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Japan is relatively a much smaller country than some of the goliath states in America. You would never dream of being able to take a day trip from New York to Orlando, but can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo?
Kyoto can be a day trip from Tokyo. Japan has a highly connected series of railways, and the bullet train can get you there in as little as 2 hours. There are multiple lines of trains that run from Tokyo to Kyoto, and the speed will really depend on the price you’re willing to pay.
If you intend to visit, stay a night, and return, there are affordable hotel options. Or if you intend to return overnight on a budget: overnight bus services provide an option. Can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo under these circumstances? Well, no, but it makes for a good weekend trip.
Can Kyoto Be a Day Trip From Tokyo?
Kyoto can be a day trip from Tokyo. If you intend to take a trip between these two spectacular cities, you should expect to take a 2 to 3 hour journey by train or a 5 to 7 hour trip by car or bus. There’s plenty of travel options to choose from, so you have the freedom to choose in accordance with your time or budget restrictions.
In regards to “can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo”, it’s safe to say yes. But you might be wondering: what is the best way to take a day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto?
I recommend taking a day trip. If you take a guided tour, you won’t have to worry about any aspects of your day trip. The journey to Kyoto from Tokyo and back will be taken care of, as will the transportation to any spectacular sights you might want to see in Kyoto. And since the tour guides are so experienced in visiting Kyoto, they’ll know how to make the best of your budget and time.
Of course, there are other ways to visit Kyoto. Can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo by train?
You can absolutely ride a train from Tokyo to Kyoto if you’re interested in a day trip. If you decide to go by train, I recommend riding the Shinkansen bullet train. The Nozomi bullet train is a particularly good choice, since it will get you from Tokyo to Kyoto in under three hours. If you have the JR rail pass, the Hikari train is also a good option.
And lastly, can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo by bus or car?
As mentioned before, it’s completely possible to take a day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by bus or car. If you decide to take a bus, I recommend booking a cheap ticket on an overnight bus in advance so that you can rest up the night before you visit (and save some money while you’re at it!)
You can also drive from Tokyo to Kyoto. You might spend slightly more in gas than you would if you bought a bus ticket, and you can also expect that you won’t have the opportunity to get any sleep while driving. With that being noted, taking a car from Tokyo to Kyoto is a completely viable option if you’re willing to spend a bit more time and money making it happen.
What to do in Kyoto from Tokyo
We might have answered “can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo”, but what can you do in Kyoto? Well, there’s a lot to do in Kyoto, especially for those interested in the history of Japan. Kyoto is a historical city, but it has tons of modern amenities. Nice places to eat, zoos and aquariums, and gorgeous natural reserves are all present in this spectacular city.
Below, I’ll go into some of the big options for how you can spend a day in Kyoto.
Kyoto is one of the best places to go in Japan if you want to dine on some spectacular food. If you’re interested in trying some incredible ramen, I recommend visiting Honke Daiichiashi. While this restaurant might be a bit of a hole-in-the-wall, its spectacular food can’t be understated. Saryo Tsujiri is a great place to go if you’re craving some matcha-flavored desserts.
Kyoto also has a spectacular variety of zoos and aquariums. The most popular animal park in Kyoto is easily he Monkey Park Iwatayama, which allows visitors to see snow monkeys enjoying themselves in a large colony and gorgeous natural park. If you’ve always adored marine life like penguins and manta rays, you won’t regret visiting the Kyoto Aquarium. A wider assortment of species can be viewed at the Kyoto Municipal Zoo.
Lastly, I recommend visiting the natural parks in Kyoto while you’re in the area. The gorgeous nature in the prefecture can’t be understated. Locals enjoy walking around the natural trails at Hatchodaira and viewing grazing deer. If you prefer a paved and developed walking trail, you may enjoy visiting Yodoryokuchi park and seeing the gorgeous cherry blossom trees in full bloom during the springtime. The wildflowers at Kitayami Yuzengiku are a must-see if you’re visiting during the right season.
Rather than asking “can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo”, you should also ask what you might enjoy in Kyoto and how you can make your schedule work!
History of Japan: Temples, Gardens & Palaces
There have been many capitals throughout the history of Japan, and Kyoto was the home of the capital for almost a thousand years. You’ve probably heard about the history on display in Kyoto: Imperial palaces, gardens, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines, it is no wonder the city is considered a world heritage site.
One of the best places you should visit in Kyoto is Mt. Takao. This destination serves as an excellent walking trail, surrounded by shining colorful foliage and a sense of serenity. There are also three temples that can be found and visited along the river. Visiting Mt. Takao and taking in the sights will give you an incredible new perspective on Kyoto.
As far as specific temples go, I recommend taking a trip to Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavillion) while you’re in the area. This is easily one of the most famous historical sights in Kyoto — and arguably, the destination is among the finest in Japan, too. The golden interior of the pavilion is a sight you just won’t forget.
You may also enjoy a trip to the Kiyomuzidera Temple. This temple has an incredibly long history, since it was built over a thousand years ago in 780. Kiyomuzidera Temple is an extremely popular tourist destination, so you may need to tough your way through crowds to get a complete view of the site. The elevated temple offers an incredible perspective over the surrounding forest.
Can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo? Does it offer enough entertainment to make a fulfilling trip? Given how many incredible historical sites are in the area, we think that it constitutes an enthusiastic ‘yes’.
The Kyoto Nightlife
Kyoto can be very educational and historically rich during the day, but the nightlife can get interesting. There’s no shortage of great bars and clubs to visit if you’re looking to party the night away. I recommend Bar Ixey if you’re looking for amazing cocktails. If you prefer a quiet and personal experience, you might enjoy going to Bar Hopseed.
Jazz in Rokudenashi is a must-see if you want to potentially see a live performance or just connect with others over your love of music. World Kyoto is a good club for anyone who wants a modern techno space to dance the night away, while Club Metro is better for anyone who wants the classic club experience.
Final Thoughts
So can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo? Yes. This historic city has a ton to offer anyone looking for a fun trip away from Tokyo. Whether you want to view a gorgeous temple, spend a day in the serenity of nature, or dance the night away, Kyoto has a lot to offer visitors. Using this guide, you won’t have any need to wonder, “can Kyoto be a day trip from Tokyo?” In fact, all you need to do is get ready to take your own adventure.
