8 Day Trips from Kyoto: History, Deer, Street Food, and More

Kyoto provides a captivating glimpse into ancient Japan, making it one of the country's top destinations. Why not escape the crowds at the temples and explore a charming spot nearby?

Located in the heart of the Kansai region, Kyoto is the perfect base for embarking on adventures to fairy-tale castles, sampling delights in matcha towns, and drifting along historic canals.

All of these itineraries can be reached by train in under two hours. If you plan multiple trips within five days, consider getting a Kansai WIDE Area Pass, which covers all routes except in Hiroshima, as noted below.

Here are the most rewarding day trips you can take from Kyoto.

1. Discover Your Favorite Matcha in Uji

Travel Time: 20 Minutes

Ah, matcha! Uji, a haven for green tea lovers, is just a stone's throw from Kyoto but attracts far fewer visitors. Stroll down the Omotesando lane, exploring charming shops specializing in locally sourced green tea. Take a break in cafes to savor matcha treats—ice cream or soba noodles (or both!). As you lift a skewer of dango, notice the scorch marks and taste the delightful combination of charred flavor, bitter tea, and sweet rice.

At the end of the lane, the vermilion Byōdō-in appears to soar above a serene green pond, a scene captured on the 10-yen coin. The temple's Phoenix Hall exemplifies Heian Period architecture; after soaking in the atmosphere, spend an hour in the gardens and charming tea salon. For more Heian history, visit the on-site Hoshokan Museum to contemplate a temple bell and other Buddhist artifacts.

Fans of Japanese literature should not miss the Tale of Genji Museum, dedicated to Murasaki Shikibu's iconic 11th-century novel—arguably the first novel in the world. The exhibits shed light on the part of the story set in Uji.

Cross the Uji River to explore teahouses where artisans showcase the art of brewing the perfect green tea. In summer, a delightful way to conclude your half-day is with a cruise on a wooden boat along the river, with optional cormorant-fishing demonstrations.

Getting to Uji from Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara line to JR Uji Station.

2. Experience History – and Deer – in Nara

Travel Time: 1 Hour

When you come face-to-face with the deer in Nara, you might wonder if they are truly divine messengers as legend suggests. The more than 1,000 gentle deer that wander through the leafy Nara-kōen are a cherished symbol of Japan's first imperial capital. Feel free to feed the deer with crackers sold at the park. While you're there, explore Nara's many historic attractions, including the Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji, whose open hand stands as tall as a person. If you're an early bird, arriving by 9 a.m. allows you to witness morning prayers amid the beauty of vermilion and cedar at Kasuga Taisha.

Getting to Nara from Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, take a 55-minute Rapid train on the JR Nara line to Nara Station.

3. Ascend Japan's Best-Preserved Castle at Himeji-jō

Travel Time: 1 Hour

Gazing up at the five stunning white tiers of Himeji-jō feels like stepping into a Japanese fairy tale. This 'White Heron' castle has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, and it's no surprise, considering how rare it is to find a truly original (not reconstructed) medieval castle in Japan.

Himeji-jō is truly breathtaking, and visiting early is a great way to avoid the crowds. Plan to spend an hour or two climbing to the top for stunning views of the city, and then explore the nine surrounding gardens of Kōko-en, designed in the Edo Period style. The cherry blossom season is particularly magical, with pink blooms framing the scenery and petals drifting atop the moats.

Getting to Himeji-jō from Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, take a JR Hikari train for a 55-minute ride to Himeji Station.

4. Savor Authentic wagyū in Kōbe

Travel Time: 2 Hours

Kōbe is Japan's charming nature city, offering countless activities. Here, the mountains embrace the seaport, providing stunning views that will make you smile at every corner. Don't miss the chance to indulge in authentic wagyū (Japanese beef)—look for registered restaurants marked by an indoor plaque in Japanese for the best options. A great starting point is the value-packed set beef menu at Tor Road Steak Aoyama, or go for an exceptional teppanyaki experience at Genkichi Kobe Beef, where you can watch your chef work on a hot plate. Head uphill from Sannomiya Station to explore a district filled with tree-lined streets, historic merchant houses, quaint cafes, and unique shops.

Despite a population of 1.5 million, Kōbe provides easy access to nature. Mt. Rokko, a favored hiking destination (also reachable by cable car), overlooks the city’s narrow streets and features the beautifully landscaped Nunobiki Herb Gardens. Higher up, Nunobiki Falls has inspired artists, poets, and worshippers for centuries.

Getting to Kōbe from Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Limited Express Super Hakuto train for a 50-minute journey to Sannomiya Station. There are two loop buses that cover all the major sights in the port and city.

5. Dream Along the Canals of Kurashiki

Travel Time: 2 Hours

Willow trees gracefully lean into the canals, while elegant black-and-white Edo period (1603–1868) warehouses are hidden away on side streets. A day trip to Kurashiki feels like stepping into an outdoor museum. These buildings—many now transformed into denim shops, cafes, and art studios—constitute the charming Bikan quarter.

Stroll through the lanes lined with historic wooden houses and shops before visiting the renowned Ōhara Museum of Art, which showcases works by Picasso, Cézanne, and Matisse. Kids will enjoy the exhibits at the Japan Rural Toy Museum or trying denim-blue ice cream or burgers in the Kojima district. (Kurashiki has been obsessed with jeans since its days as a trading hub.)

A traditional boat tour along the Kurashiki Canal is a delightful way to spend the afternoon. Onshore, Ivy Square is a charming courtyard that once housed textile factories and now often hosts live performances.

Getting to Kurashiki from Kyoto: Take the 90-minute Hikari bullet train to Okayama Station, then switch to the 15-minute JR Sanyo line train to Kurashiki Station.

6. Contemplate Peace in Hiroshima

Travel Time: 2 Hours

Hiroshima is often associated with the tragic atomic bomb attack in 1945, but this green, relaxed city has so much more to offer today. If you're looking to reflect on the value of peace amidst the backdrop of war, start at the Peace Memorial Park, and then visit the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few structures still standing near the epicenter, preserved as a memorial alongside the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The vibrant garlands of origami paper cranes sent from schools around the world at the Children's Peace Monument provide a deeply moving experience.

While it's ambitious, you can manage a day trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto; however, we recommend staying overnight. This allows you to enjoy a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake), which includes a layer of yakisoba noodles for added deliciousness. A great way to savor this dish is by choosing from the many okonomiyaki restaurants in the multi-level Okonomimura food hall.

Another reason to linger into the late afternoon is the quick trip to the beautiful island of Miyajima, home to Itsukushima-jinja, a striking red shrine that appears to rise from the ocean—one of Japan's most iconic sights. Here, you can stroll along streets lined with machiya (traditional wooden houses) and, if time allows, take a cable car to the summit of Mt. Misen for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Getting to Hiroshima from Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, take the Shinkansen Nozomi bullet train to Hiroshima (1 hour 40 minutes; note that this isn't fully covered by the JR Pass, so an additional fee is required). Regular tourist loop buses and trams leave from Hiroshima Station to the Peace Park. To reach the ferry port from Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo line for 25 minutes to Miyajimaguchi Station.

7. Experience the Flavor of Street Food in Osaka

Travel Time: Under 30 Minutes

Osaka's street food stalls create a vibrant scene filled with lanterns and mouthwatering, sizzling aromas, making it a delight any time of day or night—easily reachable from Kyoto. Known as 'Japan's kitchen,' be sure to come hungry.

The motto kuidaore translates to 'to eat oneself bankrupt,' setting the stage for indulging in okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and takoyaki (fried octopus balls) along the Dōtombori canal, with the iconic Running Man sign overhead. Don't miss kushikatsu (fried skewers of meat and veggies) near the Tsutenkaku Tower in the quirky, nostalgic area of Shin-Sekai.

As you navigate through the narrow streets of Ura-Namba towards Torame Yokacho (Tiger Alley), you'll find a variety of beloved dishes all in one place. Once you've satisfied your cravings, stroll through the spacious grounds of Osaka Castle or explore boutique and vintage shops in the trendy districts of Amerika-Mura, Horie, and Nakazakicho.

Getting to Osaka from Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, board a JR Special Rapid train heading to Himeji, which takes about 28 minutes to reach Osaka Station. Bullet trains also connect Kyoto with Shin-Osaka Station.

8. Explore, swim, bike, and take canal boat rides around Lake Biwa

Travel time: 35 minutes

Japan's largest lake is teeming with outdoor adventures. Its shores boast a wealth of temples, castles, towns, and activities spread over vast distances. Begin your journey in the charmingly preserved town of Ōmihachiman, away from the tourist crowds. Here, you can rent bikes and follow the easy-to-navigate color-coded paths around the lake, or opt for a leisurely canal boat ride through the narrow waterways, admiring the historic merchant houses that once handled goods from the Sea of Japan.

Take the Hachimanyama Ropeway for stunning views of Lake Biwa, along with access to short hiking trails. In the summer, listen for the gentle waves lapping at the shore, inviting you for a refreshing swim.

If you have more time, seek out the torii gates of Shirahige Shrine, which appear to float on the water, or visit the 17th-century Hikone-jō, which becomes beautifully adorned with autumn colors in mid- to late-November.

Getting to Lake Biwa from Kyoto: Board a Special Rapid train at Kyoto Station heading to Omi Hachiman Station.