7. Arashiyama
A fun, easy day trip from Kyoto, Arashiyama is just a half-hour commute from the city center and is the perfect getaway for those pressed for time and not wanting to stray too far from the city’s downtown core. Although considered a district of Kyoto, Arashiyama has managed to preserve its small-town, rural appeal, thanks in part to its lush vegetation and it being spread across a number of hills.
8. Kinosaki Onsen
Although located 2.5 hours northwest of Kyoto – and one of the few day trips from the city that is easier undertaken by road rather than rail – the traditional Japanese vacation area of Kinosaki Onsen is well worth the journey. Situated in the picture-perfect Sea of Japan coastal region of Hyogo Prefecture, unspoiled Kinosaki Onsen stretches along a lovely tree-lined river offering many quiet places to stop and enjoy the serenity of this small town, popular since the 8th century for its bountiful hot springs or «onsen.»
