Weekend Trips From Tokyo – Feeling a little drained and cooped up in the concrete jungle? Nostalgic for those long summer days in the countryside, soaking up the rays of sunlight and listening to the sounds of the water gushing down the river? Thinking that you need a quick getaway to rejuvenate after a seemingly long few days/weeks/months of work?
Luckily for you, there are literally thousands of weekend getaway options that you can choose from. Most are easily accessible, affordable, and far away enough so that you’ll feel like you are worlds away from home.
Weekend Trips From Tokyo – 10 Amazing Hotels For A Relaxing Trip
If you’re considering planning some easy weekend trips from Tokyo, below we’ve listed our top 10 hotels for the perfect retreat. Have fun browsing and we hope you end up spoiling yourself with at least one stay!
- Hakone Retreat Villa
- Matsuzakaya Honten (Hakone)
- Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
- Minato-no Akari (Kamakura)
- The Canvas Hayama Park
- Modern Ryokan Kishi-e (Kamakura)
- Iwamotoro (Enoshima)
- Mt. Shakushi Gateway Camp (Fujiyoshida)
- Fufu Kawaguchiko
- Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort
1. Hakone Retreat Villa
Hakone is one of the best options for a weekend trip from Tokyo. It’s got a chill countryside village-esque vibe and offers plenty of hot spring options for travellers. It also boasts plenty of activities rooted in nature, and some of its viewpoints are the best you’ll come across.
Because it is an onsen resort village, majority of its accommodation are ryokans, offering either private onsen within each room, public onsen for guests to utilise, or both. Either way, they offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life, and you literally can soak yourself in the hot spring all weekend long if you’d like.
The Hakone Retreat Villa is a premium 4-star ryokan option that’s particularly special for couples. There is special emphasis placed on wellness here, and all rooms at this villa come with a private hot spring bath. Set deep in the forest, the wooden aesthetic of this ryokan is sure to induce a wave of calm and nostalgia in all visitors.
All guest rooms and common rooms are spacious and inviting, and if you’re visiting in winter, make sure to make use of the fireplace – it’ll transport you to another world.
Guest Tips: It’s located right near a bus stop so if you don’t have a car, this is a great option.
Book It Now: Hakone Retreat Villa >>
2. Matsuzakaya Honten (Hakone)
Described as the ultimate couple’s getaway, the Matsuzakaya Honten ryokan is one of the finest accommodation options you can select. Offering a variety of guest rooms for all types of travellers, the ryokan leaves nothing to the imagination.
Even if you select the more affordable room without the private open-air onsen bath, there are stunning public outdoor onsen baths onsite that can be booked and used by all guests.
If you plan to never leave the place, rest-assured, you’ll have everything at your fingertips here. Indulge in a beautiful breakfast spread, an onsite restaurant, and even a bar you can lounge and relax at when you want to escape your comfortable room for a bit.
Guest Tips: If you’re visiting in winter, make sure you use the outdoor onsen at least once – it’s stunning
Book It Now: Matsuzakaya Honten >>
3. Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
For the ultimate mix of modern and traditional Japanese aesthetics, the Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori is the perfect choice. Whilst the majority of the guest rooms offer beds that are incredibly comfortable, there are still options for luxurious rooms which also provide equally comfortable futon bedding for the added experience.
Most rooms will be fitted with wooden floorboards however you can also book the rarer deluxe room for the tatami resting area if you’re after a more traditional experience.
There are also certain rooms that boast private open-air onsen baths as well as a communal onsen. If you’re after spectacular views, then this is your pick. Guestrooms offer either soothing views of the mountains or relaxing views of the lake.
Book in a massage during your stay, wear your beautiful yukata to breakfast and dinner, and trek only a short distance to surrounding attractions.
Guest Tips: Shuttle bus leaves from Odawara Station at 11:15am, 2:15m, and 4:45pm to the hotel, and you’ll need to make a reservation. Save room in your stomach for dessert during dinnertime.
Book It Now: Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori >>
If you are looking for more traditional inns recommendation in Hakone, you can also check out this blog post: Best Ryokan in Hakone with Private Onsen.
4. Minato-no Akari (Kamakura)
Many people will be familiar with Kamakura, the coastal town in Kanagawa that’s also one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. The nearby smaller seaside town of Hayama doesn’t get as much rep unfortunately.
Amongst locals, however, it’s actually quite an in-demand summer getaway option that’s easily accessible and fun. Hayama is known as a great destination for surfers, foodies who like quaint eateries and exploring small local shops, and adventurers who enjoy hiking beautiful mystic mountains.
The quaint Minato-no Akari villa located along the Hayama coast. It is a rustic and affordable option for those who want a comfortable stay in an aesthetic accommodation that values comfort above all else. Featuring sea and mountain views, the villa boasts an onsite bar, free Wi-Fi, room service, and comfortable common areas to lounge in.
It’s literally right by the sea so all you need to do is exit the accommodation and you’ll feel the sea breeze on your face. You will notice the crowd is usually full of domestic Japanese tourists. It’s truly one of the most relaxing and authentic stays you can experience.
Guest Tips: If you stick around for sunset, settle into the roof terrace and watch it set behind Mount Fuji – spectacular.
Book It Now: Minato-no Akari >>
5. The Canvas Hayama Park
If you’re looking for a home away from home (that is, if your home is a beautiful villa-like architectural beauty that perpetually looks as though it’s been styled by a professional), then the Canvas Hayama Park is the perfect getaway.
This unique set accommodation offers what most places in Japan don’t – extremely spacious space all around the property. From the modern bedrooms that offer floor to ceiling glass sliding doors, to the beautifully furnished living and dining spaces with tall ceilings, you’ll be surprised by how much room you’ll have.
An added comfort would be the well-appointed kitchens equipped with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. Surrounding activities include snorkelling, windsurfing, and yoga at the beach.
It’s perfect for a weekend trip from Tokyo, but it can be so much more if you want it to be.
Guest Tips: It’s accessible via public transport, but having a car would be best as the walk to the beach is around 15-20 minutes. There is a park and a supermarket nearby.
Book It Now: The Canvas Hayama Park >>
6. Modern Ryokan Kishi-ke (Kamakura)
Described as a modern ryokan B&B, Modern Ryokan Kishi-ke offers an irreplaceable ambience that money can’t buy. The guestrooms are especially outstanding: traditional tatami mat flooring enhanced by beautiful timber furnishing, with an adjoined rustic yet modern kitchen to round off the room.
There are wide open windows in all rooms which let in beautiful afternoon lighting, perfect for napping and relaxation. The aesthetics of this accommodation is honestly next level. It’s truly something of magic.
Book It Now: Modern Ryokan Kishi-ke >>
7. Iwamotoro (Enoshima)
For a different type of onsen bathing experience, you might want to give Iwamotoro in Enoshima a go. Though rated as 2-stars, Iwamotoro looks and feels much more premium.
It offers two thoroughly different types of onsen baths for its guests: one built to resemble a rather huge ancient European style bathhouse, and other is a smaller onsen located within a cave.
Even if you’re not an early riser, we recommend waking up for the sunrise as the view from the rooms look directly at Mount Fuji and the break of dawn is just breathtaking.
During the warmer season, there is a massive outdoor pool that’s open to all guests which offers its swimmers spectacular views of the ocean. This is an excellent option for families for its convenient location, affordability and activities and attractions.
Guest Tips: Enoshima Spa is only 2-minute away so if you’re looking for variety, explore the onsite onsen baths first and then make your way there.
Book It Now: Iwamotoro >>
For more travel tips, you can also read our full travel guide about Enoshima island.
8. Mt. Shakushi Gateway Camp (Fujiyoshida)
The Yamanashi region has always been a popular option for a quick getaway from Tokyo. The biggest draw here would obviously be to catch a glimpse and some photographic memories of the magnificent Mount Fuji. There are a plethora of activities and other attractions that also never fail to attract crowds during all times of the year.
If you’re looking for an adventurous and never-done-before getaway experience, then the Mt. Shukashi Gateway Camp is the perfect option. It’s technically classified as camping, however, it’s set up on the most glamourous site you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
The guest-tents are actually high-quality domes that offer spectacular views of the night sky. They are surprisingly spacious, and you can even book a luxury dome tent for up to four guests.
The most exquisite component, though, has got to be the private onsen bath that you get access to whilst there. The most you’ll do here is admire the beautiful view and breathe in the fresh air – it’s the perfect getaway for rejuvenation.
Guest Tips: Stay up at night for the views, as it’s seriously one-of-a-kind. The shower and toilet facilities are shared, however since there are only a handful of domes, it will never get crowded.
Book It Now: Mt. Shakushi Gateway Camp >>
If you are looking for similar accommodation, feel free to check out this blog post: Glamping in Japan.
9. Fufu Kawaguchiko
For the ultimate mountainous getaway from Tokyo, look no further than Fufu Kawaguchiko. This luxury cabin-like accommodation features gorgeous timber architecture, with all rooms furnished in spectacular opulence. It’s built on the mountains offering stunning views of the lake and Mount Fuji.
In winter, relax in the warmth of the fire, and in summer, feel the breeze underneath the trees. There is a dedicated wellness area at the accommodation which boasts a hot spring bath and a sauna. Guests can book a massage service if they’d like. Best of all, all rooms come with a private open-air onsen for added comfort and luxury.
Guest Tips: It’s located amongst local villages, so if you have time, make use of the free bike hire and head out for some exercise and exploring.
Book It Now: Fufu Kawaguchiko >>
10. Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort
Some people might say we saved the best for last. We say that if a 5-star hotel which is almost the epitome of a grand modern-day castle fit for royalty is what you consider the best, then yes, that’s what we’re rounding off this list with.
Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort is located in the relatively affluent resort village of Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture. Domestic tourists favour this area due to its cooler climate during the warmer months, and also for the variety of activities on offer here, such as hiking, cycling, skiing, and ice skating.
This particular hotel is bound to impress even the most cynical traveler. It’s a huge resort that offers just about all types of guestrooms depending on your budget and needs, It also boasts a bar, cafe and an onsite Michelin-star restaurant, separate fitness and spa facilities with onsen baths, and a magnificent buffet breakfast spread.
The decor can only be described as grandeur; think chandeliers, fireplaces, marble sinks, and ambient lighting; think Beauty and the Beast. Aside from the beauty of the property, it’s location is fantastic.
It’s situated only 7km from the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, 1.6km away from the beautiful Karuizawa Lake Garden, and 12.7km from the popular Shiraito Falls.
Book It Now: Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort >>
We won’t be surprised if you’ve just finished reading this article and decided, “What the hey, I’ll book out the rest of the weekends in the year and stay at every single one of these spectacular hotels.” Who can blame you, when even the ‘camping’ option is as glamorous as staying at a resort?
Whether you’re stressed out and just need a quick breather, are looking for a different weekend getaway experience, or just have the travel bug and want to get out of the city, there’s at least nine choices on this list that will make the perfect trip.