Uji and Nara: A Perfect Day Trip from Kyoto

When Kyoto begins to stir and the morning light stretches across its temple rooftops, it’s the perfect time to slip away — to somewhere quieter, greener, and steeped in gentle wonder. Just a short train ride south, Uji and Nara await: two soulful destinations that offer a glimpse into Japan’s past. Here we document how we maximised the perfect day trip from Kyoto, full of tea, temples and tranquility. In fact, it was one of the best day trips during our time in Japan! Find out the Best Day Trips in Japan in this dedicated post, which also includes a link to Ideas for Day Trips from Osaka.

From the fragrant trails of Uji, where matcha has been perfected over centuries, to Nara’s open parks where sacred deer roam freely under the watchful gaze of ancient Buddhas, this day trip feels like stepping into a poem. It’s where tranquility meets tradition, and every corner tells a tale. With temples, tea houses, heritage sites, and peaceful scenery, this escape from Kyoto delivers something truly timeless.

A word of advice, if you want to purchase some matcha to take home, get to the matcha shops early. Why the rush? Global demand for matcha is surging, fuelled by a blend of wellness culture and TikTok trends. But recent record-breaking heatwaves slashed yields by about 25%, sending prices soaring and stocks vanishing almost instantly. Don’t make the same mistake we did — we actually went to Nara first and so this section is our recommendation on how to best make the most of your Kyoto day trip.

0830 – 1130: Start Your Day Trip Right – How to Explore Uji from Kyoto

Uji — long revered for its ceremonial-grade powder — is now ground zero for matcha mania. From Kyoto, it is a 30 minute journey on the Nara line. Here, the river runs slow, the streets are lined with low wooden buildings, and the air is sweet with the scent of freshly ground matcha. By the time Uji’s matcha shops swing open their doors, often before 10:00 AM, the air crackles with energy. And if you don’t arrive early? Well, you’ll miss out, fast. Doors are barely opened when stores sell out within minutes, with lines already stretching around the corner.

Our friend recommended Tokichi for matcha and beautifully presented desserts. Hot tip: If the main store already has a line, there is another store only 8 minutes walk away. The second store is located right on the bank of Uji river. It was definitely less busier than the main store when we went for dessert. We ordered the matcha parfait, an insta worthy treat. Finish with a stroll along the river to soak in the views before making your way for Nara.

There are plenty of matcha made dishes around the cute town so definitely take your time to wander through and enjoy the beauty of it all! For a dedicated post on the Japanese inspired desserts, check out our separate Must Try Desserts piece.

1130 – 1530: A Perfect Afternoon in Nara: History, Wildlife, and Wonder

From the matcha-scented calm of Uji, the journey to Nara is short. Within an hour, the quiet tea paths give way to wide open parks where sacred deer roam freely. They bow politely for biscuits and nudging at your side like curious old souls. Once the ancient capital of Japan, Nara carries a dignified stillness — one that humbles and grounds you the moment you step onto its temple-lined paths. But don’t mistake the serenity for slowness. Nara is deeply alive: in the gentle shuffle of feet at Todai-ji and the warm laughter as deer steal snacks. It’s a place that doesn’t ask for your attention — it quietly earns it.

We arrived at Nara Station and visited Nakatanidou, famed for its high-speed mochi pounding. There’s no schedule here — just instinct and demand. But we were lucky. At 1 PM sharp, the air filled with cheers as two craftsmen moved in perfect, thunderous sync, pounding and folding with hypnotic precision. At the end, we were cradling a still-warm, dusted piece of mochi — soft, chewy, and ever so slightly sweet. A bite-sized cloud of joy.

Afterwards, make your way to the soul of Nara: Tōdai-ji Temple. With an 800 Yen entrance fee, we approached the monumental Nandaimon Gate, guarded by fierce wooden deities frozen mid-roar — it felt as though we were crossing into something sacred. Inside the vast Daibutsuden, a hush seemed to fall over the world. Towering above us, the Great Buddha sat in eternal calm — massive, unmoving, yet utterly alive in its stillness.

Back outside, we wandered into Nara Park, where curiosity is not a human trait alone. With deer biscuits in hand, we bowed — and to our joy, the deer bowed back with playful precision. It’s part performance, part ritual, and entirely enchanting. But be careful — once one deer spots the prize, others quickly follow. They come in swarms, charming and relentless, nudging and nosing until you surrender your final biscuit. Just remember: if they bow, it’s only fair you feed them promptly. Manners go both ways in Nara.

1530 – 1830: From Nara to Arashiyama – Discover Kyoto’s Scenic Bamboo Forest

From Nara’s sacred stillness and bowing deer, head to Arashiyama, a place where nature doesn’t just surround you — it transports you. The moment we stepped into the bamboo grove, it was as if someone had lowered the volume on the world. Towering stalks swayed gently overhead, rustling in rhythm with the breeze, their emerald trunks stretching skyward like silent sentinels. The light filtered through in ribbons, casting the path in shifting shades of jade and gold. It felt otherworldly — cinematic and serene, like walking through a dream you never want to wake from.

Travellers’ forums often say that to truly beat the crowds and capture the perfect shot, you must arrive before dawn’s first light — before 6 AM. But honestly? We found the early wake-up call wasn’t quite worth it. When we visited in the evening around 5.30PM, the grove still held its magic without feeling overrun. The gentle rain earlier in the day may have helped keep the crowds at bay. For those keen on an early start, pairing the visit with a peaceful stroll up to Arashiyama Monkey Park makes for a rewarding morning adventure, where quiet meets wild curiosity.

1830 – late: Cap Off Your Kyoto Day Trip with a Memorable Dinner

There are several routes back into Kyoto, but we opted for the scenic ride on the Randen Line — a charming, tram-style train that rumbles gently through quiet neighbourhoods and feels like stepping back in time. Make sure you topped up enough money to your Suica card as you make payment at the end when you exit. As the sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the tracks, we made our way toward dinner — a reservation we’d spontaneously booked after passing the restaurant the day before and being immediately intrigued.

The menu offered a delicious dilemma: Sukiyaki, Shabu Shabu, or Japanese BBQ, each promising 90 indulgent minutes of unlimited, perfectly marbled Japanese-grade beef. We chose Sukiyaki—rich, sweet, and deeply comforting — and soon found ourselves dipping delicate slices of beef into bubbling broth, letting each bite melt like velvet on the tongue. It was the kind of meal that lingers, warm and satisfying, long after the final bite.

With bellies full and hearts even fuller, we couldn’t help but marvel at just how much the day had given us — the sacred quiet of Uji’s tea fields, the ancient grace of Nara’s temples and the playful charm of its bowing deer, and the tranquility of Arashiyama Bamboo Park. It was a journey that blended serenity, flavour, and history with just the right amount of whimsy. If Kyoto is the soul of Japan, then its nearby towns are the quiet whispers that make it sing. And as we drifted back through the city’s lantern-lit streets and walked back to our hotel, we knew one thing for certain: this day would stay with us, long after we left it behind.