9 Best Amazing Day Trip To Explore from Kyoto

Situated in the center of the Honshu Island. Kyoto makes an excellent starting point for enjoyable day travels to some of the most popular destinations in Japan. Kyoto, one of the biggest and most popular cities in the nation. It well-served by Japan’s first-rate high-speed rail system, which can transport passengers swiftly and comfortably almost anywhere in the country. If you rather drive, Japan has a great network of highways.

Just over two hours’ driving east, or 1.5 hours by rail, will get you to Nagoya, a fascinating place to visit. For day-trippers, the train a good option because it drops you off in the heart of the city. Where most attractions and must-do activities are conveniently located for easy walking access.

A slightly longer excursion to Hiroshima to see the somber museums and monuments commemorating. The city’s tragedy upon the dropping of the first atomic bomb in 1945 another simple day trip idea. The family-run eateries and tea shops in Kanazawa are a must-visit for anyone. Looking to experience a little bit of traditional Japanese culture in a smaller, less crowded setting.

Whichever route you choose, make sure to use our list of the best day tours from Kyoto to organize your sightseeing excursions.

Best Day Trips from Kyoto

Below are the palces:

1. Nara,Kyoto

Driving is the greatest way to explore the charming medieval city of Nara. It even closer to Kyoto than Osaka. Better to take into consideration visiting the city as part of an organized tour. Given its relatively remote (by Japanese standards) location.

Once there, you explore the finest shrines and temples in the region in addition to the ancient Nijo Castle. With so many beautiful old buildings and streets that seem to have stood the test of time. Nara is one of the most visited cities in the nation, so ready for crowds. However, it’s all worthwhile, particularly since you’ll get to view some of the most significant national treasures and artwork in the nation.

Kofuku-ji Temple (7th century) and Tōdai-ji (8th century). The latter noted for its enormous statue of the Great Buddha dated from 749 CE. Two more magnificent ancient temples worth visiting. Tōdai-ji’s remarkable Great South Gate, with its numerous columns and enormous eight-meter-tall sculptures guarding the temple entrance. And the enormous Hall of the Great Buddha, the biggest timber building in the world. Are further elements that contribute to its popularity.

Take advantage of these and other fantastic areas of interest by booking a formal trip, like the Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto. This great choice also includes a visit to Nijo Castle and the well-known deer park in Nara. A traditional Japanese lunch and all entrances are included, as is the use of an English language guide.

2. Osaka, Kyoto

Because it is so close to Kyoto, the beautiful old city of Osaka can be the ideal day excursion from Kyoto. Considered the capital of Japanese culture for a long time. Osaka is about an hour’s drive or train ride south of Kyoto and offers plenty of worthwhile activities and sites.

The most well-known landmark in the city is unquestionably Osaka Castle (Ōsaka-jō). Constructed in 1586, it stood as the nation’s most powerful stronghold for decades. Be ready to explore this expansive property for at least 30 minutes, since there is a lot to see and do.

A noteworthy feature is the 42-meter-tall main tower, which offers impressive views and historical exhibitions about the castle’s past, including a substantial collection of historically significant armor and weapons.

Don’t forget to visit Hokoku Shrine at the nearby Osaka Castle Park. Worth seeing is the even older Shitennō-ji, which dates to 59 CE.

If your schedule is flexible, think about going in the fall or winter. In addition to avoiding the crowds, you may take in the stunning scenery while it’s covered in snow or surrounded by vibrant fall foliage.

3. Pacific Port City Nagoya:

Easily reached by train from Kyoto. Nagoya’s bustling port is a must-see destination that takes some time to visit, lasting about 1.5 hours. Nagoya is a major manufacturing city and has always been so because of its expansive natural harbor. Its pottery industry, which dates to the 12th century, has made it especially well-known. In fact, the city’s fascinating factory tours and workshops are the main draws for many tourists.

Due to its economic prosperity, numerous grand buildings created. Including its 16th-century castle, which entirely restored following World War II. The 48-meter-tall main tower, with its exquisite, gilded dolphins, art treasures, and fantastic views over the city. The typical attraction seen on castle tours. Additionally, the 180-meter-tall Nagoya TV Tower offers fantastic vistas.

Some of Nagoya’s other attractions are its several exquisite ancient temples. The oldest of which is Atsuta Shrine, which built in the first century. Make sure to browse the website’s Treasury, which features jewelry, ceramics, and artwork.

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, a tiny marine museum on board the historic ship the Fuji. Aand some lovely coastline walks can all found at the port itself, which well worth exploring. Cruise ships often frequent this location, and you’ll frequently see visitors getting off the ship to enjoy the port and the excellent shopping the city has to offer.

4. Hiroshima, Kyoto:

A day excursion to Hiroshima is worth the time, even if it is a longer journey- a high-speed train ride there takes 3 hours from Kyoto. Given its picturesque surroundings, it’s difficult to imagine that this wonderful city—which will always associated with the August 6, 1945, detonation of the first atomic bomb—was ever targeted by the military.

With so many important attractions centered around this tragic historical event and the necessity to make sure it never happens again; Hiroshima rightfully called the world’s “peace capital” today.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which honors the numerous victims of that tragic day, is arguably the most popular of these locations. Located near the exact epicenter of the explosion and drawing in over a million tourists annually, this lovely park is well-known for its vibrant cherry blossoms in the spring. It also houses several significant memorials and museums dedicated to the tragedy and its aftermath.

The famed Atom Bomb Dome, which houses the remnants of the former Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, and the Flame of Peace are among the other must-see sights in Hiroshima.

5. Miyajima,Kyoto:

Miyajima, sometimes referred to as “Shrine Island,” is most recognized for the stunning Itsukushima shrine. The island is around 30 square kilometers of Hiroshima Bay. Spending a whole day on the island is well justified by the number of things to see and do, and the nighttime views of the city are breathtaking.

The island, which dates to the ninth century, is home to many vibrant structures that appear to be floating because they raised on piles barely above the water. Discovering the temple’s numerous bridges, ancient structures, and lovely park-like surroundings is a unique experience.

The Main and Offerings Halls, the Prayer Hall, and the Hall of a Thousand Mats are a few of the most impressive structures. Make sure to watch the traditional music and dances performed here as well; they are especially enjoyable during the island’s numerous significant festivals. Make sure to stop in one of the tearooms for lunch and a traditional beverage if you’re not in a rush.

Miyajima, the well-known shrine island in Hiroshima, worth seeing on its own, but it’s best seen as part of a day trip that also includes Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Considering how close the two locations are to one another, this is a particularly excellent choice if you’re coming from further out. All transportation and the services of an English-speaking guide included.

6. Himeji Castle:

The city of Himeji, located 1.5 hours west of Kyoto. It well-known for being the location of Japan’s largest fortress, Himeji Castle, which recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s easy to spend a few hours exploring the site’s more than 80 buildings, defenses, and parks at this beautiful 14th-century castle, also known as Shirasagi Castle or White Heron Castle due to its outside walls that resemble a flying white heron.

Highlights include exploring the narrow, steep walkways that lead up to the castle and the views from the main keep, which is five stories tall. If you have time, visit the neighboring Koko-en Garden after your visit. It’s a traditional Japanese garden that once covered the grounds of a Samurai warrior’s residence; make sure to check out the teahouse as well.

7. Arashiyama,Kyoto:

Arashiyama is a fun and easy day trip from Kyoto that is ideal for people on a tight schedule who don’t want to venture too far from the city center. It’s only a half-hour commute there. Despite being a district of Kyoto. Arashiyama has managed to maintain its rural, small-town charm, partly because to its verdant surroundings and hilly topography.

The Iwatayama Monkey Park is one of the family-friendly attractions here. It’s an uphill 15-minute walk from Arashiyama town center, but the views are well worth the effort. After you arrive, you can see the park’s around 120 free-roaming monkeys in their natural environment.

After that, take a stroll to the breathtaking Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. A lovely grove of towering bamboo that looms over you.

Along Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street, which is well-known for its historic Japanese architecture. And the variety of bamboo products available here, like as traditional mats and baskets, don’t miss the numerous local sellers. And after all that trekking, if you still have energy to spare, rent a fun paddle boat at the famous Togetsukyo Bridge.

8. Kinosaki Onsen:

The classic Japanese vacation spot of Kinosaki Onsen is well worth the trip. Despite being 2.5 hours northwest of Kyoto and one of the few day outings from the city that is simpler to do by road rather than rail.

Located in the idyllic Hyogo Prefecture coastal section of the Sea of Japan. Pristine Kinosaki Onsen sprawls along a picturesque river bordered with trees, providing plenty of peaceful spots to pause. And take in the peace of this small town. Which has been well-known since the eighth century for its many hot springs, or “onsen.”

It feels a bit like traveling back in time because the people’ traditions and even their clothes. They frequently spotted in traditional kimonos and wooden clogs—have kept just as they would have in the town’s early years. Of course, a visit to at least one of the numerous fantastic public baths located throughout Kinosaki Onsen would be incomplete on any trip.

The town’s food is likewise becoming well-known. The finest places to try this are the numerous excellent, family-run traditional restaurants that line its streets.

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