Exploring Excursions from Kyoto: Best Destinations for History, Culture, and Nature Enthusiasts
Kyoto, a city steeped in history and tradition, serves as an ideal base for exploring Japan's Kansai region. With numerous day trips accessible by train, travellers can immerse themselves in a variety of experiences, from historical sites to serene landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming towns.
## Nara
Just an hour away from Kyoto, Nara offers a unique blend of nature and culture. Nara Park is home to over a thousand friendly deer, which are considered divine messengers in Shinto beliefs. The park also houses the famous Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, and the Kasuga-taisha Shrine, celebrated for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.
## Osaka
Osaka, a vibrant city with a rich food culture, is a mere 55 minutes away by train. Visitors can explore the bustling Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas, known for their street food stalls and shopping opportunities. Historical sites such as Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building, offering panoramic views, are also worth a visit.
## Hiroshima (and Miyajima)
Hiroshima, a leafy, laid-back city, can be reached from Kyoto in 1 hour 40 minutes. The city is famous for the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, significant sites for reflecting on the preciousness of peace in the face of war. Nearby Miyajima, an island near Hiroshima, is known for the stunning Itsukushima Shrine that appears to float during high tide.
## Shigaraki
Known for its ceramic art and kilns, Shigaraki offers a peaceful, artistic experience with pottery workshops available. It can be reached from Kyoto in about 1.5 hours by train and bus.
## Arashiyama
While technically in Kyoto, Arashiyama offers a day-trip atmosphere with its famous Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple.
## Mt. Koya (Koyasan)
A sacred site for Shingon Buddhism, Mt. Koya offers tranquil landscapes and the opportunity to stay in a temple. It can be accessed from Kyoto in about 3 hours by train, though often done as an overnight trip.
## Kyoto-by-the-Sea (Amanohashidate)
A scenic coastal area known for its sandbar and beautiful views, Kyoto-by-the-Sea is approximately 2 hours by train and bus from Kyoto.
Other recommended day trips include Uji, a matcha-focused town near Kyoto, Kurashiki, a charming town with Edo period warehouses converted into boutiques, cafes, and art workshops, and Omihachiman, a town on Lake Biwa known for its feudal-era merchant houses and color-coded cycling paths.
For those planning multiple trips within a five-day period, a Kansai WIDE Area Pass is recommended. This pass offers unlimited travel on JR West trains, including the bullet train, within the designated area.
Kyoto, with its rich history and culture, serves as a fantastic base for exploring Japan's Kansai region. Whether you're seeking historical sites, natural beauty, or vibrant cities, there's something for everyone in these day trips.
- In Nara, just an hour away from Kyoto, visitors can enjoy a unique blend of nature and culture, including the famous Todai-ji Temple and the deer-filled Nara Park.
- For those looking for a diverse food culture, Osaka, a vibrant city and a mere 55 minutes away by train, offers bustling Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas, known for their street food stalls and shopping opportunities.
