One of Osaka’s greatest assets is its location. Thanks to its excellent train connections, Osaka is the perfect base for day trips to some of Japan’s most iconic destinations as well as many hidden treasures. Whether you are interested in castles, ancient temples, scenery or even animals like cats or deer, here are 10 unforgettable day trips from Osaka: Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Kobe, Uji, Hiroshima, Iga Ueno, Hikone, Wakayama and Okayama.
KYOTO
Travel time: ~30–60 minutes by train
Highlights: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Gion, Kiyomizudera
The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, is a must-visit. While ideally you would spend several days here, it’s possible to experience a taste of its magic on a day trip from Osaka. Since Kyoto is so spread out, if you only have one day, visit a maximum of three main attractions.
Top things to do in a day:
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is world-famous for its red torii gates. It appeared in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha (2004).
- Visit Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion).
- Wander through the historic Gion district and keep an eye out for geisha.
- Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is particularly beautiful in autumn and during sakura season.
If you have already been to Kyoto before, you could visit less busy attractions like Nijo Castle or Kifune Shrine.
NARA
Travel time: ~40–50 minutes by train
Highlights: Deer, Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha
Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital and has a very strong historical significance. It is home to hundreds of sacred free-roaming deer and is very walkable. The first thing you should do is visit the huge Great Buddha at the ancient Todai-ji temple and feed the deer at Nara Park along the way.
Next, visit Kasuga Taisha, a shinto shrine with hundreds of stone lanterns.
HIMEJI
Travel time: ~1 hour by Shinkansen (from Osaka Station), then 20 minutes on foot to Himeji Castle.
Highlights: Himeji Castle
Also known as “White Heron Castle”, Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s 12 original castles. It was also the location of the ninja training school in the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice (1967). The castle’s architecture is truly impressive. If you can only visit one castle during your trip to Japan, it has to be this one! I recommend visiting during cherry blossom season, when the grounds are at their most breathtaking.
KOBE
Travel time: ~35-45 minutes by train.
Highlights: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway, Kobe Harborland, Kobe Beef, Chinatown
Kobe is a scenic port city on Osaka Bay and is often visited by tourists on the same day as Himeji, but there is enough to do there for it to be its own stand-alone day trip. Start your time in Kobe by taking the ropeway up Mount Rokko and then exploring the Nunobiki Herb Gardens. Next, either eat some of Kobe’s world famous beef or munch on street food in Chinatown. After Chinatown, visit Kobe Port Tower and then stroll along Kobe Harborland enjoying the seaside views as the sun sets. The Ferris wheel at Kobe Harbourland is also a great activity!
UJI
Travel time: ~30–60 minutes by train
Highlights: Matcha green tea, Byodo-in Temple
Uji is Japan’s matcha capital! Enjoy a meal at a traditional tea house and walk along the river. I had wonderful desserts at Tsuen, which is the oldest teahouse in Japan. Visit the spectacular Byodo-in temple, which is featured on the 10-yen coin. Munch on matcha treats and stock up on matcha tea at the shops on the way to the temple. Despite its proximity to Kyoto, Uji is much less crowded.
Read my Uji Day Trip guide here!
HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA
Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours by shinkansen
Highlights: Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Okonomiyaki, Miyajima Island
Although it is further away than the other day trips from Osaka recommended in this post, it is still a very worthwhile option. It offers a mix of history and natural beauty.
Spend the morning visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the atomic bombing, then walk slowly by the Atomic Bomb Dome, taking in its sad history.
For lunch, treat yourself to Hiroshima’s signature dish– okonomiyaki, a Japanese pancake made from a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage with meat or seafood inside. It is topped with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, bonito flakes and seaweed flakes. It is cooked in front of you on a teppan (flat griddle).
Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and visit Itsukushima Shrine and the famous floating torii gate. The torii gate and ocean are absolutely beautiful at sunset! If you are a deer lover, you will also see lots of them here.
IGA UENO
Travel time: ~2 hours by train
Highlights: Iga Ueno Castle, Iga-Ryu Ninja Museum
The most famous ninja groups were based in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Take a special train ninja-themed train (designed by renowned manga artist Reiji Matsumoto) from Iga-Kambe Station to Uenoshi Station. From there it is a short walk to Iga Ueno Castle, where you can see great views from the top of the castle and browse an interesting historical exhibit inside. Later, admire authentic ninja weapons in the Iga-Ryu Ninja Museum. See demonstrations of how ninjas hid and even try a few tricks yourself in the ninja house, then catch a ninja show that features swordwork, archery and shuriken tossing!
HIKONE
Travel time: ~1.5 hours by train + a 20-minute walk to Hikone Castle
Highlights: Hikone Castle, Hikonyan
Hikone Castle is perched on a hill next to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. Another one of Japan’s 12 original castles, it is remarkably well-preserved, with impressive moats that are still water-filled. It is a unique blend of history and kawaii (cute) culture. Since Hikonyan, Hikone Castle’s adorable mascot, was introduced in 2007 to celebrate the castle’s 400th anniversary Hikonyan, tourism to the castle has skyrocketed. Hikonyan, a white cat who wears a samurai helmet, even won a national mascot competition. Hikonyan performs daily for half an hour – usually in front of the castle tower in the morning and at the Hikone Castle Museum in the afternoons. The shows are only in Japanese. Check with castle staff for the exact timetable during your visit.
WAKAYAMA
Travel time: ~1 hour from Osaka to Wakayama Station, 30 minutes to Kishi Station by train
Highlights: Cat Stationmaster
Ride Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line to Kishi Station to see the Cat Stationmaster (Nitama)! If you look at the station from the outside, you will notice that it is shaped like cat and even has ears! Order a cat-themed beverage at the cafe and browse cat-themed souvenirs at the shop. Peek through the window of the Cat Stationmaster’s office to spot Nitama (who was sleeping peacefully when I visited)! Nitama has a day off a couple of times a week so make sure you check the Cat Stationmaster’s Work Schedule before you go to avoid disappointment! There is often a feline stationmaster on duty at Idakiso Station as well.
OKAYAMA & KURASHIKI
Travel time: ~45 minutes by shinkansen
Highlights: Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, historic canal district
Okayama and Kurashiki are the only two places on this list that I haven’t been to yet! Okayama Castle, also called “crow castle”, is known for its black exterior. Destroyed during World War II, it has since been beautifully reconstructed. Don’t miss the nearby Korakuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens.
After exploring Okayama, take a quick 15-minute ride on a local train to Kurashiki – often referred to as the “Venice of Japan”. Wander the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a beautifully preserved canal area.
Which day trip interests you the most ?
