Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city after Tokyo. With easy access via Kansai International Airport, it became a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
However, I could argue that the main draw of Osaka is not just the city itself. With Japan’s extensive train network, Osaka serves as the perfect launchpad to the array of destinations in the Kansai region. From visiting iconic temples in Kyoto to interacting with free-roaming Sika deers in Nara, there are plenty of day trip or short trip options from Osaka.
Here are a few of my favorite picks:
PS: Although these places are perfect as day trips, many chose to stay overnight too. I’ve included recommendation for where you can stay if you’ve been enticed to stay for more than just a day trip 😉
1. Kyoto
I almost feel that Kyoto needs no introduction – whenever you see Japan being advertised overseas for tourism, I can guarantee they’re using visuals from Kyoto.
Kyoto is an easy 30-minute journey on the rapid local train or 15 minutes on the Shinkansen. In Kyoto, expect to visit a variety of temples, walk the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, or visit the philosopher’s path for a peaceful day. Needless to say, it is a must-go when you find yourself in Osaka.
⛩️ Interested in visiting Kyoto? I’ve written a comprehensive Kyoto Travel Guide here. Be sure to check it out!
Kyoto at a glance
- 🛌 Where to stay: Yadoya Manjiro. Located a stone-throw away from Kiyomizu-dera, making it extremely convenient to explore the quiet old streets of Kyoto at night, once other tourists have left Kyoto.
- 🚅 How to get to Kyoto from Osaka: Take the local train or shinkansen from Shin-Osaka station
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 15 – 30 minutes
- 🌸 Best time to visit: All year round, but especially during Sakura time (March-April)
- ✨ Best for: Temple visits, traditional Japanese culture
2. Nara
Nara, the first permanent capital of ancient Japan, is a popular day trip from Osaka due to its proximity and ease of access – it only takes 30-45 minutes to get there via local train.
Nara is a small city, no doubt, but it is charming and very walkable. There are enough things to do to in Nara warrant an easy day trip from Osaka. You can visit a temple with a big Buddha, or take a walk at a huge park where you can walk and interact with Nara’s free-roaming Sika deer.
🦌 Nara Travel Guide: If you’re interested in visiting Nara, be sure to check my dedicated Nara Travel Guide for comprehensive travel tips!
Nara at a glance
- 🛌 Where to stay: Kotonoyado Musashino. A ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) located in the Nara Park, near Kasuga Taisha shrine.
- 🚅 How to get to Nara from Osaka: Take Kintestu rail from Osaka-Namba station, or from Osaka station to Nara JR station
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 30-45 minutes
- 🌸 Best time to visit: All year round, but especially during Sakura time (March-April)
- ✨ Best for: Temple visits, nature walk
3. Kobe
Kobe is yet another city that can be reached easily from Osaka by train – it only takes 30 minutes from Osaka city center. Kobe is well-known for… well, the delicious Kobe beef, which you’ll find plenty of in this city.
Kobe was also one of the first port cities where immigrants thrived when Japan began to open up trading with the outside world in 1853. Check out Kobe’s Chinatown area for some good grubs, Kobe Ropeway and Nunobiki Gardens, or the port area for a relaxing day.
Kobe at a glance
- 🛌 Where to stay: Oriental Hotel
- 🚅 How to get to Kobe from Osaka: Take a limited express train from Osaka-Umeda station or Osaka-Namba station to Kobe-Sannomiya station.
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 20-30 minutes
- 🌞 Best time to visit: All year round
- ✨ Best for: City exploration, food
4. Akame 48 Waterfall
Akame 48 Waterfall is about an hour out of Osaka by train. It’s an easy natural trail following the main river which forms many small waterfalls.
Despite what the name implies, there are actually less than 48 waterfalls in Akame 48. However, in the Japanese language, “48” is used to signify “endless” referring to the fact that there are seemingly endless waterfalls on this trail. Akame 48 is an excellent choice when you need a break from the city and want to be close to nature.
🍁🍂 Visiting Akame 48 Waterfalls: If you want to visit Akame 48, be sure to check out my Akame 48 guide which includes helpful tips on how to get there and what to see once you’re there.
Akame 48 at a glance
- 🛌 Where to stay: B&B Nishimine
- 🚅 How to get to Akame 48 from Osaka: Take the Kintestu-Osaka rail from Osaka-Namba station to Akameguchi station
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 1 hour
- 🍁 Best time to visit: Momiji time (late November) for autumn leaves
- ✨ Best for: Nature walk
5. Himeji
Himeji is famous for Himeji Castle, one of the last twelve surviving original castles in Japan. Himeji Castle is arguably the most popular due to its beautiful exterior. Also known as the White Heron Castle, Himeji is the only castle with mostly white exterior and silver rooftops while other castles in Japan have dark rooftops.
Himeji at a glance
- 🛌 Where to stay: Richmond Hotel
- 🚅 How to get to Himeji from Osaka: Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Himeji station, or the Limited Express train from Umeda station to Himeji station.
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- 🌸 Best time to visit: All year round, but especially during Sakura time (March-April) for the best photo of the castle
- ✨ Best for: City Exploration
6. Hiroshima
Although slightly out of the Kansai region, Hiroshima is still very much reachable from Osaka. Reaching the city via Shinkansen takes just under 1.5 hours.
In Hiroshima, you can learn about the history of the city and how the infamous atomic bombing during World War II affected the city. Afterward, you can journey to Miyajima, a small island off Hiroshima, and see the floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
Hiroshima is also famous for its own style of Okonomiyaki, a type of savory Japanese pancake cooked on a hot plate table in front of you, so make sure to try some while you’re in the city.
Hiroshima at a glance
- 🛌 Where to stay: Randor Hotel
- 🚅 How to get to Hiroshima from Osaka: Take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka station to Hiroshima station
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 1.5 hours
- 🌞 Best time to visit: All year round
- ✨ Best for: History, Museum visits, temple visits
7. Minoh Park
Minoh, sometimes called Minoo, is a natural park that can be conveniently reached from Osaka city center within 30 minutes. It is famous for the Minoh waterfall, as well as Katsuo-ji, a Buddhist temple with an abundance of red Daruma dolls.
Minoh at a glance
- 🛌 Where to stay: Sanso Kazenomori
- 🚅 How to get to Minoh from Osaka: Take the train from Osaka-Umeda station to Minoh station
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 30 minutes
- 🌸 Best time to visit: All year round, but especially during Sakura time (March-April) and Autumn (November)
- ✨ Best for: Nature walk, temple visit
8. Uji
For green tea lovers, Uji should be a very familiar name. The city Uji in Kyoto prefecture is the country’s most famous green tea producer, well known for its superior quality matcha 🍵 (green tea powder).
You can visit Taihoan, a teahouse where you can participate in a tea ceremony and taste the world-famous Uji matcha. Or you can go to Chazuna for an experience of making your own matcha.
Uji at a glance
- 🚅 How to get to Uji from Osaka: Take the train from Yodobashi Station to Uji station
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 1 hour
- 🌞 Best time to visit: All year round
- ✨ Best for: Temple visit, green tea tasting
9. Mount Koya (Koya-san)
Koyasan is a sacred mountain known as the center of Shingon Buddhism. For visitors, Koyasan is also famous as a place to experience an overnight stay at a temple (Shukubo), where you can get a taste of the life of a Buddhist monk.
In Autumn, the sacred mountain is a popular spot for Momijigari (Autumn leaf hunting). Visitors will be treated to a beautiful sign of reddish-orange maple trees among the misty forest setting.
Mount Koya at a glance
- 🛌 Where to stay: Koyasan Syukubo Ekoin Temple
- 🚅 How to get to Koya-san from Osaka: From Osaka-Namba station take the train to Gokurakubashi station, then resume the journey up the mountain via cable car.
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 1.5 – 2 hours
- 🍁 Best time to visit: Momiji time for autumn leaves (early November, as the leaves turn brown faster in colder climates)
- ✨ Best for: Nature walks and temple visits
10. Kurashiki
Kurashiki, a charming little town just a little south of Osaka, was once a rice distribution center. Nowadays, it is mostly known for the well-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter.
At Kurashiki, you’ll find weeping willow-lined canals and a traditional shopping street made of former rice storerooms converted into stores and cafes. One of the most popular attractions is to take a boat tour along the canal. Kurashiki is also known as the birthplace of Japanese denim.
Kurashiki at a glance
- 🛌 Where to stay: Mingeikan Minami no Yado
- 🚅 How to get to Kurashiki from Osaka: There is a direct bullet train from Shin-Osaka to Okayama station. It leaves almost every hour and takes around 50 minutes. From Okayama station, you can take another train to Kurashiki station.
- ⏰ Travel time from Osaka: 1.5 hours
- 🌞 Best time to visit: All year round, but would be especially beautiful during Momiji time as the willows turn yellow
- ✨ Best for: Easy small-town strolls, canal boat tour
And that’s all I have on short weekend trips that can be easily reached from Osaka! Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Until next time! 😃
Are you visiting Osaka? Be sure to check out my Osaka itinerary post where I give out tips on planning your trip.