🗾 4 Best Cities to Visit Around Kyoto – Easy Day Trips You’ll Love
Share
Kyoto is rich in temples and traditions—but the Kansai region has so much more to offer, just a train ride away. Whether you’re into food, nature, culture, or modern vibes, here are 4 amazing cities near Kyoto for an unforgettable day trip.
⸻
🍵 1. Uji – The Matcha Capital
🚆 Travel time: ~30 minutes from Kyoto Station
Why visit:
• Taste the finest matcha in Japan, grown locally
• Visit the stunning Byodo-in Temple (on the 10 yen coin)
• Enjoy calm riverside walks and peaceful shrines
Must-try: Matcha parfaits, matcha soba, matcha everything 🍃
Perfect for: Tea lovers, culture seekers, relaxing afternoons
⸻
🦌 2. Nara – Temples and Deer
🚆 Travel time: ~1 hour from Kyoto
Why visit:
• Say hello to the friendly deer of Nara Park
• Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha
• Explore ancient shrines and tranquil paths in the forest
Must-try: Local kakinoha sushi (wrapped in persimmon leaves)
Perfect for: Families, nature lovers, first-time visitors
⸻
🎡 3. Osaka – Neon, Food, and Fun
🚆 Travel time: ~30–45 minutes from Kyoto
Why visit:
• Eat your way through Dotonbori: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu
• Shop and explore in Shinsaibashi and Amerika-mura
• Enjoy entertainment like arcades, Universal Studios Japan, or Spa World
Must-try: Takoyaki fresh off the grill!
Perfect for: Foodies, night owls, urban explorers
⸻
🏞️ 4. Arashiyama – Nature Escape in the City
🚆 Travel time: ~30 minutes from central Kyoto (still part of Kyoto City)
Why visit:
• Walk through the famous Bamboo Grove
• Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park
• Take a Hozugawa River boat ride or a scenic train ride
Must-try: Tofu cuisine, traditional sweets along the river
Perfect for: Couples, photographers, nature lovers
⸻
💡 Day Trip Tips:
• Leave early to avoid crowds, especially for Arashiyama & Nara
• Bring cash (some local spots don’t take cards)
• Use an ICOCA card or JR Pass for easy transport
• Download Google Maps + Navitime Japan for train planning
⸻
Conclusion
Kyoto may be your home base, but the real adventure is just a short train ride away. From matcha tastings in Uji to deer selfies in Nara, each nearby city adds a new flavor to your Japan experience.
✨ Start exploring—Kyoto is just the beginning.