10 Fabulous Day Trips From Osaka

Osaka is one of the cities in Japan with a unique vibe. It is known for its street food, lively streets, shopping and night life. But the best part of Osaka is its central location in the Kansai region. Osaka is well positioned to take several easy day trips and this was part of our 4-night itinerary in Osaka. Taking these Osaka day trips removes the hassle of moving your luggage on trains as well as gives you a flavour of different towns and rural landscapes across Kansai area. 

Let’s dive into some of the best day trips that you can take from Osaka. Be it for nature immersion, visit a famous temple, shrine or castle, or just to get away from the urban chaos. For convenience and easy access, you must choose a hotel located next to a central train station in Osaka. Nara, Kyoto, Arashiyama and Himeji are the most popular options to visit from Osaka. This post also covers several more options for you to consider.

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Most Popular Day Trips from Osaka

City / Area	Train travel time	Best for
Nara	30 min to 1 hour	Toda-ji temple, free roaming deer
Kyoto	15 – 50 min	Temples, shrines, old world charm
Arashiyama	Approx. 30 min	Kinkaku-ji temple, Bamboo forest, Tenryu-ji temple
Himeji	30 – 90 min	Spectacular medieval castle

Best Osaka day trips

Japan’s train system, especially the shinkansen (bullet trains) make exploring the Kansai region from Osaka a delight. One of the best travel tips for Japan is to understand the different regional passes that you can buy to save money. Consider buying the Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass if you are planing on several Osaka day trips. This exclusive pass grants you unlimited travel between Osaka and cities like Hiroshima, Himeji, Kyoto and Nara. 

The other travel tip is for staying connected while you explore more of the Kansai region around Osaka. The modern solution is to figure the best eSIM for Japan that is cheap, convenient, and lets you avoid inflated roaming charges.

1. Nara

Nara is a small but hugely historic city lying around 40 km to the direct south of Kyoto and 35 km to the east of Osaka. It is one of the most popular day trips from Osaka or Kyoto. Nara is famous for  Todai-ji Temple (home to a giant Buddha) and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, plus the iconic Nara Park where wild deer roam freely. As Nara used to be Japan’s first permanent capital before it changed to Kyoto in 794, there is a lot of history here.

How to reach

Train Travel time is anywhere from 30 min to an hour. Kintetsu and JR trains are available. A Kintetsu limited express train from Osaka-Namba Station takes around 30 minutes. 

What to do in Nara in a day

Once you reach JR Nara station or Kintetsu Nara station, go to Nara park first. Start by exploring the park, where you can encounter friendly, free-roaming deer. You can buy special crackers to feed them. Funnily enough, the deer in Nara deer park have learned to bow to visitors. 

Then, visit Kasuga-Taisha, one of Nara’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, famous for its lanterns. On the temple grounds, you can find over 2,000 stone lanterns and more than 1,000 hanging bronze lanterns.

Post lunch is the time to visit Toda-ji Temple. Todai-ji Temple is one of Nara’s most famous and most visited sights. This historic temple houses a massive bronze Buddha statue and is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Walking up towards Todai-ji, you’ll first pass Nandaimon Gate. If you would like a local guide to take you through these famous spots and some hidden gems, consider this small-group walking tour in Nara (with admission tickets and lunch).

Time permitting, you can visit a traditional Japanese Garden – either Isuien Garden (paid entry) or Yoshikien Garden (free entry).

Best Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: Nara Early Morning Tour

2. Kyoto

Kyoto has to be one of the most frequented day trip from Osaka. Many people choose to stay in Osaka and head over to Kyoto for more than a day as well. The frequency and short time of train travel between the 2 cities makes this convenient. Kyoto gets quiet in the nights which I enjoyed during my Kyoto travel itinerary. But many folks love that Osaka comes alive in the evenings and has a vibrant night life to be enjoyed.

How to reach

Train Travel time is anywhere from 15 to 50 min. The fastest option is the Shinkansen (bullet train), which takes about 14 minutes from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto Station. Other options include limited express trains (26-32 minutes) or commuter trains (40 min or more).

What to do in Kyoto in a day

Your Kyoto one-day itinerary should focus on the east part of Kyoto. Take the early morning shinkansen or limited express train to reach Kyoto station. Then take a bus or taxi to reach Kiyomizu-dera temple. It is best to reach this temple complex before 9 am to avoid crushing crowds.

After exploring the temple for an hour or so, you can explore the famous lanes nearby – Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. There are several shops here to buy souvenirs and drinks from. You can then walk down to Yasaka Pagoda and finally visit Yasaka shrine. 

Post lunch, go to the famous Fushimi Inari shrine, an Instagram sensation with crowds to match. But the heavy crowds at the base dissipate once you climb up. The hike to the mountain summit takes about 2-3 hours for a round trip, but you can turn back whenever you want. If you want to see lots of famous sights in Kyoto in a day, consider this private guided tour.

Best Day Tour from Osaka: Full-day Kyoto sightseeing Tour (including Arashiyama)

3. Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s well known, central landmark. The area has become famous for its bamboo forests and various temples. It is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall seasons.

How to reach

Train Travel time is at least 30 min to reach the Saga-Arashiyama Station. From Shin-Osaka, the fastest option is the Shinkansen to reach Kyoto Station in about 14 min. Then, you take the JR Sagano Line (also known as JR Sanin Line) to reach Arashiyama station in about 15 min. From the station it is a 10 minute walk to central Arashiyama.

What to do in Arashiyama in a day

I would urge you to start the day with a hidden gem – Otagi Nenbutsuji temple.  This temple on the outskirts of Arashiyama with a collection of 1200 unique and whimsical statues is really interesting. It is also peaceful sans crowds.

Then walk the entire route all the way to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. En route, you will come upon Adashino Nenbutsuji, another remarkable Buddhist Temple which no one visits. It also has a serene bamboo grove if you want to miss the crowds of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. You can enjoy the forest and nearby temples on this private bike tour. 

Near to the Arashiyama bamboo forest is Tenryu-ji or the Temple of the Heavenly Dragon. It is the most prominent temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you move out of Tenryu-ji Temple, the main road offers plenty of food options. Post lunch, you can explore the Iwatayama Monkey Park. The park boasts about 120 snow monkeys, which are also called Japanese Macaque. 

And finally, head to the popular Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion for the last stop for the day. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is now a Zen temple, a two-storeyed building covered in gold leaf. Its reflection in the serene large pond of the golden building is worth the hype. 

Best Day Tour from Osaka: Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour

4. Himeji

A day trip to Himeji city is worth it just to visit Japan’s most spectacular surviving feudal castle. For those interested in an authentic castle experience and architectural detail, Himeji Castle is delightful. Himeji City is also home to Mt. Shosha, where parts of the Last Samurai were filmed.

How to reach

Train Travel time is anywhere from 30 to 90 min. The Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station takes about 30-40 minutes, while the JR special rapid train takes around 92 minutes from Osaka Station.

What to do in Himeji in a day

The Himeji castle entrance is about 1.6 km away from the Himeji station. You can walk the distance if weather permits. Or take a taxi which is not an expensive option for the short distance. We bought the combo ticket for the Himeji Castle and its extensive not-to-be-missed Gardens at the castle entrance. Also known as Himeji-jo and the White Heron Castle, Himeji Castle is the biggest medieval Samurai castle in Japan. With its brilliant white walls and elegant bird-like structure, it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We then walked along a moat circling the Himeji Castle complex to reach Koko-en Garden. Koko-en Garden consists of 9 separate walled gardens sprawled across 9 acres, each with a different theme. Japanese gardens provide a much-needed contrast to city sightseeing and come alive in the rainy season in June month. 

Post lunch, we chose to take the train back to Osaka to make Himeji a half-day trip. But it is easy enough to extend your trip to Himeji to a full day. Visit Mt. Shosha located at the edge of Himeji City. This mountain is home to Engyo-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple complex built in 966.

Best Day Tour: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

5. Kobe

A day trip to Kobe from Osaka is rewarding for both cultural immersion and natural landscapes. And of course, the hugely prized Kobe beef. Kobe became the home of many foreign merchants and diplomats after the city opened up to foreign trade in 1868. 

How to reach

Train Travel time is anywhere from 13 to 30 min. The shinkansen travels between Shin-Osaka Station and Shin-Kobe Station in just 13 minutes. Or you can take a special rapid train on the JR Tokaido-Sanyo line from Osaka station and get down at Sannomiya station, this takes about 20-30 min.

What to do in Kobe in a day

Start your day trip to Kobe at Kitano Ijinkan-gai district. Explore the historic district of former foreign residences. Many of the beautiful, Western-style houses open to the public at a small fee. 

After this cultural immersion, get ready for some natural beauty and stunning views. Take the ropeway for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. And then wander through the beautiful Nunobiki Herb Gardens. The ropeway ticket also includes entry to the vast gardens, so it’s definitely worth going. You can also hike to the scenic Nunobiki Falls located near the herb gardens. And then you can either take the ropeway back, or better yet, walk down the hill enjoying the beautiful plants growing here.

Next you can walk to Ikuta shrine near Sannomiya station. This is the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. For lunch, those who eat beef, no better place to have Kobe beef. There are several restaurants near the station or you can head to Kobe’s Chinatown.

Post lunch, the area near Kobe Port (or Kobe Bay) is a good place to explore. From Kobe station, there is a walking path that leads to the popular ‘Be Kobe’ sign. You can also visit the iconic Kobe Tower, which stands tall at 108 meters and is shaped like an hourglass. A little further is Kobe Harborland, a shopping and entertainment area, perfect to end your day trip and head back. An alternative is to immerse yourself in the art of sake brewing on a walking tour through Kobe’s renowned Nada district

Best Day Tour: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

6. Hiroshima / Miyajima

Hiroshima and Miyajima Island have enough to explore to justify an overnight trip, but we were happy with a long and packed day trip from Osaka. Many folks do only Hiroshima as a Osaka day trip, the city has plenty to do in a day. 

How to reach

Train Travel time is anywhere from 1 hr 20 min to 3 hr via shinkansen, depending on the type of bullet train you take. You can then take an uber or just walk the distance between Hiroshima station to reach Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

What to do in Hiroshima and Miyajima in a day

A Hiroshima day trip offers epic history lessons, a vast park that makes you reflect on the importance of peace, a museum that showcases the horrors of war, and more. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park has vast grounds and some amazing sculptures plus exhibits, each representing the cost of war and importance of peace. 

We then crossed the river and walked to the Atomic Bomb Dome, the only structure left standing in the area where the atomic bomb exploded. The last spot was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, you can easily spend a couple of hours here. You can get a deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture on a private walking tour from a local guide. Post lunch, you can continue exploring Hiroshima – both Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-in Garden are worth a visit. And then head back to Osaka.

We instead chose to take a ferry to Miyajima Island. A completely different vibe than Hiroshima. The island is famous for scenic beauty, free roaming deer, and the Itsukushima Shrine with its popular torii gate. We also enjoyed panoramic views from the highest point of the island, this can be reached via the Miyajima Ropeway to the top of Mt Misen. And then it was time to take the ferry back to Hiroshima and the train back to Osaka.

Best Day Tour: Hiroshima and Miyajima Private Custom Tour with Local Guide

7. Uji

Uji located in Kyoto prefecture is an underrated day trip for Japanese history and should be on the wish list for matcha lovers. Known throughout Japan for its superior green tea cultivation since the 14th century and a favoured location of nobility, there is more to Uji than first meets the eye.

How to reach

Train travel time is about an hour too reach Uji from Osaka. There are frequent trains by Keihan Railway that you can take from Yodoyabashi or Kyobashi stations in Osaka to reach Uji. If you take a rapid train along the JR Kyoto Line, you first reach Kyoto station and then transfer to the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Uji.

What to do in Uji in a day

Start your day trip with Uji’s lively shopping street – Byodo-in Omotesando. This street is good for picking up unique souvenirs so you can spend time here towards the end of your day as well.

Then make your way over to the jewel in Uji’s crown, Byodoin Temple. With over 1000 years of history, this temple is an architectural masterpiece. You will get to see a 2.7 metre-exquisite Amida Buddha at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. While wandering through the landscaped gardens of Byodoin, don’t miss the Hoshokan Museum located here.

Next, you can take a stroll along the Uji river. If you are interested in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, stop at Uji Municipal Tea House by the river. The historic Uji Bridge cannot be missed during this stroll. You can even consider this slow cycling tour with a local guide. Post lunch, you can visit some of the other attractions in Uji. There is Ujigami Shrine, the oldest surviving shrine in Japan and also a World Heritage site.

Tea lovers can visit Chazuna Tea Museum. This is a place to learn about tea making, offering classes to grind your own matcha, a cafe, and a terrace overlooking tea fields.

Best Day Tour: Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour

8. Nagoya

If you like a quieter city and going off the beaten path, make sure to check out Nagoya as a day trip from Osaka. Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, beautifully balances tradition and innovation.

How to reach

Train Travel time is anywhere from 50-70 min depending on the type of bullet train chosen. Nagoya Station and Shin-Osaka Station are connected by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. There are also direct limited express trains between Nagoya Station and Osaka’s Namba Station that take just over 2 hours.

What to do in Nagoya in a day

Start the day at Nagoya Castle. It is famed for its golden shachihoko ornaments and historic grounds. Then head to Osu to visit the Osu Kannon, a popular Buddhist temple. If you are a anime or manga fan, you will also enjoy the Osu Shopping Arcade. This arcade boasts hundreds of shops, many of which specialize in electronics, anime, manga, and cosplay.It is also a good spot for lunch.

Post lunch, the afternoon can be spent exploring the modern city centre. Begin with the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Nagoya is the birthplace of Toyota. The Toyota Techno Museum is massive, it traces the history of the Toyota company back to its roots as an automatic loom manufacturer. If you want a break from urban bustle after the museums visit, you can head to Atsuta Shrine. This shrine located in a large forested park provides for a quiet green getaway.

Afterward, head to the Sakae area to see the Oasis 21 and the Nagoya TV Tower. Oasis 21 is a futuristic shopping complex and bus terminal known for its unique glass rooftop. If you like lofty views, then you may want to head up to the observation decks of Nagoya TV Tower, the oldest TV tower in Japan. Or you can directly head to Nagoya City Science Museum known for its giant silver globe housing one of the world’s biggest planetariums.

Best Day Tour: Nagoya Highlight Tour guided by a local

9. Lake Biwa

Situated northeast of Kyoto, Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake. From floating torii gates to mountain top temples, there’s more to this area than the typical lakeside activities you’d expect. Lake Biwa area is old world Japan experience without the Kyoto crowds.

How to reach

Train Travel time is approximately 40 min. Take a direct JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line train from Osaka Station to Otsu Station. From Otsu station, it’s just a 10 minute walk to the lakefront.

What to do around Lake Biwa in a day

You can start with a scenic cruise for views of the southern part of Lake Biwa. As an alternative to the lake cruise, you can visit Shirahige Shrine. This shrine with a history of over 1,900 years, is the oldest shrine in the Omi region. Its famous floating torii gate stands gracefully in the lake, offering stunning views that change with the time of day and weather.

Then head to Mii-dera, a massive temple complex. A long pathway culminates in fantastic views of the area from the top of Mii-dera. Post lunch, you can take the longest cable car in Japan to visit Enryaku-ji. The cable car journey offers a scenic ride over the forest, with great views of Otsu and the lake below. Enryaku-ji is a Tendai monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While this site is worth visiting, do note that it will take about 3-4 hours to see everything including the round trip cable car ride.

So if you want to keep close to Lake Biwa, you can skip Enryaku-ji and head straight to Ishiyama-dera temple. Constructed in the mid-8th century, this Buddhist temple is said to be the place where Murasaki Shikibu started writing The Tale of Genji. Another temple worth visiting is the Mangetsu-ji Temple. This peaceful Zen temple from the Rinzai sect, is famous for its floating hall (Ukimido) that appears to drift atop Lake Biwa.

Best Day Tour from Osaka: Lake Biwa Full-day Tour

10. Koyasan

Koyasan is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Japan. It is the birthplace and heart of Shingon Buddhism, founded by the revered monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). We stayed overnight in a temple (shukubo) at Koyasan but a day trip from Osaka is feasible to see its main attractions. 

How to reach

One-way travel time is about 3 hr of travel time each way. From Osaka-Namba Station, you have to take a train to Gokurakubashi on the Nankai line. From Gokurakubashi, there is a funicular to the top of Mount Koya. And finally a bus will take you to the town centre. 

What to do in Koyasan in a day

The main attractions of Koyasan (or Mt. Koya) can easily be seen in a day. But it’s up to you to decide if a 5.5-6 hour round trip with multiple connections is worth it for a day trip to Koyasan. On a day trip from Osaka, you can explore historic temples, witness ancient Buddhist rituals, visit the sacred Okunoin Cemetery, and savour the area’s verdant natural landscape. You can explore Mt. Koya at your own pace on a private walking tour. 

Start with the Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex. The large Daimon Gate at the entrance,  at approximately 25 m high, it is a sight to behold. Several temples are located inside the Danjo Garan. The 49-meter tall Konpon Daito Pagoda (or Great Stupa) is of an especially splendid and impressive scale. 

Even if you are not staying overnight at a temple in Koyasan, you can participate in some of the Buddhist rituals on a paid basis. At Eko-in Temple, there is a meditation session (available every day from 4:30 pm for about 40 minutes). 

Before or after the meditation session, you can visit the Okunoin Cemetry, one of the largest in the world. It has over 200,000 grave markers in and around a dense forest area. Towards the end of the cemetery is the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi where he is believed to sit in eternal meditation. Post the cemetery tour, it is time to head back to Osaka via the same bus / cable car / train route.

Best Day Tour from Osaka: Day Trip to Kōyasan

Hope you add some of these Osaka day trips to your Japan itinerary. They make you experience Japan’s diverse culture and landscapes, offering access to historical sites, natural beauty, and other city attractions.

Planning a trip to Japan? Check out –

Start with Essential Travel Tips For Japan and 2 Weeks in Japan

City Itineraries: Tokyo 5 day Itinerary, 3 Days in Kyoto Itinerary, Osaka 3 Day Itinerary

Day Trips: Tokyo day trips to take, Day Trip To Hiroshima, Himeji Castle day trip, Ultimate Guide to Tokyo DisneySea, Overnight Trip to Koyasan Japan

And finally, the Best Hotels in Japan

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