Top 17 Day Trips from Osaka: Choosing Your Perfect Destination

If you prefer not to frequently change hotels, using Osaka as a base to explore the surrounding areas is a great option.

Osaka is known as Japan's food capital and has a vibrant atmosphere that feels more lived-in compared to Kyoto, with more affordable hotel prices.

Additionally, Osaka has convenient transportation options, making it easy to explore nearby cities, such as Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Hiroshima. If you're interested in lesser-known destinations, we also have some recommendations to share.

Read on to delve into more details, including the best places to visit, how to choose your itinerary, and how to get there.

1. Himeji Castle and Kobe: Enjoy Traditional Architecture and the Charm of the Harbor

• Location: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture
• Getting there: 30 minutes by Shinkansen; about an hour via a limited express train (tokkyu)

Himeji Castle and Kobe are two of the most popular day trip destinations from Osaka as they are only about 30 minutes away by Shinkansen. Since the two places are close together, you could easily visit both in one day.

Traveling early in the morning from Osaka would give you more time to explore. You could visit Himeji Castle and the nearby Kokoen Garden in the morning, then head to Kobe in the afternoon.

Himeji Castle is one of Japan's largest and best-preserved castles. It is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season from late March to early April when the castle is shrouded in pink.

Kokoen Garden offers a seasonal Japanese landscape and delightful restaurants for lunch (reservations may be needed during peak times). In the afternoon, visit Kobe for its beautiful coastline and enjoy a breathtaking sunset at Suma Beach. In the evening, take in the night view of Kobe Port Tower and indulge in the famous Kobe beef for dinner.

2. Arima Onsen: Authentic Hot Springs

• Location: Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyōgo 651-1401
• Getting there: An hour by subway from Himeji Castle; and half an hour from Kobe by subway

Arima Onsen is renowned for its historic hot springs. The town is welcoming to tattooed visitors and offersa quiet atmosphere.

The area is mostly frequented by locals, so it's not overly crowded with tourists. If you're interested in experiencing the hot springs, a half-day visit might be ideal, allowing you to book a private onsen for an hour or two at one of the ryokans.

You could easily combine a visit to Arima Onsen with Himeji Castle. Start your day by exploring Himeji Castle in the morning, then relax in the onsens in Arima in the afternoon. It takes about an hour to reach Arima Onsen by subway from Himeji Castle.

If you want to experience Himeji Castle, Kobe, and Arima Onsen in one day, consider staying overnight at a hot spring hotel in Arima. Continue to read: the best hot springs in Japan

3. Uji: World Heritage Temples and Japan's Finest Matcha

• Getting there: It takes about 30–40 minutes by JR or Keihan Railway.

Uji is one of the most authentic places in Japan to explore a UNESCO World Heritage temple and Japan's matcha culture at a relaxed pace.

Begin your day at Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take time to admire the Phoenix Hall reflected in the pond. If you are interested in culture, step inside to see the delicate Buddhist wooden carvings and the elegant coffered ceiling, which reflect the refined aesthetics of the Heian period.

After your visit, enjoy matcha ice cream, sit at a teahouse by the calm Uji River, and sip high-quality tea prepared by local producers.

For a deeper experience, you can join a hands-on matcha making session or try a rare making matcha incense experience in a small temple.

4. Kurashiki Bikanin in Okayama: A Water Town of Art and Tradition

• Getting there: About 1 hour from Osaka by Shinkansen, then a short local train ride to Kurashiki.

Kurashiki Bikan blends traditional Japanese water town charm with a touch of modern art. It is the closest water town to Osaka.

Don't miss a wooden boat ride along the Kurashiki River. The 20-minute ride is the classic way to experience the water town.You could gently glide past historic buildings and soft tree reflections on the water.

Here is also great for slow wandering. The area has several art museums, most notably the Ohara Museum of Art. It features works by major Impressionist artists and rare Buddhist stone sculptures from China and Korea.

If you are especially interested in art museums, Kurashiki Bikan deserves a full day. Start with a morning boat ride, then explore museums like the Ohara Museum of Art and Kojima Torajiro Museum in the afternoon.

If you do not plan to spend too much time in art museums, half a day is enough for Kurashiki Bikan. We recommend plan it with Okayama's Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three great classical gardens. Visit the garden in the morning, then head to Kurashiki in the afternoon.

5. Awaji Island: a Paradise for Anime Fans

• Location: Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture
• Getting there: From Osaka, it takes about 1.5 hours by car to reach

Awaji Island is great for anime-loving teens and makes a fun family day trip. The island has interactive anime theme parks for all ages. There are also anime themed hotels and seaside hot spring resorts, making it worth staying overnight.

Naruto Theme Park is the highlight, perfect for both kids and adults. Join exciting puzzle-solving games, and grab authentic ramen from the anime at the on-site restaurant. Nearby, you can zip-line straight into Godzilla's mouth for a real-life monster battle experience!

Other themed areas are based on popular anime such as Spy x Family and Dragon Quest. Tickets are sold separately for each theme park, so you can choose your favorites and plan your time accordingly. Consider staying overnight. With so many themes and games, a day trip can feel rushed.

6. Hiroshima: History of World War II

• Getting there: 2 to 2½ hours by Shinkansen from Osaka

A day trip to Hiroshima is possible but very rushed. You may need to start your trip early at 5 am and return to your hotel late at about 10 pm. Therefore, we recommend you stay overnight in Hiroshima for a more relaxed trip.

The highlights in Hiroshima are the remnants of the atomic bombing at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the floating torii gate at Miyajima.

You could start your trip at about 8:30 am from Osaka. Visit the site of the atomic bombing at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in the morning. After lunch, take a fast boat from the park's pier to Miyajima to enjoy the floating torii gate and stunning sunsets, then enjoy dinner on the island.

7. Nara: Discover Deer and Timeless Temples

• Getting there: The fastest way to get there is by taking the Kintetsu Nara Line, which takes about 40–45 minutes. After arriving at Nara Station, it's a 20-minute walk to the attractions.

In Nara, you would have an easy day trip interacting with adorable deer and walking around Nara Park and Todai-ji. Have an enjoyable walk up Mount Wakakusa to admire a sunset with a panoramic view of Nara.

Arrive early, as it is very popular and most of the attractions are getting crowded at 9am. Also, the deer are most active in the morning. Most attractions begin to close at 5 pm.

8. Mt.Koya: Experience a Millennium of Buddhist Heritage

• Location: Koya, Wakayama Prefecture
• Getting there: Driving from Osaka to Koya takes about 1½ to 2 hours.

Koyasan is a very important religious site in Japan with a history of over 1,200 years. It's known as the birthplace of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and has many historic temples and shrines. Koyasan is famous for its temple stays, where you could chant, copy scriptures, eat vegetarian meals, and experience what it's like to be a monk for a day.

Besides the temple stay, visitors could enjoy a peaceful atmosphere by walking along the World Heritage pilgrimage path, connecting with nature and spirituality. You could also visit the sacred temples and shrines to start your own pilgrimage.

9. The Kumano Kodo: The Most Famous Hiking Trail in Japan

• Location: Wakayama Prefecture
• Getting there: The journey from Osaka to the Kumano Kodo takes approximately 3 hours by car.

The Kumano Kodo is one of the most famous hiking trails in Japan. When you hike the Kumano Kodo, you would see many ancient stone markers, shrines, and traditional villages.

Although a day trip to the Kumano Kodo from Osaka seems possible, it is very rushed and not recommended. You may need to spend about 6 hours on the road.

The Kumano Kodo is quite long but you could focus on the most beautiful part, which also offers a taste of local culture: the Mount Nachi route. This part only takes about 2 hours. There, you could try on traditional clothing and then visit Nachi Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan.

10. Shirahama: a Coastal Hot Spring with Unique Scenery

• Location: Wakayama Prefecture

Shirahama is a small coastal town where you could enjoy onsens with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and relax on its white sandy beaches. It is a much-favored day trip destination for families. If you are more active, you could even explore the ancient cave of Sandanbeki to enjoy the striking geology.

Shirahama is on the way from Osaka to the Kumano Kodo. It is a popular stopover for day trips from Osaka to Nachi, making it suitable for a 30-minute to 1-hour visit.

Alternatively, after exploring the Kumano Kodo, consider staying overnight in Shirahama for a more relaxed experience before heading back to Osaka.

11. Shikoku Island: Japan's Hidden Gem of Nature and Art

• Getting there: From Osaka, Kagawa and Tokushima are most easily reached by car, with a drive of about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Shikoku Island is a lesser-known destination with four distinct regions.

If you enjoy exploring natural wonders, Tokushima is a great choice. You can take a boat cruise to see one of the world's three largest tidal whirlpools up close, and explore dramatic gorges and waterfalls in Iya Valley.

If art is your main interest, head to Naoshima in Kagawa. The island is famous for architecture designed by Tadao Ando and outdoor art installations such as Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin sculptures.

If you prefer a relaxed town atmosphere, Ehime is perfect. You can soak in Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs and a favorite of the Japanese imperial family.

In Kochi, you can enjoy snorkeling and observe colorful fish and coral in the area's clear waters.

Smart visiting Tips：

1. Allow one to two days for each area, and choose one or two regions to stay in based on your interests and time.
2. We recommend hiring a car with a driver and guide for a smoother experience. Public transportation in this area is not convenient, mostly local buses, and English is not widely spoken, so taking a private tour is recommended.

12. Mount Yoshino: Cherry Blossoms in Spring and Fall Leaves

• Location: Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture
• Getting there: 1.5 hours' drive from Osaka

Mount Yoshino is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn colors. From late March to mid-April, the whole mountain is surrounded by pink flowers. The autumn colors there are also stunning. Taking the Yoshino Ropeway offers even more breathtaking views of the scenery.

13. Ine's Boathouses, Miyama's Kayabuki no Sato: Traditional Japanese Villages

• Location: Kyoto

You could visit Ine's boathouses to see traditional water-facing houses and you would find well-preserved, rustic thatched-roof villages in Miyama's Kayabuki no Sato. Enjoy the stunning coastline at Amanohashidate.

However, trying to fit all these attractions into one day could be quite rushed, especially when traveling from Osaka.

The best way to explore these attractions is to allocate at least 2 days for your trip. Start by visiting Ine's boathouses, then head to Shirakawa-go for an overnight stay in Takayama if you're visiting in winter to see an illuminated gassho-zukuri village.

Alternatively, you could stay at Amanohashidate the night before and enjoy the seaside views the following day. In other seasons, after exploring Ine's boathouses, visit Amanohashidate, stay overnight, and tour a gassho-zukuri village before returning. This approach allows for a more relaxed experience without feeling rushed.

Tip: if you want to stay in a gassho-zukuri village in winter, be sure to book your accommodation at least 6 months in advance.

14. Ise: History, Culture, and Food

• Location: Mie Prefecture
• Getting there: Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka Namba Station to Iseshi Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

In Ise, you could explore one of Japan's oldest shrines and taste its many local specialty dishes and delicate seafood.

Ise Grand Shrine is a must-visit for anyone in Japan, offering a deep insight into the cultural beliefs of the Japanese people. Ise is renowned for its unique cuisine, featuring exquisite dishes made from local delicacies, such as Matsusaka beef, Ise lobster, and abalone —ingredients once offered to the imperial family.

Every July, Ise hosts a spectacular fireworks festival, so it's wise to book your accommodation 2 months in advance.

You could easily combine your visit to Ise with a trip to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes or the vibrant city of Nagoya.

If you're visiting during the summer, consider adding a trip to Lake Biwa to your itinerary. There, you could indulge in outdoor water activities, such as boating, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding, making for an unforgettable experience

15. Mount Ikoma: a Family-Friendly Adventure

• Getting there: It takes about 30–40 minutes to drive from Osaka to Mount Ikoma.

The northern area of Mount Ikoma, known as Hoshida Park and Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park, could be explored over two half-days. Start by visiting Hoshida Park, home to a famous 280-meter (919-foot) suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge, you could hike to a higher viewpoint for a stunning view of the bridge and the surrounding forest. From late November, the autumn leaves create a beautiful scene.

In the afternoon, head to Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park at the summit, which is perfect for families with children under 10. You could also enjoy a lovely sunset while playing in the park.

16. Arita: the Charming Porcelain Town

• Getting there: Take the Shinkansen (such as the Tōkaidō Shinkansen) to Hakata Station, then transfer to the JR Nagasaki Line to Arita Station. The entire journey takes about 2½ to 3 hours.

Arita is famous for its exquisite porcelain, known as Arita-yaki. Most of the time, it's a quiet town without many tourists. However, in May, the ceramic market becomes very lively.

It is located relatively close to Wakayama City, about an hour's drive away. If you visit Wakayama, you could easily go to Arita.

On Arita's Ceramic Street, which extends from Arita Station to Kami-Arita Station, you can admire a variety of artworks and even try your hand at painting and pottery-making. There is also a ceramic museum and a European-style ceramic park where you could learn more about Arita's rich porcelain culture.

17. Kyoto: Experience the Charm of Traditional Japanese Culture

• Getting there: It takes about 15 minutes by high-speed train to reach Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station to the city's attractions, it takes about 20–30 minutes.

Traveling from Osaka to Kyoto takes just 15 minutes by Shinkansen, but reaching attractions adds nearly an hour. You could select a few Kyoto destinations for daily round trips. For instance, visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in the morning, enjoy lunch at Nishiki Market, and explore Gion in the afternoon, with options for a kimono experience or geisha-themed tea. After strolling along Hanamikoji Street, return to Osaka.

On the second day, head to Arashiyama. Enjoy a serene bamboo grove in the morning, dine at a snack street near Tenryu-ji, and visit Kiyomizu-dera, then either Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka or Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Day Trips from Osaka with a Rail Pass

FAQs

Can I visit Nara and Uji on the same day?

Yes, you could easily visit both Nara and Uji in one day. The distance between Nara and Uji is short, and you could reach Uji in about 30 minutes on a JR train. If you're planning to see just one specific attraction in Nara, it's definitely doable.

How can I visit Mount Yoshino and Nara from Osaka on a day trip?

Traveling from Nara to Mount Yoshino takes about 1½ to 2 hours, making it possible to visit both places in one day. It's best to start your day early and explore Nara Park first as it tends to be less crowded in the morning.
However, it's not advisable to try to visit Nara, Yoshino, and Uji all in one day, as the schedule would be too tight.

How can I arrange a trip to Koyasan and the Kumano Kodo?

If you want to visit both Koyasan and the Kumano Kodo, it's recommended to spend a night at a temple on Koyasan. This allows you to experience the lifestyle of monks. If you prefer not to stay at a temple, we recommend you stay in a hotel in Shirahama to enjoy a seaside view.

Which is better as a day trip base, Osaka or Kyoto?

We would recommend Osaka, even though Kyoto is more representative of traditional Japan. Osaka has better and cheaper public transportation and more comfortable hotels, making it easier to get around.

In Kyoto, you often have to walk a lot for trips, while Osaka offers fast express trains to various nearby destinations. If you plan to take day trips to places like Himeji and Kobe, staying in Osaka is more convenient.

Additionally, hotels in Osaka are cheaper for the same quality, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Moreover, Osaka is more enjoyable for shopping, especially for young people, with areas like Namba and Umeda being particularly appealing. The nightlife in Osaka is also livelier compared to Kyoto.

Let's Help You Arrange Your Day Trip from Osaka

If you need assistance with itinerary planning, contact us, and we'll help you create your Japan itinerary based on your preferences.