Tokyo

Please recommend some places worth going outside/nearby Tokyo which I go for a day trip.

Thanks!

Kamakura and Nikko are the classics, but they are definately NOT off the beaten track! If you like the idea of going somewhere that very few gaijin go, I suggest a hike up Mt Takao, west of Tokyo. There are some lovley hiking trails, and a lovely temple to see at the top. I went in May and only saw 2 other gaijin the whole day, made it feel like I was getting off the beaten track a bit, which is nice!

Mt. Mitake

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014.html

and Japan's Big Buddha on Nokogiriyama. Nokogiriyama is a little harder to get to, but is well worth the trip. Here are some quick instructions on how to get there:

http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+5...

Here is more information:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Chiba_%28prefecture%29

http://buddhism.about.com/od/iconsofbuddhism/ig/Big-Bud...

Another possibility is Narita-san Temple in Narita. We made the trip an entire day and enjoyed it quite a bit.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Narita

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6401.html

Kawagoe is another possibility. Nikko is gorgeous, but depending on how much you want to see, might be better suited in 2 days or so (especially if you like hiking). But that depends on your tastes.

I have to second Kamakura, it is very accessible from Tokyo, a little less than one hour by train and no transfer on JR Yokosuka Line. I really recommend seeing Hokokuji, also known as 'the bamboo temple'-- it is not as touristy as some other places, and is quite beautiful.

Another possibility is Yokohama, for example, you could leisurely stroll through Chinatown, and then see the lovely Sankeien garden.

Info on Kamakura and Yokohama Chinatown and Sankeien are available on this site, I believe, as is Kawagoe. Happy travels

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will be reading up on it! :)