5 best discount train deals and rail passes for short trips from Tokyo

Where you’ll go: A historical old town in Tochigi prefecture, Nikko is popular for its Unesco World Heritage-listed shrines and temples and lush nature. The spectacular Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a particular draw beloved for its ornate architectural details, especially the ‘see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil’ monkey carvings.

The deal: The Nikko All Area Pass gets you a round-trip between Asakusa and Shimo-Imaichi, and includes unlimited rides with Tobu Railway from Shimo-Imaichi to Tobu-Nikko and Shin-Fujiwara stations for four days. It also grants you access to the Lake Chuzenji sightseeing cruise plus any Tobu Bus in Nikko. On weekends, you can even hop on the shuttle bus servicing Nikko Edomura and Nikko- Kinugawa Onsen for free.

Keep your ticket with you when you’re going around Nikko, as many attractions including the outdoor skating rink at Nikko Kirifuri Skate Center and Kosugi Hoan Museum of Art offer special discounts to those who flash the pass.

Price: ¥4,780, children ¥1,330 (Apr 20-Nov 30); ¥4,160, children ¥1,080 (Dec 1-Apr 19)

Where to buy: Tobu Tourist Information Center at Asakusa Station and our affiliate partner Klook. This pass is limited to non-Japanese passport holders (Japan’s foreign residents included). 

Where you’ll go: The mountain onsen town of Hakone is only about 90 minutes by train from central Tokyo, making it a popular weekend destination. Aside from the rejuvenating hot spring baths, this lush resort is also known for its art museums, scenic ropeway across Owakudani volcano crater, views of Mt Fuji, and the gorgeous Lake Ashi with its ‘floating’ red torii gate.

The deal: With the Hakone Freepass, you can get a round-trip ticket from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station on the Odakyu line, and unlimited rides on local public transport once you’re there. These eight services in Hakone are included in the deal: Hakone Tozan line, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (on the aforementioned Lake Ashi), Hakone Tozan Bus (in designated areas), Odakyu Highway Bus (in designated areas), Tokai Bus (in designated areas), and the Kanko Shisetsu Meguri sightseeing bus.

Price: Two-day pass from Shinjuku ¥6,100, children ¥1,100; three-day pass from Shinjuku ¥6,500, children ¥1,350. For a faster and more comfortable trip, you can upgrade to the Limited Express Romancecar train between Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto with a surcharge of ¥1,200 one way.

Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers, ticket vending machines at Odakyu line stations, and via the EMot app.