Kyoto is a perfect location to enhance your day outings to enrich your Japan experience more than temples. These are escapes, which can be accessed by effective JR trains and which are a combination of nature, history, and culture and all less than 90 minutes away.
Nara: Deer Park and Ancient Capital.
Only 45 minutes to the south (5 JR train), the Todai-ji Temple of Nara has the largest bronze Buddha in the world in a huge wooden hall. The 1,200 free-roaming deer of Nara Park bowing to crackers at a cost of 2 (SAW) produces magic. The 3,000 lanterns at Wander Kasuga Taisha- Lantern festivals are lit in summer with a mystical quality. Go back in the evening; best family first journey.
Osaka: Food and Neon Energy
Ride North (30 minutes, by Haruka Express, costs 3) Osaka throbs with lights in the canal of Dotonbori, takoyaki stands and okonomiyaki griddles. Moats of Osaka Castle are glimmering with cherry blossoms, Umeda Sky Building provides panorama decks. Street food tours taste kushikatsu skewers- greasy perfection. Night owls have a roy; day-trippers take their trains at sunset.
Uji: Matcha Heartland
Uji 20 minutes southeast ($3 train), is the producer of the best Japanese green tea. The Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple (UNESCO) is reflected in rivers; cross Byodoin Bridge to tea house samplings- foamy matcha with wagashi sweets. Hills are covered with tea plants; bike rentals have tours. Peaceful getaway to culture-food lovers.
Himeji Castle: The Best Preserved in Japan.
1 hour west (shinkansen $20), the white Egret Castle in Himeji-jo shoots five stories up and around moats, the greatest fortress in Japan. Viewing terraces; cherry in the spring. Koko-en gardens are located close to the garden depicting nine styles of the Edo. UNESCO site is a reward to photographers; mix with Kobe beef lunch.
Lake Biwa and Hikone
40 minutes northeast ($8), the beaches on Lake Biwa are inhabited by beaches, cruises and floating torii at Shirahige Shrine. The original keep Hikone Castle has armor exhibits. Hire bikes (10) or paddle steamers to Eight Views. Summer watersports; hiking any time- serene contrast with the Kyoto mobs.
Hacks: ICOCA card charges are loaded without issues; take the early trains (7am trains). Pack bento boxes; put on easy shoes. Nara/Osaka beginners, Uji/Himeji deepen the immersion. Shoulder seasons avoid Golden Week traffic jams. The trips expose the layers of Kansai, history, flavors and nature, in bite-sized adventures.
