Osaka<\/strong> is the complete contrary of cultural and historical Kyoto. Modern, busy and fascinating, Osaka has to offer its own Universal Studios, great views, and unforgettable experience from the top of the Umeda Sky Building.<\/p>\n Last but not least, if trains fascinate you, do not miss out on the Railway Park of Nagoya<\/strong> – a place where the history and evolution of world-class trains stand before your eyes.<\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/p> Nara<\/a> is just 37 km away from Kyoto. There is a direct Rapid Service on the JR Nara Line<\/strong>\u00a0that will take you to the city in less than an hour<\/strong>. The JR Nara Line is included in your Japan Rail Pass<\/a>, which means that all JR pass holders can make this trip for free.<\/p>\n But if you don\u2019t know anything about this city, the first thing to learn is that Nara is amongst Japan\u2019s top destinations, preferred by locals and international visitors.<\/p>\n One of the Unesco World Heritage<\/a> sites that are located in Nara is the great Todai-ji temple<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Big Buddha Hall<\/strong>, located within the temple, is the world\u2019s largest wooden building. Todai-ji is also home to one of the largest bronze Great Buddha statues ever built. On your way to the temple, you might stumble upon a couple or more deer, who have come from the nearby Nara park<\/strong><\/a>. This is no surprise, considering the fact that Nara park is home to over 1200 deer.<\/p>\n The area around Todai-ji<\/strong> is flourishing with museums, monuments, and temples, all of which are worth the visit. Plan your hours well in Nara and take as much as you can from this historical land.<\/p>\n For more ideas on what to do in Nara, check out our Japan in 21 days<\/a> article (Nara – week 2).<\/p>\n \n \n Buy your JR Pass\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n This is another great option for a day trip from Kyoto that will take you less than an hour, taking the Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a>. Situated on a hill over the seashore, Kobe<\/a> plays the role of one of Japan\u2019s most sophisticated and culturally rich cities. Furthermore, it was one of the key Japanese ports when it came to Chinese trade business centuries ago.<\/p>\n Fortunately, Kobe is relatively small and very well structured, which means that all the great monuments to see are located within walking distance from one another.<\/p>\n Osaka<\/a> is a modern, cultural and down-to-earth city – the complete opposite of Kyoto. This makes it the perfect destination for a day tour if you wish to experience the true and diverse Japanese culture. It will take you less than 30 minutes to get from Kyoto to Osaka with the JR Special Rapid Service<\/strong>.<\/p>\n One of the great places with breathtaking views of the city that are an absolute \u201cmust\u201d is the Umeda Sky Building<\/strong><\/a>. It consists of two 173 meters high towers, which are connected by a \u201cFloating Garden Observatory<\/strong>\u201d on the 39th floor. It is open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., which makes for a perfect spot to admire all of Osaka day and night.<\/p>\n Finally, Universal Studios Japan<\/strong> is an excellent way to have a lot of fun with the whole family. The Japanese version is not too different from the American one; however, the fun is guaranteed.<\/p>\n For even more ideas on what to do and see in Osaka, make sure to read our Japan in 14 days: Travel Itinerary<\/a> blog post. (Day 8.)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \n \n Buy your JR Pass\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n No matter the weather nor the time of year, the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine<\/strong><\/a> has always been and will be one of the best places to visit in the Kyoto area. The thousand vermillion torii gates<\/strong> located behind the temple\u2019s main walls will leave you breathless and wonder if a different world is waiting on the other side, at the end, just after the last gate. If you are in a good physical shape, do not miss out on the astounding views of Kyoto the multiple viewpoints have to offer. The more steps you climb, the fewer visitors you will see as you get higher.<\/p>\n Oddly enough, we recommend you try visiting the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine on a cloudy day. Not only because there surely will be fewer visitors, but you will be taken away by the magical atmosphere the clouds create on the top of the Kyoto hills. By combining this with the countless screaming-red torii gates, you will feel like no other shrine could ever top Fushimi Inari.<\/p>\n How to get there<\/em>: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara line and drop off at Inari Station, just by the gates of the temple. Total travel time is just 8 minutes!<\/p>\n Nagoya<\/a> is located in the very center of the main island of Japan – Honshu. It is one of the main Japanese industrial key points, and it doesn\u2019t stop developing. Apart from playing an important role in the country\u2019s development, Nagoya attracts visitors from all over the world.<\/p>\n How to get there<\/em>: From Kyoto Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen line to Tokyo (included in your JR Pass). You will get to Nagoya station in just 35 minutes.<\/p>\n The Himeji Castle<\/a>,<\/strong> also known as the White Heron Castle,<\/strong> is said to be the most spectacular castle in Japan for its grandeur, exquisite construction detail, and complex grounds. If this is not enough, consider the fact that this is both a world heritage site and a Japanese national treasure.<\/p>\n As soon as you get out of the train, you will easily see the gorgeous view of the Himeji Castle, perched on the highest hill, guarding the city.<\/p>\n It is also a very popular day trip during the cherry blossoming season<\/a>. The gardens and surroundings of the castle make for an unforgettable and beautiful experience.<\/p>\n How to get there<\/em>: There is a direct train service from Kyoto to Himeji, included in your JR Pass<\/strong>. Take the Shinkansen<\/a> Hikari train from Kyoto and arrive in Himeji station in a little over 45 minutes, or take a local express train which will get you there in 90 min.<\/p>\nNara<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Kobe<\/span><\/h2>\n
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\nKobe City Hall<\/strong> is located just a few minutes walking distance from Sannomiya station. You will be able to enjoy some great views of the city, completely free of charge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n![\"Kobe](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe_maritime_museum2-by-Tomomarusan-wikimedia-1024x712.jpg\")
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![\"Kobe](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe-animal-kingdom-Merec0-wikimedia.jpg\")
Osaka<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Umeda](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Umeda-floating-garden-observatory-by-Marting-Abegglen-flickr.jpg\")
Osaka Castle and Museum<\/span><\/h3>\n
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![\"Osaka](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/osaka-castle.jpg\")
Fushimi Inari Shrine<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nLocated close to the city center of Kyoto, the Shrine is easily reachable by bus or train.<\/p>\n![\"Fushimi](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_1187-1024x768.jpg\")
Nagoya<\/span><\/h2>\n
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![\"Railway](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/railway-park-shinji_w-Flickr-1024x768.jpg\")
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![\"Nagoya](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Nagoya-castle-Marufish-Flickr-1024x680.jpg\")
Himeji Castle<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Himeji](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Himeji-castle-Ben-Kubota-Flickr-1024x685.jpg\")
Uji<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Byodo-in](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/uji-byodo-in.jpg\")
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