Osaka is a major tourism hub of the Kansai region. While Osaka has plenty of attractions of its own, many travelers may want to venture beyond the big city to explore Japan's quieter, smaller towns. Here are 7 great cities to visit around Osaka, all easily reachable on a comfortable day trip.
▶︎ 23 Recommended Places to Visit in Osaka
1. Kyoto
Photo: Pedro Szekely [CC BY-sa 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/pedrosz/32062408092/
The top destination from Osaka has to be Kyoto, the former capital that flourished for centuries as the heart of Japan. Kyoto is renowned for its culture and history, home to countless cultural and artistic attractions, from houses and streets that still preserve the character of old Japan, to 17 sites including temples, shrines, and a castle registered as World Heritage Sites and traditional tea ceremonies that can still be seen today. There's even the Gion district, said to be the largest geisha district in Japan. Among its many highlights is Arashiyama, located on Kyoto's western outskirts, where mountains run parallel to the Oi River. The area is registered as one of Japan's national historic parks and is home to the famous Sagano Bamboo Grove, as well as Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to about 120 monkeys that are friendly to visitors.
Getting there
Take the JR Kyoto Line (Special Rapid Service) from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station (about 30 minutes).
2. Nara
Photo: Emmanuel Eragne [CC BY 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/emmanueleragne/27884952103/
Nara was the capital of Japan 1,300 years ago and is home to some of the oldest temples in the country, making it a city full of historic landmarks. Highlights include the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple, over 1,200 years old and recognized as the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world, and Horyu-ji Temple, home to some of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Horyu-ji Temple is registered as a World Heritage Site, and its buildings are designated National Treasures by the Japanese government. For a more relaxing visit, Nara Park is home to many friendly deer that visitors can view and even feed.
Getting there
Take the train from Osaka Station to Nara Station (about 51 minutes), or to Kintetsu-Nara Station (about 55 minutes).
3. Okayama
Photo: htomari [CC BY 0.0] from flickr.com/photos/htomari/16576930571/
Okayama, located in the Chugoku region, is known for the delicious fruit available here all year round and for its mild climate. It also has beautiful, well-known cultural attractions, such as Okayama Castle, also known as Crow Castle, which was restored after World War II. Inside, exhibits showcase the city's history and artifacts from earlier eras. Korakuen Garden is recognized as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and its viewpoint offers a 360-degree panorama with Okayama Castle as a backdrop. There's also the Ushimado Olive Garden, a lush natural attraction with sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea coastline.
Getting there
Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama Station (about 1 hour).
4. Kinosaki Onsen
Photo: John Weiss [CC BY-nd 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/jweiss3/346966505/
Kinosaki Onsen, located in northern Hyogo Prefecture, is a hot spring town with a long history and a charm all its own, making it one of Japan's most popular destinations for onsen lovers. Even for those who don't plan to soak in the hot springs, it's a lovely place to stroll through and enjoy the atmosphere of rural Japan.
Getting there
Take the Limited Express Kounotori from Osaka Station to Kinosaki Onsen Station (about 2 and a half hours).
5. Kobe
Photo: Manish Prabhune [CC BY 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/suzumenonamida/8212097833/
Kobe is a popular destination for both Japanese and international travelers, thanks not only to its blend of cultures but also its striking landscape, with the sea stretching out on one side and tall mountains rising on the other. The result is a city packed with scenic and cultural attractions.
Getting there
Take the train from Osaka Station to Kobe Station (about 30 minutes).
6. Iga-Ueno
Photo: carloshonda [CC BY 3.0] from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:140412-1652_Ueno_Park,_Iga_-_panoramio.jpg
Iga was once a thriving castle town and is the birthplace of the Iga school of ninjutsu, one of Japan's two most famous ninja traditions. The city is home to Iga-Ueno Castle and the Ninja Museum, along with an old town and gardens surrounding the castle. This is where the Iga ninja we know from manga, anime, games, and films come from.
Getting there
Take the train from Osaka Station to Iga-Ueno Station or Uenoshi Station (about 2 hours).
7. Wakayama
Wakayama, located on the Kii Peninsula, is known for its stunning natural scenery and has been called "a treasure chest of nature." Flanked by the sea on both sides, it's also famous for its incredibly fresh seafood. Mount Koya, one of Japan's most famous pilgrimage destinations, is also located here and is registered as a World Heritage Site. Other popular attractions include Wakayama Castle, which serves as the city's symbol and a must-visit landmark, Shirahama Beach with its blue waters and fine white sand, and Shirahama Onsen, one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan.
Getting there
Take the train from Osaka Station to Wakayama Station (about 1 hour 6 minutes).
