Visiting Tokyo during the summer can be amazing. There are non-stop festivals and fireworks displays, and who doesn’t love eating kakigouri (shaved ice) on a hot afternoon in the sun? But we also know the season can be a challenge.
Let’s be honest, the weather is tough to navigate. The high temperatures and humidity paired with Tokyo’s concrete jungle can get tiring really quickly. So sometimes you just need to escape somewhere cooler.
We’ve spent years living in Japan and taking summer day trips from Tokyo to make the most of sunshine, whilst also avoiding the worst of the heat. In this guide, I’m sharing our top 7 Tokyo day trip destinations for the warmer months, as well as how to get there and what to do once you arrive.
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Best Summer Day Trips From Tokyo
Kiyose Sunflower Festival
This is one of my favourites! Japan is known for its seasonal flower festivals, and there’s something really special about seeing 100,000 sunflowers in the middle of the Japanese countryside! It happens as a collaboration between local farmers and the Kiyose City Agricultural Landscape Preservation Association, opening the farm to the public for a short window every summer.
It’s completely free to visit, and this year, the event runs from July 18th to Sunday, July 26th. There’s a free shuttle bus to and from the farm and the nearest station, and once there, you’ll see stalls selling local products. You can get shaved ice or handmade honey lemon soda (my recommendation), and even buy a plant…although you probably can’t take it on the plane home!
Festival Website: https://www.city.kiyose.lg.jp/bunkasportskankou/shinaimidokoro/himawari.html
Opening Times: July 18th to 26th 2026
Weekdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Weekends and Holidays 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Time From Tokyo: 1 hour
How to Get There:
Start by navigating to Ikebukuro Station (on the Yamanote, Saikyo, or Shinjuku Shonan Lines). From there, catch a local train on the Ikebukuro Line for around 30 minutes, and get off at Kiyose station. You can then either walk half an hour to the farmland or catch the free shuttle bus that runs frequently throughout the day.
Enoshima
Ah, Enoshima, a staple summer day trip from Tokyo for every local Tokyo-ite. The small island, located in Sagami Bay, can be reached by walking over a short bridge and offers some pretty amazing sights. There’s a hill in the middle of the island, meaning incredible panoramic views from the top, and the best part is that even if you can’t hike upwards, there are outdoor escalators to take you almost to the top!
On Enoshima, there’s lots to do. For instance, you can stop by the many souvenir stalls or seafood restaurants, visit the caves on the far side of the island, or even take a surfing lesson and cool off in the water. There’s also a beautiful shrine worth visiting, and for art lovers, you can find the view rumoured to have inspired Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa print.
Time From Tokyo: 1 hour 30
How to Get There:
Starting from Shinagawa, catch an Express or Rapid Express train to Fujisawa Station, then change to a local train bound for Katase-Enoshima Station. From there, the walk across the bridge and onto Enoshima is a little under 20 minutes.
Karuizawa
In summer, when the heat and humidity of Tokyo become unbearable, Karuizawa is right there waiting for you, just an hour away on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Some people call it the Hamptons of Japan, where you’ll find a polished mountain resort town where even the Imperial Family has been known to vacation.
The major summer draw is the area’s cooler temperatures, but we love Karuizawa for many more reasons than just that. There’s the incredible nature, scenic views, shopping, historical buildings, and lovely riverside cafes and eateries. It’s pretty much the summer day trip town for Tokyo locals.
Time From Tokyo: Under 90 minutes by shinkansen
How to Get There:
It couldn’t be easier. Just catch the Hokuriku Shinkansen straight from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station, which takes about 70 minutes.
Okutama
If you want to get away from all the crowds and escape into nature, then Okutama is the place to go. The area runs along the Tama River, with spots to cool off and swim in the water, plenty of shady hiking routes, and the magical tranquillity of the Japanese countryside. It truly feels a whole world away from the sticky, busy streets of Tokyo, and is honestly one of the most picturesque destinations in Kanto.
For a day lounging by the river, I recommend getting off at Sawai Station. There you’ll find a selection of cute outdoor restaurants and coffee shops next to the water, and some gorgeous bridges that run across the water. You could also take the train a little further to enjoy Lake Okutama, or into the forest for longer hikes.
Time From Tokyo: 90 minutes to 2 hours
How to Get There:
Catch a Rapid Train on the Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Ome Station, then change to a Local Train and get off at any stop between Sawai and Oku-Tama Station. For more specific hiking routes, check out our guide below:
Isshiki Beach
When it comes to beaches near Tokyo, Isshiki might just come out on top. It’s the right mix of accessible without a car, but not too crowded. The water is just right, and the view? It’s spectacular. On a clear day, you can even see all the way out to Mount Fuji across the bay.
Lots of people recommend the slightly closer Zushi, but we think the extra time it takes to get to Isshiki is more than worth it. The beach has a secluded, private feel, with a few beach bars and food stops where you can enjoy some cooling refreshments. There are also showers, parasols, and beach houses, but you’ll need to pay to use them.
Time From Tokyo: 2 hours
How to Get There:
From Shinagawa Station, Yokosuka Line
Kawaguchiko
Because of its higher elevation, the climate in Kawaguchiko is always a little cooler than in Tokyo. That means a break from the stifling hot weather of the city. And that’s just one reason to visit in the summer. Beyond the weather, Kawaguchiko is best known for its incredible Mount Fuji views. It’s the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, with just the right amount of things to do for a summer day trip.
The first stop is the panoramic ropeway, which gives you some of the best Fuji views in all of Japan. There are a few attractions to enjoy at the top, and you can hike down in a little under an hour. If you’re there in June and July, there’s an amazing hydrangea garden to enjoy on the hiking trail too.
You can sail around the lake on a sightseeing tour or a paddle boat, or (my suggestion), rent bikes to cycle outside of the more touristy area and into the countryside. The cycling paths are quiet and scenic, and they’re probably the best way to see other areas without a car. You’re also not allowed to swim in Kawaguchiko Lake, but you can reach some wild swimming spots by bike to cool off.
Time From Tokyo: Around 2 hours
How to Get There:
The easiest route is to catch a highway bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal directly to Kawaguchiko Station, which takes between 90 and 120 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you could ride a Limited Express train on the Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station.
Nikko
If you’re happy to travel for a little longer for a more historic destination, then you have to think about a summer day trip to Nikko. The climate there is always a few degrees colder than in Tokyo, but the real draw is seeing the Toshogu Shrine. It’s one of the most visually stunning shrines in Japan, with intricate wood carvings, bright colours, and gold gilding.
Elsewhere in Nikko, there’s the cool Kegon Waterfall, with an elevator to take you down to the foot of the falls. You can also take a woodcarving workshop to learn to make and take home a traditional souvenir all of your own. To really make the most of summer, you have to look into canyoning or river rafting through the national park.
Time From Tokyo: Around 2 hours
How to Get There:
There are a few routes to go from Tokyo to Nikko. The newest option is that Spacia X, a premium limited express train that runs directly from Asakusa Station in Tokyo to Tobu-Nikko Station in a little under 2 hours.
Another option is to ride the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno Station for around 50 minutes to Utsunomiya, then change to the JR Nikko Line and ride for another 45 minutes to JR Nikko Station. There’s also a Limited-Express train that goes directly from Shinjuku to Tobu-Nikko Station in around 2 hours, but it only goes a few times a day.
Surviving Summer in Japan
Summer in Japan is no joke. It’s hot, humid, and exhausting…but it can also secretly be one of the best times to visit. That’s because crowds tend to be smaller during the summer months, and hotels are often cheaper than during the peak travel seasons in spring and autumn.
If you’re planning a summer trip to Japan, here are a few tips to keep you cool:
- Carry water everywhere: Convenience stores are everywhere in Japan, making it easy to stay hydrated. Sports drinks like Pocari Sweat and Aquarius are also great for replacing electrolytes after spending time outdoors.
- Take advantage of air conditioning: Shopping centres, department stores, cafés, museums, and train stations are all excellent places to escape the midday heat for a while.
- Wear lightweight clothing: Breathable fabrics like linen and moisture-wicking sportswear will keep you far more comfortable than heavy cotton. A hat and sunglasses also make a big difference.
- Bring a small towel: It might seem unusual at first, but you’ll quickly notice many people in Japan carrying a hand towel to wipe away sweat throughout the day.
- Use cooling products: Japanese drugstores sell everything from cooling body wipes and neck rings to cooling sprays and handheld fans. They’re inexpensive and surprisingly effective.
- Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or evening: Temperatures usually peak between late morning and mid-afternoon, so visit parks, shrines, and gardens early in the day, then save indoor attractions for the hottest hours.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent: The UV index can be very high in summer, and mosquitoes are common, especially near parks, rivers, and hiking trails.
With a little planning, Japan’s summer becomes much more manageable. You’ll also be rewarded with colourful summer festivals, spectacular fireworks displays, mountain escapes, and some of the country’s best seasonal food.
Get our full 14-day summer itinerary:
Summer Day Trips From Tokyo FAQs
What is the best day trip from Tokyo?
It depends! If you want the beach, we recommend Isshiki; if you want to hike, Okutama is amazing; or for history, Nikko is a very special destination.
Can you do Mount Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes! The easiest way is to take the bus from Shinjuku straight to Kawaguchiko Lake, where you’ll find spectacular Fuji views.
What are the most scenic day trips from Tokyo?
There are lots of scenic day trips from Tokyo, but one of the best is in Okutama. The Tama River runs through the area, with lush mountains in all directions, picturesque bridges, and the beautiful Lake Okutama.
