To get away from the busy and fast-paced Tokyo life, taking a couple of day trips to nearby cities is highly recommended. The following are five popular side trips from Tokyo:

Kamakura

Known for the 13.35 metre tall bronze statue of Amida Buddha, Kamakura is an old coastal city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than one hour from Tokyo. It is also home to several other ancient temples, such as Hasedera Temple, Hokokuji Temple, Kenchoji Temple and Jomyoji Temple. Local and foreign tourists also flock to Kamakura for its white sand beaches, the perfect place to surf and swim.

Yokohama

The capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama is known for the Ramen Museum, which features a wide variety of ramen noodle dishes, toppings and soups used throughout Japanese history; the Yokohama Chinatown, which is the largest in the country and home to numerous Chinese restaurants and stores; the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, which is one of Japan’s most famous amusement parks and features a diverse collection of marine life including sea lions, polar bears, giant turtles, dolphins, seals and sea otters; and  the Sankeien Garden, which is a century-old Japanese style garden with many buildings, trails, rivers and tea houses.

Nikko

Connected to Tokyo by the JR and Tobu Railway networks (with a travel time of less than two hours), Nikko is a historic town that is best known for the Toshogu Shrine, a very lavishly adorned mausoleum of Tokugawa Shogunate founder, Tokugawa Ieyasu. It offers many scenic hiking trails that lead to the various Tokugawa family shrines (from Toshogu to Taiyuinbyo), as well as to the city’s other significant landmarks such as the Rinnoji Temple and the Futarasan Shrine.

Kawaguchiko

For great views of Mount Fuji, allow at least one day to visit Kawaguchiko. A little under two hours by bus, travelling from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station, it offers a variety of attractions such as museums —- Kubota Itchiku Museum, Kawaguchiko Music Forest, Kawaguchiko Museum of Art, and Herb Hall; hot springs and baths —- Kaiun no Yu, Tensui Kawaguchiko, and Hotel Mifujien; and the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, which provides fantastic photographic opportunities of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji.

Kawagoe

From central Tokyo, Kawagoe is approximately 30 minutes away by train. Dubbed “Little Edo”, the town’s primary street is lined with old structures that are reminiscent of the Edo Period. Among its most notable attractions are the Honmaru Goten, Warehouse District, Kitain Temple, City Museum and Candy Alley.