A quick zip on the train to the south brings you to Yokohama, a pretty port city with international flavor. You’ll find Japan’s largest Chinatown, with about 500 shops and restaurants. Ramen lovers can head to the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama, an ode to the beloved instant noodles invented by Momofuku Ando in the 1950s. If that’s not enough of a ramen fix, head to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum to learn about ramen history.

If you’re interested in historic towns near Tokyo, look no further than Odawara, a castle town only 30 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen. Odawara Castle, established in the 15th century, is the main draw, but you’ll also find the Samurai Museum and the Ninja Museum. Study the swish of a steel sword, see the beetle-like armor of samurai warriors, and perfect your stealth as you learn about ninja techniques.

About 30 minutes further south from Odawara using the Odakyu Romance Car (an hour in total from Tokyo), is the hot spring resort town of Hakone. Dozens of hot spring inns are peppered through the area, and there are several that allow day-trip visitors for a soothing mineral soak. When you’re done bathing, check out hillside installations at the Hakone Open-Air Museum or take a stroll along the placid Lake Ashi.

Families will likely have Tokyo Disneyland® on their Tokyo day trip itinerary. Despite its name, Tokyo Disneyland® and DisneySea® are not within Tokyo city limits, but just outside the city in neighboring Chiba. Only 20 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Keiyo Line, the twin parks offer many of the classic attractions like Splash Mountain and It’s a Small World, as well as Tokyo-only attractions such as Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage.

For a true change of pace, one of the best day trips from Tokyo is Kamakura. Japan’s capital from 1185–1333, the small city is bursting with Buddhist temples, leafy neighborhoods, and nature hikes in the hills that climb out of the sea. It’s only about an hour from Tokyo by train, or jump on a bus tour. Highlights include the Daibutsu, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and the cute pedestrian-only shopping street Komachi-dori, stuffed with soft-serve ice cream stands and souvenir sellers.

For a taste of what Tokyo used to look like before it was covered in concrete and steel, head to Kawagoe, a small city located only 30 minutes from Ikebukuro on the Tobu Tojo Line. Known as Little Edo, the historic wooden buildings, old-timey snacks, and arts and crafts experiences make for an excellent cultural day trip from Tokyo. Be sure to sample the hand-pulled candies and pickled cucumbers on a stick.

A town made for day trippers, Enoshima is Tokyo’s answer to the Jersey shore: crowded, touristy, and fun. If you’re looking for a seaside day trip from Tokyo, Enoshima is only a few minutes from Kamakura and just over an hour by train from Tokyo. The beach side is filled with frolicking bathers, while on the small island offshore, visitors explore tide pools, amble up to scenic lookouts for Fuji views, and eat at one of the many seafood shacks.

Like Mt. Takao, Mt. Mitake is also within Greater Tokyo city limits in Ome City, making it a fantastic choice for a nature day trip in Tokyo. About 90 minutes from Shinjuku Station, the quieter, less popular cousin to Takao is nevertheless well served by a steep funicular railway and chairlift that can take hikers most of the way up the mountain. Those that make final hike to the 3048-foot summit will be rewarded with a visit to the venerable Musashi Mitake Shrine and accompanying rock garden.