Kyoto is an excellent travel destination by itself, but you can enrich your Japan travel experience by taking day trips to the nearby area. Kyoto, situated in the heart of the Kansai region, offers convenient access to Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and even coastal gems along the Sea of Japan within just 1-2 hours. One of the greatest advantages of a day trip is exploring different regions without the need for overnight accommodations. Leaving luggage behind in Kyoto and enjoying a light day trip reduces travel fatigue and diversifies the itinerary. In 2025, using the JR Pass from Kyoto Station allows free or low-cost travel to most nearby attractions. This guide, in collaboration with ESIMJAPAN.com, presents the best day trips from Kyoto.
Overview
| Destination | Travel Time from Kyoto | One-Way Cost ($) | Main Attractions | Recommended Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka | 30 min | $4 | Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi | 5–6 hours |
| Nara | 45 min | $5 | Nara Park deer, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine | 4–5 hours |
| Uji | 20 min | $2 | Byodoin Temple, Matcha cafes, Ujigawa riverside | 3–4 hours |
| Arashiyama | 20–30 min | $2–3 | Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park, Hozugawa River | 4–5 hours |
| Himeji | 50 min (Shinkansen) | $26 | Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden | 4–5 hours |
| Kobe | 50 min | $7 | Kobe Harborland, Kobe beef, Nankinmachi (Chinatown) | 5–6 hours |
| Ine no Funaya | 2 hr 30 min–3 hr | $55-80 (tour) | Funaya boat houses, seafood, and cruises | 5–6 hours |
| Amanohashidate | 2 hr | $20–25 | One of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, a cable car, and a sandy beach | 5–6 hours |
| Miyajima | 2 hr 30 min | $70 | Itsukushima Shrine, floating torii gate, Mt. Misen | 6–7 hours |
| Lake Biwa | 10–30 min | $1-3 | Japan’s largest lake, Hikone Castle, and water activities | 4–5 hours |
Getting There: Kyoto Transit Hubs & Accommodation Tips
Important Transit Hub
Kyoto Station
The main hub for a day trip, making it easy to hop on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, JR Kyoto Line, Kintetsu Kyoto Line, or even the subway to reach Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. Inside the station, you will find practical facilities like tourist information centers, coin lockers, and restaurants, perfect for grabbing a quick bite before heading out.
Sanjo Station
A major station on the Keihan Railway, making it convenient for traveling to northern Osaka, Fushimi Inari, and Uji. The Keihan Line is particularly popular with tourists as it offers a 1-day pass, allowing affordable travel between Kyoto and Osaka. The Sanjo area is near the Kamogawa River and the Gion district. Thus making it ideal for evening strolls after returning.
Karasuma Oike Station
The Karasuma Line and the Tozai Line intersect at this station, offering both convenience and access within Kyoto city and to nearby areas. There are numerous business hotels and guesthouses located near the station. Making this area suitable for travelers looking for accommodation with good value for money.
Recommended Places to Stay
Kyoto Station
The area around Kyoto Station is the most recommended place for travelers, especially for day trippers. Staying near the station in Kyoto can save commuting time, making it ideal for travelers catching early morning trains and convenient for returning late in the evening. Hotel Granvia Kyoto is directly connected to the station, boasting the best accessibility. There are more affordable options, including business hotels like Toyoko Inn Kyoto Eki Minami to choose from.
Shijo Kawaramachi
Kyoto’s downtown district is great for shopping and dining, with easy access to the Hankyu and Keihan Lines. Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo in this area is popular for its clean facilities and reasonable prices. Around Shijo, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops for grabbing late-night snacks or doing some shopping after a day out. These shops stay open late, so you can enjoy the nightlife without rushing.
Gion
Gion is ideal for travelers eager to experience the traditional atmosphere. The only downside is that it takes 15-20 minutes by bus or taxi to reach Kyoto. If you desire to experience Ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation), lodging near the Gion area is worth considering, but for an efficient day trip, be sure to check the distance from nearby transportation hubs.
Popular day trip destination from Kyoto
Osaka: Vibrant city and Food paradise
To reach Osaka from Kyoto, it takes about 30 minutes by the JR Tokaido line and costs roughly $4. Contrary to Kyoto, Osaka offers a completely different experience with its big city energy and food culture. Dotonbori is Osaka’s iconic food street, famous for its giant neon signs and the Glico running man sign. You can also try local delicacies such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu in Osaka. Creo-Ru Takoyaki, in particular, is a restaurant recognized by locals, where you’ll need to wait in line during lunch hours. Osaka Castle is one of the great castles of Japan and is beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage season (November). The castle’s interior is arranged as a history museum, while the observation desk on the top floor offers sweeping views of the entire city of Osaka. Admission costs $5, and it is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Nara: Ancient capital with its deer
To reach Nara from Kyoto, it takes about 45 minutes by the JR Nara line and costs roughly $5. Nara was Japan’s first capital and is famous for its unique landscape, where over 1,000 wild deer roam freely alongside temples. Temples in Nara preserve more than 1,300 years of history.
Nara Park is a massive park that encompasses the entire city, where deer greet tourists. The national park allows tourists to feed deer directly with deer crackers sold inside the national park for about $2. You are advised to keep your belongings safe as the deer approach quite aggressively. The deer have a habit of bowing their heads in greetings, so if you bow before giving them a cracker, the deer will greet you back with a bow.
Todaiji Temple is one of the world’s largest wooden structures, and inside it houses a giant Buddha statue that stands 15 meters tall. The admission fee is about $4, and one of the pillars in the Great Buddha Hall has a hole cut to the size of the Buddha’s nostril. Legends have it that passing through this hole brings enlightenment. You often see tourists lining up to attempt this challenge.
Uji: Home of Green Tea and Byodoin Temple
To reach Uji from Kyoto, it takes about 20 minutes by the JR Nara line and costs roughly $2. Uji is famous for the production of Japan’s finest green tea and is also home to Byodoin Temple, which is engraved on the back of the ¥10 coin.
Byodoin Temple is a temple built in 1052, particularly renowned for the elegant architectural beauty of the Phoenix Hall. Admission fee is $4, and interior viewing of the Phoenix Hall requires a separate reservation (an additional $3). The temple’s surrounding gardens offer different scenery each season, with May being the most beautiful when the wisteria is in full bloom. Walking along Uji’s main street, you’ll find famous green tea desserts and dishes, including matcha soft-serve ice cream, matcha parfait, and matcha soda. Matcha parfaits cost approximately $7-$10, and during lunch hours, you may have to wait for more than 30 minutes.
Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove and Riverside Scenery
To reach Arashiyama from central Kyoto takes about 20-30 minutes on the JR Sagano Line or Hankyu Line, with fares ranging from $2-$5. Arashiyama is an area with outstanding natural scenery located in western Kyoto, famous for its bamboo grove, monkey park, and Hozu River scenery.
The Bamboo Grove Path is a mystical tunnel formed by hundreds of bamboo trees covering the sky. It’s one of the most popular photo spots, visited by millions of travelers from around the world. If you visit early in the morning (7-8 AM), there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy a quiet atmosphere. Going past the bamboo grove, you’ll find Okochi Sanso Villa, where the admission fee of $7 includes matcha tea and sweets.
Iwatayama Monkey Park is reached after climbing a steep mountain path for about 20 minutes, where approximately 120 Japanese macaques live freely. The admission fee is about $4, and from the summit, you can view central Kyoto. You can experience feeding the monkeys directly, but this is only allowed at the indoor feeding station, not outdoors.
Himeji: Japan’s finest castle
It takes about 50 minutes on the JR Shinkansen to reach Himeji from Kyoto, with a one-way fare of $25 (unreserved seat). Himeji Castle is Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved castle, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national treasure.
Himeji Castle has the nickname “White Heron Castle” due to its brilliant white exterior. Admission is around $7. The castle’s interior spans six stories, with steep stairs to climb multiple times before reaching the top. Inside, you’ll find well-preserved defense systems, an armory, and living quarters that bring to life the essence of traditional Japanese castle architecture. Right next to Himeji Castle is Koko-en, a beautiful Japanese garden with an admission fee of $2. You can also purchase a combined ticket for both Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden at a discounted price of $7. The garden often appears in movies and dramas. During the autumn foliage season, the castle opens on special evenings, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the magical sight of illuminated leaves and beautiful garden scenery.
Kobe: Port City and Kobe Beef
You can travel from Kyoto to Kobe in roughly 50 minutes by the JR Tokaido Line with tickets starting around $7. Kobe is one of Japan’s leading port cities. Kobe is known for its exotic atmosphere and sophisticated urban landscape, influenced by the early adoption of Western culture.
Kobe Harborland is a vibrant shopping and leisure complex situated along Kobe Port, featuring the bustling MOSAIC shopping mall, the iconic Kobe Port Tower, and scenic waterfront promenades. As evening falls, the harbor lights up beautifully, creating a romantic atmosphere that makes it a favorite date spot for locals and visitors alike. Admission to the Kobe Port Tower is $5, and from its 360-degree rotating observatory, you can take in sweeping views of downtown Kobe and the sparkling sea.
If you visit Kobe, then you shouldn’t miss trying Kobe beef. Kobe beef is one of Japan’s three major wagyu varieties, characterized by delicate marbling and tender texture. Lunch sets start at about $30-$70, while dinner courses start at $100 or more. In Nankinmachi, a Chinatown area in Kobe, you’ll find a cluster of well-known Kobe beef restaurants, including Steakland Kobe and Mouriya, offering quality dining for various budgets.
Ine no Funaya: Traditional Fishing Village on the Sea
Traveling from Kyoto to Ine takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, transferring between JR trains and buses. Since transportation between the cities can be somewhat complex, taking a day trip package (approximately $80) is highly recommended.
Ine is a small fishing village located on the northern coast of Kyoto Prefecture. The town is famous for its traditional boathouses, called “funaya,” which are built right over the water. Ine’s Funaya has a unique structure where the first floor serves as a boat mooring space and the second floor is the living area. Currently, there are about 230 funaya lining the coastline, and the area was designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2005. You can explore this beautiful city on foot or rent a sightseeing boat (approximately $7) to view the Funaya village from the sea.
The coast of Ine is famous for its clean and abundant seafood. In particular, Ine’s yellowtail (buri) sashimi and oysters (kaki) are delicacies that can only be enjoyed locally. At Ine Shokudo, a local restaurant, you can enjoy a fresh seafood meal set for about $10-$20. For travelers looking for a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, visiting Ine is a good choice as it doesn’t attract large crowds of tourists.
Amanohashidate: One of Japan’s Three Great Views
You can take the limited express train Hashindata to reach Amanohashidate from Kyoto, and the journey takes about 2 hours. The one-way fare ranges between $20-$26. Amanohashidate is famous as one of Japan’s most scenic spots, alongside Miyajima and Matsushima. The land features a 3.6km white sand beach and pine forest stretching across the sea, which looks like a natural bridge stretching across the sea that appears like a bridge leading to the heavens.
To appreciate Amanohashidate’s stunning views, take the cable car or chairlift up to the observation decks at Kasamatsu Park or Amanohashidate View Land. Taking the cable car or chairlift up to the observation deck costs roughly $6–$7 for a round trip. At the observation desk, you can experience a unique viewing method called matanozoki. This involves viewing the scenery upside down between your legs, which makes the sand beach appear to float in the sky, giving rise to the name “bridge to heaven”.
The Amanohasidate sand beach can be crossed on foot or by bicycle, with bicycle rentals costing around $3-$4 for 2 hours. Walking along the sand beach allows you to experience the harmony of the pine forest and sea at the closest proximity. You can also visit small shrines located along the way.
Miyajima: The Red Torii Gate on the Water
Travelling to Miyajima from Kyoto involves several steps. First, ride the Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima. It takes around an hour and forty minutes. Take a JR train from Hiroshima to Miyajima, then take a short ferry ride to get to Miyajima. Approximately the whole trip will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and will cost you around $65, making this a long day trip. Miyajima is an island located in the Hiroshima district, famous for its red torii gate that appears to float on the water, and Itsukushima Shrine, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine stands 16 meters high and weighs 60 tons. At high tide, it appears to float on the water, while at low tide, you can walk closer. As the high and low tide varies based on the seasons, it is advised to verify the tide table on the official website before you visit. The admission fee for the shrine is $3, and you can admire the architectural beauty while walking along the shrine’s corridors built over the sea.
Like Nara, deer roam freely on Miyajima Island. Shops such as Sarasvati and Fujiya sell various snacks, including the island’s signature momiji manju. If time allows, take the Mount Misen ropeway for a round-trip fare of $15. The ropeway will carry you to the summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea.
Lake Biwa: Japan’s Largest Lake and Water Activities
To reach Lake Biwa from the Kyoto area, it takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes (depending on location), with fares ranging from $2-$4. Located just east of Kyoto, Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake. The lake offers a variety of activities, including water sports, cycling, and hot springs.
The major tourist attractions around the lake include Otsu City and Hikone. In Otsu City, you can visit Miidera Temple, which offers stunning views of Lake Biwa. Nearby is Biwako Valley, accessible by ropeway with a round-trip fare of $25. Biwako Valley is especially popular among tourists for its thrilling attractions, including an aerial terrace that overlooks the lake and exciting zip lines.
The Hikone Castle (admission $6), which is one of Japan’s 12 remaining castle towers designated as a National Treasure, is located in Hikone. Hikone Castle’s mascot character, Hikonyan, is famous throughout Japan and performs three times daily inside the castle. The area around Lake Biwa has well-maintained cycling paths, making it ideal for cycling, with bicycle rentals costing around $7 to $13 per day.
Transportation Tips for Kyoto Day Trip
How to use the JR Pass
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) offers unlimited train travel for foreign tourists, with the 7-day ordinary pass priced at $330 and the Green Car (first class) pass at $450, allowing convenient and cost-effective access to Japan’s extensive rail network. If you are planning to visit Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, and other cities from Kyoto more than 2-3 times, purchasing a JR pass is advantageous. JR Pass can be bought online even before entering Japan, or you can also purchase it at airports or major stations in Japan.
The JR Pass allows you to access trains that include all regular trains, limited express trains operated by JR, and most Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho). You can also make seat reservations at JR West Midori-no-madoguchi near Kyoto Station, and they also offer English guided services. However, private railways such as Kintetsu, Keihan, and Hankyu lines cannot be used with the JR Pass, so you must purchase separate tickets.
Kansai Thru Pass
The Kansai Thru Pass offers unlimited rides on private railways, subways, and buses throughout the Kansai region, excluding JR lines. Priced at $30 for a 2-day pass and $35 for a 3-day pass, the pass provides flexibility by allowing travel on non-consecutive days, making it ideal for tailored itinerary planning. This pass covers all major railway lines, including the Kintetsu Line, Keihan Line, Hankyu Line, and Nankai Line, and also includes Kyoto city buses and subways. The Kansai Thru Pass comes in handy when you want to travel to Nara, Koyasan, and Southern Osaka, as JR Lines do not serve this area. For example, you can use the Kintetsu Limited Express train to Nara or the Nankai Line to Osaka’s Dotonbori area. It can be purchased at major tourist information centers such as Kansai Airport, Kyoto Station, and Osaka Namba Station, and also provides some discounts at temples, museums, etc.
Tips for Using Buses and Taxis
Route buses connecting Kyoto City and the surrounding areas are relatively inexpensive ($2-$6). However, the buses can be challenging for novice travelers due to the language barrier and complex routes. Using Google Maps or the Japanese transit app Hyperdia can provide real-time bus arrival information and route guidance. Kyoto city buses offer a one-day pass ($5) for unlimited rides.
Taxis are convenient but expensive (base fare $4-$6, plus additional charges per distance), but it is efficient to share the cost when travelling with 3-4 people or when running late at night. You can find the taxi station near Kyoto Station and major tourist sites. You can also call a taxi in advance using the Japanese taxi app GO or Uber. As most taxi drivers do not speak English, it is advisable to prepare the destination address or map in advance.
Kyoto Day Trip Final Checklist
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Booking Transportation and Checking the Timetable: Check the timetable of your destination in advance, especially on weekends and public holidays, and consider reserving a seat in advance to avoid the busiest times. JR Pass holders can make free seat reservations at the Midori no Madoguchi counters at Kyoto Station.
- Weather Forecast Check: Check the weather at your destination on the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) website or app. Carry an umbrella or bring a raincoat if rain is forecast. Coaster areas (Ine, Amanohashidate, and Miyajima) can be particularly windy; it is best to prepare a windbreaker.
- Locate Coin Locker: If you have large luggage, check for the coin locker location in advance. During peak season, figure out alternative options such as station baggage storage services. Kyoto Station coin lockers are most densely located near platform number 8 and near the central ticket gate.
Post-Arrival Local Checklist
- Mobile Data and WiFi Connection Check: Check if your eSIM or pocket WiFi is working properly immediately upon arrival. If there are issues, you can use the free WiFi at the airport or station tourist information centers to resolve the connectivity issues.
- Reconfirm Return Train Times: Check your return train schedule once more after arriving at your destination and save it as a smartphone note or screenshot. In particular, regional lines may have intervals of over an hour between trains, so you are advised to note the last train time.
- Save Emergency Contacts: Save your accommodation address and phone number, travel insurance contact information, and your country’s Embassy emergency contact number in your smartphone. Japanese emergency numbers are 110 for police and 119 for fire/ambulance.
Plan Smart, Travel Far: Kyoto Day Trip Tips
Day trips from Kyoto are one of the best ways to experience Japan’s diverse charms. From serene and cozy temples to modern metropolises, traditional fishing villages, and natural landscapes, you can encounter completely different worlds in just one day. Create a fulfilling trip through planning, early departures, utilizing transportation passes, and flexible schedule adjustments. If you need a stable internet connection during your travels, you can enjoy uninterrupted data throughout Japan through ESIMJAPAN.com. With uninterrupted data, the use of navigation, real-time transportation information, and translation apps becomes freely accessible, making a Kyoto day trip even more convenient!
Discover the hidden gems around Kyoto and create unforgettable memories!
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