7 Fun and Easy Trips from Kyoto (Maps+Useful Tips)

There are many incredible places around Kyoto that can be easily explored for just a day. Continue reading and find out what are the best places you can visit on day trips from Kyoto.

Are you spending a couple of days in Kyoto? Follow this guide for the perfect 2-day itinerary in Kyoto that covers 8 major attractions in Kyoto that should be on your Kyoto bucket list.

If you are looking for more ideas for things to do in Kyoto, then take a look at 11 Things to Do in Kyoto. It is a complete Kyoto bucket list that will make you wish you had more time reserved for Kyoto.

It is super easy to go on day trips from Kyoto by using public transportation. The buses, trains, and subway will get you fast to all the amazing places around Kyoto. And, there are always several ways of getting to a particular place!

• Trains

Kyoto has 6 train lines and consists of the national JR Line and several local private lines. If you have a JR Rail Pass, then you will definitely want to use JR trains while going on day trips from Kyoto!

You can download a free English-language PDF of Kyoto’s train system here.

• Subway

The Kyoto subway system is composed of two lines: The north-south Karasuma Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These two lines intersect in the middle of Kyoto, allowing you to transfer lines.

Make sure to download a free English-language PDF of Kyoto’s subway system here to help you navigate Kyoto by the subway system.

• Buses

The bus system is extensive in Kyoto is extensive, and honesty, you can get almost anywhere by bus around Kyoto.

Download Kyoto’s bus system map with Kyoto’s major attractions here.

From personal experience, I think you will find trains and the subway easier to use especially if this is your first time going on day trips from Kyoto. However, once to take a bus a couple of times, you will be quite comfortable using it.

If you would prefer to explore areas around Kyoto at a leisurely pace, then what you need to know is that there are some day trips from Kyoto that can be done by bike.

It is super easy to rent a bike in Kyoto and my recommendation is that you check out the Kyoto Cycling Tour Project for the best prices and best quality bikes.

If you are looking for a day trip and a little adventure, then Miyajima Island, the “Island of Gods” is a perfect day trip from Kyoto.

Miyajima is home to the revered Itsukushima Shrine, the iconic Floating Torii, an impressive 5-story pagoda, plus it offers a wide range of fun activities like taking the ropeway to the top of Mount Misen, meeting Miyajima Island deer, and trying some local delicacies.

Before we dive into how to get to Miyajima from Kyoto, I want to recommend that you get JR Pass before traveling to Japan. It will save you a lot of money! You can buy it here.

If you have JR Pass, then take the Shinkansen Hikari from Kyoto to Shin Osaka in Osaka.

From Osaka at Shin Osaka, switch to Shinkansen Sakura for Hiroshima. The trip takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Next, once you reach Hiroshima, take the JR Sanyo Line for Iwankuni to travel to Miyajimaguchi. The journey time is just under 30 minutes.

Finally, at Miyajimaguchi take the 10-minute JR Miyajima Ferry to the island.

If you do not feel comfortable using public transportation, then my recommendation is to book a 1-Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour (Round-trip from Kyoto). It covers both, Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day. You will have a licensed tour guide by your side the entire day.

In this post, I listed 3 top things to do in Miyajima. However, there is so much more to do on the island. If you look at the map above, I marked all the places worth exploring on Miyajima.

For a complete list check my post: Perfect Day Trip to Miyajima from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima (9 Things to Do)

The number one attraction as well as the symbol of Miyajima Island is the Giant Floating Torii. During the high tide, it appears as if the torii is floating out in the sea.

Interestingly enough, unlike the traditional torii, which consist of two pillars, the Miyajima Island torii has an additional four supporting pillars. All in all, it weighs about 60 tons and stands almost 17 meters high.

Itsukushima Shrine is absolutely stunning. The shrine was built in 593 and became an important place of worship in about 1168. In 1996 the World Heritage Committee officially inscribed Itsukushima Shinto Shrine as a World Cultural Heritage.

All the sections of the shrine are connected by numerous boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea. During the high tide, the shrine looks as if it is floating in the Seto Sea.

Interestingly enough, the reason why the shrine was built out in the sea was that the island was originally thought to be too sacred for commoners to set foot upon.

Make sure to take the ropeway to catch the magnificent views of the island.

The ropeway leaves from Momijidani Station. You can take a bus to get to the station or you can walk. My recommendation is to walk.

It is no more than a 10-minute hike up a slight incline. Simply, take the path leading from Itsukushima Shrine to Momijidani Park.

The ropeway goes from Momijidani Station to Kayadani Station.

Once you reach Kayadani Station, you will take a second ropeway to your final destination which is Shishiwa Station.

There are more places to explore on Miyajima Island!

You should definitely explore Mount Misen. Mount Misen, situated 535 meters above sea level and offering spectacular views of the island and the Seto Sea, is an absolute must-do during your Miyajima Island day trip!

There are several ways to reach Mount Misen: you can hike. It is about a 1.5-hour hour hike from Momijidani Park. Or, you can take the ropeway to Shishiwa Station and then hike to Mount Misen.

Mount Misen has been considered a sacred place since ancient times. It is home to the seven wonders.

Finally, hands down, you must try some local delicacies. My recommendation is to go for grilled oysters with a bit of butter and soy sauce. So delicious!

For many people, visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is a major bucket list item during a trip to Kyoto or Japan, for that matter.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is world-famous for its Torii (Gates). It is said that there are over 10,000 Torii at Fushimi Inari. However, some sources claim that the number of Torii at Fushimi Inari is closer to 30,000.

Hands down, it is one of the most visually stunning places I have ever seen and if you are into photography, you will take a ton of pictures at every turn.

Getting to Fushimi Inari is not hard and you can do it easily by using public transportation.

If you are at the Kyoto Station, then take the train along the JR Nara Line and get off at the Inari Station, which was the second station from Kyoto.

It is a short ride, maybe 5 minutes at the most.

Make sure to use your JR Pass for this ride. If you do not have a JR Pass, then buy it before going to Japan. You will save a ton of money. You can buy JR Pass here.

Just a note of caution here: several express trains are operating on the JR Nara Line and these trains do not stop at Inari Station. So, make sure to board the train marked Nara.

There are a couple of tours that you might want to check out:

Look into Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour. It is a guided hike that will take you through some hidden secret trails around Inari Mountain.

Small-Group Walking Tour of Fushimi Inari Shrine. It is about a 1-hour tour of Fushimi Inari. You will learn the history of the shrine, the role of foxes, and the meaning of the red gates.

Torii are said to be the division between the physical and spiritual worlds.

They are donated by worshippers and they come in different sizes. The cost of Torii depends on its size. The large Torii could cost over one million yen.

Each Torii is inscribed with a donor’s name, alongside their wish for health, wealth, and prosperity.

Notably, each Torii gate lasts about 5 years. However, during that time it needs to be constantly maintained.

Originally, the vermillion pigment was made from a powdered mineral called cinnabar. The pigment was used in the art and decoration in Ancient Rome, in the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages, in the paintings of the Renaissance, and in the art and lacquerware in China.

In Japan, the vermillion color is meant to represent the color of the sun and the goddess Amaterasu which is the goddess of the sun. Amaterasu is the most important deity in the Shinto religion.

In addition, the vermillion color in the Shinto religion is supposed to expel evil spirits, obstruct magical powers and fend against diseases. It serves as a protection against misfortune and calamity.

Fushimi Inari Taisha  /  Day Trips from Kyoto

There were hundreds of fox statues at Fushimi Inari Taisha. They are called kitsune in Japanese.

They are the messengers of the gods.

Some of the foxes that I saw, held a key in their mouth. The key represented their ability to unlock the rice granary and bring forth sustenance.

Some foxes had a scroll, which meant that the fox would bring wisdom to the recipient.

Some had bamboo, which symbolized plentiful harvest. Some held an orb, which meant spiritual power.

One of the things you need to do while visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha is to hike to the top of Inari Mountain. It is a moderate hike that goes at a steady incline. It will take you no more than 1 hour to get to the top, however, reserve more time, because, you will be constantly snapping pictures!

There are several stations that you will reach along the way and each has special things worth exploring.

For example: when you reach the first station – Okusha Hohaisho, the inner shrine of Fushimi Inari, dedicated to the god of rice and sake by the Hata clan in the 8th century, you will see a box in front of the shrine and bells hanging from the awning.

If you throw a coin into a box and ring the bell, it is believed that these bells will summon kami – spirits, gods worshipped in the religion of Shinto, and let them know that you are here.

Right by the side of the shrine, you will find omokaru ishi – ‘light heavy stones’. Here, you can place a coin in the box, make a wish and then pick up the stone from the pile. If the stone is lighter than you thought, then the wish will be granted.

Inside the shrine, you will see ema – plaques in the shape of foxes’ faces. The worshippers draw the fox faces and give them different expressions. They write their wishes and prayers on the back of the ema. 

There is more to learn and see at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Make sure to read my detailed post: Amazing Fushimi Inari Taisha (8 Things to Know Before You Visit)

Arashiyama is a beautiful area located on the western outskirts of Kyoto.

There is so much to do in Arashiyama that your day trip from Kyoto will be absolutely fantastic! I listed here just 3 important things that you cannot miss, however, for a complete list of things to do in Arashiyama make sure to check out my post: 14 Amazing Things to Do in Arashiyama (Map+Useful Tips).

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove / Day Trip from Kyoto to Arashiyama 

If you plan a trip to Japan, then I am sure that Hiroshima is on your list of places to visit. And, Hiroshima is a perfect destination on a day trip from Kyoto.

Located on the western end of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Hiroshima is associated with the dropping of the nuclear bomb over the city at the end of the Second World War in 1945.

What can you see if you visit Hiroshima on a day trip from Kyoto? I came up with 3 must-see things you simply can’t miss. So check them out right below.

Before we dive in, make sure to read how to get to Hiroshima from Kyoto:

If you have JR Pass and you are traveling from Kyoto, then take the Shinkansen Hikari from Kyoto to Shin Osaka in Osaka.

From Osaka at Shin Osaka, switch to Shinkansen Sakura for Hiroshima. The trip takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes from Kyoto.

Mizuho and Nozomi trains take 1 hour 25 minutes however, these trains are not covered by the pass.

Map of 3 Must-See Things in Hiroshima on a Day Trip from Kyoto

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park serves as a memorial to the people who were killed in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945.

Designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and opened to the public in 1954, the park has a total area of 122,00 square meters and houses a museum, numerous memorials, and monuments.

• Atomic Bomb Dome

The first stop in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) – now commonly called the Atomic Bomb Dome or A-Bomb Dome.

The building was located just 160 meters from the epicenter of the blast and amazingly, it was one of the few structures in the area to remain upright.

• Children’s Peace Monument

Next, make sure not to miss the Children’s Peace Monument. It is a tribute to Sadako Sasaki and all the children who perished in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Sadako was exposed to the A-bomb at the age of two. Nine years later, she suddenly contracted leukemia and after an eight-month battle with the disease, she passed away.

Hiroshima Children’s Peace Monument is also known as the “Tower of a Thousand Cranes”. Sadako believed that if she folded 1,000 origami cranes she would recover. She continued folding them to the last moments of her life.

Today, paper cranes are known as the symbol of peace.

• Cenotaph

Finally, head over to Cenotaph, also known as the Memorial Monument for Hiroshima for the A-bomb Victims.

Cenotaph is located in the center of the park. It consists of a stone coffer beneath an arch. Within the coffer is a record of the names of victims of the atomic bombing.

Cenotaph is inscribed with the phrase: “Let all the souls here rest in peace for we shall not repeat the evil.”

Downtown Hiroshima on a Rainy Evening / Day Trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima

Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki / Day Trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima

One of the must-see sights when visiting Japan is Nara, the ancient former capital of Japan. Nara is a perfect day trip and can be easily done from Kyoto.

• Did you know that until the 7th century, Japan had no permanent capital?

The capital was moved with the passing of each emperor so that his successor would not be ill-fated by the death. The practice ended under the influence of Buddhism and with the Taika reforms of 646. However, the true aim of the reforms was to bring about greater centralization and enhance the power of the imperial court.

• The official capital was finally established in 710 and Nara, which was then known as Heijōkyō, was chosen as the site.

Nara remained the capital city until 784. The period between 710 and 794 is referred to as the Nara Period in Japanese history.

Interestingly enough, when a priest by the name of Dōkyō managed to seduce an empress and nearly usurp the throne, it was decided to move the court to a new location, out of reach of Nara’s increasingly powerful clergy. This led to the new capital being established in Kyoto, where it remained until 1868.

Kanazawa is one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan. It lies just below the base of the Noto Peninsula, bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west and the Japanese Alps to the east. And, it is an absolutely perfect destination for a trip from Kyoto.

The best way to reach Kanazawa from Kyoto and most other cities on Honshu (Japan’s main island) is by train.

If you have a JR Pass, all the options of travel listed below are covered by the pass.

By the way, if you are planning a trip to Japan, then make sure to purchase a JR Pass before going. Having the pass will save you a lot of money! You can buy JR Pass here.

From Kyoto Station take JR West Thunderbird Express Train to Kanazawa Station. The travel time is 2 hours and 13 minutes.

I think that Higashi Chaya District is one of the most picturesque parts of Kanazawa. It is a part of Japan that is still untouched by time. You will feel like you stepped back in time when you are there.

First of all, ‘Chaya’ means tea house, and some of these traditional tea houses are still used as places of entertainment in Kanazawa.

Still even today, geisha perform dances and play traditional Japanese musical instruments, such as the shamisen (a three-stringed musical instrument), bamboo flute, and drum.

For one thing, Higashi Chaya District is a great place to just wander around for a while and soak up the ancient Japanese atmosphere.

Kenrokuen Garden is ranked by the Japanese as one of the top three most beautiful gardens in Japan.

In my opinion, it is a must-see place for any visitor to Kanazawa and one of the best things to do in Kanazawa no matter when you are visiting. You will be amazed by the beauty of this place.

Kenrokuen Garden gives an impression of naturalness. Yet, do not be misled. There is nothing natural about it. Kenrokuen Garden is a result of two centuries of dexterous remodeling of nature by the master gardeners of the feudal era.

And the final result is an expression of idealized nature where various elements of vegetation and topography are incorporated to enchant and surprise the senses.

Naga-machi Buke Yashiki District located in Kanazawa is the only samurai district still in existence in Japan.

To start your visit, take a stroll on the cobblestone streets and follow the path along the peaceful Onosho Canal.

The path is surrounded by old towering mud walls. The mud walls were made of mud mixed with gravel and then hardened. Today, the mud walls are covered with shingled roofs to shield them from the elements. In winter, they are protected with straw covers.

While visiting Naga-machi Buke Yashiki District, you need to check out the Nomura Samurai House. It offers insight into the life of one of the highest-ranking samurai during the Edo Period.

The drawing room of the Nomura Samurai House is made of Japanese cypress wood with elaborate designs in rosewood and ebony.

The alcove panel is made of a paulownia tree and every nail is kept out of sight with black persimmon wood.

Every sliding thick-paper door has a grand landscape drawn by Sasaki Senkei, who is highly ranked in the Kano School.

Personal effects of the Nomura family are displayed including a samurai outfit, swords, lacquer pieces, and the family altar.

Osaka is one of a kind destination in Japan. It is not to be missed! The dazzling districts of Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi will have you in awe!

There is a lot to see in Osaka and you could easily spend a few days exploring this vibrant city and indulging in its culinary delicacies. However, here is a must-do list of attractions that can be easily accomplished in a day.

It is super easy to get from Kyoto to Osaka!

The JR Tokaido Shinkansen will get you to Shin-Osaka Station from Kyoto Station in about 15 minutes. JR Pass covers Hikari and Kodama trains between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto, but it does not cover Nozomi trains.

Map of One Day in Osaka Itinerary / Day Trips from Kyoto

Shinsekai is Osaka’s razzle-dazzle glitz overload you can’t miss!

The delicious smells of cooked food, the flashing and buzzing lights, the huge signboards, and the crowds make you feel like you just stepped into a Blade Runner movie.

However, you are really in an old retro part of Osaka that is unlike any other area in Japan. It feels almost overwhelming to be here, yet strangely alluring. Shinsekai is a must-visit when in Osaka!

Shinsekai in Osaka / Day Trips from Osaka 

While in Shinsekai, you need to try kushikatsu! It is Shinsekai’s culinary forte.

Kushikatsu is a deep-fried breaded skewered meat, seafood, or vegetables.

The neighborhood abounds with kushikatsu stands that are on almost every corner of Shinsekai offering various kinds of meat, fish, and vegetables all breaded and deep-fried on small sticks for around 150 yen each.

When you walk around the Shinsekai district, you will easily spot the popular good luck Billiken statue.

You can find him literally on every corner, at all souvenir shops, or in front of restaurants, or there is even a shrine dedicated to him.

Many believe that rubbing Billiken’s feet will bring you good luck.

Go to the top of Tsutenkaku Tower!

Tsutenkaku Tower is the symbol of Osaka. Translated into English means building leading to heaven, or tower reaching to heaven.

Tsutenkaku was constructed in 1912 and its inspiration was the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.

The tower stands at 103 meters and it has two observation levels. The indoor observation level and the outdoor observation deck. The views of Osaka are pretty spectacular.

Dotonbori is basically a street located along the Dotonbori River. It is usually packed with crowds to the brim. All the shop fronts have bright, flashing, and colorful displays trying to get your undivided attention.

In addition, there are hundreds of food stalls preparing and selling sizzling delicacies. Make sure to try takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Do not miss the famous Kani Doraku billboard. It is right by the Ebisubashi Bridge. The enormous crab is an attention-getter for the restaurant specializing in crab dishes.

Kani Doraku is famous for its kanisuki (5,000 yen) sukiyaki-style crab hotpot.

If 50,000 yen for a crab hotpot is not in your budget, then try some grilled crab that Kani Doraku sells right in the front of the restaurant. It is delicious!

Kuromon is an undercover market about 600 m in length. It comprises around 200 shops that offer absolute food galore ranging from sushi and sashimi, grilled scallops and crabs, to seared Kobe beef, not to mention the freshest white strawberries.

Kuromon Market will tease your taste buds and fill your tummy. In addition, hold on to your wallet if you are on a budget because you will simply overspend.

Kuromon Market in Osaka / Day Trips for Kyoto

What to eat at Kuromon Market? Here are my 3 top things to try:

• Have you ever tried uni? If it is still on your list of things to try, then you should not wait any longer and give it a taste. Kuromon Market is a perfect place to try it.

To begin with, I would describe the texture as creamy or buttery, silky, and delicate with just a slight firmness. Secondly, the aroma is like a clean ocean smell. Thirdly, the taste: it has an almost ineffable flavor; ever so slightly sweet, clean, and crisp and it lingers on. Finally, its color is beautiful – shades of gold, yellow and orange.

• Next, try grilled scallops.

To tell you the truth, I love grilled scallops! And, you will fall in love with them as well, if you head to Uofuku. In fact, Uofuku is hard to miss because there will be a crowd surrounding the tiny stall and the smell of grilled seafood will hit you almost immediately.

• Finally, you absolutely must try o-toro, which is the fattiest and most desired section found on the underside of the tuna belly.

You will find a lot of shops selling Nigiri, which is a specific type of sushi consisting of a slice of raw fish over pressed vinegared rice, and sashimi, which refers to just slices of very fresh fish served raw, often over a bed of shredded daikon radish.

I suggest you make your rounds and select the place that draws the biggest crowd and prepares the food right in front of you.

All in all, O-toro is delicious. It is rich and creamy. It kind of evaporates while you indulge in it.