3 surprisingly easy day trips you can take from Osaka
You can reach these cities in less than an hour from Osaka.
One of the reasons why I love going to Osaka is its proximity and accessibility to other equally fun and interesting cities. I don’t like changing hotels (because packing and unpacking is a chore), so I usually set my base in Osaka and take the train to explore neighbouring cities.
If you’re not sure where to stay in Osaka, check out the link at the end of this post. It is also a good place to start if you haven’t thoroughly explored the city and need some insights into its major tourist areas.
But if you’re ready to venture out, here are three cities that are less than an hour’s train ride from Osaka.
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1. Nara (about 40 minutes away)
Nara, particularly Nara Park, is perhaps best known for its freely roaming deer. You can purchase deer senbei (crackers) to feed them and make them do tricks like bowing. Just be prepared that during popular seasons, they may be too full from all the tourist feeding and may not appear as eager to eat.
Moving past Nara Park, you’ll find UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Todai-ji, which houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha, a Shinto shrine adorned with hundreds of suspended bronze lanterns.
If you can’t make it for the cherry blossom season (around late March to early April), head to Kasuga Taisha for wisteria flowers, which usually bloom from late April to early May.
How to get there
Take the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Nara Station
51 minutes, 810 yen (about S$7)
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station
41 minutes, 570 yen (about S$5)
2. Kobe (about 30 minutes away)
Aside from Kobe beef, Kobe is a vibrant port city known for its cosmopolitan flair and scenic beauty. Historic sites like the Kitano district’s European-style mansions and the iconic Kobe Port Tower showcase its unique blend of Western and Japanese influences.
Near the Kobe Port Tower is Kobe Chinatown, which exudes an entirely different, oriental atmosphere. If you’re craving Chinese delicacies like dumplings, buns and spicy noodles in Japan’s Kansai region, this is your place. But it can get crowded, so expect long queues for popular eateries.
If you dislike the crowd, head to Motomachi Shopping Street for more local vibes. Although there isn’t much to shop there, I love its slow pace and relaxed ambience. You can also sit down at a quaint cafe or restaurant, chill and slowly take in all the sights and sounds.
Kobe is also filled with stories about resilience, seen in its recovery from the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. You can learn all about it at The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum.
How to get there
Take the JR Kobe Line Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Motomachi Station
29 minutes, 410 yen (about S$3.50)
3. Kyoto (about 30 minutes away)
Once the imperial capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto boasts a wealth of historical treasures, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some notable ones are the Buddhist temple Kiyomizu-dera, the shimmering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Byodo-in, the Buddhist temple pictured on the 10-yen coin.
Don’t miss other iconic landmarks like the Fushimi Inari Taisha’s vibrant rows of torii and the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Known for its zen gardens such as the one at Ryoan-ji, traditional matcha green tea in Uji, and geisha districts like Gion, Kyoto gives you a glimpse into Japan’s refined artistry and timeless customs.
Given that Kyoto has so much to offer, it’s best to split your visits to cover the different areas. If you have the luxury of time, you can even stay a night or two in Kyoto to experience the local culture.
How to get there
Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station
29 minutes, 570 yen (about S$5)
The various places of interest can be accessed by bus or train from Kyoto Station
The next time you’re visiting Osaka, consider adding one of these day trips to your itinerary!
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