![[2025 Latest] 13 Recommended Drive Spots in Tokyo! Introducing Everything from Classics to Scenic Hidden Gems and Date Spots](/uploads/2KLnRHmw2AY_O2glnpCO3.webp.w1920.avif)
The Best Day Trip Drive Destinations! 13 Recommended Drive Spots in Tokyo
There are plenty of recommended driving spots in Tokyo that you can reach by car.
From places where you can enjoy classic night views, to hidden gems with breathtaking scenery that aren't widely known, and even date spots perfect for couples, we have it all. Heading out to the suburbs offers plenty of areas where you can connect with nature, making them ideal for a refreshing day trip.
If you want to enjoy a Tokyo drive with friends and family, be sure to find spots that pique your interest.
The Tokyo Tower, a viewing deck enjoyable both day and night, is its charm.
Tokyo Tower, born in 1958, is a 333-meter-tall red radio tower. It is still loved today as a symbol representing Tokyo.
The two observation decks at Tokyo Tower offer panoramic views of the city. During the day, you can admire the cityscape against the blue sky, and at night, you can gaze at a magical scene enveloped in illuminations. If the weather is good, it's even said that you can see the Rainbow Bridge and Mount Fuji.
The main deck, at a height of 150 meters, also features "Skywalk Windows" with glass floors. You can experience the thrill of peering down at the cityscape below. On the top deck, at 250 meters, the LED lighting creates a fantastical experience, making you feel as if you're inside a spaceship.
Additionally, the 600-step outdoor staircase is also open on weekends only. It's said that even children can climb it in about 15 minutes, so if you want to get some exercise, be sure to give it a try.
Around Tokyo Tower, in addition to the Foot Town at its base, there are plenty of other attractions like Shiba Park and Zojoji Temple. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy the scenery or visit a classic driving spot.
Business hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price: General Admission: 1,500 yen
Access: 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Exit of Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line
"Tokyo Skytree" offers a 360-degree panoramic view from the world's tallest structure.
Tokyo Skytree is a tourist attraction known as the world's tallest broadcasting tower at 634 meters high. It's also a popular spot for dates, and in recent years, it has been visited by many tourists from both Japan and abroad.
From the Tembo Deck, 350 meters above ground, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Tokyo. A portion of the floor is transparent, offering a thrilling experience where you can also see the view directly below.
From the Tembo Corridor, 450 meters above ground, you can enjoy the view through curved glass windows. The structure is designed to allow light to enter from above, making it a welcome feature for taking bright and beautiful photos. At night, the Skytree itself is illuminated, and from the Tembo Corridor, you can experience Tokyo's stunning nightscape in an open and expansive atmosphere.
At the base of Tokyo Skytree is the shopping complex "Tokyo Solamachi," where you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping. There's also an aquarium attached, so you can spend a whole day around Skytree. If you want to enjoy spectacular views or are looking for a place to spend a long time, be sure to visit Tokyo Skytree.
Business hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Fees: [Weekdays Same-Day Tickets] Adults ¥3,500, Youths (Junior High/High School Students) ¥2,350, Children (Elementary School Students) ¥1,450
Access: 1 minute walk from Tobu Skytree Line "Tokyo Skytree Station"
The "Rainbow Bridge," where you can enjoy beautiful views of Tokyo Bay.
Rainbow Bridge is a 798-meter-long suspension bridge connecting Shibaura and Odaiba. It is officially called the "Tokyo Bay Bridge."
The Rainbow Bridge is a famous bridge that frequently appears in movies and TV dramas, and its distinctive feature is its two-tiered structure. From the Metropolitan Expressway running on the upper level, you can enjoy a breathtaking view, and on clear days, you can open your car windows and savor the Tokyo scenery along with the sea breeze.
At night, 444 illuminations begin to shine. The color of the main tower also changes with the seasons, reportedly switching to a cool white in summer and a warm white in winter. The cable section also changes color over time, cycling through white, green, and pink, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Odaiba's "Decks Tokyo Beach" has a dedicated observation deck where you can see the Rainbow Bridge and enjoy the night view. The parking is also well-equipped, making it convenient for a drive-by stop.
The Rainbow Bridge is a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy the scenery for free, and for couples seeking a romantic night view.
Business hours: 24 hours
Fee: Free
Access: A 5-minute walk from Shibaura-futo Station on the Yurikamome Line.
"Tokyo Gate Bridge," with its unique, dinosaur-like shape that is its charm
Tokyo Gate Bridge is a massive 2,618-meter-long bridge connecting Wakasu in Koto Ward and the Outer Landfill Site of the Central Breakwater. It's affectionately nicknamed the "Dinosaur Bridge" because its opposing structures resemble dinosaurs, and it's becoming a hot topic as a new landmark in Koto Ward.
Tokyo Gate Bridge is approximately three times longer than Rainbow Bridge and reaches nearly 90 meters in height. Because of this, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay from the bridge, and it's said that you can see a wide expanse from Odaiba, including Tokyo Tower and Skytree.
At night, colorful illuminations inspired by Japan's four seasons are held, and special illuminations are also featured several times a year. Night drives from the Tokyo Gate Bridge towards the Rainbow Bridge are also popular.
If you want to see the Tokyo Gate Bridge, we recommend parking your car at the nearby "Wakasu Seaside Park." From Wakasu Seaside Park, you can get a close-up view of the Tokyo Gate Bridge's unique shape. It's the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy a beautiful night view of Tokyo while driving.
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM), Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fee: Free
Access: Approximately 4km from "Shinkiba IC" on the Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route.
Jonanjima Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the sea and airplanes at the same time
Jonanjima Seaside Park is a seaside park located on Jonanjima, an artificial island facing Tokyo Bay. The park features various facilities such as observation areas, a skate park, and a dog run, and you can also enjoy auto camping and barbecues. With wooden pathways accessible to wheelchairs and a sandy beach for sand play, it's a park where people of all ages can relax and enjoy themselves.
The highlights of Jonanjima Kaihin Park are being able to see ships coming and going in Tokyo Bay and planes at Haneda Airport up close. Being close to Haneda Airport, planes pass overhead every few minutes, so aviation enthusiasts are sure to be thrilled. In fact, it's said to be a popular spot where many airplane fans visit to photograph aircraft.
Daytime barbecue is also available in the camp area with a reservation. You can also experience shell gathering on the artificial sandy beach, and relax while gazing at the sea. This is a recommended spot for those who want to be active or see airplanes up close.
Business Hours: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Charge: Free
Access: 15 minutes from the Shuto Expressway Oi Minami Exit
"Haneda Airport Terminal 2, a popular spot for its spectacular views of the airplane and Tokyo Bay."
Haneda Airport's Terminal 2 is used by domestic flights and some of ANA's international flights. It's also a spot where you can have fun even if you're not flying, with an observation deck, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
The very popular 5th-floor observation deck is divided into north and south areas, allowing visitors to enjoy both the takeoff and landing of planes and views of Tokyo Bay at the same time. On clear days, you can even see as far as Disneyland and the mountains of Boso.
As evening turns to night, the runway's guide lights illuminate like an illumination, enveloping the area in a fantastical atmosphere combined with the Tokyo Bay area's night view. The observation deck floor itself is also lit up, creating a romantic ambiance. It's even said that some couples propose here while enjoying the night scenery.
The observation deck also features restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal while watching planes, and the departure lobby on the second floor is well-stocked with souvenir shops and bento box stores, making it a spot you can enjoy all day long. It's recommended for those who want to experience a sense of travel, families with children, and couples.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Fee: Free
Access: Immediately off the Airport-Chuo Ramp on the Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route
"Higashi Ogijima Higashi Park," offering panoramic views of the factory nightscape and Tokyo Bay.
Toosenjima East Park is a park spread across Toosenjima in Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City. It features various facilities, including an artificial beach, a dog run, and a barbecue area.
From the wooden deck overlooking Tokyo Bay and the Keihin Industrial Zone, you can view airplanes at Haneda Airport and the scenery of Tokyo Bay. It's a hidden gem where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while feeling the sea, as it's not overly crowded even on weekends.
You can also get a close-up view of Tokyo Electric Power's thermal power plants, the Daishi Canal, and groups of oil-related factories, allowing you to enjoy the powerful scenery unique to an industrial zone. At night, the factory clusters are illuminated, and you can savor Kawasaki's beautiful night view of the industrial area.
Within Higashiōgishima Higashi Park, there are barbecue facilities with hearths, allowing you to enjoy a casual barbecue as long as you bring your own food and charcoal. The cooking area is also covered, making it a convenient and comfortable facility regardless of the weather, which is another great advantage.
For those who want to relax in a hidden gem of a park or casually experience barbecue, this is a must-visit.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Fee: Free
Access: Immediately after the "Higashi Ōgishima Exit" on the Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route
"Odaiba Seaside Park," featuring the Statue of Liberty and Tokyo Bay views.
Odaiba Seaside Park is a seaside park with a 2.5km stretch of sandy beach. Within the park stands a 12.5m tall Statue of Liberty, a symbolic landmark erected in 1998 to commemorate friendship between Japan and France. As various events are held from spring to autumn, it is a popular spot that is always bustling with people.
At Odaiba Beach, an artificial sandy beach, you can enjoy not only playing in the sand but also marine sports such as windsurfing and canoeing.
Odaiba Seaside Park is also known as an excellent location for photographing the Rainbow Bridge with Tokyo Tower in the background. While the daytime scenery is lovely, the park bathed in the sunset glow is truly special. At night, the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and the Ferris wheel are illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a spectacular night view representative of the Tokyo Bay area.
Odaiba Seaside Park is also equipped with a 24-hour parking lot, so you can visit without worrying about the time, even late at night. It's a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy both the romantic night view and marine activities.
Business Hours: 24 hours
Fee: Free
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from "Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station" on the Yurikamome Line.
"Tokyo Hinohara Citizen's Forest," where you can enjoy the nature of the four seasons and forest therapy.
Tokyo Hinohara Citizens' Woods is a 197-hectare forest spread across the middle slopes of Mount Mito, the highest peak in the Okutama Mountains. It is divided into five areas: "Encounter Forest," "Wild Bird Forest," "Adventure Forest," "Beech Forest," and "Life Forest," offering opportunities to enjoy the ever-changing natural scenery and encounters with various flora and fauna throughout the seasons.
The forest, thick with broadleaf trees like beech and konara oak, offers hiking courses enjoyable for everyone from beginners to advanced hikers. With courses ranging from one hour to a four-to-five-hour trek up Mount Santou, there's something for everyone, so if you're interested in hiking, definitely give it a try. Along the course, you'll see streams, waterfalls, and views of the Okutama mountain range, so you can also expect the benefits of "forest therapy" to refresh your mind and body.
Tokyo Citizens' Forest in Hinohara also hosts various events such as birdwatching, woodworking workshops, charcoal making classes, and nature observation classes. If you want to refresh from your daily fatigue or be healed by nature, please visit.
Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fee: Free
Access: 30 km via Kobu Tunnel from Uenohara IC on the Chuo Expressway
The captivating lake surface that showcases the beauty of the four seasons, "Okutama Lake."
Okutama Lake is an artificial lake created by damming the Tama River at the Okutama Dam. It supplies approximately 20% of the water used by Tokyo residents and is known as an important water source for Tokyo Metropolis.
Okutama Lake is famous as a refreshing drive destination due to its abundant natural surroundings. The sight of nature's scenery, changing with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter—reflecting on the lake's surface is truly magical.
On Lake Okutama, the "Okutama Lakeside Drive" stretching about 19km from Mitohashi Bridge to Kudoryu Bridge is a very popular driving route. From the "Tsukiyomi Parking Area 1" along the way, there's a spectacular viewpoint where you can look down on Lake Okutama. Parking Area 1 is also known as a birdwatching spot for raptors like the goshawk and golden eagle, so be sure to observe them.
This is the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy a drive surrounded by nature.
Business Hours: 24 hours
Fee: Free
Access: Approximately 1 hour by car from Ome IC
"Akatsuki Pier Park," where you can enjoy BBQ and fishing for free.
Akatsuki Wharf Park is a serene waterfront park located on the outskirts of Odaiba. With a well-maintained promenade along the sea, you can relax and enjoy the ocean views. Facing Tokyo Bay, you can watch container ships and cargo ships come and go, and because it's close to Haneda Airport, you can reportedly see planes as well, depending on the time. There are also a good number of shaded areas, making it a perfect spot for a stroll or a break.
At Akatsuki Pier Park, you can also enjoy activities like barbecues and fishing. A great point is that the barbecue area can be used for free without reservations. However, since only the space is provided, you'll need to bring your own grills, food, and tools.
In the approximately 200-meter fishing area, handrails are provided for safe fishing enjoyment. You can see the windmills of Wakasu Park and the Tokyo Gate Bridge on the opposite shore. In the evening, you can also enjoy the factory night view.
Akatsuki Wharf Park is perfect for a stop on your drive as it is fully equipped with free parking. It's an ideal spot for those who want to relax by the sea or enjoy outdoor activities.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
Access: 10 minutes from the Rinkai Fukutoshin exit of the Shuto Expressway Wangan Line
Mt. Takao (Hachioji City) offers the allure of nature and mountains conveniently close to the city center.
Mount Takao is a mountain with an elevation of 599 meters, located to the west of Tokyo. It is easily accessible from the city center and is a popular tourist destination.
A cable car operates from Kiyotaki Station at the foot of the mountain to Takaosanguchi Station midway up the mountain, making it easily accessible. From near Takaosanguchi Station, it is said that you can see Tokyo's famous sights such as Shinjuku, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree.
From the summit of Mount Takao, you can see not only the cityscapes of Hachioji and Sagamihara but also Mount Tsukuba, the Boso Peninsula, Enoshima, and even Mount Fuji. At night, you can enjoy the night view in a liberating atmosphere. The "Kasumi-dai Observatory" is fully equipped with benches, telescopes, and vending machines, making it a comfortable place to spend time.
If you're visiting Mt. Takao by car, we also recommend stopping at "Michi-no-Eki Hachioji Takiyama," Tokyo's only roadside station, along the way. It's packed with attractions, including a direct sales area selling fresh vegetables from local farmers, a food court where you can enjoy Hachioji Ramen, and a souvenir corner featuring Hachioji-brand Japanese sweets.
For those who want to casually experience a mountain atmosphere, be sure to visit Mount Takao.
Business Hours: 24 Hours
Cost: Free (if not using the cable car)
Access: 5 minutes by car from Ken-o Expressway Mt. Takao IC
"Akigawa Valley Sen-no-yu" in Akiruno City, featuring hot springs surrounded by the nature of the four seasons
Source: Sekinoyu, Akigawa Valley
Akigawa Valley Sentionoyu is a hot spring facility featuring water that gushes from 1,500 meters underground. Its alkaline nature is a point of pride, with a quality that promises beautiful skin effects. Day-use bathing is also available, making it perfect for soothing your body after a tiring drive.
The large windows of the hot spring offer a captivating view of nature that changes with the seasons, from the fresh greenery of spring, to the deep green of summer, the vibrant foliage of autumn, and the snowy landscapes of winter. You can enjoy a forest bathing experience while soaking in the hot springs, making it a perfect way to refresh both your mind and body.
At night, the open-air bath is topped by a vast starry sky, creating a magical atmosphere. You can enjoy a relaxing soak in a quiet setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Furthermore, Akigawa Valley Sekinoyu offers small, separate saunas for men and women, which is unusual for a hot spring facility. In summer, you can cool down your heated body in the cold plunge pool for an ultimate relaxation experience. The saunas are adjacent to the open-air baths, offering spectacular views.
If you want to enjoy hot springs while being healed by nature, please stop by on your way back from a drive.
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (until 10:00 PM from April to November)
Price: Adults ¥1,000, Children (elementary school) ¥500
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from the Ken-O Expressway Akiruno IC.
In conclusion
This article introduces 13 recommended driving spots in Tokyo.
From classic tourist spots in the city center to hot springs rich in nature in the suburbs, Tokyo has many places you can easily reach by car.
Find your favorite spot and try to make some driving memories on your next holiday.
