Kyoto is a beautiful city with so much to see.
However, it’s also a perfect base for exploring more of Japan.
Day trips from Kyoto let you explore Japan’s culture, history, and nature more.
Plus, you won’t need to switch hotels.
Most articles like this simply tell you to go to Nara or Osaka.
As great as those places are, we want to be a bit different.
Here are 10 of the best day trips from Kyoto that you probably have not heard of.
1) Explore the historic Uji and taste matcha
Just a short train ride from Kyoto, Uji offers a perfect day trip for history buffs and tea lovers alike.
This charming town has several UNESCO World Heritage sites.
One highlight is the stunning Byodoin Temple, which features the beautiful Phoenix Hall.
Uji is famous for its high-quality matcha, so you can’t miss trying some while you’re there.
Visit a local tea shop to sample freshly whisked matcha or treat yourself to matcha-flavoured sweets and ice cream.
Take a peaceful stroll along the Uji River and cross the historic Uji Bridge for lovely views.
The town’s relaxed atmosphere makes for a welcome break from Kyoto’s busier tourist spots.
2) Ohara/Mt. Hiei
Just a short journey north of Kyoto, Ohara is a charming ancient farming village with stunning rural beauty.
You’ll find several significant temples nestled among the peaceful countryside.
Mt. Hiei offers brilliant hiking opportunities with gorgeous views, diverse wildlife, and beautiful foliage.
It’s perfect if you’re looking to escape the city crowds and enjoy nature.
For the more adventurous travellers, there are even hiking trails connecting Mt. Hiei to Ohara.
This makes it possible to combine both destinations in a single day trip.
Unlike busier spots such as Nara, these areas tend to be less crowded, giving you a more relaxed experience of traditional Japan.
3) Nagahama
Nagahama offers a charming day trip from Kyoto with its blend of history and natural beauty.
You can reach this lakeside town in about 1.5 hours by train.
The historic Nagahama Castle is a must-visit, providing lovely views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake.
While small, the castle houses an interesting museum about local history.
The city’s Kurokabe Square features beautiful black-walled buildings housing craft shops and cafes.
Here you’ll find exquisite glassworks and traditional crafts.
Visit in April for the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival.
Don’t miss the ornate floats and children’s kabuki performances!
4) Hike Kurama and relax in Kibune
Just north of Kyoto lies a perfect day trip combining nature, spirituality and relaxation.
The Kurama to Kibune hike takes you through the mystical Kitayama mountains on a scenic 4-kilometre trail.
Begin your journey at Kurama, where you can explore the beautiful temple grounds before starting your hike.
The path winds through lush forests and passes several interesting shrines along the way.
After about two hours of moderate hiking, you’ll reach the charming village of Kibune.
Here you can rest your weary legs and enjoy a meal at one of the riverside restaurants.
For the best relaxation, take a calming soak in the Kurama Onsen.
It’s a perfect way to refresh after your mountain adventure.
5) Kayabuki no Sato
Kayabuki no Sato, or Miyama’s thatched roof village, shows the beauty of traditional Japanese rural life.
You’ll find this picturesque spot nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto.
The village has charming thatched roof houses.
They form a perfect postcard scene with the mountains behind them.
Many buildings are still lived in.
This lets you experience real life in the Japanese countryside.
While exploring, you can visit the Miyama Museum of Folk Art to learn about local traditions.
The Little Indigo Museum and Kitainari Shrine are also worth your time.
This peaceful day trip from Kyoto is especially lovely in late autumn when the surrounding mountains burst with colour.
6) Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s three most scenic views and makes a fantastic day trip from Kyoto.
This stunning “bridge to heaven” is a pine-covered sandbar that stretches across Miyazu Bay.
You can easily reach Amanohashidate by train from Kyoto, making it perfect for a day away from the city.
Once there, you can explore by walking or cycling across the sandbar to enjoy the natural beauty up close.
Don’t miss the famous “Matanozoki” viewpoint at the observatory!
This fun tradition involves bending over and looking at the sandbar upside down between your legs to see it as a pathway to heaven.
7) Omihachiman
Just 45 minutes from Kyoto by train, Omihachiman offers a charming day trip experience.
This peaceful canal town gives you a glimpse into old Japan without the crowds of more popular destinations.
Stroll along the historic waterways and admire the traditional merchant houses that line the streets.
The town’s lovely canals create a tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing day away from busy Kyoto.
For stunning views, head up to the Hachiman Mountain Ropeway.
From the top, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Biwa and the surrounding countryside.
8) Lake Biwa
Just 10 minutes by train from Kyoto lies Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.
This natural wonder offers a peaceful escape from the city with beautiful lakeside views and many activities to enjoy.
You can visit Shirahige Shrine with its famous torii gate standing in the water.
It’s a brilliant spot for photos and a moment of peace.
Hikone is another must-visit area at Lake Biwa.
Here you can explore Hikone Castle and enjoy the surrounding traditional town.
If you’re feeling active, try water sports on the lake or simply stroll along the shoreline taking in the fresh air and mountain backdrop.
9) Koyasan
Koyasan, or Mount Koya, offers a spiritual journey about 2.5 hours from Kyoto.
This sacred mountain is home to over 100 temples and the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism.
Visit Kongobuji Temple, known for its beautiful gardens.
Also, explore Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest cemetery, located in an ancient cedar forest.
Full-day guided walking tours are available from the Koyasan Interpreter Guide Club, costing about 1,500 yen for a 1.5-hour tour on weekdays.
Many visitors stay overnight in temple lodgings (shukubo) for a unique experience.
They enjoy morning prayer ceremonies and vegetarian Buddhist meals.
10) Imai-chō, Nara Prefecture
Imai-chō is a hidden gem in Nara Prefecture.
It makes for a brilliant day trip from Kyoto.
This Edo-period merchant district is well-preserved.
It shows a glimpse of Japan’s past through its traditional wooden machiya houses.
You can spend hours exploring the lovely streets that have stayed the same for centuries.
The district’s grid-like layout makes it simple to explore without getting lost.
Some homes are open to visitors, allowing you to see traditional Japanese architecture up close.
The journey from Kyoto takes about 90 minutes by train.
This makes it a perfect escape from the busier tourist spots.
