10 Easy Day Trips From Osaka Guide + Photos

With so many Osaka day trips available using Japan’s rail network, Osaka is a great place to base yourself in the very center of Japan.

Given the huge range of Osaka accommodation and hotels, it is often much cheaper to stay here instead of nearby expensive Kyoto, and then do day trips from Osaka.

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From the modern metropolis that is Nagoya to more historic districts like Nara and Himeji, there are lots of Osaka day trip options and nearby cities to explore.

And of course Kyoto is a very short train ride away, less than 20 minutes from Osaka – or enjoy the riverside delights of Uji, home to the new Nintendo Museum or Arashiyama, famous for its waterside tea houses. Or add the historic streets of Kurashiki to your Osaka day trip itinerary.

Here is our guide to the best day trips from Osaka with train journey durations and photos.

This article was originally published on 20 September 2024.

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Table of Contents

Best day trips from Osaka

1. Nara (50 minutes from Osaka)

The former capital of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nara is a treasure trove of ancient history and Japanese culture, perhaps most famous for its sacred deer (who seem to bow).

The deer of Nara are sacred creatures, with over 1,200 roaming around Nara Park at any one time.

Many of Nara’s temples and sacred sites date back to the 8th century when it was the capital, and there are many things to do in Nara, from woodland walks to museums, mochi-making and more.

Take a traditional rickshaw ride, hide a kimono or just feed Nara’s deer with shika senbei (deer crackers) – an easy day trip from both Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is a must visit destination in Japan.

Nara Highlights

Feed the sacred deer and watch as they ‘bow’ when awaiting to be fed.
Todaiji Temple; A World Heritage Site, Todaiji Temple is the most impressive in Nara and said to be the largest wooden structure in the world. It was once one of the Great Seven Temples of Japan.
Nakatanidou Mochi Men. Now this is one ‘sweet’ shop in Nara – Nakatanidou is famous for its mochi making demonstrations when two members of staff beat out and stretch mochi to a huge audience outside the store.
Take a Nara rickshaw ride – this is the best way to see Nara – let your licensed guide take the strain and carry you along the traffic free paths past docile deer. Check out this Nara Rickshaw experience with Get Your Guide >

Check out our guide to 20+ more things to in Nara >

How to get to Nara from Osaka

There are two train stations in Nara you can arrive at (located a 12 minute walk apart) – JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station.

By Japan Railways (JR)
You can reach JR Nara Station from JR Osaka Station by taking a direct JR Yamatoji Line rapid train. The entire journey takes just over 50 minutes and costs 950 Yen. The train also stops at Tennoji Station.

By Kintetsu Railway
You can also take a direct Kintetsu Railway train from Osaka Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station (JR Pass is not valid). A Rapid Express train takes 39 minutes and costs 680 Yen, while a Limited Express train takes 33 minutes but costs double the price at 1,200 Yen.

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2. Kobe (15 to 25 minutes from Osaka)

Come to Kobe, an easy day out from Osaka! Japan’s famous port city is surrounded by lush green mountains with ocean vistas – there is more to Kobe than beef and cruise-ships.

From the historic Kitano-chō Neighbourhood to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway, there are so many things to do in Kobe. The port setting also offers lots of waterside dining and shopping plus parks and a ferris wheel with sea views.

Kobe Highlights

Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway – The best way to get aerial views of Kobe’s coastline and mountainscapes, the journey to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens (Japan’s largest herb garden) is via ropeway cable car. Get your tickets here >
Ikuta Jinja – one of the oldest shrines in Japan, Ikuta Jinja dates back to the third century and is one of the most wonderful places of worship in Kobe. The setting is serene, surrounded by Ikuta forest trees, complete with a small pond area and traditional red torii gates.
Kobe Nankinmachi – one of only a handful of designated ‘Chinatowns’ in Japan (the biggest Chinatown is in Yokohama), Kobe’s vibrant and colorful Chinese neighborhoods with so many tasty food stalls). Read our full guide to Kobe Chinatown here >
Kobe Kitano-chō neighborhood – it feels like you aren’t in Japan anymore. It is a curious and compelling combination of Western / European style residences built during the Meiji period with views over the port.

How to get to Kobe from Osaka

You can take a shinkansen bullet train from Shin-Osaka station to Shin-Kobe station in just under 15 minutes. Please note Shin-Kobe station is not centrally located.

Alternatively you can take the one of these routes:

Hankyu Kobe line Limited express train (Osaka-Umeda station to Kobe-Sannomiya station in 25 minutes)
Hanshin line train (Osaka-Umeda Station to Kobe-Sannomiya station in 30 minutes)
Hanshin line train (Osaka-Namba Station to Kobe-Sannomiya station in 45 minutes)

Check out these Kobe tours with Get Your Guide or Viator.

3. Uji (45 minutes from Osaka)

A short train ride from Osaka and Kyoto, Uji is a beautiful riverside town known for its historic temples, tea ceremonies and boat trips.

From UNESCO World Heritage sites and Japan’s oldest shrine plus an incredible suspension bridge walk, there are many things to do in Uji, Kyoto.

Plus (and possibly best of all,) Uji is much quieter than most of the other ‘tourist trap’ day trips from Kyoto – no huge crowds or overpriced activities.

Renowned for its green tea (a ‘matcha’ made in heaven), Uji is now also home to the new Nintendo Museum which opened in autumn 2024.

Uji Highlights

Uji Park and riverside – it is simply stunning especially in the spring and autumn months with beautiful bridges, boats and a stunning hill landscape all around.
Byodoin Temple & Phoenix Hall – a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 10th century, Byodoin temple features on the reverse of the Japanese 10 Yen coin.
Uji Amagase Suspension Bridge – get up close to the river by checking out the suspension bridge or go on a river cruise.
Attend an Uji Tea Ceremony. Matcha green tea that is produced in Uji is famous throughout the world for its extremely high quality. Lining the river bank in Uji are several local tea houses where you can partake in workshops and Japanese tea ceremonies. Try this tea-tasting tour in Uji >

Check out our things to do in Uji guide >

How to get to Uji by train

You can reach JR Uji Station from Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station by taking the rapid train on the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto station – then transfer to the JR Nara Line to Uji.

The entire journey should take just over 1 hour and costs 2,280 yen one way. You can use your Japan Rail Pass for this journey.

Alternatively you can reach Keihan Uji Station from Osaka by boarding a train along the Keihan Main Line from either Yodoyabashi station or Kyobashi Station, but you will need to transfer at Chushojima Station to the Keihan Uji Line.

The entire journey should take around 45 minutes – 1 hour, and costs 420 yen one way. You cannot use your Japan Rail Pass for this journey.

You might like – Our guide to Osaka’s Shinsekai district, the birthplace of ‘kushikatsu’ skewers

4. Arashiyama (2 hours from Osaka)

There is more to Arashiyama than bamboo forests and scenic train rides – its idyllic setting boasts riverside views, mountain backdrops and hillside temples.

Whilst the main downtown area of Arashiyama can be tourist central, just walk for a few minutes out of town to discover preserved old streets, serene shrines and quaint local restaurants.

There are lots of Arashiyama activities and things to do like a monkey park, rowing boats and rickshaw rides but venture a little further downstream or away from the station to see something special.

Arashiyama Highlights

Sagano Romantic Train – All aboard the Arashiyama love train! For the best views of the Hozugawa River and the forests, take a trip on the Sagano Romantic Train. Be sure to book your train tickets in advance especially during fall colors and Kyoto cherry blossom season.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – possibly the most famous thing to do in Arashiyama, the bamboo grove is beautiful but always very busy (the word ‘over tourism’ is very fitting here). However, in our Arashiyama guide, we also reveal a much quieter bamboo forest to visit.
Katsura River – walk along the river banks, watch the traditional boats or hire your own rowing boat. The main street of Arashiyama and the river banks near Togetsukyo Bridge gets busy so keep walking along the river for more peaceful spots.
Arashiyama Monkey Forest Iwatayama – climb the monkey mountain, where you can see and feed wild monkeys and enjoy aerial views of Arashiyama.

Check out our guide to 20+ things to do in Arashiyama >

How to get to Arashiyama from Osaka

There are several ways to get from Osaka to Arashiyama, most of which take just over 2 hours

From Osaka Umeda Station take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line Semi-Limited Express towards Kyoto-Kawaramachi and change at Katsura Station to take the train to Arashiyama Station.

Or take a direct train to Kyoto station from Osaka and hop on a public bus which takes around 35 minutes from Kyoto station to Arashiyama.

Check out this Sagano Romantic Train and Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari Taisha day tour >

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5. Nagoya (one hour from Osaka)

A sublime mix of the old and new with several state-of-the art, world-class attractions opening recently, there is such a cool collection of things to do in Nagoya, around an hour day trip from Shin Osaka station.

Along with traditional temples and sightly shrines, Japan’s fourth biggest city has many modern attractions, from the awesome architecture of the Oasis 21 roof-park and Hisaya Odori center through to the more vintage Mirai TV Tower (which looks just like the Eiffel Tower).

Nagoya Highlights

Ghibli Park. Located on the outskirts of the city, Ghibli Park opened in late 2022. It is the world’s first theme park dedicated to movies and animated works of Studio Ghibli. Read our honest review of Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse or our top Tokyo Studio Ghibli things to do.
Nagoya Castle. Easily one of the most beautiful castles in Japan, the original Nagoya Castle was originally built in the 1610s but sadly destroyed in 1945 by damage from an air-raid.
Oasis 21 – a modern shopping center that has the most incredible rooftop garden shaped like an oval UFO looking out over the iconic Mirai Tower in Nagoya.
Sky Promenade. For the best unspoilt panoramic views of Nagoya, head to Sky Promenade observatory deck located on the 44th to 46th floors of the Midland Square Office building. Get your Nagoya Sky Promenade tickets in advance here >

Check out our 35 things to do in Nagoya guide >

How to get to Nagoya from Osaka

You can go from Osaka to Nagoya on the Shinkansen Bullet Train covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to Nagoya station usually takes between 55 and 70 minutes.

Or to take the local train to Nagoya from Osaka, head to Namba Station in Osaka – it takes just over two hours on a direct limited express train to Nagoya.

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6. Kyoto (25 minutes from Osaka)

Perhaps the most famous day trip from Osaka if you only have limited time in Japan, Kyoto is less than half an hour away from Osaka by bullet train (great if you have a Japan Rail Pass).

Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the best spots in Japan; a rich mix of historic sites, tranquil temples and wonderful waterside settings – during Kyoto cherry blossom season all of these places look pretty in pink!

From the Kyoto Kiyomizudera hillside temple to the geisha-filled streets of Gion, there are lots of super spots in Kyoto.

Kyoto Highlights

The Philosopher’s Path – a must do when visiting Kyoto any time of the year but particularly in cherry blossom season, especially in full bloom (‘mankai’).
Nishiki Market. Kyoto’s most famous food and drink destination, Nishiki Market, is over 400 years old and located in the heart of Kyoto. Read our guide to the market and all its amazing food here >
Shinbashi-dori street, Gion – If you watched the recent 2024 / new episode of Somebody Feed Phil in Kyoto, the pretty area where Phil Rosenthal stayed was the Shinbashi-dori area – it is a popular filming location for Japanese historical movies.
Kiyomizudera – Kyoto’s iconic Kiyomizudera temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with parts dating back to 778AD. It is also illuminated in the evenings.

Check out these Kyoto day trips from Osaka with Get Your Guide or Viator.

How to get from Kyoto to Osaka

The journey from Osaka to Kyoto takes less than 25 minutes by Special Rapid line.

From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line Special Rapid line towards Yasu or Tokaido-Sanyo Line Special Rapid towards Maibara – both routes alight at Kyoto Station.

Or from Osaka-Umeda Station, take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line Semi-Limited Express towards Kyoto-Kawaramachi – this journey takes around 45 minutes.

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7. Himeji (under 30 minutes from Osaka)

Best known for its Himeji Castle, one of the oldest surviving in Japan, you can be in historic Himeji from Osaka in less than half an hour.

From gorgeous green gardens to famous hillside temples, Himeji is a great day out and much fun is to be had its in traditional sake breweries.

Check out these Himeji tours with Get Your Guide or Viator.

Read our 1 day Himeji itinerary >

Himeji Highlights

Himeji Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage site and Japan’s best maintained feudal castle. Check out this best of Himeji Castle 3 hour tour >
Mount Shosha / Shoshazan Engyoji Temple – Out of the city and accessed by ropeway or bus, this hillside temple dates back to the 9th century and also featured in the Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise. Check out this Engyoji Temple tour >
Kōko-en Japanese garden – featuring 9 different gardens and ponds, Kōko-en is a green oasis next to Himeji Castle was opened in 1992 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Himeji City.

Check out this Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko 1-day bus tour from Osaka >

How to get to Himeji from Osaka

The quickest method to get from Osaka to Himeji is by the Shinkansen train from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station – the journey takes around 25 to 30 minutes.

Alternatively, for a third of the price and taking around 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to Himeji, take the West Japan Railway Company Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Osaka.

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8. Kurashiki (just over 1 hour from Osaka)

Near Okayama and famous for its canals and historical old quarter, Kurashiki is one of of our favourite Osaka day trips – yes, it can get VERY busy at the weekends but if you visit in the week, it will be a lot quieter.

With hillside temples, traditional streets and waterside walks, there is much to see as well as some kawaii delights like the Kurashiki Miffy Kitchen, Denim Street (a bit naff) and Pokemon manhole covers.

Kurashiki highlights

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (美観地区) – dating back to the Edo period, you will likely have seen the traditional town packed with shops, theaters and shrines on social media as it so popular,
Canal cruise – Possibly slightly touristic, this is a fun way to see the town from the water and float under several bridges, gliding past swans.
Pokemon manhole covers – yes, the famous Nintendo sewer covers have several locations in Kurashiki; gotta catch them all! Check out our guide to Japanese manhole covers >
Ohara Museum of Art (大原美術館) – Japan’s largest collection of Western art housing works from renowned painters like Monet and Renoir.

How to get to Kurashiki from Osaka

The quickest way to get from Osaka to Kurashiki is by a combination of Shinkansen train and local train. Take the Shinkansen train from Shin-Osaka station to Okayama station (45 to 60 minutes) and change to a JR Sanyo Line local train to Kurashiki station (15 to 20 minutes).

There are buses to Kurashiki (via a change at Okayama) but this takes over 4 hours so you have to use trains to make this viable as an Osaka day trip.

9. Ine-cho and Amanohashidate – the Venice of Japan (2.5 – 3 hours from Osaka)

Perhaps better known as ‘Kyoto By The Sea’, this is one of the best ways to escape the city and get some Vitamin Sea.

Also referred to the Venice of Japan, there are many tour operators doing Kyoto By The Sea day trips, most of which include Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya.

Amanohashidate DAY TRIP FROM OSAKA — *Amanohashidate*

Amanohashidate is famous for its sandy beaches and huge coastal sand bar (which has some cute little bars and noodle stalls on).

For the best views, take the Amanohashidate funicular chairlift to the top of Nariai Mountain for stunning coastal views, plus mountaintop attractions like a luge and kids rides.

Nearby, Ine Village is the picturesque village where all the fishermen houses look out over the water whilst the Ine Bay Boat Tour is a nice way to see them from the water.

That said, we didn’t like how tourists were encouraged to feed the seagulls – it felt like an extended scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. If you aren’t a fan of screeching birds swooping down, maybe stay below deck.

Some tours also include Miyama Kayabuki Village and other nearby attractions.

How to get to Kyoto by the sea from Osaka

Although Amanohashidate is accessible by 2 separate trains from Osaka (a 2.5–3 hour journey), if you also want to also access all the coastal villages like Ine-cho, we highly recommend taking an organised tour through Klook, KKDay or Get Your Guide.

Here are some of the best Amanohashidate and Ino day trip tours:

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10. Okayama (45 to 60 minutes from Osaka)

We were lucky enough to visit Okayama in late 2024 – mainly off the tourist radar, we spent several nights here to do various daytrips plus explore Okayama itself.

Most famous for its Okayama Castle and Korakuen Gardens, this is a good place to visit if you want to escape the tourist hordes – we almost want to use the word ‘sleepy’ to describe it but it is a big city complete with big malls and all your favourite Japanese chain stores like Don Quijote.

Okayama highlights

Explore Okayama castle, originally dating back to the 1590s but largely rebuilt in the last century. It is inexpensive to go inside and it offers incredible views of the local area. If you are lucky, you can also meet the resident mouser Sanjuro, Cat Lord of the Castle (although they weren’t there when we visited – booo).
Korakuen Garden – one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens and Okayama’s main attraction alongside the castle. It is a traditional garden with koi carp ponds, historic bridges and many photo spots.
Take a river cruise on the Asahi river – there are a variety of ways to get out on the water including row boats and pedalos.

Okayama can also easily be combined with Kurashiki as part of one combined Osaka day trip if you take the Shinkansen train from Osaka.

How to get to Okayama from Osaka

The best way to get to Okayama is by Shinkansen train as it takes between 45 to 60 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama station. Alternatively you can take a regular JR limited express train but they are much slower taking 2.5 to 3 hours one way.

Express buses between Okayama and Osaka take just under 4 hours but this wouldn’t be much of a Osaka day trip.

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