Beyond Tokyo: Top Day‑Trip Destinations in Saitama and Chiba (Real Traveler Picks)

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Currently, Hotel Reviewn by GMO is celebrating the first anniversary of our campaign with the “Speedy Japan Cross-Country Campaign.”
We received many recommendations for must-see sights and local foods from our official X posts, and we'd like to share them with you!
This time, we’ll introduce recommended spots in South Kanto. South Kanto refers to the region encompassing Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, and Saitama, and it’s packed with attractions you can easily visit on a day trip by train or car—just about an hour from Tokyo.

We hope you enjoy reading until the end✨

Daikeien (Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture)

Open 24/7! Daikeien is one of Kanto’s premier amusement spots 🎮🏎️
With go-karts, darts, a massive game center, and more, it’s like a “second dreamland” packed with entertainment!

The most popular attraction is the “Serious Go-Kart” on a full-length track. Each race is 10 laps for an intense showdown 🔥
Choose between single and double-seater karts, so even beginners or those who can't drive can join in safely!

With games for all ages, it’s perfect for friends or couples to lose track of time and have fun ✨
Whether you stop by for a quick play or an all-out gaming session, this is an adult playground you won’t want to miss!

Source: Official Daikeien (http://www.daikeien.jp/)
Address: 358 Omachi, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: By car approx. 25 min from Ichikawa IC; by train & bus from JR Motoyawata or Ichikawa-Ono Stations (check official site for weekend bus schedules) (Access Info)

White Gaura Ramen (Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture)

Sodegaura City’s specialty: White Gaura Ramen 🍜
Made with locally produced milk—one of the prefecture’s top dairy producers—this ramen features a pure white broth. Ginger removes the milk’s gaminess, and cream cheese adds a rich depth of flavor.

Four restaurants in the city each serve their own take on White Gaura Ramen. Don’t miss these creative bowls!

Source: Sodegaura City Tourism Association (https://sodegaurakanko.org/gourmet/)

Kashiya Yokocho (Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture)

Kawagoe’s famous spot where you can see, taste, and shop for sweets: Kashiya Yokocho.
About 30 traditional candy stores line this street, taking you back to your childhood.

Try handmade candy, caramel-yaki, and the popular sweet potato sticks for a delightful snacking stroll!

Don’t miss the “Japan’s Longest Brown Sugar Puffed Snack” at Matsuryoku Seika—measuring a whopping 95cm! Made with Okinawan brown sugar, its sweetness is unforgettable ✨

Also, experience candy balloon making at Edo Amezaiku Suzuki—blow candy into a round balloon shape! 🍬

For accommodation, consider Kawagoe Prince Hotel—convenient by car or train, with seasonal experiences to enjoy year-round ✨

Source: Koedo Kawagoe Web (https://koedo.or.jp/spot_003/)
Address: 2 Motomachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama 350-0062
Access: Bus from Kawagoe Station or walk ~15 min from Hon-Kawagoe Station; nearby paid parking available.

Yoshimi Hyakketsu (Yoshimi Town, Saitama Prefecture)

The “Yoshimi Hyakketsu” is an ancient horizontal cave tomb from the Kofun period, designated a national historic site in 1923.
Its wall of holes creates an eerie atmosphere, and cherry blossoms bloom on the embankment opposite in spring!

Explore remnants of WWII munitions factories and the bioluminescent “Hikari-goke” moss in this historical site.

Did you know many tokusatsu films were shot here? Imagining those scenes adds a unique charm!

Source: Yoshimi Town Office (https://www.town.yoshimi.saitama.jp/soshiki/shogaigakushuk/7/909.html)
Address: 324 Kitayoshimi, Yoshimi Town, Hiki District, Saitama Prefecture
Access: Bus from Tobu Tojo Line’s Higashi-Matsuyama Station or 5 km by car from Kan-etsu Expressway Higashi-Matsuyama IC; free parking available.

Jumangoku Manju (Saitama Prefecture)

Famous for the tagline “Delicious, Too Delicious”—Jumangoku Manju.
Enjoy the perfect balance of moist yam-flavored dough and smooth red bean paste!

Jumangoku also offers many other sweets—be sure to explore their full lineup 👀

Source: Jumangoku Fukusaya (https://www.jumangoku.co.jp/)

Chichibu (Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture)

Chichibu is dotted with hot springs, fruit farms, and renowned eateries.
In summer, enjoy river rafting in Nagatoro and flowing somen noodles; in autumn, pick grapes—there’s fun every season.

Famous for cherry blossoms, with events held—check seasonal info before you visit!

Don’t miss the “Misotsuchi Icicles,” up to 8m tall ice formations created by spring water.
Day and night illuminations offer two distinct experiences.

Source: Chichibu Tourism Association (https://www.chichibuji.gr.jp/)
Address of Misotsuchi Icicles: 4066 Otaki, Chichibu City, Saitama 369-1901
Access: Bus ~43 min from Seibu Chichibu Station or drive ~40 min via Route 140; paid parking available.

Kamakura (Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Kamakura is a beloved destination rich in history, nature, gourmet food, and scenic views 🌿
Since the Edo period, visitors have flocked to spots like Enoshima and Komachi-dori, which remain lively today.

Ride the leisurely Enoden train along the coast for a relaxing journey 🚋
Beaches like Yuigahama and Shichirigahama are within walking distance—perfect for seaside strolls 🌊

The town is full of traditional cafes, chic shops, and eateries using local Kamakura vegetables.

Parking is paid only—plan ahead, especially on weekends, and start early✨
A full day of exploration here is endlessly rewarding.

We recommend staying at Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura for a tranquil retreat after a day of sightseeing.

Enjoy the large communal bath and night snack service for a perfect end to your day.

Source: Kamakura City Tourism Association (https://cms.trip-kamakura.com/)

Sarushima (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Sarushima, an uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay just 10 minutes by ferry from Yokosuka, once served as a fortress.
Now you can freely explore the preserved historical sites.

Activities abound—immerse yourself in a fusion of history and nature!

Known as “the uninhabited island that brings the world of Laputa to life,” it’s perfect for Studio Ghibli fans ✨

Access: From Keikyu Line’s Yokosuka-Chuo Station, walk ~15 min to the ferry, then 10 min by boat.
Ferries depart hourly, making access easy.

After exploring, a 20-min drive from Yokosuka to La Vista Yokosuka Kannonzaki Terrace (Kyoritsu Resort) offers grand baths, private baths, and gourmet meals for ultimate relaxation!

Source: Sarushima Uninhabited Island (https://sarushima.jp/)

Miura Peninsula (Kanagawa Prefecture)

The Miura Peninsula, nestled between Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay, is famed for its rich nature and delicious seafood, especially Misaki tuna and Miura vegetables.

The Chiyogasaki Battery Ruins, like a scene from a Ghibli film, are also worth visiting!

With the “Misaki Maguro Kippu,” enjoy unlimited bus rides and tuna meals at partner shops—great value for a day trip!

Perfect for a spontaneous day trip—enjoy all this peninsula has to offer!

Source: Miura Tourism Guide (https://miura-info.ne.jp/sightseeing/)

Former Nakagawa Riverside Park (Sumida Ward, Tokyo)

This ward-managed park boasts about 260 cherry trees of 9 varieties along the Nakagawa River’s old banks.
Bordered by Sumida, Edogawa, and Koto Wards, it’s one of Tokyo’s premier cherry blossom spots.

By May, hydrangeas bloom—enjoy seasonal landscapes throughout the year!

A members-only dog run is also available—let your furry friend enjoy the green breeze in this riverside oasis.

Source: Sumida Tourism Site (https://visit-sumida.jp/post_location/28170/)
Access: 5-min walk from Toei Shinjuku Line’s Higashi-Ojima Station.

Introducing Tiger‑kun’s South Kanto Ver. and Tokyo Tower

As part of our first-anniversary “Japan Cross-Country Campaign,” winners receive an original Hotel Reviewn by GMO acrylic key holder ✨

Tiger‑kun sports a local costume unique to each region 👔

Summary

From major attractions to hidden local gems, South Kanto has something for everyone!

We introduced everything from the 24/7 entertainment at Daikeien, the milky White Gaura Ramen, and the nostalgic Kashiya Yokocho, to the mysterious ancient tombs of Yoshimi Hyakketsu. With seasonal highlights galore, we hope this guide helps you discover your own off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Next time, we’ll feature the Koshin region 🍇🏔️
Look forward to local specialties like houtou noodles and Shinshu soba, Yamanashi wines, and scenic spots such as Mt. Fuji’s Fifth Station, Oshino Hakkai, Kamikochi, and Matsumoto Castle. Stay tuned✨