Nara, Japan (day trip from Kyoto)

Located an hour south of Kyoto, Nara is a great day trip. Nara lacks the massive crowds you will encounter in Kyoto. And it has plenty of friendly deer who will entertain you (as long as you feed them). The main attraction of Nara is the Great Buddha. Much like in Kamakura, the Great Buddha is big, but this one is housed in a beautiful temple complex. There are many other temples and shrines to see in Nara Park. The helpful staff at the tourist office adjacent to Nara JR Station can provide a map and suggestions on where to go.