EF Go Ahead Tours, a leader in experiential and educational travel, has launched a President’s Day Flash Sale offering up to $1,000 in savings for trips during late spring and summer 2024.
26.01.2024 - 23:11 / lonelyplanet.com
Kyoto offers a tantalizing glimpse of ancient Japan – which is why it's one of the most popular destinations in the country. Might we suggest escaping the temple crowds by exploring an alluring spot nearby?
Its position at the heart of the Kansai region makes Kyoto a handy base for hopping on a train to explore fairy-tale castles, go on tasting journeys in matcha towns and float along ancient canals.
Each of these itineraries is accessible by train in under two hours. As you plan, keep in mind that if you plan to make several trips within a five-day period, you should consider a Kansai WIDE Area Pass. (All routes are covered by this or a Japan Rail Pass, except in Hiroshima, as noted below.)
These are the most rewarding day trips from Kyoto.
Travel time: 20 minutes
Mmm…matcha. Green-tea-obsessed Uji lies just next door to Kyoto, yet draws far fewer crowds. Meander along its Omotesando laneway, dipping in and out of charming stores dedicated to selling locally sourced green tea. Pause in cafes to try matcha-flavored treats – ice cream or soba noodles (or both). As you hold up a skewer of dango to the light, you'll first see the scorch marks, then taste them as you chew through the rice-cake balls. The flavors dance between chargrilled, bitter tea and sweet rice.
At the laneway's end, the vermilion Byōdō-in seems to spread its wings and levitate above a green pond (a sight immortalized on the 10-yen coin). The temple's Phoenix Hall is an excellent example of architecture from the Heian Period; after taking in the ambiance, linger in the gardens and delightful tea salon for an hour. If you want more Heian history, explore the on-site Hoshokan Museum to ponder a temple bell and other Buddhist treasures.
Japanese literature enthusiasts should make a visit to the Tale of Genji Museum, dedicated to Murasaki Shikibu's famous 11th-century work (perhaps the world's first-ever novel). The exhibits provide insights into the portion of the narrative that unfolds in Uji.
Cross the Uji River to visit teahouses where artisans demonstrate how to brew the perfect green tea. In summer, finishing the half-day with a cruise in a wooden boat on the river is a pleasant finale indeed – cormorant-fishing demonstrations optional.
How to get to Uji from Kyoto: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara line to JR Uji Station.
Travel time: 1 hour
When you come eye to eye with the deer in Nara, you might decide for yourself if, as legend has it, they are divine messengers from the heavens. The 1000-plus placid deer that roam leafy Nara-kōen are an iconic symbol of Japan's first imperial capital. (Feel free to feed the free-roaming deer with crackers sold on-site.) You can take in plenty of Nara's history-rich sights while you're in the
EF Go Ahead Tours, a leader in experiential and educational travel, has launched a President’s Day Flash Sale offering up to $1,000 in savings for trips during late spring and summer 2024.
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