7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Kyoto

Kyoto, is a city steeped in history and culture, making it an ideal base for digital nomads who appreciate a blend of traditional and modern living. While the city itself offers endless exploration opportunities, the weekends are perfect for getaways to nearby destinations. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, there's something for every type of traveler. Here are seven weekend getaways from Kyoto that promise to enrich your experience in Japan.

Nara

Just a short train ride from Kyoto, Nara is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture. As Japan's first permanent capital, it is home to some of the country's oldest and most significant temples, including the famous Todai-ji Temple housing the Great Buddha. Nara Park, with its freely roaming deer, offers a unique experience where you can interact with these gentle creatures. The park also boasts several museums and gardens, making it a full day's adventure.

How to Get There: Nara is easily accessible from Kyoto by train. The journey takes about 45 minutes via the JR Nara Line or the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to feed the deer with special crackers sold within the park. It's a fun and memorable experience that's unique to Nara.

Where to Stay: For a comfortable stay, consider the Nara Hotel with its blend of classic charm and modern amenities, or the Guesthouse Nara Komachi for a more budget-friendly option.

Where to Eat: Visit Nakatanidou for their famous mochi (rice cakes) pounded right before your eyes, a spectacle and a treat not to be missed.

Osaka

Osaka is known for its vibrant food scene, modern architecture, and lively nightlife. A short trip from Kyoto, it's perfect for those looking to experience a more contemporary side of Japan. Don't miss the iconic Osaka Castle, the bustling Umeda Sky Building with its floating garden observatory, and the neon-lit Dotonbori district. For food enthusiasts, Osaka is a paradise with its array of street food stalls and restaurants serving local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

How to Get There: Osaka is about 15 minutes away from Kyoto by shinkansen (bullet train) or around 30 minutes by local train services.

Travel Tip: For a panoramic view of the city, visit the Umeda Sky Building at sunset and witness the cityscape transform with dazzling lights.

Where to Stay: The InterContinental Osaka offers luxury accommodations with stunning city views, while the Hotel Universal Port provides a thematic stay near Universal Studios Japan.

Where to Eat: Dine at Mizuno for some of the best okonomiyaki in Osaka, a savory pancake that's a staple of the local cuisine.

Kobe

Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city known for its signature marbled beef and scenic views. The city's diverse attractions range from the historic Ikuta Shrine to the modern Kobe Harborland. Nature lovers can enjoy a hike up Mount Rokko for breathtaking views of the city and the sea. The Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens and Ropeway offer a fragrant and picturesque escape, while the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum provides a poignant look at the city's resilience.

How to Get There: Kobe is approximately 50 minutes from Kyoto by train on the JR Kobe Line.

Travel Tip: Take the Shin-Kobe Ropeway up to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens and enjoy the stunning views of the waterfall and the city below.

Where to Stay: The ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is directly connected to the Shin-Kobe bullet train station, offering convenience and comfort. For a more traditional experience, try the Kobe Kitano Hotel.

Where to Eat: Steakland Kobe offers an affordable way to try the world-renowned Kobe beef in a teppanyaki style.

Kinosaki Onsen

For a relaxing weekend, Kinosaki Onsen is a charming hot spring town where you can indulge in the Japanese onsen (hot spring bath) culture. With seven public bathhouses, each with its own unique charm, visitors can embark on an onsen-hopping adventure. The town is also picturesque, with willow-lined canals and traditional ryokans (inns), providing a glimpse into old Japan. Don't forget to try the local seafood delicacies, especially the Matsuba crab.

How to Get There: Kinosaki Onsen is about 2.5 hours from Kyoto by direct train on the JR Sanin Main Line.

Travel Tip: Stay at a ryokan to experience traditional Japanese hospitality and enjoy kaiseki meals, a multi-course dinner featuring seasonal and regional specialties.

Where to Stay: Nishimuraya Honkan is a luxurious ryokan that offers an authentic experience with exquisite cuisine and onsen facilities.

Where to Eat: Visit Kinosaki Sushi to enjoy fresh, locally-sourced sushi and sashimi, a perfect complement to your onsen experience.

Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate, meaning "bridge to heaven," is one of Japan's three scenic views. This narrow sandbar is covered with pine trees and can be viewed from the mountains at either end of the bay. Visitors can rent bicycles to traverse the sandbar or take a leisurely boat ride. The area is also known for its tranquil atmosphere and is a great spot for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

How to Get There: Amanohashidate can be reached in about 2 hours from Kyoto by train, with a transfer at Fukuchiyama Station.

Travel Tip: For the best views, take the chairlift or cable car up to the Amanohashidate View Land and see the sandbar in its 'bridge to heaven' glory.

Where to Stay: Monjuso offers traditional accommodations with views of Amanohashidate, complete with onsen facilities to unwind after a day of exploration.

Where to Eat: Try the local specialty, funazushi (fermented sushi), at a traditional restaurant like Chitose, for a unique culinary experience.

Ise-Shima

Ise-Shima is a bit further afield but well worth the journey for its sacred Shinto shrines, including the famous Ise Grand Shrine, which is considered Japan's most sacred. The area is also known for its beautiful coastline, pearl cultivation, and ama divers – women who traditionally dive for pearls and seafood. A visit to the Mikimoto Pearl Island offers insight into the history of pearl farming and the chance to see ama divers in action.

How to Get There: Ise-Shima is about 2 hours from Kyoto by train, with a transfer at Iseshi Station or Ujiyamada Station.

Travel Tip: Plan your visit to coincide with one of the ama divers' performances at Mikimoto Pearl Island to witness this unique and ancient tradition.

Where to Stay: The Shima Kanko Hotel offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of Ago Bay, and is known for hosting the 2016 G7 summit.

Where to Eat: Sample the freshest seafood at Ama Hut Hachiman, where you can enjoy dishes prepared by the ama divers themselves.

Kurama and Kibune

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, the twin villages of Kurama and Kibune offer a serene escape into nature. Located in the mountains north of Kyoto, these villages are connected by a scenic hiking trail that passes through forests and alongside streams. Kurama is known for its temple and hot springs, while Kibune is famous for its shrine and riverside dining platforms (kawadoko) where you can enjoy a meal above the flowing water during the summer months.

How to Get There: Kurama and Kibune are accessible via the Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: Visit during autumn to see the spectacular fall foliage, or in winter to enjoy the hot springs with a backdrop of snow.

Where to Stay: Kurama Onsen offers a traditional ryokan experience with the added luxury of natural hot spring baths.

Where to Eat: Dine at Hirobun, where you can enjoy nagashi somen (flowing noodles) on the kawadoko in the summer, a cool and delightful experience.