5 Best Summer Day Trips from Tokyo to Escape the Heat [2025 Edition]

As a longtime resident and professional tour planner in Tokyo, I have a secret to share about surviving August: sometimes, the best way to enjoy the city is to leave it.

A quick but important note for first-time visitors: many travelers plan to follow the classic "Golden Route" from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. While this is a fantastic itinerary for other seasons, I strongly advise against it in August. The reason is simple: you'll be escaping the heat of one major city only to find yourself in another that is just as hot, if not hotter. To put it in perspective, here are the average August temperatures (2010-2024):

• Tokyo: 28.1°C (82.6°F)

• Kyoto: 27.9°C (82.2°F)

• Osaka: 29.4°C (84.9°F)

A smarter strategy is to avoid a trip that consists only of hot, urban environments.

I love the vibrant festival energy of a Tokyo summer, but I also know that feeling when the humidity becomes overwhelming. For me, and for many locals, the solution is a well-timed "cool down" trip. I'll never forget escaping a Tokyo heatwave by flying to Kushiro and feeling the cool, misty air on my skin, or the peaceful silence while riding the Yagan Railway through its stunning, untouched river valleys. These moments don't just recharge your body; they deepen your appreciation for the city when you return.

This guide is a curated collection of the best summer day trips from Tokyo, based on my expertise as a Tokyo tour planner. It includes both destinations I have a deep personal connection with, and classic retreats I confidently recommend to my clients to help them thrive during their Tokyo summer adventure.

Part 1: Classic Summer Day Trips from Tokyo

These destinations are perfect for a one-day escape to lower the temperature and refresh your senses.

1. Hakone: The Classic Mountain Resort

• The Cool Factor: With its higher altitude, dense forests, and the cool breezes from Lake Ashi, Hakone offers significant relief from the city's heat. While there is no official data from the Japan Meteorological Agency for the area, it is widely said that Hakone is generally about 5°C (9°F) cooler than central Tokyo.

• Getting There: From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station (approx. 85 minutes). The Hakone Free Pass is a great value for getting around.

• Top Summer Activities: Ride the Hakone Ropeway for mountain views, visit the beautiful Hakone Open-Air Museum, and take a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi.

2. Mount Takao: The Hiker's Quick Escape

• The Cool Factor: Just an hour from the city center, this forested mountain (599m) offers ample shade and noticeably cooler temperatures. While there isn't official data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, it is generally said that the average August temperature near the cable car's top station (Takaosan Station, at an altitude of 472m) is around 23.2°C (73.8°F).

• Getting There: A simple trip from Shinjuku Station on the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station (approx. 50 minutes).

• Top Summer Activities: Hike one of the many shady trails (or take the cable car halfway up), explore the serene Yakuoin Temple, and enjoy the seasonal beer garden at the summit with stunning views.

  

3. Nikko: Shrines, Forests, and Waterfalls

• The Cool Factor: Nestled in the mountains of Tochigi, Nikko's main attraction is its stunning temple and shrine complex set within a majestic, ancient forest. The area is also home to the cool spray of Kegon Falls and the refreshing breezes of Lake Chuzenji. The temperature difference is significant: Nikko's average August temperature is a refreshing 19.5°C (67.1°F), over 8 degrees cooler than Tokyo's 28.1°C (82.6°F) (based on 2010-2024 averages).

  

• Getting There: From Asakusa or Shinjuku, specialty express trains take you to Nikko in about 2 hours. For the journey itself, I highly recommend riding Tobu Railway's new limited express "Spacia X," which began service on July 15, 2023. Aiming for a fusion of tradition and innovation, everything about the Spacia X has been updated—its design, interior, and performance all incorporate the essence of Edo culture and elements of Nikko's artistry. The comfortable seating makes for a luxurious and pleasant trip right to the heart of Nikko.

• Top Summer Activities: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine complex, feel the cool mist from the 97-meter-high Kegon Falls, and enjoy the scenery around Lake Chuzenji.

  

• A Special Side Trip - The Yagan Railway: If you are traveling to the Nikko area, I urge you to also take a ride on the Yagan Railway. The route is lined with the untouched, natural beauty of Japan's mountains and rivers. You can enjoy fishing in the clear streams or soothe your travel fatigue in the hot springs of Yunishigawa Onsen.

  
  

  This area holds a fascinating legend of the "Heike Ochiudo," or fallen warriors of the Heike clan, who fled here after their defeat in the Genpei War (1180-1185). To hide from their pursuers and survive in this remote mountain village, they established unique customs that still remain today: they do not fly carp streamers for Children's Day, they avoid large fires (to prevent smoke), and they do not keep chickens (to avoid their telltale crows). It's a story filled with incredible history and romance, don't you think?

  
  

  I'm also proud to share that our company is a partner of the Yagan Railway. We are actively exchanging ideas to help create even better and more memorable travel experiences for our international guests.

  

Part 2: Overnight Escapes to Cooler Climates

These destinations require a bit more commitment but offer a true escape to a different climate, and they are faster to reach than you think.

4. Karuizawa: The Luxurious Highland Retreat

• The Cool Factor: This is a true summer haven. At an altitude of 1,000 meters, Karuizawa's average August temperature is a delightful 21.4°C (70.5°F), a world away from Tokyo's swelter (based on 2010-2024 averages).

• The Time Factor: While it feels distant, Karuizawa is shockingly accessible. The Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station will get you there in just over an hour. It's perfect for a luxurious day trip or a relaxing overnight stay.

• Top Summer Activities: Rent a bicycle to explore the town's leafy lanes, visit the unique, misty Shiraito Falls, and stroll down the charming Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza shopping street.

  

5. Kushiro, Hokkaido: The Ultimate Cool Escape

I must admit a personal bias here: as a graduate of Hokkaido University, the entire island holds a special place in my heart, and I've visited Kushiro many times since my university days. It’s a destination I recommend with true passion.

• The Cool Factor: For the ultimate escape from the heat, head to Hokkaido. The port city of Kushiro has a cool average August temperature of just 19.4°C (66.9°F) (based on 2010-2024 averages). In fact, Kushiro's climate is so popular that it has ranked #1 for 13 consecutive years (as of FY2023) in Hokkaido's "Chotto Kurashi" (A Little Life) trial immigration program for summer stays. You'll likely need a jacket in the evenings!

• The Time Factor: While not recommended as a single-day trip, Kushiro is a surprisingly accessible escape for a longer break. A flight from Haneda Airport to Kushiro takes just over 90 minutes, making it a fantastic and practical option for a 2-3 day trip to truly reset in a different climate.

  

A Culinary Paradise: What to Eat

With its mountains, lakes, and one of Japan's most prominent fishing ports, Kushiro is arguably one of the nation's top gourmet towns.

• Fresh Seafood: Enjoy the incredible bounty of the sea. In the nearby town of Akkeshi, you can famously eat delicious oysters even in the summer, thanks to the cool climate. Akkeshi is also renowned for its whiskey.

  

• Local Soul Food: In Kushiro City, don't miss two local inventions: Robatayaki (a style of charcoal grilling that originated here) and Supakatsu, a hearty dish of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce and a thick tonkatsu (pork cutlet).

• Bounty of the Lakes: Near Lake Akan, you can savor local delicacies like bright red himemasu (sockeye salmon) and wakasagi (smelt).

Nature & Adventure Tourism

Of course, the main draw is the vast nature of Hokkaido, and Kushiro is a famous mecca for adventure tourism. I once had the incredible experience of walking through the pristine nature around Lake Akan with a local guide. We encountered a herd of wild deer and fields of wildflowers—it was a truly moving sight.

A Special Place to Stay: Tsuruga Resort

To make your trip truly unforgettable, I highly recommend staying at a Tsuruga Resort property, based around Lake Akan. I'm proud to share that our company has a business partnership with Tsuruga Resort, and we actively exchange ideas to create the best possible experiences for international travelers.

Please, do not miss the chance to use their sauna. Sitting in the sauna while gazing out at Lake Akan and the starry sky is an experience that will undoubtedly remain a core memory for life.

By strategically placing one of these trips in the middle of your Tokyo stay, you can give yourself a welcome break from the heat and return to the city refreshed and ready for more adventures.

⬅️Ready to plan the rest of your trip? For a full guide to weather, what to pack, and more, head back to our main guide:[Return to Tokyo Travel in August: The Ultimate Guide to Festivals, Food, and Fun] 

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How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.