Day Trips

Taking a day trip to Dazaifu from Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan

If you are looking to take a day trip from Fukuoka, look no further than Dazaifu, a city located less than an hour away from Fukuoka City by train or bus. Although Dazaifu wasn’t officially founded as a city until 1982, its history goes back over a thousand years. During the Nara and Heian periods (710-1185), Dazaifu played an important role as the political center of the island of Kyushu, Japan. The main reason for visiting Dazaifu is to visit …

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Taking a day trip to Hikone from Kyoto

The main keep of Hikone Castle

When you are trying to plan a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, at the top of your list might be Himeji. Himeji is a wonderful town with an amazing castle. But there is another great city near Kyoto with a small, but equally impressive castle. And this city is Hikone, located about 25 miles northeast of Kyoto on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa. The city is quite compact and packed with great sights, making for the perfect day …

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Day trip to Himeji: What to do with one day in Himeji

Himeji Castle, one of Japan's twelve original castles

If you are looking to take a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, then look no further than Himeji. Himeji, located less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka by shinkansen (bullet train), makes for a great day trip. The main reason for visiting Himeji is to see the magnificent Himeji Castle, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s twelve original castles. For over 400 years, the castle has remained intact even with the threat of war, earthquakes, …

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