Quick Summary:

  • Question: What was Kyoto's historical role in Japan?
    Answer: Kyoto was the capital of Japan.
  • Question: Where is Kyoto located?
    Answer: Kyoto is located on the island of Honshu in the valley of the Yamashiro Basin, in the Eastern Tamba Highlands.
  • Question: What landmarks is Kyoto known for?
    Answer: Kyoto is known for its many classical Buddhist temples, Imperial Palaces, gardens, ancient Shinto Shrines, and wooden houses.
  • Question: What natural features surround Kyoto?
    Answer: The city is surrounded by three mountains, and three rivers run through the valley.
  • Question: What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Kyoto?
    Answer: Kyoto offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor recreation and sightseeing.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Amanohashidate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amanohashidate | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© stock.adobe.com

2. Arashiyama ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Arashiyama | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© tawatchai1990/stock.adobe.com

3. Awaji Island

Romantic Islands
Awaji Island | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© yoshihiro/stock.adobe.com

4. Enryukuji Temple

Enryukuji Temple | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© Kit Leong/stock.adobe.com

5. Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

Category: Activities
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© twinnystory/stock.adobe.com

6. Fushimi and Uji

Fushimi and Uji | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© Prism6 Production/stock.adobe.com

7. Hikone

Hikone | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

8. Himeji

Himeji | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© ichly4thai/stock.adobe.com

9. Kanazawa

Kanazawa | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© oben901/stock.adobe.com

10. Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© linghaa/stock.adobe.com

11. Kobe

Kobe | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© stock.adobe.com

12. Koka Ninja Village

Koka Ninja Village | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© a0030011/stock.adobe.com

13. Minoo Park

Category: Activities
Minoo Park | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© Takuya/stock.adobe.com

14. Miyajima

Miyajima | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© coward_lion/stock.adobe.com

15. Nagahama

Nagahama | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© Sanga/stock.adobe.com

16. Nagoya

Nagoya | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© hallucion_7/stock.adobe.com

17. Nara

Nara | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© omdim/stock.adobe.com

18. Okayama

Okayama | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© clin0000/stock.adobe.com

19. Omihachiman

Omihachiman | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© leeyiutung/stock.adobe.com

20. Osaka

Osaka | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© beeboys/stock.adobe.com

21. Otsu City

Otsu City | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© yurisyan/stock.adobe.com

22. Sakurai Area

Sakurai Area | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© nicholashan/stock.adobe.com

23. Wakayama City

Wakayama City | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© Lowpower/stock.adobe.com

24. Mount Yoshinoyama

Category: Activities
Mount Yoshinoyama | Weekend & Day Trips from Kyoto, Japan
© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

Map:


Plan Your Trip