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Exploring Kyoto & Surrounds

#KYOTO.

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For things to see and do within Kyoto please refer to our sightseeing map (places with orange icons are open on or before 7 am). https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1SGXgDUxhZpqb2PoncdvUyeWEszNUl5U&ll=34.97203059326352%2C135.74822559999998&z=11

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#Day trips from Kyoto City Centre.

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1. Kurama Temple & Surrounds.

Beautifully serene and lying within the Kyoto area, Kurama is just the place to decompress from Kyoto's many hectic tourist spots. Not only does this place offer temples and shrines set among gorgeous tranquil landscapes but it also a variety of incredible dining experiences. 

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2. Ikoma.

Those looking to do something different can head to Ikoma and catch one of the quirky-looking cable cars up to Ikomasanjo - where the summit boasts an amusement park. A walk back down will take one past an array of buildings that are filled with charm.

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  • Journey Duration: Around 1 hour from Kyoto (change at Yamato-Saidaiji).

  • Highlights: The Ikoma Cable (pictured), Hozanji Temple, Ikomasanjo Amusement Park. 

  • Rail Pass: The 1, 2, and 5-day Kintetsu Rail Passes are all valid for travel between Kyoto and Ikoma on Kintetsu Local and Express (excluding Limited Express) trains. For details on purchasing the Kintetsu Rail Pass visit the Kintetsu website at https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/ticket/. Note: the JR Rail Pass is not valid for travel on the Kintetsu Line.

  • Bonus Tip:  Take the stairs back down to check out some of the buildings that line the pathway leading up to Ikomasanjo. 

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3. Yoshino.

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With its stunning mountainous views, historic temples and shrines, and winding roads littered with quaintly rustic shops and houses, Yoshino is certainly worth the journey. Said to be one of the best places to visit during cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons, though still lovely outside these times, the town of Yoshino is sure to impress.

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  • Journey Duration: Around 2 hr 20 minutes by Express Train with a change at Kashiharajingu-Mae Station. Note: the faster Limited Express trains (not included in the Kintetsu Rail Pass) will need to be reserved in advance. 

  • Highlights: Kimpusen-ji Temple, Mt, Takashiro Observatory, Kami-senbon (scenic spot), Yoshimizu Shrine, souvenir and confectionary shops, local cafés & restaurants.

  • Rail Pass: The 5-day Kintetsu Rail Passes are valid for travel between Kyoto and Yoshino on Kintetsu Local and Express (excluding Limited Express) trains. For details on purchasing the Kintetsu Rail Pass visit the website at https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/ticket/. Note: the JR Rail Pass is not valid for travel on the Kintetsu Line.

  • Bonus Tip: Consider spending some extra time at Kashiharajingu-Mae to see Kashihara Jingu, a historic shrine honouring Japan's first emperor. 

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4. Shimogamo Shrine & Surronds.

Located closer to the Kyoto city centre, Shimogamo Shrine and the surrounding area is ideal for those wishing to visit some of inner Kyoto's quieter spots. 

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  • Journey Duration: Around 25 minutes from Kyoto Station to Demachiyanagi Station (change at Tofukuji). 

  • Highlights: Chion-ji Temple, Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa, Kyoto Botanical Garden, Shimogamo Shrine (pictured).

  • Rail Pass: The JR Pass can be used for travel on the JR line between Kyoto and Tofukuji. For the remainder of the journey, an IC card can be used. 

  • Bonus Tip: Those making the Kyoto Botanical Gardens the last point of call can take the Karasuma line from Kitayama or Kitaoji subway station to get back to Kyoto station. 

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5. Yawata.

Offering historic temples and shrines as well as an impressive Garden Art Museum, Yawata is well worth considering. It is an ideal escape from the crowded hotspots of Kyoto and can be reached in under an hour. 

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  • Journey Duration: Around 30-45 minutes from Kyoto Station (JR Line to Tofukuji and then the Keihan Line to Iwashimizu-hachimangu). Alternatively, one can take the Kintetsu Line to Tambabashi and then the Keihan Line to Iwashimizu-hachimangu. 

  • Highlights: Iwashimizu-hachimangu shrine (pictured) and cable car, Hiko Shrine, Tanden-An (Graffiti Temple), Zenporitsuji, Yawata City Garden Art Museum. 

  • Rail Pass: The JR Pass is valid between Kyoto Station and Tofukuji Station, whilst the Kintetsu Pass is valid for Kintetsu Line trains (excluding Limited Express) between Kyoto and Tambabashi. For the remainder of the journey, an IC card is best. 

  • Bonus Tip: Those finishing at the Garden Art Museum can take Bus Nº 12 back to Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station. Note: walking back from here will take around 40 minutes. 

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7. Hikone.

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Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, the lovely castle town of Hikone makes for the perfect escape from the bustling Kyoto centre. 

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  • Journey Duration: Local trains run between Kyoto and Hikone Stations taking around an hour each way. 

  • Highlights: Hikone Castle, Hikone Castle Museum (pictured), Sawayama Castle Ruins, Genkyuen Garden, Shiga Prefecture Gokoku Shrine, Hikoneshi Konki Park, Yume Kyōbashi Castle Road.

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used for travel between Kyoto and Hikone. 

  • Bonus Tip:  Best visited on a clear day. 

 

​​7. Omihachiman.

Lying in the Lake Biwa Area, the city of Omihachiman is home to historic streets, temples, castle ruins, and scenic lake views. Located just 45 minutes away from Kyoto by train, it makes for an ideal day trip.

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  • Journey Duration: A JR line train between Kyoto Station and Omihachiman Station will take around 45 minutes - this option does not involve any transfers. 

  • Highlights: Hachiman-bori Moat (pictured), Himure Hachiman Shrine, Hachimanyama Ropeway, Murakumo Zuiryu Temple, Sasaki Shrine, Biwa-ko Yoshibue Road, Soken-Ji Temple, Azuchi Castle Ruins. 

  • Rail Pass: The JR Rail Pass is valid for all train travel on the JR Line between Kyoto and Omihachiman as well as onto Azuchi.  

  • Bonus Tip: Some of the above-mentioned sites may be better served by nearby Azuchi Station, which can be reached by the JR Line train from Omihachiman. 

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8. Kinosaki Onsen.

Kinosaki Onsen lies just under two and a half hours north of Kyoto, making it a plausible day trip. The picturesque onsen town set around a canal is ideal for those hoping to try out an onsen as well as those just wanting to stroll around. 

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  • Journey Duration: From Kyoto Station the Kinosaki Limited Express Train will take around 2 hours and 20  minutes without the need to transfer. Please note that the train does not feature unreserved seating in either direction.

  • Highlights: Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway to Onsenji, Kitayanagi Dori, Benzaiten Shrine (for views over the township), free public foot baths (ideal for soaking those tired feet), various onsen. Note: those more comfortable with bathing alone or wishing to bathe as a couple can hire out a private family onsen at Ichinoyu. 

  • Rail Pass: The JR Rail Pass is valid for travel between Kyoto and Kinosaki Onsen on the JR line. Note: seats must be reserved in advance. 

  • Bonus Tip: Rental towels at many of the onsen can be somewhat small. Bringing a towel of one's own is a great way to avoid this issue and also save some money. 

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9. Otsu.

With many of its sightseeing spots being located within 45 minutes of Kyoto station, the City of Otsu is an excellent place to spend a day or two exploring. 

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  • Journey Duration: Allow up to 45 minutes by train from Kyoto Station to the stations mentioned. 

  • Highlights - Miidera Station: Alight at Miidera Station for Mio-jinja Shrine, Onjo-ji (Mii-dera) Temple, Tenson Shrine, Lake Biwa Canal, Nagara Shrine, and the Biwako Flower Fountain. 

  • Highlights - Omi-jingu-mae Station: Alight at Omi-jingu-mae Station for Omi-jingu Shrine and Biwako Otsu-kan.

  • Highlights - Sakamoto-Heizanguchi Station: Alight at Sakamoto-Heizanguchi Station for Shigain Monzeki Temple, Former Chikurin-in Temple, Hiyoshi Taisha, and cable car to Enryaku-ji Temple. 

  • Highlights - Katata Station: Alight at Katata Station for Ukimido (Floating Hall), Lighthouse of Dejima, and Biwako Bridge.

  • Rail Pass: The JR Rail Pass is valid for all JR line sections. Note: many of the above-mentioned places will involve a change to a non-JR line for which an additional fare will be applicable. 

  • Bonus Tip: For temples with entrance fees it is generally cheaper to buy tickets at the gate (cash only) rather than through third-party sellers.

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