Best Day Trips From Osaka by Train
Beyond its delicious cuisine and friendly people, though, Osaka also serves as a great home base for those looking to take day trips to destinations across the Kansai region. We've put together a list of seven of those exciting cities — read on for an introduction to each and reasons why you won't want to miss out on a day spent exploring their best sights.
List of Contents:
kyoto
Nara
Kobe
Uji
Minoh
Himeji
Kurashiki
Related Posts
Kenninji Temple
Kyoto
As the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto hardly needs an introduction, and it's likely already on your list. The most popular among day trips from Osaka, it's only 15 minutes away from the city via shinkansen (Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station), 30 minutes to an hour away via JR Tokaido rapid or local trains (Osaka Station to Kyoto Station) or roughly an hour away via Hankyu Railway trains (Osaka-Umeda Station to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station).
Filled with stunning temples, shrines and iconic historical paths, Kyoto is a top destination for international travelers to Japan. However, the city has also seen an unprecedented level of tourism in recent years; if you decide to go, we recommend off-peak months like February and less-crowded but equally beautiful sites like Horin-ji and Gioji temples. Check out
our guide to alternative Kyoto temples and shrines
.
the sacred deer of nara
Nara
Known for its sacred deer and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara city is yet another top draw for visitors — and it's less than an hour away from Osaka by JR Yamatoji Line (from Osaka Station via a rapid train) or Kintetsu Nara Line (Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station via rapid express or limited express train).
As Japan's first permanent capital, Nara holds some of the country's most revered and storied cultural sites. Horyuji Temple, Kasugataisha Shrine and, of course, Todaiji Temple, with its magnificent — and massive — Daibutsu (Great Buddha) are a few must-visit places. We also recommend checking out the gorgeous Nara Hotel; it's one of Japan's oldest Western-style hotels, and one of its most famous, having hosted figures like Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin and Audrey Hepburn.
The port of kobe
Kobe
Kobe, a sophisticated port city famous for its fine cuisine and fascinating cultural fusion, is an effortless trip from Osaka: It's less than 15 minutes away by shinkansen (Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station). There are a number of other, slightly slower ways to reach Kobe-area train stations from Osaka's various stations; the Hanshin Main Line, Hankyu Kobe Main Line and JR Kobe Line will all get you from city to city in around or under 30 minutes.
Explore the charming Kitano-cho district, which features historic Western-style houses and long-established caf
é
s like Nishimura Coffee and Freundlieb. Nearby, take in breathtaking views of the city and the bay from Nunobiki Herb Gardens, a hilltop floral paradise. At night, the waterfront views at Meriken Park and the vibrant food stalls at Nankinmachi Chinatown are a must.
byodoin temple
Uji
In recent years, Uji has become increasingly well known around the globe as the birthplace of matcha. Located in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Uji is about an hour away from Osaka via the Keihan Main Line and Uji Line (from Yodoyabashi or Kyobashi Station, transfer required at Chushojima Station). Alternatively, you can reach Uji via the JR Kyoto Line and JR Nara Line (Osaka or Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, Kyoto Station to Uji Station). This route also takes around one hour.
Although you should certainly enjoy the plethora of matcha-themed beverages, sweets and even savory foods in Uji, we also recommend immersing yourself in the city's history and nature. Uji is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Ujigami Shrine and Byodoin Temple — and was a significant location in Murasaki Shikibu's literary classic,
The Tale of Genji
. Uji River and Kyoto Prefectural Uji Park are lush and peaceful, perfect for a sunny stroll. Check out our
full guide on things to do in Uji
.
minoh waterfall
Minoh
Even though Minoh is located within Osaka Prefecture, it's a great day trip for those who want a break from central Osaka's urban atmosphere. Located at the foot of the Hokusetsu mountains in northern Osaka, Minoh is known for its rich natural beauty and peaceful residential neighborhoods. Take a 30-minute subway ride via the Midosuji Line from Namba, Shinsaibashi or Umeda Station to Minoh-Kayano Station.
Minoh Waterfall is the most famous landmark of the city, and it's a stunning sight throughout the seasons, especially autumn. Another must-see is Katsuo-ji Temple: Filled with hundreds of lucky daruma dolls, the temple has a reputation for helping patrons triumph over adversity. Check out
our guide on what to do in Minoh
for the best sights, restaurants and more.
himeji castle
Himeji
Himeji
makes for an excellent day trip from Osaka, primarily owing to its magnificent Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. By shinkansen, you can reach Himeji Station from Shin-Osaka Station in around 30–40 minutes. You can also take a special rapid train from Osaka Station on the JR Kobe Line (roughly one hour) or a direct limited express train from Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station to Sanyo Himeji Station (roughly one hour, 40 minutes).
In addition to exploring Himeji Castle itself, visitors can stroll through the serene Koko-en Garden, a collection of nine traditional Japanese gardens offering picturesque landscapes.
Engyoji
, a mountaintop temple seen in films like
The Last Samurai
, is also a must-visit for history buffs. The area around the castle provides opportunities for souvenir shopping and enjoying local cuisine before heading back, making it a fulfilling and memorable excursion.
kurashiki bikan
Kurashiki
Accessible via shinkansen in just over an hour (Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kurashiki Station),
Kurashiki
in Okayama Prefecture is a great day-trip destination for photographers, artists and fashion lovers. The city's main draw is the Bikan Historical Quarter, a beautifully preserved area that transports visitors back to the Edo period with its willow-lined canals, traditional white-walled warehouses (
kura
) and charming stone bridges.
For a unique perspective of the city's historical architecture, enjoy a serene boat ride along the canal. The former warehouses you'll drift past now house a variety of shops and museums, including the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft. Perhaps the city's most notable museum, however, is the Ohara Museum of Art — Japan's oldest private museum dedicated to Western art. Visitors can also explore Denim Street, celebrating Kurashiki's renowned denim industry, and browse for local crafts and sweets in the many boutiques and caf
é
s. Check out
our guide to Kurashiki
and our
deep dive into Japanese denim
.
Related Posts
Minoh City: An Enchanting Day Trip From Osaka With Beautiful Fall Foliage
Kobe Travel Tips: Discover the City's History, Fashion, Cuisine & Nature
Alternative, Less Crowded Temples and Shrines in Kyoto
Beyond Matcha: Things To Do in Uji, Japan's Tea Capital
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Tokyo Weekender
8 hours ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Best Day Trips From Osaka by Train
Osaka city is one of the three spots tourists make a beeline for when visiting Japan for the first time — and for good reason. Often called 'Japan's Kitchen' for its vibrant food scene and lively atmosphere, Osaka is home to some of the country's most famous street foods, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Beyond its delicious cuisine and friendly people, though, Osaka also serves as a great home base for those looking to take day trips to destinations across the Kansai region. We've put together a list of seven of those exciting cities — read on for an introduction to each and reasons why you won't want to miss out on a day spent exploring their best sights. List of Contents: kyoto Nara Kobe Uji Minoh Himeji Kurashiki Related Posts Kenninji Temple Kyoto As the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto hardly needs an introduction, and it's likely already on your list. The most popular among day trips from Osaka, it's only 15 minutes away from the city via shinkansen (Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station), 30 minutes to an hour away via JR Tokaido rapid or local trains (Osaka Station to Kyoto Station) or roughly an hour away via Hankyu Railway trains (Osaka-Umeda Station to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station). Filled with stunning temples, shrines and iconic historical paths, Kyoto is a top destination for international travelers to Japan. However, the city has also seen an unprecedented level of tourism in recent years; if you decide to go, we recommend off-peak months like February and less-crowded but equally beautiful sites like Horin-ji and Gioji temples. Check out our guide to alternative Kyoto temples and shrines . the sacred deer of nara Nara Known for its sacred deer and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara city is yet another top draw for visitors — and it's less than an hour away from Osaka by JR Yamatoji Line (from Osaka Station via a rapid train) or Kintetsu Nara Line (Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station via rapid express or limited express train). As Japan's first permanent capital, Nara holds some of the country's most revered and storied cultural sites. Horyuji Temple, Kasugataisha Shrine and, of course, Todaiji Temple, with its magnificent — and massive — Daibutsu (Great Buddha) are a few must-visit places. We also recommend checking out the gorgeous Nara Hotel; it's one of Japan's oldest Western-style hotels, and one of its most famous, having hosted figures like Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin and Audrey Hepburn. The port of kobe Kobe Kobe, a sophisticated port city famous for its fine cuisine and fascinating cultural fusion, is an effortless trip from Osaka: It's less than 15 minutes away by shinkansen (Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station). There are a number of other, slightly slower ways to reach Kobe-area train stations from Osaka's various stations; the Hanshin Main Line, Hankyu Kobe Main Line and JR Kobe Line will all get you from city to city in around or under 30 minutes. Explore the charming Kitano-cho district, which features historic Western-style houses and long-established caf é s like Nishimura Coffee and Freundlieb. Nearby, take in breathtaking views of the city and the bay from Nunobiki Herb Gardens, a hilltop floral paradise. At night, the waterfront views at Meriken Park and the vibrant food stalls at Nankinmachi Chinatown are a must. byodoin temple Uji In recent years, Uji has become increasingly well known around the globe as the birthplace of matcha. Located in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Uji is about an hour away from Osaka via the Keihan Main Line and Uji Line (from Yodoyabashi or Kyobashi Station, transfer required at Chushojima Station). Alternatively, you can reach Uji via the JR Kyoto Line and JR Nara Line (Osaka or Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, Kyoto Station to Uji Station). This route also takes around one hour. Although you should certainly enjoy the plethora of matcha-themed beverages, sweets and even savory foods in Uji, we also recommend immersing yourself in the city's history and nature. Uji is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Ujigami Shrine and Byodoin Temple — and was a significant location in Murasaki Shikibu's literary classic, The Tale of Genji . Uji River and Kyoto Prefectural Uji Park are lush and peaceful, perfect for a sunny stroll. Check out our full guide on things to do in Uji . minoh waterfall Minoh Even though Minoh is located within Osaka Prefecture, it's a great day trip for those who want a break from central Osaka's urban atmosphere. Located at the foot of the Hokusetsu mountains in northern Osaka, Minoh is known for its rich natural beauty and peaceful residential neighborhoods. Take a 30-minute subway ride via the Midosuji Line from Namba, Shinsaibashi or Umeda Station to Minoh-Kayano Station. Minoh Waterfall is the most famous landmark of the city, and it's a stunning sight throughout the seasons, especially autumn. Another must-see is Katsuo-ji Temple: Filled with hundreds of lucky daruma dolls, the temple has a reputation for helping patrons triumph over adversity. Check out our guide on what to do in Minoh for the best sights, restaurants and more. himeji castle Himeji Himeji makes for an excellent day trip from Osaka, primarily owing to its magnificent Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. By shinkansen, you can reach Himeji Station from Shin-Osaka Station in around 30–40 minutes. You can also take a special rapid train from Osaka Station on the JR Kobe Line (roughly one hour) or a direct limited express train from Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station to Sanyo Himeji Station (roughly one hour, 40 minutes). In addition to exploring Himeji Castle itself, visitors can stroll through the serene Koko-en Garden, a collection of nine traditional Japanese gardens offering picturesque landscapes. Engyoji , a mountaintop temple seen in films like The Last Samurai , is also a must-visit for history buffs. The area around the castle provides opportunities for souvenir shopping and enjoying local cuisine before heading back, making it a fulfilling and memorable excursion. kurashiki bikan Kurashiki Accessible via shinkansen in just over an hour (Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kurashiki Station), Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture is a great day-trip destination for photographers, artists and fashion lovers. The city's main draw is the Bikan Historical Quarter, a beautifully preserved area that transports visitors back to the Edo period with its willow-lined canals, traditional white-walled warehouses ( kura ) and charming stone bridges. For a unique perspective of the city's historical architecture, enjoy a serene boat ride along the canal. The former warehouses you'll drift past now house a variety of shops and museums, including the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft. Perhaps the city's most notable museum, however, is the Ohara Museum of Art — Japan's oldest private museum dedicated to Western art. Visitors can also explore Denim Street, celebrating Kurashiki's renowned denim industry, and browse for local crafts and sweets in the many boutiques and caf é s. Check out our guide to Kurashiki and our deep dive into Japanese denim . Related Posts Minoh City: An Enchanting Day Trip From Osaka With Beautiful Fall Foliage Kobe Travel Tips: Discover the City's History, Fashion, Cuisine & Nature Alternative, Less Crowded Temples and Shrines in Kyoto Beyond Matcha: Things To Do in Uji, Japan's Tea Capital
The Mainichi
14 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: Former hospital with unique design in Yamagata enthralls visitors
Go to photos YAMAGATA -- A local history museum with a unique tetradecagon cloister design in this northern Japan city has been fascinating visitors, recording a record number in fiscal 2024. Located in the heart of Yamagata's urban area, the Yamagata Castle ruins, known as Kajo Park, are home to the Yamagata City Local History Museum, formerly the Saiseikan Hospital main building, which is located in a corner of the park and is surrounded by lush greenery. This building is an example of "pseudo-Western architecture," where Japanese craftspeople from the end of the Edo period (1603-1867) to early Meiji era (1868-1912) imitated Western styles with a focus on modernization. Constructed in 1878 by Michitsune Mishima, the first governor of Yamagata Prefecture, it originally served as a hospital. Though a four-story wooden structure, its appearance is that of a three-tiered building. It features a unique doughnut-shaped cloister design with fourteen sides, around which eight rooms are aligned. The building showcases a fusion of Japanese and Western architectural techniques, with elements such as a tiled roof, stained glass and decorative eaves and pillars. Inside, visitors can view Edo-period medical books and precious medical equipment used in the former hospital. Designated as a national important cultural property in 1966, the building was later relocated to Kajo Park and reopened as the city's local history museum in 1971. In fiscal 2024, the museum attracted more than 42,000 visitors, the highest number ever, driven by an increase in international tourists. The museum continues to captivate with its timeless charm. (Japanese original by Kan Takeuchi, Yamagata Bureau) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on June 15, 2025. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
Tokyo Weekender
3 days ago
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The 5 Best Pools in and Around Tokyo To Keep Cool This Summer
As Tokyo heats up for summer, there's no better way to cool down than with a luxurious dip in a beautifully designed pool. Whether you're seeking a tropical escape without hopping on a plane, a skyline swim in the heart of the city or a stylish night pool experience, Tokyo and its nearby regions offer plenty of options for water-lovers. From exclusive rooftop retreats to resort-style garden pools, here are six of the most refreshing spots to soak up the sun and escape the city grind. List of Contents: Botanical Pool Club (Kyonan, Chiba) Hotel East 21 Tokyo Garden Pool (Koto, Tokyo) Tokyo Prince Hotel Garden Pool (Minato, Tokyo) Hotel New Otani Makuhari Shell Pool (Makuhari, Chiba) Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Terrace Pool (Odaiba, Tokyo) Related Posts Botanical Pool Club (Kyonan, Chiba) A Bali-inspired tropical oasis Just over an hour outside of Tokyo in the town of Kyonan, Chiba Prefecture, the Botanical Pool Club has quickly gone viral on social media — and for good reason. Set against a backdrop of natural forest and an ocean view, BPC transports guests to a tropical resort. With its signature circular pool surrounded by daybeds and a 40-meter infinity pool overlooking the ocean and flanked by palm trees and torches that light up at night, it feels more like a Balinese resort than a Japanese countryside retreat. The pools are warm in the cooler months, and combined with the saunas that look out onto the greenery just outside, it is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. Along with early pool access, hotel guests at Botanical Pool Club can also make their own barbecue after a day of swimming and sweating. It's a great getaway for couples, families or friend groups looking to unwind in style — and snap some highly Instagrammable photos in the process. Courtesy of Hotel East 21 Tokyo Hotel East 21 Tokyo Garden Pool (Koto, Tokyo) One of the largest outdoor pools in Tokyo Hotel East 21 Tokyo boasts an elegant, outdoor European-style garden pool that feels worlds away from Tokyo's concrete jungle. Surrounded by manicured hedges and classical sculptures, it's an unexpectedly tranquil retreat in the middle of the city. It's open both day and night, and available to hotel guests and general visitors alike. Depending on the time of year, the operating hours and entrance fees vary, so check the hotel's website for the most up-to-date information. Courtesy of Tokyo Prince Hotel Tokyo Prince Hotel Garden Pool (Minato, Tokyo) Urban luxury with a view of Tokyo Tower Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's Minato ward, the Tokyo Prince Hotel's Garden Pool offers a serene escape with an impressive view of the iconic Tokyo Tower. This 25-meter rectangular pool is complemented by a 6-meter-diameter children's pool, making it an ideal spot for families. The pool area is surrounded by a spacious lawn equipped with deck chairs and parasols. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including rental swimsuits, lockers and the option to reserve private round sofas for an additional fee. The pool operates during the summer months, starting in mid-July, and is available for non-hotel-staying guests who pay the entrance fee. Check the hotel's official website for the most current information on opening hours and admission fees. Courtesy of Hotel New Otani Hotel New Otani Makuhari Shell Pool (Makuhari, Chiba) A vibrant pool with Hawaiian resort flair If you're after a more festive poolside experience, the Shell Pool at Hotel New Otani Makuhari might be your scene. Open from mid-July until mid-September, it offers a tropical vibe with live DJ sets on select evenings; it has day pool and night pool options, with the night pool running from 6:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. Private gazebos, LED lighting and music make it a perfect destination for a stylish pool outing. Courtesy of Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Terrace Pool (Odaiba, Tokyo) Chic rooftop swims with views of Tokyo Bay Located on the rooftop of the Grand Nikko in Odaiba, this terrace pool delivers sweeping views of Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Bay and the skyline beyond. It's open from mid-July to the end of August, with both daytime and night pool options, and it's equipped with a poolside bar and stylish deck chairs. Note that the pool requires a reservation in advance. Each of these pools brings its own unique charm to Tokyo's summer landscape, whether you're craving a peaceful garden setting, a glamorous rooftop dip or a tropical resort escape. Don't forget to check operating dates and entry requirements before visiting. Related Posts Sun, Sand and Sea: The Best Beaches Near Tokyo Alternative Beach Towns Near Tokyo (That Aren't Kamakura) The Best Theme Parks in Japan
