Filled with temples, shrines, traditional architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kyoto is known as the cultural heart of Japan. With its central location, situated right on the island of Honshu in the Kansai region, Kyoto serves as an ideal base for several day trips. 

Day trips from Kyoto are so diverse that if you don’t add at least one day trip to your solo travel itinerary, you would do an injustice to the former capital of Japan. Coastal towns, fishing villages, castles, matcha town, mountain village, lakesides, you name it, and you’ll find it around Kyoto. 

Well, talking about day trips from Kyoto always brings up two names – Nara and Osaka. On one hand, you have the infamous Deer Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. On the other, there are Osaka Castle, Dontobori, Kuromon Market, etc. 

But Kyoto day trips are not limited to Nara and Osaka. So, before you make up your mind, it’s best to weigh in your day trip options from Kyoto to lock in the most rewarding one in your itinerary. 

1. Kurashiki – Venice of Japan

The well-preserved culture and vibe of Kurashiki in Okayama take you back to old Japan. The century-old wooden houses, the canal systems of the Edo Period, and the warehouses give you a sense of the traditional feeling that most travellers crave in Kyoto. 

On a day trip to Kurashiki, your main focus area is the Bikan Quarter. And the best way to explore it is to book a boat ride through the canals. Next, head to Kurashiki Denim Street and get your hands on some Japanese denim. And don’t forget to munch on denim-themed snacks like a soft ice cream or a burger. 

Apart from these, visit Achi Shrine, peek inside Ohashi house from the Edo period, and step into British-influenced Ivy Square. And if you are a fan of Picasso, visit the Ohara Museum of Art.

How to reach Kurashiki from Kyoto: From Kyoto, take a 90-minute bullet train to Okayama. Then, catch a 15-minute train on the JR Sankyo Line to reach Kurashiki Station.

2. Kobe – Where the mountain meets the sea

Capital of the Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe is set on a hilltop that overlooks the harbor. Once a vital port city, Kobe is the perfect example of the mountain meets the sea. If you can’t choose between a mountain day trip or a coastal day trip from Kyoto, this is the day trip you should add to your plan.

First – walk through Kitano-cho to get a sense of the city. Then, take the ropeway to Mt. Rokko to explore the Nunobiki Herb Gardens. From here, go a little further to catch the Nunobiki Falls. 

Once done, visit the Ikuta Shrine, a smaller version of the Fushimi Inari. The port and harbor land are equally beautiful. But no matter how many places you check off the list, keep time in hand to taste the real wagyu. Genkichi Kobe Beef and Mouriya Sannomiyaten are two of the best places to try it.

How to reach Kobe from Kyoto: Hop on a 50-minute Hakuto train to Sannomiya Station to reach Kobe. 

3. Uji – Matcha Capital of Japan

Uji needs to be on everyone’s bucket list who is visiting Japan. Even if you are not a tea addict. I’m sure after a visit, the birthplace of matcha will change your view. Settled right between Kyoto and Nara, Uji makes for one of the most convenient day trips. 

But there’s more to Uji than just matcha. Start your trip with the 1200-year-old Mimuroto-ji Temple. Then, head to Uji’s symbol, the Byodoin Temple. The entry fee to this UNESCO site is around 700 yen. While there, walk your way to the Hoshokan Museum. Next, sample a lot of matcha treats and wrap up the day trip by walking along the Uji Riverbank or taking a scenic sunset boat ride on the Uji River.  

How to reach Uji from Kyoto: Take a train on the JR Nara Line, and you will reach Uji Station in 30 minutes. 

4. Amanohashidate – Kyoto by the Sea

8000 pine trees, a sandbar, and a protected bay area – Amanohashidate is a beautiful spot to explore in northern Kyoto. Walk or take a bike along the sandbar. Next, go up to the Amanohashidate View Land to get the entire view in one shot from the observatory. And if you are travelling during the summer season, go for a quick swim to wash off the day’s tiredness before calling it a day.   

Besides, if you like to cover a lot of places in a short time, head to Ine Funaya via a scenic train ride. At Ine Funaya, take a boat tour of the historic 400-year-old boat houses. And travel back to Kyoto after a mini-halt at Maizuru. 

How to reach Amanohashidate from Kyoto: Take a Tankai Express Bus or JR Hashidate Limited Express. It takes about 2 hours to reach Amanohashidate. 

5. Himeji-jo – The best-preserved castle in Japan

Himeji, a city in the Hyogo Prefecture, is known for Japan’s best-preserved castle. Take the north exit from Himeji Station and just walk towards the castle at a distance. In both the cherry blossom and autumn seasons, the castle comes into its full glory.

If you don’t want to rush your day trip, you can easily spend 4 hours here. Practically speaking, this can be an excellent half-day trip from Kyoto as well. Or, you can even stop here on your way to Osaka. Whichever suits you, plan your itinerary accordingly. But just don’t miss it.   

How to reach Himeji from Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, take a 45-minute bullet train to Himeji Station. 

My tips for multiple day trips from Kyoto

If you are in Kyoto for 3 or 4 days, I recommend doing multiple day trips. And the best way to do that is by purchasing the Kansai WIDE Area Pass or the JR Pass. It’s convenient and cost-effective.

Most day trips are within 1 – 2 hours, so start early to make the most of all these places. Pack light and carry enough cash for a smooth travel experience. Apart from these 5-day trips, there are many more day trips from Kyoto to Kibune, Lake Biwa – Japan’s largest lake, etc. All equally beautiful.

FAQs

Is Nara closer to Kyoto or Osaka?

Comparatively, Nara is closer to Osaka than Kyoto. From Osaka by road, Nara is about 32 kilometers away. Whereas, from Kyoto, Nara is 45.4 kilometers away.

Can you do a day trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto?

Yes, you can do a day trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto. Although challenging, with a well-planned itinerary and an early start, it is possible.

Is Lake Biwa worth visiting?

Yes, 100%. Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. You can do island hopping and fishing, take part in water sports, and explore the shoreline.

What is the Golden Route in Kyoto?

The Golden Route or the “Tokaido Route” is one of the popular routes for first-time travellers in Japan. It covers Kyoto, Osaka, Miyajima, and parts of Hiroshima to give an overall experience of Japan’s culture and history.