Craving an escape from Kyoto's bustling crowds? Look no further!
Kyoto resident and author Phillip Jackson has three magical day trips that will whisk you away to enchanting nearby destinations.
Whether you're a tea enthusiast, nature lover, or history buff, these excursions each offer something special.
We'll explore the historic tea town of Uji, ride the scenic Eizan Railway to mystical Mount Hieizan, and discover the adventure-packed Hoshida Park.
Each trip is easily accessible from Kyoto and promises unique experiences that showcase Japan's rich culture and stunning landscapes.
So, pack your day bag and get ready to uncover some hidden gems just beyond Kyoto's city limits.
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3 Magical Day Trips From Kyoto To Escape The Crowds
by Phillip Jackson
1. Walking through Uji - Japan’s historic tea town
Kyoto boasts no less than seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of which is the Byodo-in Buddhist Temple by the west banks of the River Uji. Just twenty minutes on the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station, Uji is the perfect location for a day trip whilst visiting Kyoto.
The Buddhist temple Byodo-in, a World Heritage Site, dates back to the 10th century
A short walk from the train station, the Buddhist temple Byodo-in, a World Heritage Site, dates its history back to the 10th century. The most famous of the buildings of Byodo-in is the Phoenix Hall, built in 1053. The Phoenix Hall has, as would be expected, been through a number of renovations over the centuries, but remains as the only existing building dating from the time of its original construction.
The name is taken from the fact that the building resembles the fabled bird with its main rectangular structure flanked by two L-shaped wing corridors and a tail corridor. And although its official name is Amida-do, it began to be called the Phoenix Hall around the early Edo period (1603-1868).
Along with its beautifully landscaped and scenic gardens, and museum, the Byodo-in Temple and grounds are a must for any visitor to Uji.
Uji River boats are still used today for catching fish using cormorant birds
Uji, and the Uji River, are also famous for cormorant bird fishing (ukai). The birds dive down into the river, catch a fish which is held in their throats and then upon returning to the boats the fish is removed by the ‘bird masters’. The ukai fishing season is from July to September and visitors can, for a fee, observe the events on boats on Uji River.
Getting into the nature of Uji a route to Mount Asahi begins at the entrance to the 17th century Kosho-ji Temple from where a path runs around to the back and then leads on to a short hiking trail.
Interestingly, at the top of the small mountain is a tombstone that is said to be that of Crown Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko. The story told of Crown Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko is that he committed suicide by throwing himself into the Uji River so that his half-brother, Prince Nintoku, could take the throne and become the 16th Emperor instead of him.
Uji, here from the Uji River with local mountains in the distance, has several folktales connected to the area
Another folktale story connected to Uji no Wakiiratsuko tells that once when finding himself lost he was guided back to town by a rabbit. The rabbit is said to have led the way whilst constantly looking back to check that the Crown Prince was following. Because of that story you will find rabbit charms at Ujigami Shrine at the base of Mount Daikichi, and around Uji.
From Mount Asahi the route retraces our steps a little before taking a route north leading to the Daikichiyama Observation Deck. From here is a fantastic view right across the expanse of Uji City and beyond (see Byodo-in Temple from above!). This observation deck was also used as a location for the Kyoto Animation movie Hibike! Euphonium.
Also in Uji, across from the Keihan Uji train station, you will find Tsuen Tea House, the oldest teahouse in Japan, founded in Uji in 1160. Established by Furukawa Unai, a samurai vassal of Minamoto no Yorimasa, who would later change his name to Tsuen Masahisa, the teahouse is currently run by a 24th generation member of the Tsuen family. The building as it stands today incorporates parts that date back to 1672, is a fine example of machiya architecture, and is recognized as a Japanese heritage site.
Tsuen Tea House is the oldest teahouse in Japan, founded in Uji in 1160
After retiring from his samurai roles, Furukawa adopted the name Tsuen, became a monk, and took his residence at the east end of Uji Bridge. His descendants carried on the Tsuen surname, serving as guardians of the bridge, praying for its durability and the safety of those that crossed over it. Amongst those that came to Tsuen for this service were such historical figures as shoguns Ashikaga Yoshimasa and Tokugawa Ieyasu, as well as the leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Tsuen is not just a place to purchase Uji tea (including matcha, the oldest and most well-known tea in Japan, sencha, the most consumed tea in Japan, and hojicha, which is a roasted tea as opposed to steamed, amongst others) but also has a seating area inside that looks out over the scenic Uji River. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the authentic Japanese sweets on the menu, such as matcha dango or a mix of bitter matcha with sweet cream in a matcha parfait. You could also try some matcha soba noodles.
The famed Uji Bridge was first erected in 646
And of course, there is also the famed Uji Bridge. The the first Uji Bridge was built in 646. The current bridge was reconstructed in 1996. In the middle of the bridge is a spot where it is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the famous 16th century warlord, drew water for his tea ceremony. Nowadays, water is drawn from this point every October during the annual Uji-cha Festival.
The bridge appears in many pieces of literature including The Tale of Genji (The Tale of Genji Museum can be found a short walk from Uji Bridge, by the Ujigami Jinja), and on the south-west side of the bridge you’ll find a stone statue of the author Murasaki Shikibu. It is a location that has also been the scene of 12th and 13th century battles.
Other places of interest in Uji include the new Uji Tea & Historical Park, behind the Uji Keihan train station, and also, a short bus ride from Uji JR Station is the Taiyogaoka Park which offers a short nature walk route, zip line adventure, playground, glamping café site, and sports facilities.
Helpful links
Guided tours of Uji
If you like the sound of Uji but would prefer to book a guided tour, here's some of the most popular you might like to consider:
BUDDHISM EXPERT GUIDE
Green Tea Fields, Serene Beautiful Nature of Kyoto: Private Tour
Embark on a spiritual journey through the hidden gems of Kyoto's countrysides and taste the best green tea in the green tea fields on a private tour like no other. You'll be guided by a local guide with deep knowledge of Buddhism and the cultures of Japan in an air-conditioned vehicle.
NATURAL SPIRITUALITY
Uplifting Uji: Kyoto's Tea, Shrines, and Natural Spirituality
Learn about the history and culture of Japanese spirituality and discover the nuances of Japanese tea traditions on this private guided tour in Kyoto. Visit a 12th-century teahouse to begin your journey before stopping to enjoy a tea drinking experience.
MATCHA GREEN TEA WITH LUNCH
Uji Matcha Green Tea Tour
Discover the tea shops and top sites in Uji - the home of Matcha in Kyoto. A great way to expand your Matcha knowledge. Watch Matcha being made No need to bring food with you, a tasty set lunch is included. See the UNESCO World Heritage Site Byodoin Temple.Uji Location Map
2. Riding the Eizan Railway to Kurama and Mount Hiei (Hieizan)
The Eizen Railway has two lines, one which runs between Demachiyanagi and Kurama, and a second between Demachiyanagi and Yase-Hieizanguchi.
There are a number of different trains that run on these lines including the 'sightseeing panorama train' KIRARA between Demachiyanagai and Kuruma (others include the newer nostalgic looking Hiei Train). The line splits at Tagaragaike Station so it's easy to take in Kurama in the morning, head back and switch directions to Hieizan for the afternoon (or vice-versa).
An Eizen Railway train that runs between Demachiyanagi and Yase-Hieizanguchi stations
Kuruma is famous for the tales of the 12th century exiled samurai hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune and how he trained in martial arts and swordsmanship with the Tengu of Mount Kuruma (the Tengu are a mythical race of creatures that can take many forms (often seen as half bird half human – karasu tengu), they are seen in many different ways as their legend as evolved over the centuries, but often referred to as harbingers of chaos and doom, evil warmongers).
The Eizan Railway sightseeing panorama train KIRARA runs between Demachiyanagai and Kuruma stations
You can also pay a visit to Kuruma-dera Temple. Founded in the 8th century, it is said that a Buddhist disciple saw in a dream in 772 that Mount Kurama had a spiritual power and built an esoteric temple to concentrate and control this power.
Taking the Eizan line to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station you find yourself at a very scenic location. Not just the station building, but also the Takano River that runs by the station. A short walk from Yase-Hieizanguchi Station leads to the Yase Cable Station which takes visitors up Mount Hiei via the Eizan Cable Car. Atop the mountain you’ll find the Hiei Gardens and Art Museum. The gardens are designed to give the ‘feel of Provence, South France’ and a café at the museum is influenced by the Paris street corner cafes.
Mount Hieizan as seen from from Funaokayama
And for those looking for historical locations, there is Enryaku-ji Temple, constructed on Mount Hiei in 788. There are 150 temple buildings dotted about the expansive temple grounds. They are divided into the three areas referred to as the Eastern Pagoda (To-do), the Western Pagoda (Sai-to) and Yokawa, each with its own central temple.
Helpful links
Train, tram and cable car tickets
EIZAN RAILWAY 1 DAY PASS
Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass
This 1-day pass ticket “Ee Kippu” is a perfect choice for the passengers who want to fully enjoy many popular tourists attractions along Eizan Railway. This ticket enables passengers to get on and get off at any station as many as one likes on the day.
EIZAN TRAM & CABLE CAR TICKET
Eizan Tram & Mountain Cable Car Round-trip Ticket
848 meters higher than Eizan, the route of the cable car is divided into two parts. When reaching the top of the mountain, you can also take the shuttle bus to visit the world heritage, Enryakuji Temple.
SAGANO ROMANTIC TRAIN
Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour
Go on a scenic day tour of the most beautiful sights in Kyoto, from the mountainside to the temples
Hop onto an old engine train for a romantic view of the mountainside at Arashiyama for a nostalgic experience.
Mount Hiei (Hieizan) Location Map
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3. Physical and spiritual adventures in Hoshida Park and Iwafune Shrine
Nestled between the borders of Kyoto and Osaka is the large nature and activity park, Hoshida Park. Around twenty minutes by train from Kyoto’s Keihan Chushojima to Osaka’s Hirakatashi, and then another twenty minutes on the Kitano local line to Kasaichi Station (the last stop on the line).
From there it’s a level, scenic walking route of around 1.5km, along the Amano River, to the park’s main entrance. The walk is pleasant, plenty of different kinds of birds to look out for and with appropriate footwear is an enjoyable nature walk.
The Hoshida Park Suspension Footbridge spans the Amano River, hanging above the forest canopy
Anyone that knows anything of Japanese folktales will recognize the name of the river, Amano, and be aware of the connection to the tale of Tanabata, the star festival and the park also boasts the amazing Hoshida Park Suspension Footbridge that spans the forest canopy. The ‘Hoshida no Buranko’. The Osaka information website for Hoshida Park describes the locations as “A forest of adventure and activities’ and it really is just that, and more!
Once at the park's entrance, you’ll come to the impressive 16.5 metre professional climbing wall. Classes are held for all levels, and there are areas where even children can try their hand. Also, at the entrance is ‘Pitons Cabin’, an information office. You’ll also find vending machines for snacks and drinks here.
There are a number of hiking routes of different levels through the park that at points criss-cross and among the points to look out for are, as mentioned above, the suspension footbridge. The bridge is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the country at 50 metres from the ground and 280 in length, and gives a magnificent view across the forest whatever the season. Kitano is, by legend, the home of the Tanabata story and so with the river and the Star Bridge it is a perfect location to visit at Tanabata time in early July.
Hoshida Park boasts a 16.5 metre professional climbing wall
To the south East end of the park, and you can follow the walking routes through the park to reach this point, is the Iwafune Jinja, the Rock Ship Shrine. This area is a land of legends and folklore and Iwafune Jinja just adds to that claim.
The story goes back 1,500 years when the enshrined deity Nigihayahi no Mikoto, the grandson of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, descended from the heavens down to Earth. Nigihayahi no Mikoto's mode of transport was a large 'ship'. After it had served its purpose the tale tells that the ship turned into a huge rock. The rock now sits firmly in place at Iwafune Shrine.
A 12 metre high rock in Iwafune Shrine is believed by some to have carried a god to Earth
The 12 metre high and wide rock is reputed to offer prosperity and safe journeys for those that come to the shrine to pray. The shrine also has a rocky cave that is open for the public, though stipulations are put on entry. The story told is that the Sun Goddess Amaterasu shut herself into the cave to meditate and today many visitors to the shrine enter the short cave system as an ascetic practice.
It is written in ancient Japanese text and stories that Nigihayahi no Mikoto was given ten sacred treasures by Amaterasu and upon his landing on Earth that he instructed the native people of Kansai/Kinki on how to clear the land and plant rice. This deity, in effect, introduced agriculture to the region. Entrance fee to enter is 500 yen for adults, children 300 yen and must be over ten years old. Entrance to Hoshida Park is free.
Access is by train via the Keihan Kitano Line from Hirakatashi on the Osaka Line (Keihan) to Kasaichi Station. By car take the National Route 168 and use the parking facilities at the park entrance.
Helpful links
Hoshida Park Location Map
Where to stay in Kyoto
Kyoto offers a wide range of accommodation to fit every budget. Most hotels and ryokan (traditional inns) are located in or around major tourist attractions in the city centre.
Kyoto Hotel Recommendations
If it's truly authentic Japanese accommodation you seek then the traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, is what you want (and here's why). These three choices comfortably offer everything you could want from this unforgettable experience.
Kyoto Ryokan Recommendations
About the Author
Phillip Jackson is the writer of the HIDDEN PATHS - Walking Historical Kyoto series of walking guidebooks, along with the companion PARANORMAL KANSAI - Mysteries & Unexplained Stories of West Japan. Specialising in off the beaten track walking routes of historical, cultural, and natural interest, he's the founder of www.hiddenpathskyoto.com.
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Resources
Useful Uji links
Useful Eizan Railway & Mount Hieizan links
Mount Hieizan and Enryaku-ji Temple
Useful Hoshida Park links
Further Reading
3 Hidden Kyoto Walks To Get You Off The Beaten Path
6 Magical Spots to See Spectacular Autumn Leaves in Japan
Experience A Beautiful Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
Feel the Spirit of the Samurai Sword in Kyoto
Kyoto Journal: Celebrating Japanese Culture in Style
Kyoto Traveler’s Inn – The Kyoto Hotel That’s Also An Art Gallery (Review)
Seike Yuba (Tofu Skin) Restaurant, Kyoto
Steam Locomotive Kyoto Railway Museum (Video)
Stardust Vegan Cafe & Boutique, A Kyoto Oasis
Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima (Book Review) Must Buy?
Top 6 Best Rated Kyoto Cycling Tours
Valuable Insights From my 17th Trip To Japan (Includes 28 Day Itinerary)
Why You Should Explore Kamigamo Shrine In Kyoto
Why You Should Explore Kyoto Train Station’s Dramatic Architecture
More Destination Resources
My List of Recommended Japan Travel Resources
Helpful Travel Guides
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