Osaka, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan with a population of almost 2.5 million, is a gourmand's delight and a baseball fan's dream. The city is only 30 to 60 minutes from Kyoto by train and is well worth a visit.
Nara is home to the some of the world's oldest buildings and a colossal Buddhist statue. We recommend Nara as a side trip from Kyoto.
Hiroshima Prefecture, which lies approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Kyoto by Shinkansen bullet train, is a popular destination that can be easily visited after sightseeing in Kyoto.
