The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, is a captivating city in its own right. From a world-famous bamboo grove to a sprawling Japanese shrine right in the heart of the suburbs, Kyoto offers many things to see and do. What’s more, its location at the heart of the Kansai region in the middle of the island of Honshu makes it an excellent base for exploring the area. The best day trip from Kyoto options ranges from fabled hot springs to wonderful castles. Since Kyoto has an excellent highway network and is well-connected to Japan’s superlative high-speed train system, there is no shortage of choices for the best day trips from Kyoto Japan. However, if you don’t know where to begin, we have some excellent day trip ideas for you. To that end, here are the 11 best day trips from Kyoto Japan.
Table of contents
Kurama and Kibune
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Those who love the outdoors will love this Kyoto Hike and Hot Springs Visit, which is the best day trip from Kyoto you can take. Hop on board a train that takes you to the peaceful riverside Kibune village, home to the ancient and exquisite Kibune Shrine. After that, head for a 30-40 minute hike up Mount Kurama, which requires a moderate fitness level. So, you’ll see stunning scenery all the way up to the top, which is home to the Kurama Temple.
On the way down, stop in the town of Kurama for a delicious local lunch, followed by the last activity on the tour – an outdoor bath in an onsen! What’s more, it’s one of the best traditional Japanese experiences you can have and it’ll completely energize your mind, body, and soul. In the end, what makes it even better is the views of the tranquil countryside, making this one of West japan’s best outdoor bathing experiences.
- Tour duration: 6 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Kyoto
- Transportation: Train
Saganonomiyacho
12
This Kyoto: Cultural and Spiritual Tour with Zen Meditation tour is one of the best day trips from Kyoto Japan. It takes you to the Saganonomiyacho region west of Kyoto, where the first stop is the sacred Nonomiya Shrine. After prayers, walk through the lush Kameyama Park and click pictures at the stunning Togetsukyo Bridge. The tour continues up the steps of the ancient Daihikaku Senkoji Temple, which boasts picturesque views of Kyoto, Arashiyama, and the entire Hozu River valley.
This is where you get to indulge in an authentic Zen meditation session guided by a resident monk. It’s followed by one of the hallmarks of Zen Buddhist culture, a traditional matcha green tea ceremony that you participate in. The tour ends in the ‘Kimono forest’ on the Hozu riverside with a striking display of beautiful Kimono fabric in transparent tubes. Are your feet tired of all that walking? We recommend a foot spa.
- Tour duration: 3.5 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Kyoto
- Transportation: Minivan
Hiroshima & Miyajima
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There’s no better well-known place in Japan than Hiroshima, and this 1-Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour delves into one of the most important pieces of Japan’s history. Board the bullet train from Kyoto station to Hiroshima, where you’ll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The profound exhibits even include remnants from the August 3rd, 1945, World War II bombing of the city. You also get to read somber stories about one of the darkest eras in japan’s history. Later, board a ferry to Miyajima, where you’ll find a fantastic viewing spot for the magnificent Itsukushima Shrine. It’s no wonder that this is the best day trip from Kyoto.
- Tour duration: 12.5 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 5 hours from Kyoto
- Transportation: Bullet train, ferry, and bus
Uji Matcha Green Tea tour
10
Tea ceremonies are one of the most important parts of Japanese culture. This Kyoto Walking Tour with Uji Matcha Tea Ceremony allows you to experience and partake in this ancient culture. Your tour takes place in the lovely little town of Uji, where your first stop is at the Uji Bridge. Soak in the unique atmosphere with scenic views of the river. The next stop is the two world heritage sites of Ujigami Shrine and Byodo-in Temple, where you’ll learn about Japanese culture, religion, and history. Here, you can taste the spring water used in tea production in Uji, which is the origin point. It’s followed by Uji Matcha Tea Ceremony, where you’ll learn all about tea development and take part in the ceremony, drinking tea and even having a Japanese sweet.
- Tour duration: 3 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 40 minutes from Kyoto
- Transportation: Minivan/bus
Higashiyama
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Higashiyama is one district in Kyoto full of a handful of must-see sights and attractions in Kyoto. You get to explore this Historic Higashiyama Walking Tour, the best day trip from Kyoto. Higashiyama, which means “East Mountain,” lies at the foothills of the mountains. The first stop is at the ancient Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha, where you follow a path that snakes up the mountainside. After learning about Shinto culture and history, board a train to Gion, which is a much-storied geisha playground. During the last part of the tour, you get to stroll Higashiyama’s streets, visit the 17th-century Kodaiji temple, and enjoy the serenity of the gardens in the temple complex. Finally, walk your way up to Kiyomizu Temple, which offers spectacular views of Kyoto. It’s also famous for the pure and clear waters of the Otowa Waterfall.
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A; the tour is in Kyoto itself
- Transportation: Train/bus
Nijo-jo Castle
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Nijo Castle is one of Japan’s most famous flatland castles. The castle complex has not only the castle but also many gardens, the ruins of Honmaru Palace, the Ninomaru Palace, and two concentric fortification rings. See them on this Nijo-jo Castle Guided Walking Tour with an experienced and licensed multilingual guide. They’ll not only tell you lesser-known stories but also introduce you to sides of Japanese culture that you won’t get to learn elsewhere. You’ll learn about the significance of this 400-year-old castle’s feudal-era architecture as well as the culture and history that makes it an important UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Tour duration: 1 hour
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A; the tour is in Kyoto itself
- Transportation: None; you meet at the entrance of the castle
Gion
7
One of the most interesting aspects of Japanese culture is the geisha culture. This 2-Hour Gion Geisha District Tour, the best day trip in Kyoto, gives you a well-fleshed out peek into the world of the geisha, who are living legacies of Kyoto. The hub of Kyoto’s geisha culture is the eclectic Gion, a centuries-old entertainment district that truly comes alive at night. This two-hour tour is helmed by a knowledgeable guide who tells you all about the customs of the geisha and the apprentice maiko. You might even catch a glimpse of women in full costume as you walk the narrow, cobblestoned streets with lanterns-filled wooden buildings on both sides.
- Tour duration: 2 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A; the tour is in Kyoto itself
- Transportation: None
Kiyomizuzaka
6
Kiyomizuzaka is one of the quaintest regions of Kyoto, complete with traditional Japanese sun-dried food shops, sweet shops, and teashops lining the streets. On this 3-Hour Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour, you make your way to the colorful temple of Kyoto, Yasaka Koshin-do. An interesting fact is that the colorful balls that hang from the ceiling have wishes written on them! Your next stop is the famous “Water Temple,” a.k.a. Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It’s built on the site of the Otowa Waterfall and is one of Japan’s most famous temples. Aside from drinking water from the waterfall, you can also admire Kyoto views while standing beneath maple and cherry trees. Finally, wind up the tour with a traditional tea ceremony.
- Tour duration: 3 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: NA; this tour is in Kyoto itself
- Transportation: None
Arashiyama Forest
5
There’s no doubt that you need a separate tour to visit the stunning and Insta-worthy Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a.k.a. Sagano Forest. This Arashiyama & Sagano Bamboo Private Tour is helmed by an experienced and nationally-licensed multilingual guide and is the best day trip from Kyoto. Sagano and Arashiyama were popular more than 1,000 years ago as aristocrats used to relax in their villas here. Today, you’re treated to scenic countryside views from the Togetsukyo bridge before from the beautiful traditional gardens of Tenryu-ji temple. After that, you enter the enchanting world of the Bamboo Grove, which is one of the most Instagrammed locations in Japan. Your final pitstop is the Jojakko-ji Temple, which is swathed in breathtakingly beautiful green moss. Furthermore, your walking tour includes stops for traditional Japanese snacks and meals!
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Kyoto
- Transportation: Public transporttaion
Osaka
4
Osaka is one of Japan’s most interesting cities and also one of the world’s safest cities. If you want to tour Osaka from Kyoto like a local but in comfort, then this Osaka Private Tour by Public Transportation is one of the best day trips from Kyoto Japan. This guided tour picks you up from your Kyoto hotel, with all transfers being taken care by the guides. On this tour, you stop at destinations such as the amusement park-like Dotonbori, the majestic Osaka Castle, the colorful Kuromon Market, and the sky-high Tsutenkaku!
- Tour duration: 8 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1 hour from Kyoto
- Transportation: Public transportation
Nara
3
Nara was the 8th-century capital of ancient Japan, and is famous for lush surroundings, an ancient heritage, and lots and lots of deer! Explore this fabulously traditional city on this Nara Day Trip from Kyoto with a Local. Did you know that Nara is home to some of the most significant Shinto shrines and Zen temples in all of Japan? Yes! Moreover, you get to see the Todai-ji temple, the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, and the Isui-en Garden and click wonderful pictures of the lush greenery. Another part of this wonderful personalized experience is when you get to enjoy authentic Kansai cuisine for lunch at a tranquil riverside spot.
- Tour duration: 9 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1 hour from Kyoto
- Transportation: Public transportation with guide
Shirakawago and Takayama
2
There’s no better way to explore the striking landscapes of the Kyoto prefecture than an overnight trip, like this Shirakawago and Takayama 2-days tour from Kyoto. This two-day itinerary allows you to soak up the sights, attractions, and experiences of both places without having to rush necessarily. What’s more, you have a guide along with you who’ll not only tell you tales and explain Japanese culture but also tell you all about local food specialties. They’ll also tell you the importance of gassho-style (thatched-roof) homes in the well-preserved town of Shirakawago.
- Tour duration: 2 days (overnight)
- Distance from nearest city/town: 4 hours from Kyoto
- Transportation: A/C vehicle
Naoshima “Island of Art”
1
The Naoshima “Island of Art” 2-day tour – Round Trip from Kyoto is the best day trip from Kyoto you can take. Naoshima, which is more commonly called Japan’s art island, is one of the country’s most popular places. It lies in the Seto Inland Sea and is perfect for lovers of everything museum and art. On this two-day tour, you get to see the inventive Chichu Art Museum, which is built mostly underground. What’s more, you also get to see the Lee Ufan Art Museum, the Benesse House Museum, and the popular Art House Project. Finally, the last stop on your tour is the Ando Museum, which is an intriguing Tadao Ando-designed inner space.
- Tour duration: 2 day
- Distance from nearest city/town: 4 hours from Kyoto
- Transportation: Bullet train, bicycle, local bus, ferry
Just So You Know
- Kyoto is the name of both a city and prefecture, with the city having been the nucleus of Japan’s culture for several thousand years. In fact, it even escaped being bombed in World War II due to the intervention of Secretary of War Henry Stimson.
- Unlike many of the other great world cities, most of Tokyo’s attractions sit on the outskirts of the city on the lush mountains and hills that surround the city. Moreover, this includes the Sagano Bamboo Forest, one of the world’s most unique forests.
- Kyoto has more than 400 Shinto shrines, 1650 temples, 3 palaces, a castle, and innumerable gardens and parks! So, check out our list of the top things to do in Kyoto.
- Amongst other things, Japan is very famous for the concept of pod or capsule hotels. If you’re looking for an offbeat place to stay, here are Kyoto’s best capsule hotels. Interestingly, one of its most famous capsule hotels, Book and Bed, is one of the smallest hotels in the world!
