Summary
As one of Japan’s largest and most frequented cities, Kyoto attracts numerous visitors eager to appreciate the ancient capital’s remarkable temples and vibrantly adorned shrines.
Steeped in history and rich cultural heritage, the city is an essential destination when exploring Japan.
Furthermore, the influx of travelers to Kyoto is also motivated by the opportunity to discover the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding region, which is replete with cloud forests, feudal castles, picturesque ports, and an array of other unforgettable attractions.
One of the most attractive aspects of Kyoto and its location is the convenience with which one can access prime destinations within a short period, thanks to the efficiency of Japan’s bullet trains.
This informative guide serves as a starting point for planning your day trips from Kyoto.
1. Osaka Castle
Located just an hour to the south of Kyoto, whether by car or train, you will encounter another cultural jewel of Japan: the vibrant city of Osaka.
Long regarded as an essential destination due to its aesthetic appeal and extensive history, Osaka is also home to the renowned Osaka Castle.
Situated amidst flowing streams and meticulously tended bonsai trees, the castle, which is nearly 500 years old, once served as the nation’s most formidable fortress.
Offering a full day of captivating exploration, be sure to appreciate the castle’s highlights, including the exhibits within the impressive main tower and the breathtaking view from its summit.
Conclude your day with a leisurely walk around the grounds of Osaka Castle Park and a visit to the Hokoku Shrine.
2. Nara Temples
The enchanting city of Nara offers glimpses into the past, characterized by rivers and fir trees adorned with pedestrian bridges, leading to exquisite historic buildings.
Even closer to Kyoto than Osaka, reaching Nara by car is quick and convenient, making it one of the most rewarding day trips on this list due to its stunning scenery.
The day’s highlights will undoubtedly include the remarkably preserved temples, which attract visitors from around the globe.
Ensure you visit the Kofuku-ji and Tōdai-ji Temples, constructed in the 7th and 8th centuries, both of which are exceptionally impressive.
The standout feature of the Tōdai-ji Temple is undoubtedly the Hall of the Great Buddha, recognized as the largest wooden structure on the planet.
3. Nagoya
Easily accessible within 2 hours, the vibrant port city of Nagoya is recognized as a technological, cultural, and aesthetic wonder.
The city thrives on its leadership in the ceramic industry, which has led to the construction of a variety of magnificent edifices.
A noteworthy attraction is the city’s 16th-century castle, featuring a 48-meter-high tower with numerous treasures showcased in its exhibits.
Another important site is the Atsuta Shrine, astonishingly dating back to the 1st Century.
With a combination of remarkable destinations and pleasant coastal walks, Nagoya is a destination worth exploring.
4. Hiroshima
This picturesque city, with its tranquil atmosphere, stands in stark contrast to the devastation it experienced in 1945 when the first atomic bomb was detonated.
Revered as the “peace capital” of the world, Hiroshima houses numerous thought-provoking attractions that promote solidarity and emphasize that such a tragedy should never occur again.
Among the most significant sites is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which features various memorials and inscriptions.
The park itself is beautifully landscaped, transforming to a pink hue each spring due to its cherry blossom trees.
Be sure to visit the captivating Peace Memorial Museum and the Flame of Peace.
5. Miyajima – Shrine Island
Also located in Hiroshima, the stunning Shrine Island, or Miyajima, encompasses approximately 30 square kilometers of breathtaking scenery within Hiroshima Bay.
Renowned for its vibrant buildings and the Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float above the bay on raised columns, this area is truly captivating.
Visitors have ample opportunities to explore attractions, such as the Hall of a Thousand Mats and the Prayer Hall, but the true joy comes from leisurely wandering through the interconnected shrines and appreciating the area’s majestic beauty.
6. Himeji Castle
Shirasagi, more commonly known as Himeji Castle, is located less than two hours from Kyoto and resembles a scene from a Japanese graphic novel or animated fantasy.
The towering white edifice, characterized by a complex of structures built in the feudal Japanese architectural style, is truly a sight to behold.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the castle comprises over 80 buildings and expansive parklands, allowing visitors to enjoy tranquil strolls through the gardens after exploring the main keep and its winding pathways.
7. Arashiyama
Although regarded as a suburb of Kyoto, Arashiyama maintains an idyllic rural charm that feels worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Spread across scenic hills adorned with vibrant forests displaying stunning reds and golds, Arashiyama serves as a perfect escape from urban life.
Attractions include the family-friendly Iwatayama Monkey Park, where visitors can enjoy interactions with friendly primates and breathtaking views.
Another notable experience is the magnificent Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where one can stroll amidst towering bamboo stalks.
8. Kinosaki Onsen
Owing to its remote setting, it may be more advantageous to make the nearly three-hour journey by car rather than by train; however, a trip to Kinosaki Onsen justifies every minute spent traveling.
This charming town, akin to many picturesque, secluded locations near Kyoto, appears untouched by time and is situated along the stunning coast of the Sea of Japan.
Renowned for its hot springs (onsen), visitors can look forward to a day of relaxation, exploring public baths, and appreciating the preservation of traditional culture dating back to the town’s establishment in the 8th Century.
9. Kanazawa
A mere two-hour journey from Kyoto brings you to Kanazawa, a captivating historic town known for its tea houses and geisha culture, emanating an air of quiet festivity, especially at dusk when the lights illuminate the doorways and the streets fill with cheerful locals.
Highlights include the Kenroku-en Garden, recognized as one of Japan’s top three gardens, conveniently located adjacent to a beautiful castle, which also merits a visit.
10. Nagahama
Another charming locale that captivates travelers is the welcoming town of Nagahama, located just 40 minutes from Kyoto Station.
Ensure you visit the impressive Nagahama Castle, which becomes a hub of activity in spring as visitors gather to witness the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura).
If you’re there in summer, you can also enjoy the picturesque Lake Biwa, an ideal spot for relaxation.
11. Enryakuji
Overlooking Lake Biwa and accessible via a short cable car ride, the pristine region of Enryakuji presents an alpine-like area high in the hills, dotted with temples and offering some of the most breathtaking vistas in Japan.
If you enjoy hiking, consider taking the trail on Mount Hiei, which will lead you past some of the most prominent temples in the area.
Given its somewhat secluded nature, it is advisable to bring along some food for a picnic prior to making the trek.
12. Kobe
Kobe, famed for its culinary offerings, including beef and sake, has historically been a confluence of diverse cultures and gastronomic experiences.
With several museums and memorials dedicated to the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe offers a wealth of history to explore and is conveniently located less than an hour from Kyoto, making it a worthy destination.
One of the city’s highlights is its vibrant China Town, which thrives due to Kobe’s significance as a pivotal port.
If you visit during the Chinese New Year, this area is particularly lively.
13. Okayama
Home to one of Japan’s top three gardens, the tranquil town of Okayama boasts the stunning Koraku-en, which is breathtaking throughout the year, particularly in May when the cherry blossoms are at their peak.
The renowned Okayama Castle, perfectly integrated into the landscape, provides a magnificent backdrop to the meticulously maintained gardens.
14. Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle is famously recognized as one of Japan’s original 12 castles and is celebrated as a national treasure, underscoring its significance and allure.
Surrounded by a moat and picturesque bridges, this 16th-century castle retains its original keep, overlooking the shores of Lake Biwa.
The castle gardens are equally captivating, featuring a magnificent structure built in the style of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, adding to the allure of this historical site.
15. Fushimi and Uji
A visit to Kyoto would be incomplete without exploring a sake brewery, and Fushimi boasts nearly 40 breweries. Ranked second only to Kobe, it is one of the country’s premier sake-producing districts, making it an excellent destination for sampling the renowned Japanese rice wine.
The adjacent district of Uji is acclaimed for its tea cultivation, featuring surreal, vibrant green hills where tea is harvested, providing an exceptional day trip to experience both the exquisite tea and the beauty of the region.
