Nara is by far the most popular day trip from Kyoto – and for good reason. It is easily accessible by train and has just the right amount of sights to fill up your entire day, but not enough to warrant an extended stay in your packed schedule. Without a doubt, Nara’s deer are what makes the city famous but the remarkable shrines and scenery of the area should also be a major draw for visitors. Everything you want to see is in easy walking distance from the train station and a lot of it is free. If you have the JR rail pass, you will be able to access the city at no extra cost to you in under an hour.
Read MoreA small district on the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is where you want to go to explore the famous bamboo grove, see wild macaques, and enjoy gorgeous cultural gardens. After a short 20-minute transit trip from central Kyoto, Arashiyama can be completely explored on foot. All of the main attractions, shops, and restaurants are within a short walk of each other. This DIY walking tour can be done at a slower pace to fill up a whole day or can easily be a half-day excursion.
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