Kyoto: Day Trips

Himeji Castle One of the few Japanese buildings to survive the ravages of war and natural disasters, Himeji castle is justifiably lauded as a national treasure. Visit during Spring’s cherry blossom season to see over 1,000 trees explode in bloom. 75 miles west of Kyoto; www.himeji-castle.gr.jp/index/English/index.html
architecture

Kobe Famous for its fatty, marbled beef (which fetches eye-popping prices throughout Japan) this city is also known for having survived a devastating 1995 earthquake. Today, having been almost completely rebuilt, it again thrives. 19 miles west of Kyoto; www.city.kobe.jp/index-e.html
family | culinary

Mount Koya On a mountain basin 3,280-feet above sea level lies Japan’s holiest site. Over 100 beautiful Buddhist temples are still run by monks; fifty of them offer rooms to weary travelers. 60 miles south of Kyoto; www.shukubo.jp/eng/
architecture | history | religion

Nara This historic city was Japan’s capital before Kyoto. Many flock here to visit the 1,200-year-old Todaiji temple, which contains Japan’s largest Buddha. Others take picnics in Nara Park and watch the deer wander by. 31 miles south of Kyoto; www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/nara/index.html
family | architecture | wildlife | outdoors | history

Osaka Japan’s third largest city is home to Osaka castle, bustling Tenjimbashi-Suji, a popular street for shopping, and the country’s most popular aquarium. 27 miles west of Kyoto; www.osaka-info.jp/en/
family | aquarium | history

Uji Perched on the very outskirts of Kyoto, the city of Uji attracts visitors with its numerous sights, particularly Byodo-in temple, which is engraved on the back of every ten yen coin. 11 miles southeast of Kyoto; www.city.uji.kyoto.jp/index.php (Japanese only)
family | architecture | history