In the largest metropolitan city in the world with one of the best public transportation systems, Tokyo is practically begging you to leave the hustle and bustle once in awhile and hop on a train to somewhere new. Where are the best summer day trips from the city center? Awesome Tokyo has the scoop.


*Directions from Tokyo Station

Isshiki Beach - Kanagawa 

What could possibly be a better option than a recommendation from the Emperor, himself? According to CNN, the Emperor has used a villa at this beach since 1894 as a winter holiday house. It is much less crowded than beaches closer to Zushi and many people enjoy its cool, mature vibe. Stay just for the day or spend the night at one of the beach bungalows. On the list of 100 of the World’s Best Beaches!

Travel Time: About 75 minutes

Directions:
TOKYO JR Yokosuka Line bound for ZUSHI
Get off at ZUSHI 
Walk to Keikyu Bus outside of ZUSHI STATION
At Bus Stop 3 take the #12 bus to HAYAMA 
Get off at ISSHIKI KAIGAN


The 5 most picturesque beaches for Tokyo day-trippers | CNN Travel

Onjuku Beach - Chiba

A personal favorite of this Awesome Tokyo writer, Onjuku beach has gorgeous white sand akin to what you would find on private resorts. It is a little bit farther away than the first beach but well worth it with beautiful rolling waves (great for surfers!) and just an 11-minute walk from the station. A cute addition to this beach are two camel statues that welcome you before you hit the shore.

Travel Time: About 115 minutes.

Directions:
TOKYO JR Keiyo Rapid Line bound for SOGA
Get off at SOGA 
Take JR Sotobo line bound for AWA-KAMOGAWA
Get off at ONJUKU Station

Enoshima - Kanagawa

Enoshima is more than just a beach getaway, it’s a chance to experience a local community unique to Japanese culture. There are three different shrines, natural caves visitors can climb through and relaxing hot springs. You can also get a great view of Mt. Fuji from the Enoshima Sea Candle, which is 60 meters tall. Or, you can watch a dolphin show at the Enoshima Aquarium.

Travel Time: Around 70 minutes

Directions:
TOKYO JR Tokaido Line bound for ATAMI 
Get off at FUJISAWA 
Take the Enoshima Electric Railway bound for KAMAKURA
Get off at ENOSHIMA

Oarai Beach - Ibaraki

If you have a little more money or time to spare, this beach is a great option to get off the grid and into nature. Many anime fans know this place as the set of “Girls und Panzer”. A beautiful shrine archway sits perched on a large rock above the ocean, and visitors can enjoy camping outside or staying in a nice hotel close to the ocean shore. If you have some change to spare, you can take a limited express HITATCHI train and get there in about an hour and a half. (This costs around 4,000 yen one way) or, you can take the local train and it’ll cost about 1,500 yen less).
ガールズ＆パンツァー(GIRLS und PANZER)｜公式サイト




Travel Time for LIMITED EXPRESS: Around 90 minutes

Directions for LIMITED EXPRESS:
TOKYO LTD. EXPRESS HITATCHI
Get off at MITO (Ibaraki)
Take the Kashima Rinkai Railway bound for OARAI
Get off at OARAI

Travel Time for local train: Around 2 ½ - 3 hours

TOKYO JR Yamanote Line (Inner Loop) bound for OSAKI
Get off at NIPPORI
Take the JR Joban Line bound for MITO
Take the Kashima Rinkai Railway bound for OARAI
Get off at OARAI



These are just a select few of the wonderful paradises you can escape to on a long weekend while you’re in the city! We hope that you get out there and enjoy all that Japan’s summer has to offer.