Day Trips from Suginami. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Many of Tokyo's iconic districts and charming neighboring cities are just a short train ride away from Suginami.

Shinjuku (新宿) is a major entertainment, business, and shopping hub, a 10-15 minute JR Chuo Line ride away.

Shinjuku Highlights

Direct via JR Chuo Line (Rapid) from Koenji, Asagaya, or Ogikubo.
Explore major entertainment and business areas.
Vast opportunities to shop.
Dynamic nightlife options.

More Nearby Cities

Beyond Shinjuku, other districts await your visit.

Shibuya 渋谷

Shibuya is renowned for its iconic Shibuya Crossing, the Hachiko statue, trendy fashion, and youth culture.

Attractions

Shibuya Sky observation deck.
Shopping centers like Shibuya 109.
Dynamic nightlife experiences.

Harajuku 原宿

Harajuku is known for Takeshita Street, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the expansive Yoyogi Park.

Harajuku Highlights

Explore the unique fashion scene on Takeshita Street.
Find peace at Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Unwind in the expansive Yoyogi Park.

Local Neighborhood Gems

Kichijoji 吉祥寺

Consistently ranks as a desirable place to live.
Home to Inokashira Green space (Ghibli Museum nearby).
A lively shopping street.
Numerous cafes and restaurants.

Nakano 中野

Home to Nakano Broadway.
Famous for anime, manga, and idol merchandise.
Explore specialized retailers for unique pop culture items.
One stop east of Koenji on the JR Chuo Line.

Travel Times from Suginami

Shinjuku10-15 minutes
Shibuya20-25 minutes
Harajuku20-25 minutes
Kichijoji5-10 minutes

Nakano2-5 minutes
Mount TakaoApprox. 1 hour
KamakuraApprox. 1 hour (from Shinjuku)
Hakone1.5-2 hours (from Shinjuku)

Travel Planning Tip

When planning a day trip, check the train schedules carefully for both outbound and return journeys. This avoids missing the last train back to Suginami.

Natural Escapes

For a break from the urban environment, several natural attractions are within easy reach.

Mount Takao

A popular and accessible mountain with hiking trails, a cable car, and temple.

Inokashira Park

A large park in Kichijoji featuring a beautiful pond and the Ghibli Museum.

Urban Green Spaces

Suginami has community parks like Zempukuji and Wadabori for tranquil strolls.

Mount Takao Activities

Enjoy various trails or a scenic ride up the mountain.

Explore the Mountain

Several hiking trails from easy to challenging.
Visit a historic temple on the slopes.
Access via cable car or chair lift.

Inokashira Park Features

A relaxing park experience with diverse attractions.

Park Highlights

Rent paddle boats on the scenic pond.
Extensive walking paths for a leisurely stroll.
A small zoo suitable for families.

Nature Facts

Mount Takao Altitude599 meters

Inokashira Green space Size38 hectares

Travel Time to Takao~1 hour from Suginami

Views from TakaoTokyo & Mount Fuji (clear days)

Ghibli Museum LocationWithin Inokashira Park

Best forHiking & Relaxation

Nature Exploration Advice

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking or hiking.
Check weather conditions before you go out, especially for mountain trips.
Carry water and snacks, notably for longer excursions.
Respect the natural environment; leave no trace.
Book Ghibli Museum booking tickets early if planning to visit.

Cultural Excursions

Expand your cultural exploration with day trips to historical and spiritual sites outside the immediate Suginami area.

Kamakura 鎌倉

A historic coastal town, often called the "Kyoto of Eastern Japan." Kamakura is known for its Great Buddha and numerous ancient temples.

Kamakura Highlights

The iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu).
Ancient temples like Hasedera Temple.
Beautiful coastal beaches.

Hakone 箱根

A mountainous resort town famous for hot springs, stunning views of Mount Fuji (on clear days), and Lake Ashi.

Hakone Attractions

Enjoy traditional hot springs (onsen).
Views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.
Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Nikko 日光

An UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Jinja Shrine, and Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum.

Nikko Highlights

Toshogu Shrine's intricate carvings and gold leaf.
Visit Futarasan Jinja Shrine.
Explore Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum.

Cultural Insights

Japan's rich history and spiritual traditions are easily accessible from Suginami.

Discover the feudal history of Kamakura.
Appreciate the artistry of Nikko's shrines.
Experience the serene nature of Hakone.

Nikko Transportation

Nikko is about two hours from Shinjuku or Asakusa by train.

JR Route

JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku/Tokyo, then JR train to Utsunomiya, transfer to JR Nikko Line.

Tobu Railway

From Asakusa (accessible via Tokyo Metro from Suginami) direct to Tobu Nikko Station.

General Tip

Consider a GetYourGuide day tour for a structured visit.

Travel Planning for Day Trips

Allocate sufficient travel time for each destination. Look into Hakone Free A pass or other regional passes for value.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, consider extending your trip to other regions of Japan, easily accessible from Tokyo.

Beyond Tokyo

1

Kyoto/Osaka

These iconic cities are easily accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo (2.5-3 hours). Explore ancient temples, traditional gardens, and city life.

2

Nagoya/Kanazawa

Also accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Kanazawa is famous for its samurai and geisha districts, and Kenrokuen Garden. Nagoya features Nagoya Castle.

3

Next Destinations

Consider combining your Tokyo trip with a visit to from Japan Alps for hiking or winter sports, or the Tohoku region because of its natural beauty.

Kyoto & Osaka Itinerary

Kyoto offers ancient temples, traditional gardens, and geisha districts.
Transportation to Kyoto: JR Chuo Line to Tokyo Station, then Tokaido Shinkansen.
Suggested: 2-3 days in Kyoto, then 1-2 days in Osaka.
Osaka features Dotonbori's food scene and Osaka Castle.
Consider a GetYourGuide experience in Kyoto.
Book your Shinkansen tickets in advance for smooth travel.

Kanazawa & Nagoya Itinerary

Kanazawa is known for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts.
Kenrokuen Garden is one of The land of the rising sun's "Three Great Gardens."
Transportation to Kanazawa: JR Chuo Line to Tokyo Station, then Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Nagoya is a major industrial city with Nagoya Castle.
Suggested: A 2-3 day trip to Kanazawa for thorough exploration.
Nagoya can be a stopover or a shorter visit.

Regional Travel Planning

Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass (GetYourGuide also features travel passes) offers value for extensive multi-day travel. Purchase by eligible tourists before arrival.

Maximizing Value

Plan your route to make the most of the pass for long-distance journeys. Short trips around Tokyo may not warrant it.

Beyond Major Cities

The pass could require you to scenic territories like the Japanese Alps for beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.

JR Pass Consideration

The Japan Rail Pass can be a great investment for extensive multi-day travel, but it needs careful planning to maximize its value.

Day Trips from Suginami