours from Asakusa. How to plan a Nikko day trip, which NIKKO PASS to buy, and the entry fees for Toshogu.