Which of the following places would you recommend for day trips from Tokyo? We're considering Kamarkura, Nikko, Mt. Fuji, or Kyoto. My concern with Kyoto is that we won't have enough time there to make a day trip worthwhile.
We will be in Tokyo for seven days (not including travel days) and would like to make two day trips. This will be our first trip to Japan.
Thanks!

Kyoto embodies the essense of traditional Japan and it would be a pity to miss it. But I understand it might not be "worthwhile", it would be a expensive day.

Do you undetstand that Kyoto is only 140min by Shinkansen from Tokyo station? You can easily hit the majors in just one day, albeit a long one.

For Mt. Fuji, you want to be able to time it on a good day, so need to be flexible.

I think that Kyoto is really too far for a day trip and there is too much to see in Kyoto for such a day trip. Kamakura and Nikko would make two good day trips. Consider Hakone of you want to get closer to Mt. Fuji.

Having been to Kamakura and Nikko, if you have time for one only, I would choose Nikko. I've written up a little story and posted information and pictures on my site. It really is quite magical, especially in winter.

http://www.mcdougalladventures.com/j...zen-waterfalls

I would also recommend Nikko, although I guess I am a little biased because I used to live nearby! I can honestly say that even though I have been there several times (I took visiting relatives and friends), I always returned seeing something new. There is a lot to explore in the area, especially if you're willing to do a bit of walking.
Just stop by the visitor's center when you arrive (it's on the left side of the street if you walk up the main road from either the JR or Tobu stations) and get a map of the outlying area.

tochigigaijin: Have you ever gone to Tobu World Squaare or Edo Mura in Nikko? If so, how are they? I am taking my 13 yr odl to Nikko and thought if we went to those and a few temples, it would keep her attention. She will get burned out on too many temples in one day.

Bonjour emd,

I've been to Tobu World Square years ago, and found it to be fun for a one hour stopover. It should appeal to your daughter.

Edo Mura is on my list for one of my next trips (the list is the size of a phone book ... ;-)).

I'm leaning towards Nikko and Kamakura at this point. Are these towns easy to get around on foot, or should we plan on taking a bus once we get there?
Thanks for your responses!

Kamakura is very easy on foot...start at the far end and work your way toward town. There is a long string of nice temples.

In Nikko, you will want to take a bus from the train station. I've only gone there by train, but friends say Nikko is one of those places that one day bus tours from Tokyo can be just as good, and easier than going on your own.

Or, another option would be a two day/one night trip to Kyoto. More expensive, buy Kyoto has some really special- and you'll realize, really familiar from pictures- places to visit.

In Nikko, there's a bus that goes around the major attractions. It would be easier and faster to do that.

Kamakura, there's some places where you may need to take a bus unless you have the time and am pretty fit.