Day Trips from Shinagawa. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Explore Beyond Shinagawa

Many appealing locations are a short distance from Shinagawa, every one with distinct appeal. Excellent public transport and clear signage make independent exploration simple, giving you flexibility. For convenience without planning, guided tours are available.

Plan for 6-8 hours of sightseeing plus travel time for every place.

Featured Day Trips

Yokohama: Chinatown, Red Brick Warehouse, Minato Mirai. 20-30 mins from Shinagawa.
Kamakura: Great Buddha, temples, shrines. Approx. 1 hour from Shinagawa.
Enoshima: Scenic island resort with shrines, caves, Fuji views. Approx. 25 mins from Kamakura.
Kawagoe: "Little Edo" merchant town with traditional architecture. Approx. 1 hour from Shinjuku.

Nature & Culture Beyond City Limits

Experience refreshing natural settings and significant cultural sites near Shinagawa.

Natural Escapes

For a refreshing break from city life, several natural settings are accessible from Shinagawa.

Scenic Views & Reserves

Mount Takao: Hiking trails, nature park, Yakuo-in Temple.
Hakone: Lakes, volcanic action, onsen. Part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Lake Ashi: Iconic torii gate, Mount Fuji views on clear days.

Coastal & Seasonal

Enjoy seaside areas or plan your visit around natural seasonal phenomena.

Areas & Phenomena

Kamakura/Enoshima: Coastal views and beaches.
Hakone: Mountainous landscape with forests and lakes.
The blooming of cherry trees (spring): Spectacular viewing across the Kanto region.

Cultural Excursions

Historical & Spiritual Sites

Kamakura: Numerous temples and shrines for deep historical insights.
Nikko: UNESCO site featuring Toshogu Shrine (often an overnight trip).
Rural villages: Travel further afield for agricultural life experiences.
Pilgrimage sites: Temples and shrines in Kamakura and Nikko.

Multi-Day Extensions

Hakone: 1-2 nights for onsen, nature, museums, Lake Ashi cruise.
Kyoto/Osaka: 2-3 nights via Shinkansen for cultural capitals.
Fuji Five Lakes: 1-2 nights for Mount Fuji views and lake activities.
Popular Route: Tokyo, Hakone, then Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima via Shinkansen.

Travel Connections

Shinkansen Access:Fast and efficient to western Japan.
Domestic Flights:From Haneda Airport to Hokkaido or Okinawa.
IC Cards:Suica/Pasmo for local train travel.
Japan Rail Pass:Consider for longer regional travel.

Independent Travel:Straightforward with clear signage.
Organized Tours:Offer convenience without planning.
Planning Time:Allocate 6-8 hours for day trips.
Multi-Day Planning:Base on desired pace and depth.

Day Trip Planning Tip

For straightforward day trips, use your IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for train travel. For longer distances, consider purchasing specific passes. Book Day Trips & Excursions.

Itinerary Building Blocks

Kamakura

Historic city with temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha.

Mount Takao

Popular hiking destination with trails and a temple.

Hakone

Mountainous area famed for lakes, onsen, and Fuji views.

Longer Stay Options

Extended Trip Ideas

Nikko: UNESCO World Heritage site, elaborate shrines and places of worship.
Kyoto/Osaka: Japan’s cultural capitals, reachable via Shinkansen.
Fuji Five Lakes: Stunning Mount Fuji views, hot springs.

Regional Connections

Shinagawa Station provides connections for broader travel across Japan.

Transport & Routes

Shinkansen: Efficient travel to western Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima).
Domestic Flights: From Haneda Airport to Hokkaido or Okinawa.
Popular Route: Tokyo, Hakone, then Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima.

Planning Reminders

Multi-Day Itineraries:Hakone (1-2 nights), Kyoto/Osaka (2-3 nights).

Seasonal Considerations:Cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves.

Transportation:Utilize Shinkansen and domestic flights.

Flexible Travel:Independent travel simple with good public transport.

Guided Choices:Tours make travel simple without planning.

Advance Bookings:Recommend for Ghibli Museum or popular events.

Longer Stay Considerations

For stays longer than two weeks, discover specific Tokyo neighborhoods more deeply.
Engage in cultural classes like cooking or language instruction.
Discover local festivals and events as they occur during your visit.
Utilize the Japan Rail Pass for extended regional travel.
Consider destinations like Hokkaido or Okinawa for varied experiences.

Practical Information

Essential details to enhance your journey in Shinagawa and Japan.

Communication

Accessing communication services in Shinagawa is straightforward, with options for all travelers.

Staying Connected

Local SIM cards: Data-only cards are at airports, electronics stores, or online.
Internet access: Pocket Wi-Fi rentals provide reliable internet for various devices.
Language barriers: Japanese is the official language. Translation apps are highly recommended.

Daily Essentials

Business & Post

Retail shops: Opens AT 10:00-20:00/21:00; department stores 10:00/11:00-20:00.
Restaurants: Lunch FROM 11:00-14:00/15:00; Dinner from 17:00/18:00 until 22:00/23:00.
Postal services: Japan Post offices are efficient for international mailing.

Banking & Holidays

Understand banking access and how public holidays might change services.

Financial & Calendar Notes

Banks: Generally open weekdays 09:00-15:00.
ATMs: Widely available at convenience retailers and post offices, many 24/7.
Public holidays: Major periods may bring closures and crowding.

Etiquette & Norms

A brief guide to local customs for respectful interactions.

Cultural Guidelines

Greeting customs: A slight bow is customary; "Konnichiwa" is acceptable.
Appropriate attire: Smart casual; modest dress at temples/shrines.
Dining: Tipping is not customary; slurping noodles is acceptable.

Cultural Practices

Familiarity with these points will support harmonious interactions during your visit.

Photography Etiquette

Always get consent before taking pictures of people. Observe signs prohibiting photography.

Taboos & Sensitivities

Avoid sensitive political topics. Do not point with a single finger; use an open hand.

LGBTQ+ Information

Japan is a safe society. Public affection is less common. Tokyo has a LGBTQ+ community.

Communication & Planning Tip

Consider an ESIM from Airalo or a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi. Download a Language learning app like Rosetta Stone. Check specific attractions' websites for their latest operating hours and holiday schedules.

Traveler Services

services for a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.

Airport & Mobility

Lounge Access

Relax before your flight with Priority Pass access to airport lounges worldwide.

Flight Compensation

Seek compensation for flight delays or cancellations through Compensair.

Accessibility

Japan steadily enhances its infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges.

Financial Matters

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Cash Culture: Widely used, notably in smaller shops
Credit Cards: Accepted in major stores and hotels
ATMs: Available at convenience stores and post offices
Banking Hours: Weekdays 09:00-15:00 for most banks
Tipping: Not customary; avoid leaving extra money

Accessibility Details

Accessible infrastructure: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms in new buildings.
Accessible attractions: Most major landmarks feature ramps or elevators.
Accessible transportation: JR and subway lines provide accessible automobiles and priority seating.
Visual/hearing impaired services: Tactile paving and some public services information.
Resources: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) provides accessibility guides.

Phrases

Hello

Konnichiwa (Kohn-nee-chee-wah)

Thank you

Arigatou gozaimasu (Ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahss)

Excuse me/Sorry

Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-sen)

Cultural Courtesy Tip

Learn a few basic Japanese phrases. Locals welcome the effort, even if your pronunciation needs practice.

Day Trips from Shinagawa