From historical castles to ninja towns, with islands and whirlpools in between, here are some of our favorite day trips from Osaka. Afterall, if you’re based in Osaka, exploring Kansai couldn’t be easier.
The Kansai region has a whole host of fantastic day trip destinations to choose from. Whether you want to visit an onsen town for a relaxing soak, climb a sacred mountain or land yourself on a not-so-deserted island — whatever tickles your fancy! These are our top picks for easy day trips from Osaka.
1. Kobe: For world famous beef and local sake
Join this private and customizable day tour to make the most of your time in Kobe.
Often bypassed in favor of Kyoto or Osaka, for those with limited time, Kobe is a fantastic city and perfect for a day trip. There are lots of things to do in Kobe that cater to a variety of tastes.
As one of Japan’s most important port cities, there is a real mix of cultures, with one of the largest Chinatowns in the Kansai region. Dating back to 1868, the area has grown and was named Nankimichi after the city Nanjing. This is a great place to grab lunch, be it street food like steamed buns or the traditional cut-price lunch set.
The city of Kobe was heavily damaged in the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and over 5,000 people died. Today the city has been rebuilt, but you can visit the dedicated museum to learn more about it.
While it may not quite be in your budget, for dedicated foodies this is of course a great opportunity to try the world-famous Kobe beef, or head to the Nada District for some locally brewed sake.
Sorakuen Garden is perfect for a peaceful stroll and the culture vultures can head to the Hyogo Museum of Art for a mixture of modern works by Japanese and international artists, all housed in the creation of Skytree-designer Ando Tadao.
Locals and visitors will agree, however, that Kobe comes into its own at night, with spectacular night views counted as some of the best in Japan. View the city from the Shin-Kobe Ropeway (which also passes the Nunobiki Waterfall) where you can hike from the top station to Mount Maya, which has 10-million dollar views of Kobe and Osaka.
Getting there
25 minutes¥410
Simply hop onto either the JR Kobe Line or the JR Rapid Service for Himeji and you’ll be in Kobe within 30 minutes!
2. Awaji Island: For the world’s longest suspension bridge
This small island is perched between Honshu and Shikoku and is attached to Akashi City by the world’s longest suspension bridge: the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. As a sightseeing spot in itself, with its own exhibition center, the bridge also helps with accessing the island. Although, a ferry is easier if relying on public transport.
Sumoto is the main city and has plenty for a day’s worth of sightseeing, including natural hot springs and Sumoto Castle, which was destroyed in the early 17th century but rebuilt just after the Edo period in 1928. You can also explore the Awaji Yumebutai, which is a mixture of gardens, walking trails and the largest greenhouse in Japan, all built on the excavation sites for the Kansai International Airport.
If you head down south to the town of Fukura, you can catch a ferry to see the (sorta-famous) Naruto whirlpools and Naruto Bridge. You can pair this with a trip to the Awaji Joruri Puppet Theater, which displays the island’s tradition of ningyo joruri puppet theater (note it is closed on Wednesdays).
Getting there
1 hour¥1,500
Take a train from Osaka to Akashi (40 minutes, ¥940). Then catch a ferry from Akashi Port, which is a few minutes’ walk from JR Akashi Station. It takes 13 minutes to cross and costs adults ¥530 each way, plus a ¥240 charge if you take your bike or small animals. The ferries are very regular, especially around commuter times but still pretty decent on weekends, continuing until around 11 pm; you can check the timetable here.
3. Arima Onsen Town: For relaxation
Although technically in Kobe, this picturesque onsen town is on the opposite side of Mount Rokko from the city center, and is well worth a trip. Although Arima has become a bit of a concrete town (the fate of many an onsen town in Japan), you can still enjoy a town-like feel with some narrow shopping streets remaining.
As one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan, Arima is a popular spot due to its ‘gold’ and ‘silver’ water—the former offering iron deposits to aid muscle pain and the latter offering carbonate, which is good for joint ailments. There are picturesque onsen sources dotted throughout the town with steam shooting from them, as well as two public bath houses with prices starting from ¥550 to ¥850 per person. The many hotels and private onsen houses also allow day visitors and are generally fancier, although the costs are also a bit higher reaching into the thousands-of-yen range for improved soaking facilities and better views. There are also plenty of shrines and temples to see in the town and pleasant strolls so you can cool off between soaks.
Getting there
70 minutes¥1,250+
The train is a little tricky from Osaka: It takes three trains to reach Arima Onsen (changing at Sannomiya and Tanigami) at a cost of ¥1,000 for the 70-minute journey.
Alternatively, you can catch one of the direct buses run by JR and Hankyu which cost between ¥1,250 and ¥1,400 depending on whether you leave from Shin-Osaka or Osaka respectively.
4. Wakayama City: For fresh fish and train station cats
Learn all about the history and culture of Wakayama when you join this private walking tour
Wakayama is usually a stop-off for people on the way to hike the Kumano Kodo or view Nachi Falls, but the city deserves a day of exploration in its own right. If you begin in the heart of the city, head to see the castle tower before strolling through Oda Park, which has plenty of temples and shrines to explore during your strolls.
For an early lunch and some unusual entertainment, don’t miss the tuna filleting displays that take place three times a day (11 am, 12:30 pm and 3 pm) at Kuroshio Market. You can try out the freshest of fish at the indoor restaurants or purchase something to take home if the tuna is looking too delicious to leave behind.
The town is famed for onsen, and there are plenty of bathhouses to try dotted around city, mainly based in hotels. If you want to head out of town for the afternoon, you can choose one of the onsen towns a short train ride away. Some of the top options include the baths at the national park in Kada. Just catch the train from Wakayamashi Station to Kada (25 minutes) and hop on a free shuttle bus to enjoy onsen with views to die for.
Alternatively, you could catch a train to Kishi to meet the world-famous train station cat Nitama (replacement of the much-loved Tama the cat who served until 2015). The journey takes 35 minutes from Wakayama Station and has some lovely views on the way.
Getting there
50 minutes¥900
Catch the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service for Wakayama, change trains at Hineno Station, and continue to Wakayama Station. The journey takes 50 minutes and costs ¥900.
5. Tokushima City: For the Awa-dori Festival
Best known for its amazing Awa-dori Festival in the summer, Tokushima is a busy city on the edge of Shikoku. It’s also home to the first temple of the 88 Sacred Temple complex: Ryozenji Temple. You can visit the temple by catching a train to Bando Station (30 minutes on the Kotoku line). Note that trains only run around once an hour, so keep that in mind for returning.
If you aren’t in town for the impressive Awa-dori Festival, be sure to head to the Awa Odori Kaikan building where you can see daily dance performances, ancient posters, uniforms, and even machines that let you try the footwork yourself. From the 5th floor you can catch the ropeway to Mount Bizan for views across the city and over the Seto Inland Sea.
Back down in the city you can explore the castle grounds, and although not much is left of the castle aside from walls and a moat, there is plenty to see. The Tokushima Castle Museum (¥300 admission) has some heirlooms, samurai armor, and the only surviving example of a feudal lord’s boat. Right next door is the Omote-Goten Garden, which includes a dry garden as well as pond garden. It is the perfect place for some relaxing reflection. As with the castle park and ruins, the garden is free — and it’s especially popular during cherry blossom season.
Getting there
150 minutes¥3,600
The simplest way to reach Tokushima is on one of the JR buses from either Osaka Station, Osaka Namba or USJ which go directly to Tokushima for ¥3,600 each way. The journey takes about 2 hour and 40 minutes and they run roughly every hour from 6 am.
From Tokushima, the buses run every every half hour from 3:15 pm until the last one at 7:45 pm (so don’t miss it!). You can check the times here.
6. Takeda Castle Ruins: For, well, castle ruins
An unusual and very outdoorsy option for your day trip is a hike into the mystical remains of Takeda Castle. Often wrapped in mist and known as the “castle in the sky”, Takeda is a pretty magical spot, but you have to work for it.
Originally built in 1411, it was abandoned during the battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and eventually fell into disrepair before being opened to tourists after restoration in the 1980s. While there are no buildings remaining, you can see the layout of the fortress and surrounding wings thanks to foundations. If you stay overnight nearby, the best time to view the castle is at sunrise in October or November, as this is when the famous mist appears. If you head to the Ritsuunkyo viewpoint on the slopes of the mountain opposite the castle, there are viewpoints just over half an hour up the trail which lead from the car park.
On a regular day, there are two steep trails from the back of the train station that will take you up to the castle in a pretty intense 40 minutes of trekking. From March to November, you can catch a bus that will take you to a point 20 minutes from the castle, so have a glance at the times when you arrive to see which suits you better! To reach the Ritsuunkyo viewpoint without a car, it is a 45-minute hike from the town or a 10-minute taxi journey.
Getting there
3 hours¥2,640
From Osaka Station, catch the JR Special Rapid Service for Himeji, then jump on the Bantan Line for Teramae where you’ll change to the Bantan Line for Wadayama and get off at Takeda Station.
7. Iga: The home of the ninja
A small town with two big claims to fame, Iga is a fun day trip for those fresh to Japan and old hands too. The most obvious selling factor is of course the ninjas, from sneaky figures perched on train luggage racks to a fully dedicated museum and performing troupe.
The Iga School of Ninjutsu was one of the country’s leading schools in the feudal ages and produced many high-quality warriors. The city has since kept a firm grip on its history. The museum has a selection of tools, weapons and costumes used by ninjas of the past as well as a very entertaining session in a ninja house with demonstrations of revolving walls and trap doors used long ago. At the end you can see the ninja performance, which is an entertaining show of shuriken (ninja stars) and sword fights with some comedic falls thrown in for good measure.
In town, you can visit a ninja café with resident cats (ninjas would use the dilation of their feline friends’ eyes to tell the time) to sample the black sesame ice cream and even try shuriken yourself.
The second claim to fame is that Iga is the birthplace of famed haiku poet Matsuo Basho—there is a small museum dedicated to him in the grounds of Ueno Castle as well as a hat-shaped memorial called Haseiden Hall, which was built to commemorate the 300th year since his birth.
Getting there
110 minutes¥1,520
Catch the Yamatoji Rapid Service from Osaka to Kamo, and then switch to the Kansai Line for Iga Ueno Station. This should take just under 2 hours and provide some pretty stunning views.
8. Himeji: For the really famous castle
Make the most of your time by joining this private half-day tour. A government-licensed guide will customize the itinerary to suit your interests, so you won’t waste time doing things that don’t appeal t you.
Painfully popular during cherry blossom season and only a little less so during the rest of the year, Himeji Castle is a must-see if you’re in the Kansai area. Considered to be the country’s most impressive castle, it is also called the White Heron Castle and is known for its complex grounds and elegant appearance.
The castle avoided damage during fires, wars and earthquakes and is one of Japan’s 12 original castles, although it underwent significant restoration before re-opening in 2015. There are over 80 buildings spread across the grounds, and the area is free to explore up to the Sannomaru (third bailey).
Entry to the castle will set you back ¥1,000. If you would also like to visit the nearby Kokoen gardens you can get a combination ticket for ¥1,040 — so probably best even if you’re not sure you’ll visit both.
The walled paths and twisting routes up to the castle are really unusual and add to the sense of occasion, along with steep staircases as you approach the castle itself. The inside is mainly empty and has some displays and a shrine, but it’s best for the views across the countryside surrounding it.
Getting there
65 minutes¥1,520
Again, this is a pretty easy journey as you simply hop on the JR Special Rapid Service for Himeji and settle in for the hour-long journey. This would be covered on the JR Pass if you’re lucky enough to have one, otherwise it will set you back ¥1,520 each way.
9. Mount Koya: For a spiritual escape
Get local insights on Mt. Koya by joining this private tour.
Spiritual, stunning, and energizing, an afternoon spent exploring Mount Koya is a treat for the soul that you won’t forget any time soon. As the resting place of Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, it is one of the holiest sites in all of Japan and certainly demands a certain level of respect when visited. You can follow the path through the Okunoin Cemetery where he is buried to visit Torodo Hall, which is filled with over 1,000 lanterns. Kongobuji, the main temple of Shingon Buddhism is located a little farther on and is home to beautifully painted doors and Japan’s largest rock garden — well worth the ¥500 entry fee.
As our full article points out, this is not a leisurely day trip — it takes around 2 hours from Osaka. That means you will have to keep up the pace, or consider making it an overnight temple stay if you want to relax a little. That’s not to say it can’t be done in a day though. Just make sure you keep an eye on the time as train service going back stops a little earlier than you may be used to. Double check return times before you leave the station for the day.
Getting there
2 hours¥3,400
This journey is fairly simple. Take a rapid train from Osaka Namba to Gokurakubashi Station with a change at Hashimoto Station. The journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes and costs ¥1,410 one way.
You may want to consider purchasing the Koyasan World Heritage ticket, which costs ¥3,400 and includes your return train travel as well as unlimited use of buses around Mount Koya and discounts to entry fees for attractions.
10. Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen town is one of the most magical spots in Japan, with too many hot springs to choose from and a quaint traditional setting. Unlike most onsen towns, which are filled with concrete eyesores as soon as they become popular, this place has a Venetian-vibe with narrow twisting streets and impossibly photogenic bridges. The 3-hour travel time might make this look like more of a weekend getaway option, but it could be done as a day trip if you arrive at 10:47 am and head home on the final bus at 5:40 pm.
The town center has a steady flow of yukata-clad visitors enjoying locals treats and onsen-hopping between the public baths. Ryokan (traditional inns) encourage guests to explore the town rather than stay at the restaurants at their own establishments. They even provide free entry to the public baths as an incentive. There are literary monuments and a ropeway to the mountain summit for panoramic views. The ropeway is close to Onsenji Temple, with a stop-off point at the main hall farther up the mountain. Traditionally, guests would pray at the temple before being admitted to bathe in the town.
The onsen are famed for being the healing place of injured storks, so you can bath in public or ryokan baths to your heart’s content and even visit a stork sanctuary just outside the town. There are a total of seven public baths and countless ryokan—plenty of choice for your soaks!
Getting there
3 hours¥3,700
Traveling by train requires a minimum of three transfers, which may seem a lot of hassle since it only saves you about ¥350 compared to the bus option. You can catch a highway bus from Osaka Hankyu-Umeda to Kinosaki Onsen.
This post was originally publishe in March 2018. Last updated: July 29, 2021. Information is subject to change.
