Day Trips from Kyoto: Nara, Uji, and Beyond

Beyond the City

Kyoto's location provides easy access to remarkable destinations. These day trips expand your experience of the Kansai region.

Nara (45 minutes)

Why go: Ancient temples, Great Buddha, sacred deer

Must see: Tōdai-ji (Great Buddha Hall), Kasuga Taisha (lantern-lined shrine), Nara Park (1,400 free-roaming deer)

Time needed: Full day

Tip: Start early to beat crowds at Tōdai-ji

Uji (20 minutes)

Why go: Tea town, Byōdō-in Temple (on the ¥10 coin)

Must see: Byōdō-in Phoenix Hall, Ujigami Shrine (UNESCO), matcha everything

Time needed: Half day

Tip: Buy quality matcha at Nakamura Tokichi or Tsuen Tea

Osaka (15-30 minutes)

Why go: Food, nightlife, energy completely different from Kyoto

Must see: Dōtonbori, Osaka Castle, Shinsekai

Time needed: Full day or overnight

Tip: Dōtonbori at night is an experience

Himeji (1.5 hours)

Why go: Japan's finest original castle

Must see: Himeji Castle, Koko-en gardens

Time needed: Half to full day

Tip: Covered by JR Pass; castle requires significant walking

Kōya-san (2.5 hours)

Why go: Mountain monastery complex, overnight stay in temple lodging

Must see: Okunoin cemetery (walk at dusk), Kongobu-ji, morning prayer services

Time needed: Overnight recommended

Tip: Book shukubo (temple lodging) well in advance

Practical Tips