Day trips out of Osaka you shouldn't miss!
A trip to Japan can never be summed up after just one city. With so many iconic attractions dotted just a short train ride away from Osaka, day trips are the perfect fuss-free solution that takes away the stress of itinerary planning and navigating.
Featuring 22 day trips from Osaka to 9 famous cities in Japan such as Nara, Kyoto, and Kobe, these tried-and-tested excursions feature stunning whirlpools, sunflower fields and even free-roaming deers!
Osaka Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Planning a holiday to Osaka? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
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Getting around Osaka & Kansai
Truth be told, travelling around the Kansai region cannot be easier, and there are plenty of travel passes that are perfect for helping you do that. For these day trips out of Osaka, we highly recommend using the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass or JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass to cover the locations featured.
Nara
1. Nara Park
Calm your heart because the deers at Nara Park have plenty of cute little antics up their sleeves! Just one of their many quirks, these deer have learned to nudge their heads and bow in anticipation of food.
Nara Park has become a sprawling residence for these national gems. For an exclusive interaction with these kawaii earthlings, deer crackers can be purchased off the streets for just ¥200 (~S$2), the ultimate trick to gaining their favour.
2. Todai-ji Temple
If there’s one way to uncover Japan’s culture, it’s definitely through its multitude of temples and shrines. Nara’s Todai-ji Temple is indisputably a bucket list item.
The enormous wooden structure is the largest of its kind and houses a 15-meter bronze Great Buddha. Not just for history buffs or those with an interest in antiques, a visit to Nara’s most influential temple has proven to be a profound and spiritual takeaway for many travellers.
3. Higashimuki Shopping Street
After all the exploring at Nara Park and Tadai-ji Temple, it's time for lunch! There are many famous restaurants around Nara Park or you can consider walking over to Higashimuki Shopping Street, which is next to the Kintetsu Nara Station. You can also pick up souvenirs that are unique to Nara here, including snacks and everything deer-related!
4. Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Famed for its quaint stone and bronze lanterns hanging in the main hall of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, these are only lit twice a year during the Japanese Mantoro (lantern festival) in February and August. Make sure to book your Nara Great Temples Tour if you’re Japan-bound during those periods!
Slip out and follow the trail into a mossy botanical garden, another hideout to get up close with the Nara deer! Before heading back to the comforts of your hotel stay in Osaka, indulge in retail therapy along the way at Nara Nagomikan, a colossal gift shop selling locally produced souvenirs and produce
#KlookTip: If Nara is in your travel pipeline early next year from late April to early May, you can even catch wisteria flowers in full bloom!
Minamiawaji & Naruto
5. Naruto Whirlpool
Naruto is a gusty city on its own, brought to fame by a phenomenal sighting, the Naruto Whirlpool. The incredibly surreal happening has since stolen the limelight, prompting travellers to arrive at Awaji Island for a first-hand experience of the tidal spin. Despite its seemingly destructive nature, it is absolutely safe for ships to pass by!
#KlookTip: Catch the Naruto Whirlwind at its peak in Spring when the tides are at their fiercest!
6. Awaji Farm Park England Hill
An eclectic mix of everything, England Hill is a spanking complex consisting of a botanical garden with a sunflower field, a petting zoo, and even eco-friendly vegetable patches for visitors to harvest and take home. You can also take a thrilling ride on go-karts and horses!
Touted as one of the most laid-back and scenic spots, the little ones can also get up close with rabbits and prairie dogs while the older kids revamp their social media feed with the seasonal foliage.
7. Nijigen No Mori
If you're a Naruto fan, Nijigen No Mori is a must-visit. This theme park located in Awajishima Park is made for anime lovers! Fans of the anime Naruto can immerse yourselves in Naruto-themed attractions here, including a giant maze filled with obstacles and ninja quests!
There's more than just Naruto here though - another highlight of the park is the 162-metre-long zip line course that will propel you straight into the terrifying mouth of Godzilla. There's even an outdoor adventure park dedicated to the beloved anime Crayon Shinchan and an immersive Dragon Quest field RPG activity.
Kobe
8. Kobe Harborland
Kobe Port
Located on a scenic harbour, Kobe has much to offer besides its beef: Japanese sake (there are plenty of breweries and sake museums that you can visit and go on guided tours around), hiking spots (hop on a scenic cable car ride to Mount Rokko beautiful sunset), and unique attractions (there's a memorial park dedicated to one of the strongest earthquakes in Japan that hit Kobe in 1995).
Make a pit stop at Kobe Harborland, a neon haven cum shopping paradise. You can also rest your legs by the waterfront while jazz music echoes in the background or stay longer and catch some arthouse films.
Kinosaki Onsen
9. Kinosaki Onsen
Not many people know that there's a romantic onsen town located under 3 hours from Osaka. Kinosaki Onsen is a picturesque lil town nestled in a lush mountain valley of Hyogo prefecture, where wooden buildings house natural hot spring bath houses along a willow-lined river.
The best ways to enjoy Kinosaki are to book a night's stay in a charming ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), stroll around the town in a yukata, and enjoy relaxing dips at one of the many public onsens available around the town. Single onsen tickets cost an affordable price of ¥700, and you can also enjoy unlimited access (onsen-hopping is a thing here!) to all seven public baths in town with a yumepa ticket.
Explore Hiroshima
Travelling through Osaka and Kyoto? Don't miss out on what Hiroshima has to offer! Explore its poignant past, wander cherry-blossom adorned gardens, and savour Japan's legendary okonomiyaki!
Hiroshima & Miyajima
10. Miyajima O-Torii Gate
The majestic Itsukushima Shrine's O-Torii Gate doesn’t need any introduction. Rooted right in the middle of a calming oasis on the gorgeous island of Miyajima, it naturally afforded the likes and curiosity of many tourists. The floating emblem wards against evil spirits and is best captured at dusk or when the sun peeks up during sunrise. If you visit during a day when the tides are low, you can walk up to the gate!
11. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
The atomic devastation in Hiroshima is something you’ve definitely read about in history textbooks. Take a glimpse into the past at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and learn the stories behind the lives of the turbulent period.
11. A-Bomb Dome
The A-Bomb Dome is one of the last few standing remnants from the devastation. Today, it is a global icon for peace and a refuge for people to make their heartfelt prayers.
Wakayama
12. Cat Station Master
The Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line was initially on the verge of bankruptcy but ensued in fame when Tama came. This fluff ball began gaining favours from children, earning the title of the guardian of Kishi Station. Since then, the railway received over a million more visitors between 2005 and 2007!
Tama may have passed on, but Yontama, the fourth Tama continues the legacy. Pop by and if lady luck is on your side, catch the prestigious station master awake, gawking at tourists eager for a selfie. Check out the Cat Station Master's working schedule here.
13. Kuroshio Market
You can’t miss the ‘Tuna Land’ if you’re in Wakayama! Featuring live tuna slicing happening thrice a day, stock up on tips and learn the secrets behind some of the most expensive cuts of tuna. Complete your experience with a visit to Kuroshio Market at the communal hall where you can gather your fresh produce and fire it up at the charcoal grill.
14. Toretore Market
Much like Kuroshio Market, Toretore Market hides a wealth of fresh seafood and top-graded fish. The market also functions as a food court, a convenient eat-out spot to sate the hunger pangs – sashimi, sushi, grilled fish, grilled scallops and more. Local sake and desserts are available as well to complete your meal. We recommend getting your food to go and having it by the seashore.
15. Engetsu Island
Lauded as the ‘Island of the Full Moon’, the majestic rock formation resembles the shape of the moon, a unique product of time and erosion. Travellers en route can lay by the beach and watch the sky transform into a luminescent glow when sunset arrives.
Stay and be rewarded when the golden orb sits delicately in the middle of Engetsu Island, blessing travellers with a dreamlike sight.
Kyoto
16. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a familiar sight even for first-timers. The towering bamboo shoots create an emerald allure, a lush picturesque image that has populated both the gram’ and postcards. Trek along the path for a tranquil escapade from Kyoto's hustle and bustle.
#KlookTip: Head towards the Hozugawa River where you'll also find what's probably the most scenic Arabica Coffee outlet.
17. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Not just another IG backdrop to flaunt, the Torii Gates of the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine has a unique cultural significance; a gateway between the physical and spiritual world. Studio Ghibli fans can delight in this Spirited Away backdrop coming alive!
#KlookTip: One of the best spots to catch the sunset we found was the 'Crossroads', which was about 45 minutes into our hike.
18. Kinkaku-ji Temple
The Golden Pavilion is a real-crowd stealer and while many wanderlust places have turned out to be a disappointment in real life, the Kinkaku-ji Temple is a dazzling exception. Framed with golden leaves and a startling clear reflection on the lake, the poster child of Kyoto’s rich heritage certainly lives up to its golden rep.
Other than the Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Sanjusangen-do Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Heian Jingu Shrine are also some of Kyoto’s most celebrated historic spots for travellers to slip into Japan’s glorious past.
19. Nijo Castle
An exclusive feature on the UNESCO World Heritage site Nijo Castle, explore the charming grounds of the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period. Stroll the castle’s grounds and make your way to Ninomaru Palace, the home and office of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto. You'll be left in awe at the palace’s well-preserved rooms and beautifully decorated ceilings that date back to 1603!
20. Uji Hot Spring Genji-no-yu
Genji-no-yu’s onsen water is sourced from a steeping depth of 1,111m underground. Famed for its health benefits and said to give your skin a natural glow, the rejuvenating warmth will also perk you up and ease your aches from all that exploring.
Kurashiki
21. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kurashiki is well known for its Bikan Historical Quarter and canal area that dates back to the 1600s. It is an easy 10-minute walk from the Kurashiki Station. The stone bridges and weeping willow trees that line the canal make for a picturesque scene.
There are also many former traditional storehouses around the area that have been converted into museums, shops and cafes. One of the most famous is the Ohara Museum, Japan's first museum of Western Art.
Okayama
22. Okayama Castle
Okayama is home to the famed Okayama Castle that has a unique black exterior. It recently underwent renovations and has since reopened to visitors on 3 November 2022.
Okayama Castle Night Illumination
If you have time to spare, it is highly recommended that you stay till the evening to catch the castle light up. It is especially stunning when the autumn leaves are in their full glory. You can spend some time at the Bizen-yaki Pottery Studio to try your hands at a pottery lesson.
23. Okayama Korakuen Garden
You can also cross the Asahi River to the Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three best landscape gardens. This garden dates back to the 1600s and it is here you'll find lush lawns, walking paths, and a hill that's an excellent lookout point.
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