There are some great day trips from Kyoto you can do. Base yourself in the temple city of Kyoto and use the notoriously wonderful Japan public transport to get around. Or, book yourself on a tour to see as much as possible, with a guide too.

If you’re looking for the best side trips from Kyoto for your Japan itinerary, then read on.

– The city is a great base for some great Kyoto side trips to see more of Japan

Japan is a long skinny country with a bit of a curve, and Kyoto is more or less in the middle. This makes Kyoto a great place to base yourself for a good few days. After you’ve soaked up all the cherry blossoms, geisha culture and historical significance the city is known for, you can use it as a starting point to reach some other cool spots both north and south of the city.

Of course you could do a different day trip from Kyoto for a month and still not see all there is to see in Japan, but these are some of the easiest and best trips you should consider making from beautiful Kyoto.

1. Day trip to Osaka from Kyoto

The Osaka day trip from Kyoto is an absolute classic for any Japan itinerary.

In just over an hour on the train you can be southeast of Kyoto in one of the coolest cities around, Osaka. I’ve been here a fair few times and there’s so many things to do in Osaka.

The old Shinsekai neighborhood is fun to walk around, Dotonbori district’s bright lights are fun to see once it’s dark and Osaka Castle is a must-see.

And then there’s the must eats.

Osaka is known as the nation’s kitchen and so naturally it has a big food scene. I’d advise going on an empty stomach so you can pack in all the octopus balls, savoury pancakes and skewered goods this city is known for.

Osaka is probably the most popular day trip from Kyoto, thanks to its proximity.

How about booking a ryokan in Osaka, with a private onsen? Most of these are a train ride out of the city, and for that you’ll get some peace and tranquility after your day of sightseeing.

READ MORE: Best Osaka Day Trips

2. Day trip to Uji from Kyoto

Just south of the city, Uji takes 30 minutes to reach by train and is kind of the suburbs of Kyoto. All green rolling hills, UNESCO world heritage sites and a picturesque river, Uji looks like it’s right off a postcard. But not just a pretty face, it’s got a fair bit to see and do.

Like almost every other city in Japan, there are impressive shrines but the Byodo-In Temple might be the most impressive of them all. Built in 998 it’s thought to be one of the oldest in the country and is incredibly pretty.

Matching the city’s love of shrines is its dedication to green tea. They say this is where green tea cultivation began and so grabbing a cuppa here is a must but so is swotting up on brewing techniques at the Fukujuen tea factory, cafe and museum.

Definitely one of the more unique day trips from Kyoto!

3. Day trip to Nagoya from Kyoto

Every cup of tea needs a decent teacup and Nagoya would be the place for that.