Hey Reader,

Whenever I visit Tokyo, I always leave a day or two in my itinerary to take a few day trips outside the busy city.

I’ve found that these little trips allow me to experience Japanese history and culture more fully.

Below are seven places that are all doable as day trips — trust me, I’ve done them myself! And I have vlogs and guides that share my experience for each.

Here are my favorites! See which one matches your travel style. 🩵

Perfect Day Trips (about 1 hr each way)

• ​Kawagoe — a charming district known for its Edo Period architecture and legendary sweet potato street food
• ​Yokohama — a large port city with the biggest Chinatown in Japan, plus some surprisingly fun museums like the CupNoodle Museum and Ramen Museum
• ​Kamakura — a coastal city with a laid-back vibe and a retro train line that winds along the coast, stopping right at the main sightseeing spots

Longer Day Trips (about 1.5–2 hrs each way)

• ​Nikko — a stunning escape for anyone who loves nature and Japanese history, with UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines all within walking distance of each other
• ​Hakone — famous for its natural beauty and open-air museum, with some of the best chances to catch a clear view of Mount Fuji
• ​Lake Kawaguchi​/Yamanashi — one of the stunning Fuji Five Lakes, sitting right at the base of Mount Fuji, for some of the closest and most breathtaking views of Fuji-san
• ​Karuizawa — a refined resort town with world-class ski resorts and ryokans, where slowing down feels like the whole point

Until next time,

Remi

From Japan (and LA)

PS — Patreon Bonus Circle members: your exclusive Hakone deep-dive is waiting for you. ✨

Remi Shimazu Creator ​www.lifestylebyremi.com​ ​​​​​

You’re receiving this because you signed up for my Japan travel tips, grabbed one of my downloadables, or are a Patreon member.

I write Letters from Japan (and LA) once a week — a cozy space to explore Japan, culture, and life between two homes.

If you loved it, tell your friends to subscribe, or you can support my business on a monthly basis here.

If you didn’t enjoy the email, you can unsubscribe here.

To change your email or preferences, manage your profile.

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246