If you happen to’je planning a visit to Japan, you completely have to go to Osaka. A vibrant and thrilling metropolis stuffed with historic temples, bustling purchasing districts, scrumptious road meals, and extra, there’s an abundance of issues to do in Osaka. However, my absolute favourite factor in regards to the metropolis is the plethora of unbelievable day journeys from Osaka itself.

I take into account myself to be fairly the professional on Osaka. Not solely is my mom a born-and-raised Osakan, however I’ve visited town numerous occasions as a toddler. Moreover, after I lived overseas in Japan for a 12 months, I spent most of my time in Osaka working as a digital nomad.

And whatever the variety of occasions I go to town, I by no means get bored. Not solely is Osaka surrounded by historic cities stuffed with cultural websites, like Kyoto and Himeji, nevertheless it’s additionally encompassed by gorgeous pure locations, like Mount Koya and Takedao. So at present, I’ve listed the 15 finest day journeys from Osaka that you simply have to take a look at throughout your journey to Japan.

Finest Day Journeys from Osaka

Earlier than I begin itemizing essentially the most unbelievable day journeys from Osaka, I simply wish to make clear that I completely advocate visiting most of those locations for greater than someday.

Nonetheless, in case you’re on a time crunch and also you’re searching for the perfect locations to go to close to Osaka, then it’s nonetheless potential to see all of those spectacular spots in a single day from Osaka. With that being stated, let’s start.

☞ Don’t miss our submit on the place to remain in Osaka, which incorporates the perfect areas and lodging.

1. Kyoto

First up, probably the most fashionable, historic, and exquisite cities in all of Japan is Kyoto. Like Osaka, Kyoto is situated within the Kansai area of Japan. Because it takes lower than an hour to get to Kyoto from Osaka by practice, it’s no shock that Kyoto is among the commonest day journeys from Osaka.

Full of spectacular historic and pure websites, from the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion) Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, it’s straightforward to spend days exploring all of Kyoto’s sights. I, myself, have visited Kyoto numerous occasions, and but I nonetheless discover new locations to go to each time.

For sure, it’s an amazing metropolis to take a look at no matter whether or not you’re touring with household, buddies, a major different, or alone; Kyoto is stuffed with nice issues to do. Due to its recognition, it will possibly turn into fairly busy, particularly throughout cherry blossom season.

Location: Kyoto Station is situated 30 – 50 minutes northeast of Osaka Station, relying on the practice you are taking. So, in case you’re searching for straightforward day journeys from Osaka, Kyoto is the place to go. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the best ways to get to Kyoto from Osaka is by practice. Whereas you can even get there by automotive, it takes practically an hour and the route consists of tolls. Be sure you get a JR Rail Go to your journey to Japan.
Finest Tour from Osaka: If you wish to e book a tour from Osaka that takes you to all of Kyoto’s prime spots, click on right here for a highlights journey.
Should-Do Actions: A few of Kyoto’s must-visit spots embody the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Some must-do actions embody participating in a tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple and becoming a member of a meals tour across the Gion District.
The place to Eat: Kyoto is stuffed with unbelievable eating places, together with the favored and scrumptious Denshichi Sushi.

2. Nara

One in every of my absolute favourite Osaka day journeys is to Nara. Well-known for its pleasant and nearly-domesticated deer, a preferred exercise is feeding and taking pictures of those lovable creatures at Nara Park.

Nonetheless, Nara has extra to supply than simply deer. Not solely are you able to go to its historic temples and shrines, just like the Todaji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, however this metropolis can also be residence to the pleasant and picturesque Mount Wakakusa which gives its guests with some spectacular views.

Total, Nara affords all kinds of points of interest that can attraction to all guests, so I undoubtedly advocate checking it out (so long as you’re not afraid of deer!).

Location: Nara Park is round one hour east of Osaka Station by practice. Click on right here for instructions to Nara Park.
Getting There: One of the best ways to get to Nara Park from Osaka is by practice. If you happen to have a JR Go, this route is included.
Finest Tour from Osaka: If you wish to discover each Kyoto and Nara in someday, take a look at this nice bus tour from Osaka.
Should-Do Actions: Among the finest issues to do in Nara embody admiring the deer at Nara Park, climbing Mount Wakakusa, visiting Todaji Temple, occurring a half-day strolling tour across the metropolis, or becoming a member of a Nara bike tour.
The place to Eat: I like tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet), which is why Tonkatsu Ganko Nara is considered one of my favourite eating places in Nara.

3. Mount Koya

A vital day journey from Osaka is undoubtedly Mount Koya (in any other case generally known as Koyasan). Positioned distant from the hustle and bustle of Osaka, Mount Koya is a peaceable mountain city situated within the Wakayama Prefecture. It’s additionally residence to the Okunoin Cemetery, which is the biggest graveyard in all of Japan.

Whereas I cherished wandering across the Okunoin Cemetery, my favourite components of visiting Mount Koya are the spectacular mountaineering trails and the historic temples. I additionally advocate visiting Mount Koya within the fall, if potential, because the autumn foliage is completely gorgeous. Total, in case you love historical past and nature, then Mount Koya is the proper day journey for you.

Location: Koyasan Station is round 2.5 hours south of Osaka Station by practice. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the best ways to get to Koyasan Station from Osaka is by practice. Take the Nankai-Koya Line from Namba Station, get off at Gokurakubashi Station, then take the Nankai Koyasan Cable. A portion of this route is included within the JR Rail Go. Click on right here for instructions to the Koyasan Station.
Finest Tour from Osaka: If you happen to’re searching for a straightforward strategy to discover Mount Koya, I like to recommend this personal strolling and practice tour of Mount Koya from Osaka.
Should-Do Actions: Among the finest issues to do in Mount Koya embody wandering across the Okunoin Cemetery, visiting Torodo Corridor, admiring the Daimon Gate, and taking a personal strolling tour with an area information.
The place to Eat: For an easy and satisfying meal after exploring the Okunion Cemetery, take a look at Hachiyo.

4. Himeji

For an additional fashionable one-day journey from Osaka, take into account trying out the attractive and historic Himeji. Positioned lower than an hour outdoors of Osaka, Himeji is residence to considered one of Japan’s largest and most iconic castles, Himeji Fortress.

Nonetheless, my absolute favourite place to go to in Himeji is Mount Shosha. Whereas it’s important to take a further bus to entry the mountain, it’s effectively value it. With a temple advanced on prime of a 371-meter mountain, Mount Shosha holds over 1,000 years of historical past. Full of historic shrines and enchanting views (particularly in autumn), Mount Shosha is certainly value a go to.

Location: Himeji Station is round 45 – 60 minutes west of Osaka Station by practice. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the best ways to get to Himeji Station from Osaka Station is by practice. Both take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line or take the Shinkansen (bullet practice) from Shin-Osaka Station. This route is included in the JR Go. Click on right here for the perfect routes through practice.
Finest Tour from Osaka: If you wish to skip the stress of planning a protracted day journey to Himeji by your self, take a look at this superb tour of Himeji Fortress, Kokoen Backyard, and Engyo-ji Temple from Osaka.
Should-Do Actions: My favourite issues to do in Himeji embody visiting Himeji Fortress, strolling up Mount Shosha, and wandering round Koko-en. I additionally advocate taking a personalized tour across the metropolis for a singular expertise.
The place to Eat: If you happen to’re searching for vegetarian or vegan choices in Himeji, it’s important to take a look at Sakurasaku.

5. Kobe

Kobe is a handy and fashionable day journey from Osaka that’s undoubtedly value including to your itinerary. Not solely is Kobe well-known for its gorgeous ocean views, nevertheless it’s additionally favored for its unbelievable culinary delights (you have to attempt Kobe beef if you’re in Kobe – after all).

I’ve visited Kobe a number of occasions all through the years, and but there are nonetheless so many Kobe points of interest that I haven’t seen but. However, my favourite issues to do in Kobe embody climbing Mount Rokko, which gives spectacular views of town and the ocean, strolling alongside the Kobe Harborland, and visiting the Ikuta Shrine.

Total, Kobe is the proper metropolis for each nature lovers and meals lovers.

Location: Kobe Station is situated round 25 to 45 minutes west of Osaka Station by practice. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the best ways to get to Kobe from Osaka Station is by practice. There are a couple of practice strains you could select from, together with the Tokaido-Sanyo Line, Kobe Line, and Hanshin Line. Osaka to Kobe is included in your JR Go as effectively.
Finest Tour from Osaka: If you would like a personal day tour of Kobe from Osaka, click on right here.
Should-Do Actions: Some must-do actions in Kobe embody visiting the Ikuta Shrine, climbing Mount Rokko, becoming a member of a personal strolling tour, wandering round Kobe Harborland, and exploring Chinatpersonal. This personal day journey takes in a lot of these locations.
The place to Eat: If you happen to’re thinking about sampling some Kobe beef, it’s important to take a look at the Kokubu Steak Home.

6. Arima Onsen City

Once you’re touring to Japan, one of many most important issues it’s important to do is to go to an onsen (scorching springs). And whereas there are a lot of superb onsens scattered across the nation, the onsens in Arima Onsen City are a number of the finest by far.

Containing each gold and silver scorching spring water, there are a plethora of onsens to select from. Nonetheless, in addition to the onsen, I additionally merely love visiting the lovable city. Good for exploring on foot, the picket buildings of Arima Onsen City are stuffed with cute retailers and cafes to wander round.

And, only a facet observe, Arima Onsen City is definitely contained inside the metropolis limits of Kobe. Nonetheless, I’m labeling it as a separate day journey because it takes a further 45 minutes to get there by bus. Total, Arima Onsen City is among the finest day journeys from Osaka by bus and undoubtedly value visiting in case you love spas.

Location: Arima Onsen Station is situated round one hour and 20 minutes west of Osaka Station by practice. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: The most effective methods to get to Arima Onsen City from Osaka are by automotive or by practice. Whereas it solely takes 40 minutes by automotive, the route consists of tolls. In distinction, it takes one hour and 20 minutes by practice and bus. Click on right here for the perfect routes through public transport.
Should-Do Actions: Whilst you’re in Arima Onsen City, take a look at a number of the spas, go to the Tosen Shrine, and drop by the Arima Toys and Automata Museum.
The place to Eat: For a fast and stress-free lunch break, I like to recommend stopping by Café de Beau.

7. Takedao Deserted Railway

Subsequent, let’s speak about probably the greatest hidden gems close to Osaka: the Takedao Deserted Railway. Whereas it’s not well-known or fashionable, it’s considered one of my absolute favourite day journeys from Osaka – I at all times go to the Takedao Deserted Railway at any time when I go to Osaka.

The Takedao Deserted Railway is a flat and enchanting mountaineering path that connects Namaze Station and Takedao Station. And, unsurprisingly, the Takedao Deserted Railway follows an deserted railway. The path meanders deep into darkish tunnels (carry your cellphone to make use of as a flashlight), and passes a tranquil river in a deep valley surrounded by dense bushes.

The principle motive I like the Takedao Deserted Railway is that its easy but charming surroundings jogs my memory of a Hayao Miyazaki movie. So, if you’d like a calming time out of town, I extremely advocate checking it out. And, simply as a tip, begin the hike at Namaze Station and finish it at Takedao Station.

Location: Takedao Station is situated round 35 minutes north-west of Osaka Station by practice. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the best ways to get to Takedao Station from Osaka is by practice, through the Tokaido-Sanyo Line. Click on right here for the perfect routes through practice.
The place to Eat: After having fun with your picturesque hike, I like to recommend consuming at 畑熊商店 (don’t fear, they provide English menus).

8. Awaji Island

If you happen to’re searching for probably the most enjoyable day journeys from Osaka, then look no additional than Awaji Island. Positioned on an island southwest of Osaka, it’s well-known for the massive Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge that connects it to Kobe.

There are lots of issues to do on Awaji Island; from visiting the Izanagi Shrine to admiring the Naruto whirlpools. Nonetheless, Awaji Island is especially well-suited for households, because it additionally affords Nijigen no Mori (Awaji Island Anime Park) and Good day Kitty Smile. So, in case you’re searching for a fun-filled day on an island, Awaji Island is the place to go.

Location: Awaji Island is situated round two hours southwest of Osaka Station by practice and bus. Click on