Best Day Trips From Osaka

Osaka is out of this world!

This vibrant, dazzling and futuristic mega metropolis has an enormous quantity to supply guests, from its well-known neon cityscape to its popularity for excellent meals (incomes it the nickname of Japan’s kitchen), to tremendous cool neighborhoods, shrines, temples, castles, nightlife, theme parks, aquariums, and way more.

After all, it’s at all times good to take a break from metropolis life too and Osaka is a perfect base to discover the remainder of the Kansai area, whether or not you’re craving the coast or countryside or simply need to pattern a distinct metropolis.

From sacred mountains and historic rural villages to coastal retreats, well-known shrines, and artwork islands, Osaka has one of the best of Japan on its doorstep, particularly you probably have a JR Pass for limitless journey on Japan’s home rail community.

Japan’s railway system is super-fast, clear, protected, and cozy, and it’s the excellent approach to journey throughout this unforgettable nation.

Associated learn: A day in Osaka, Japan

Prepared to begin exploring? Listed here are the highest day journeys from Osaka.

8 of The Finest Day Journeys From Osaka

As Japan’s second-largest metropolis, Osaka is extraordinarily nicely linked by transport, making it the right base for day journeys to many different excellent locations.

Because of its location (and the velocity and effectivity of Japanese trains), you’ll be able to attain different main cities, rural hideaways, shrines, temples, mountains, coastlines, and extra inside an hour or two of Osaka.

Associated learn: La Carmina’s Alternative Osaka Travel Guide

Listed here are eight of one of the best day journeys from Osaka by prepare:

Kyoto

An apparent day journey from Osaka is one other of Japan’s most well-known and most visited cities – Kyoto, which is simply quarter-hour away from Osaka on the Shinkansen.

Generally known as the cultural coronary heart of Japan, Kyoto is packed stuffed with unimaginable historical past. The one draw back is that Kyoto is so well-known for its historic buildings, cultural treasures, shrines, and temples, that this can be very common with worldwide guests. It’s, nonetheless, 100% price it to see the wonder and historical past of Kyoto with your personal eyes.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan from the eighth Century to 1868 and town embodies greater than 1,000 years of historical past.

Arguably town’s most well-known and historic districts are Gion, which is legendary for its geisha district, and Pontocho, which was the birthplace of Kabuki.

Associated learn: Complete Kyoto Travel Guide

Kyoto can also be dwelling to a few of Japan’s greatest shrines and temples. Actually, it boasts greater than 1,600 temples which may make it onerous to know the place to begin.

Fortunately, we’ve accomplished the onerous give you the results you want by placing collectively a listing of our greatest temple suggestions when visiting Kyoto. Our record contains Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, Saiho-ji Temple, Kennin-ji Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, and Ryoan-ji Temple.

Maybe essentially the most iconic temple in Kyoto is the “Golden Pavilion” of Kinkaku-ji – this iconic constructing has been the postcard of town for a few years. Whereas Kinkaku-ji was based in 1397, the temple needed to be rebuilt in 1955 after a devastating fireplace. Regardless of that, it’s one in every of many temples on this record that make up the Historic Monuments of Historical Kyoto recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Website.

Additionally vying for the highest spot amongst Kyoto’s temples is Kiyomizudera and its magnificent veranda. Kiyomizudera is discovered on Mt. Kiyomizu and overlooks town. The unique temple dates again to 798 though what you’ll see now could be the model that was rebuilt in 1633. The temple’s identify interprets as “Pure Water Temple” and comes from the pure waters flowing over the Otowa Waterfall shut by. Nevertheless it’s actually the immense wood stage, stated to have been constructed and not using a single nail, that’s the star attraction right here.

Kyoto can also be well-known for its Shinto shrines after all. Probably the most well-known and most necessary being Fushimi Inari Taisha, whose vermillion purple torii gates have been featured within the 2005 movie ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’.

Fushimi Inari Taisha was based in 711, which makes it one of many oldest shrines in Kyoto. It was initially positioned on Inariyama hill, within the southwest of town, earlier than being relocated to its current and everlasting dwelling by the Hata household in 816. A century later, in 942, it was given the very best rank amongst Shinto shrines, and in 1499, after the attractive and ornate important shrine construction was constructed, Japan designed Fushimi Inari Taisha as an Necessary Cultural Property.

The origin of Fushimi Inari Taisha is steeped in legend. The story goes {that a} rice cake was fired into the air and become a swan that flew to the height of Mt. Inari. Rice started to develop on the mountain high and the spot turned the pinnacle shrine for Inari Okami, the Japanese god of rice, sake, and prosperity, and the patron of companies, retailers and producers.

At present, hundreds of individuals from throughout Japan,and thousands and thousands of holiday makers from around the globe,come to hope for fruitful harvests, enterprise success, and different blessings. It’s notably common for New 12 months prayers in Japan – probably the most necessary dates within the calendar.

After all, many worldwide guests come to see the well-known Senbon Torii—the hundreds of vermilion purple gates in dense rows resulting in the Torii gate mountaineering path. Each bears the identify of an individual or enterprise carved in black who donated the gate to obtain good luck and fortune.

Easy methods to get from Osaka to Kyoto by prepare

The JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station takes simply quarter-hour and is absolutely coated by the JR Pass whereas travelling on Hikari and Kodama trains.

Nara

One other wonderful day journey from Osaka, simply 40 minutes away by prepare, is Nara—an space filled with historical past, wildlife, scenic views, temples, and shrines.

Most of Nara’s historic sights, in addition to its well-known free-roaming deer, are positioned inside the 660-hectare Nara Metropolis Park, which is comparatively small and simple to navigate.

Begin with a go to to the Heijo Palace web site, which is a remnant from the time when Nara was the Capital of Japan and is now a World Heritage web site.

From right here, go to town centre for a go to to Kohfukuji and its three-story pagoda. This is likely one of the most well-known pagodas in Japan.

Subsequent, the Nara Nationwide Museum is barely a five-minute stroll away. It homes an impressive assortment of Buddhist artwork and historic nationwide treasures.

After lunch head east by the deer park to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, identified for the various stone lanterns donated by worshippers, a profound environment of calm will be felt. After visiting the shrine, take a stroll by the forest and soak within the peaceable environment surrounding the place.

The final and most well-known of our suggestions is Tōdai-ji – the crown jewel of Nara. This Buddhist temple complicated homes the Nice Buddha and its guardians. Although it was accomplished in 752 A.D., it stays as one of many nationwide masterworks of Japan.

Easy methods to get from Osaka to Nara by prepare

You should use each the JR Yamatoji Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line to achieve Nara by prepare from Osaka, with a journey time of round 40-50 minutes.

Kobe

Simply 1.5 hours from Osaka and the house of the world-famous beef, Kobe is a sexy coastal metropolis and an excellent day journey vacation spot.

What’s so particular about Kobe beef we hear you ask?

Kobe beef is likely one of the most legendary forms of beef on the planet, each for its high quality and its value. After all, Kobe beef is extra than simply meals; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime culinary expertise, and there’s nowhere higher than Kobe itself to pattern this scrumptious meat. Whereas it may be served in many alternative methods, arguably one of the best dishes to eat it are both in shabu shabu, which is a soup that has boiled meat, sukiyaki (scorching pot), or teppanyaki, which is most individuals’s favourite. That’s when the chef prepares, cooks, and serves the Kobe beef proper in entrance of you.

As we stated, it’s a really particular expertise and Kobe is the place to go for this culinary journey!

Kobe isn’t simply well-known for meals too. If you wish to strive one in every of Japan’s most well-known conventional drinks, then you should definitely go to town’s Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum.

If that’s not sufficient to persuade you to go to Kobe, town additionally boasts loads of buying alternatives, scenic views from the highest of the close by Mt. Rokko and its personal Onsen Sizzling Springs Resort (Arima Onsen) inside the metropolis limits.

And at last, Kobe (Ashiya district particularly) was additionally the childhood dwelling of well-known Japanese creator Haruki Murakami! 

Associated learn: The Ultimate Guide to Street Food in Japan

Easy methods to get from Osaka to Kobe by prepare

Utilizing a JR Move, take both the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station in simply quarter-hour or for a extra centrally positioned terminus, take the JR particular speedy prepare from Osaka Station to Kobe’s Sannomiya Station, which takes 20 minutes. Both method, it’s a fast journey and an ideal day journey.

Koyasan and Kumano

The three grand shrines of the Kumano area are collectively referred to as the Kumano Sanzan temples. They encompass the Kumano Hongū Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. These Shinto shrines are extremely sacred and a typical pilgrimage vacation spot.

Hidden away within the forests close to the southern finish of the peninsula, the three shrines are linked by the traditional pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo. Which means that visiting the Kumano Sanzan isn’t only for these concerned with Japan’s religious facet, it’s additionally excellent if you would like the nation’s pure facet.

You even have the possibility to witness one in every of Japan’s most breath-taking waterfalls, Nachi-no-taki, if you cease at Nachi Taisha shrine.

Associated learn: Eko Koyasan – A Mountaintop Buddhist Retreat with 100 Working Temples

Amazingly, the Kumano Sanzan Temples and Ise Grand Shrine will not be the one historic sights within the Kii Peninsula. You’ll additionally discover the historic and delightful Buddhist monastery complicated at Mt. Koya. Generally known as Kōyasan Shingon and positioned 800 meters above sea degree, it is a distinctive and religious vacation spot.

Probably the most necessary temples right here is Danjo Garan, which has been a middle of spiritual instructing for the reason that ninth century. In case you’re fortunate you may even spot some present college students strolling round of their yellow robes. Sights to see there embody the lately renovated Chūmon gate and the brilliant purple Konpon Daitō pagoda.

One other main temple is the Oku-no-in sanctuary, dwelling to a cemetery of 200,000 tombs and the mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi, the founding father of Shingon Buddhism. There within the forest, you’ll discover many stupas coated in moss and an air of tranquility and reverence.

Koya-san can also be the start and finish of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which options 88 temples and shrines and might take three months to finish on foot.

Even if you happen to don’t have time for all 88, you’ll be able to e-book a Shukubo (a ‘temple keep’) in Koya-san (which has greater than 100 temples to select from, many with their very own onsen and zen gardens for optimum leisure).

Temples similar to Eko-in and Muryoko-in are 1,000 years outdated and permit visitors to meditate, follow calligraphy, participate in morning chanting and different rituals, and way more. It’s doable to remain for weeks to completely immerse your self within the religious life.

Easy methods to get from Osaka to Koyasan by prepare

With a journey time of round two hours, this is likely one of the longer day-trip locations, nevertheless it’s positively price it. You have to to set off from Nankai Namba Station in Osaka earlier than getting off Gokurakubashi Station on the foot of Mount Koya.

Himeji Citadel

Certainly one of Japan’s most lovely and historic castles and simply 50 minutes from Osaka on the Shinkansen, Himeji Castle is nicely price a go to. Along with the fortress backyard, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website and a nationwide treasure of the very best rank. Due to its good white exterior and resemblance to a heron retreating, the fortress bears the identify “White Heron Citadel” (Shirasagi-jō).

The historical past and id of Himeji metropolis had lengthy revolved round its fortress, which originated in 1333 when the primary fort on Mount Himeji was constructed. Just a little over two centuries later, in 1581, the fort was become a fortress. Within the following many years, Himeji fortress was steadily expanded, creating an in depth fortress complicated with superior defensive programs, which ended up being the most important fortress in Japan.

In contrast to different castles in Japan, Himeji fortress stood the take a look at of time and was by no means destroyed by conflict or pure catastrophe, it survived firebombs throughout WWII and the nice Hanshin earthquake in 1995. In 2010 Himeji fortress underwent a large restoration challenge that took over 5 years and re-opened to the general public in 2015.

At present Himeji fortress stays open to the general public on most days and is a wonderful instance of prototypical Japanese fortress structure, feudal protection works and total cultural significance.

Easy methods to get from Osaka to Himeji by prepare

Take the Hiraki Shinkansen prepare from Shin-Osaka to Himeji Station. It’s a direct line and simply 50 minutes away.

Naoshima Artwork Island

Well-known for each its trendy indoor and out of doors artwork, sandy seashores, beautiful panoramic views and sunny climate, Naoshima Artwork Island makes for an excellent place to unwind, and you may keep there too.

The island is dwelling to the long-lasting Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama. That is solely the start of the gathering of open air-sculptures and installations, together with works by Dan Graham, Shinro Otake and Karel Appel.

What about lodging you ask? How about staying in a museum? Benesse Artwork Home is essentially the most well-known and maybe most intriguing museum on Naoshima. Created in 1992, Benesse Home is not only a museum however an upscale lodge as nicely.

Staying visitors can wander the exhibitions at evening with out being distracted by others. The artwork assortment contains work by Tadao Ando, George Rickey, Alberto Giacometti, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Andy Warhol and others.

Easy methods to get from Osaka to Naoshima Artwork Island by prepare

Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Okayama earlier than altering to the JR Uno Line to Uno Station. It’s then only a brief 20-minute ferry experience to the island) departing from reverse the prepare station).

Ise Jingu

Generally known as the religious dwelling of the Japanese individuals, Ise Grand Shrine (or Ise Jingu) dates again virtually 2,000 years and stays crucial and culturally important shrine in all of Japan. In case you’re fascinated by Japan’s religious historical past and the great thing about its shrines and temples, then Ise Grand Shrine ought to be on the very high of your record.

The shrine is the house of the solar goddess Amaterasu, Japan’s supreme deity, and the placement of the Sacred Mirror of the Emperor. Probably the most fascinating info about Ise Grand Shrine is that each 20 years, the internal and outer shrines in addition to the Uji Bridge, are taken down and utterly rebuilt in step with Shinto beliefs of rebirth and renewal.

Ise Grand Shrine is not only spiritually and culturally necessary to Japan, it’s also probably the most lovely shrines you can ever hope to go to. 

Ise Grand Shrine is called Ise Jingu as a result of ‘Jingu’ is the very best classification of Shinto shrines. Shinto is likely one of the two important religious perception programs in Japan, the opposite being Buddhism.

As a fundamental rule, shrines like Ise Grand Shrine are associated to Shinto, whereas temples belong to Buddhism. In contrast to Buddhism, Shinto originated in Japan and is deeply woven into the material of Japanese tradition and historical past.

The Shinto faith entails the worship of a number of gods or spirits referred to as kami, who’re stated to inhabit all issues. Purity is the massive focus of Shinto, and totally different rituals contain cleaning worshippers.

Since Shinto has developed organically and has no single origin or sacred textual content, practices range relying on the kami and the area of Japan through which they happen.

Easy methods to get from Osaka to Ise Jingu by prepare

First, use the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to journey to Nagoya then switch to the “Mie” speedy prepare to Ise. The Fast Mie prepare is likely one of the few choices to entry the prefecture of Mie, well-known for town of Toba, Ise Jingu temple, Ise Shima Nationwide Park and naturally, Mie itself.

The Japan Rail Pass is legitimate on the Fast Mie prepare, and as talked about above, seat reservations will be made without spending a dime. There’s one catch although, as between Kawarada Station and Tsu Station the prepare travels on non-public railways operated by the Ise Railway. For this half, a 540 yen additional fare is required, which isn’t included within the move. The fare is collected on board by the conductor however will also be paid forward of time on the ticket workplace.

Uji

Osaka’s rail connections are a passport to smaller cities and villages you might not have heard of or thought of visiting earlier than. Uji is a major instance and will be reached in round one hour from Osaka on the Shinkansen.

Uji is especially identified for 3 issues: its World Heritage websites, which encompass historic temples and shrines, its tea and the Story of Genji.

Let’s begin with Uji’s temples and shrines.

Of the varied temples in Uji, one you gained’t need to miss is the Byodo-in Temple. This historic Buddhist temple dates again to 1053 and is one in every of two World Heritage websites within the metropolis. Byodo-in Temple is widely known for its elegant Phoenix Corridor, an image of which truly adorns one facet of the ten¥ coin. Inside this deceptively tall corridor you’ll discover an exquisite three-metre-tall statue of Buddha Amida. Except for seeing the Phoenix Corridor, make certain to go to the temple museum and see its assortment of artefacts.

Subsequent is Ujigami Shrine, crucial place of Shinto worship in Uji and one other of Japan’s monuments acknowledged by UNESCO. The shrine isn’t notably massive however is shrouded in loads of imperial historical past and is claimed to have been constructed by 1060. This makes it one of many oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.

Subsequent is an superb literary truth that pertains to Uji. Do you know that the oldest novel on the planet is believed to be a Japanese story from the eleventh century? The novel is The Story of Genji written by Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese noblewoman, recounting a romance story of a prince and his adventures.

Uji is the setting for the ultimate ten chapters of the novel, a undeniable fact that town remains to be fairly happy with. No shock then that there are a number of landmarks round Uji that commemorate that connection. One is a statue celebrating the novelist Murasaki Shikibu, simply by the Uji Bridge throughout the river.

However the metropolis additionally hosts the Story of Genji Museum devoted to the story. Contained in the museum displays present you what modern life was like through the interval when the novel was set.

Ingesting inexperienced tea is ever-present in life in Japan, being each the most well-liked beverage and a part of many customs and traditions. Uji and its surrounding area has lengthy had a popularity for its superior tea, and it was one of many first locations to correctly undertake this behavior from China.

Whereas within the metropolis, the easiest way to expertise tea in Uji is by visiting one in every of its riverside tea homes. You’ll additionally discover Uji tea in most native eating places and shops, whereas it’s widespread to search out matcha-flavoured meals like ice-cream on the market. There are even sure locations, just like the Taihoan tea home the place you’ll be able to expertise a standard Japanese tea ceremony first-hand.

Lastly, as a facet attraction, the Uji River, operating by town, is likely one of the most lovely spots in Uji. As you look alongside the river to the encircling hills blanketed in forest, loads of nature is on show, particularly fairly in spring or autumn.

To essentially chill out, take a ship experience on an area boat often used for cormorant fishing.

Easy methods to get from Osaka to Uji by prepare

Utilizing your Japan Rail Move, journey on the JR Kyoto Line from Osaka to Kyoto earlier than switching to the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Uji. The overall journey time is round an hour.

Day Journeys from Osaka by Prepare

Osaka is the guts of Japan, completely mixing historic richness with city magnificence. As a gateway to the Kansai area, it gives quick access to close by cultural treasures and culinary delights, due to wonderful connectivity and the JR Move, making each tour a singular glimpse into Japan’s numerous tapestry.

Book the Japan Rail Pass Online

In case you’re eager about diving deep into Japan and overlaying lengthy distances, you must completely take into consideration getting the Japan Rail Move (also referred to as JR Move). Taking the prepare in Japan is all about being environment friendly, cost-effective, and simple to entry – and the JR Move delivers on all these perks.