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From 794 until his death in 1868, the capital and official residence of Japan was Kyoto. There are 1.5 million people living in this contemporary metropolis, making it one of the top 10 biggest cities in the nation.
Kyoto survived the devastation of several fires and conflicts throughout the years, but the city narrowly avoided annihilation during World War II when its extraordinary historical significance led to its removal from the atomic bomb's intended targets. The city is home to several ancient temples, shrines, and other architectural treasures.
Day trips from Kyoto
Nara
Nara day trip from Kyoto is a must-do day trip! It is a wonderful traditional Japanese city which is home to a number of important historic monuments as well as a gorgeous environment. More than 1,300 years ago, it thrived as Japan's capital until Kyoto was chosen instead. Famous temples, beautiful landscapes, and untamed, sometimes overly amiable deer are just a few of the reasons why people flock to Nara year-round. It is also conveniently located near other well-known tourist spots in the Kansai region, including Kyoto and Osaka.
Osaka
After Tokyo, Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolis. Authentic cuisine, cutting-edge retail, bustling farmers markets, ancient buildings, and so much more all congregate here. Even though it's only a 35-minute train ride from Kyoto, the vibe, architecture, and people are quite different. Even if you might need a few days to fully see the massive metropolis, a day trip from Kyoto is a fantastic option for those who like to see the top sights without spending too much time in each location. This is one of the best trips from Kyoto!
Hiroshima
The Chugoku area of Japan is home to the famous city of Hiroshima, which attracts many tourists every year. With a population of more than 2.8 million, it has grown into one of the largest economic hubs in the area. It is also the spot where the catastrophic first atomic bomb was dropped during WWⅡ. The city centre is home to several contemporary tourist attractions, historic buildings connected to World War II, and excellent restaurants serving mouthwatering regional dishes. Hiroshima is also home to quiet islands which greet you with entirely distinct sensations that you won’t be able to discover in the city! Truly one of the best day trips from Kyoto!
Kinosaki Onsen
Located in the northern section of Hyogo prefecture, in a hilly environment, Kinosaki Onsen is a beautiful hot spring resort. This tranquil hot spring resort is one of the oldest in Japan, with a history spanning more than 1,400 years. You may enjoy the seven public bathhouses without spending the night at each Ryokan as you stroll around the charming town in your yukata. If you want to use all seven baths all day long, you may buy a one-day pass for ¥1,200. This is a must-try relaxing day trip from Kyoto!
Kyoto city tour- what you should not miss!
Nijo Castle
The first shogun of the Edo Period (1603–1868), Tokugawa Ieyasu, lived in Nijo Castle in Kyoto which he had constructed in 1603. His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace structures 23 years later and extended the fortress by adding a five story castle keep.
Why it is a must-visit: After the Tokugawa Shogunate collapsed in 1867, Nijo Castle was utilised as an imperial residence for a period before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. Its palace structures are among the finest examples of feudal-era Japanese castle architecture that have survived to the present day, and in 1994, the castle was listed as a UNESCO world historic site.
Japanese Railway Museum in Kyoto
Located around twenty minutes west of Kyoto Station, the Kyoto Railway Museum was inaugurated in 2016 by JR West on the grounds formerly occupied by the Umekoji Train and Locomotive Museum. It is one of Japan's three great railway museums alongside JR East's Railway Museum in Saitama and JR Central's SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in Nagoya.
Why it is a must-visit: More than fifty preserved trains, ranging from steam locomotives to electric trains and shinkansen, are on display throughout the museum's three stories and thirty thousand square meters of space. Also, guests can get a good look at the undercarriage of a long-ago freight train. Additionally, there are several hands-on exhibits that allow guests to experience life as a train conductor or operate a train simulator. Located on the lower level, just beneath an observation deck, is the museum's restaurant.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace
After been destroyed by fire and relocated many times during the ages, the present Imperial Palace was rebuilt in 1855. Multiple gates, halls, and gardens make up the complex, which is encircled by lengthy walls. The great hall of the palace continued to serve as the site of the enthronement rituals for Emperors Taisho and Showa. Nowadays, coronation events take place in the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
Why it is a must-visit: The grounds of the palace are now open to the public without the need to join a tour or make prior plans (though English-language excursions are still available). This was previously only possible with guided tours that needed bookings in advance. The gardens and royal structures are open to the public, however, visitors are asked not to enter the buildings themselves.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a tiny, five-block-long retail strip flanked by more than one hundred businesses and eateries. The bustling retail market known as "Kyoto's Kitchen" sells fresh seafood, fruit, cutlery, and cookware, as well as seasonal delicacies and Kyoto specialities including sushi, pickles, dried seafood, and Japanese sweets.
Why it is a must-visit: Nishiki Market is a great place to sample the many delectable foods that Kyoto is known for, thanks to its charming yet bustling ambience. Small, cramped booths to huge, two-story shops—that is the spectrum of the stores. The majority of the vendors focus on one specific sort of food, and nearly all of the items offered there are made or sourced locally.