Greatest Day Journeys From Osaka

Osaka is out of this world!

This vibrant, dazzling and futuristic mega metropolis has an enormous quantity to supply guests, from its well-known neon cityscape to its repute for excellent meals (incomes it the nickname of Japan’s kitchen), to tremendous cool neighborhoods, shrines, temples, castles, nightlife, theme parks, aquariums, and way more.

In fact, it’s all the time good to take a break from metropolis life too and Osaka is a perfect base to discover the remainder of the Kansai area, whether or not you’re craving the coast or countryside or simply need to pattern a distinct metropolis.

From sacred mountains and historic rural villages to coastal retreats, well-known shrines, and artwork islands, Osaka has the most effective of Japan on its doorstep, particularly when you have a JR Cross for limitless journey on Japan’s home rail community.

Japan’s railway system is super-fast, clear, secure, and cozy, and it’s the good strategy to journey throughout this unforgettable nation.

Associated learn: A day in Osaka, Japan

Prepared to start out exploring? Listed here are the highest day journeys from Osaka.

8 of The Greatest Day Journeys From Osaka

As Japan’s second-largest metropolis, Osaka is extraordinarily effectively related by transport, making it the right base for day journeys to many different excellent locations.

Due to its location (and the pace and effectivity of Japanese trains), you’ll be able to attain different main cities, rural hideaways, shrines, temples, mountains, coastlines, and extra inside an hour or two of Osaka.

Associated learn: La Carmina’s Different Osaka Journey Information

Listed here are eight of the most effective day journeys from Osaka by prepare:

Kyoto

An apparent day journey from Osaka is one other of Japan’s most well-known and most visited cities – Kyoto, which is simply quarter-hour away from Osaka on the Shinkansen.

Often known as the cultural coronary heart of Japan, Kyoto is packed filled with unbelievable historical past. The one draw back is that Kyoto is so well-known for its historic buildings, cultural treasures, shrines, and temples, that this can be very in style with worldwide guests. It’s, nonetheless, 100% value it to see the sweetness and historical past of Kyoto with your personal eyes.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan from the eighth Century to 1868 and town embodies greater than 1,000 years of historical past.

Arguably town’s most well-known and historic districts are Gion, which is legendary for its geisha district, and Pontocho, which was the birthplace of Kabuki.

Associated learn: Full Kyoto Journey Information

Kyoto can also be house to a few of Japan’s greatest shrines and temples. The truth is, it boasts greater than 1,600 temples which may make it laborious to know the place to start out.

Fortunately, we’ve accomplished the laborious give you the results you want by placing collectively a listing of our greatest temple suggestions when visiting Kyoto. Our checklist contains Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, Saiho-ji Temple, Kennin-ji Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, and Ryoan-ji Temple.

Maybe probably the most iconic temple in Kyoto is the “Golden Pavilion” of Kinkaku-ji – this iconic constructing has been the postcard of town for a few years. Whereas Kinkaku-ji was based in 1397, the temple needed to be rebuilt in 1955 after a devastating hearth. Regardless of that, it’s considered one of many temples on this checklist that make up the Historic Monuments of Historical Kyoto recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Website.

Additionally vying for the highest spot amongst Kyoto’s temples is Kiyomizudera and its magnificent veranda. Kiyomizudera is discovered on Mt. Kiyomizu and overlooks town. The unique temple dates again to 798 though what you’ll see now’s the model that was rebuilt in 1633. The temple’s identify interprets as “Pure Water Temple” and comes from the pure waters flowing over the Otowa Waterfall shut by. Nevertheless it’s actually the immense wood stage, mentioned to have been constructed with out a single nail, that’s the star attraction right here.

Kyoto can also be well-known for its Shinto shrines after all. Probably the most well-known and most vital being Fushimi Inari Taisha, whose vermillion pink torii gates had been featured within the 2005 movie ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’.

Fushimi Inari Taisha was based in 711, which makes it one of many oldest shrines in Kyoto. It was initially positioned on Inariyama hill, within the southwest of town, earlier than being relocated to its current and everlasting house by the Hata household in 816. A century later, in 942, it was given the very best rank amongst Shinto shrines, and in 1499, after the gorgeous and ornate principal shrine construction was constructed, Japan designed Fushimi Inari Taisha as an Essential Cultural Property.

The origin of Fushimi Inari Taisha is steeped in legend. The story goes {that a} rice cake was fired into the air and became a swan that flew to the height of Mt. Inari. Rice started to develop on the mountain prime and the spot turned the pinnacle shrine for Inari Okami, the Japanese god of rice, sake, and prosperity, and the patron of companies, retailers and producers.

Immediately, hundreds of individuals from throughout Japan,and tens of millions of tourists from world wide,come to wish for fruitful harvests, enterprise success, and different blessings. It’s notably in style for New 12 months prayers in Japan – probably the most vital dates within the calendar.

In fact, many worldwide guests come to see the well-known Senbon Torii—the hundreds of vermilion pink gates in dense rows resulting in the Torii gate mountain climbing path. Each bears the identify of an individual or enterprise carved in black who donated the gate to obtain good luck and fortune.

Find out how to get from Osaka to Kyoto by prepare

The JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station takes simply quarter-hour and is absolutely coated by the JR Cross whereas travelling on Hikari and Kodama trains.

Nara

One other glorious day journey from Osaka, simply 40 minutes away by prepare, is Nara—an space full of historical past, wildlife, scenic views, temples, and shrines.

Most of Nara’s historic points of interest, in addition to its well-known free-roaming deer, are positioned inside the 660-hectare Nara Metropolis Park, which is comparatively small and simple to navigate.

Begin with a go to to the Heijo Palace website, which is a remnant from the time when Nara was the Capital of Japan and is now a World Heritage website.

From right here, go to town centre for a go to to Kohfukuji and its three-story pagoda. This is among the most well-known pagodas in Japan.

Subsequent, the Nara Nationwide Museum is barely a five-minute stroll away. It homes a powerful assortment of Buddhist artwork and historic nationwide treasures.

After lunch head east by way of the deer park to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, identified for the various stone lanterns donated by worshippers, a profound ambiance of calm may be felt. After visiting the shrine, take a stroll by way of the forest and soak within the peaceable ambiance surrounding the place.

The final and most well-known of our suggestions is Tōdai-ji – the crown jewel of Nara. This Buddhist temple complicated homes the Nice Buddha and its guardians. Although it was accomplished in 752 A.D., it stays as one of many nationwide masterworks of Japan.

Find out how to get from Osaka to Nara by prepare

You should use each the JR Yamatoji Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line to succeed in Nara by prepare from Osaka, with a journey time of round 40-50 minutes.

Kobe

Simply 1.5 hours from Osaka and the house of the world-famous beef, Kobe is a beautiful coastal metropolis and an amazing day journey vacation spot.

What’s so particular about Kobe beef we hear you ask?

Kobe beef is among the most legendary forms of beef on the planet, each for its high quality and its value. In fact, Kobe beef is extra than simply meals; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime culinary expertise, and there’s nowhere higher than Kobe itself to pattern this scrumptious meat. Whereas it may be served in many alternative methods, arguably the most effective dishes to eat it are both in shabu shabu, which is a soup that has boiled meat, sukiyaki (scorching pot), or teppanyaki, which is most individuals’s favourite. That’s when the chef prepares, cooks, and serves the Kobe beef proper in entrance of you.

As we mentioned, it’s a really particular expertise and Kobe is the place to go for this culinary journey!

Kobe isn’t simply well-known for meals too. If you wish to attempt considered one of Japan’s most well-known conventional drinks, then you should definitely go to town’s Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum.

If that isn’t sufficient to persuade you to go to Kobe, town additionally boasts loads of purchasing alternatives, scenic views from the highest of the close by Mt. Rokko and its personal Onsen Sizzling Springs Resort (Arima Onsen) inside the metropolis limits.

And eventually, Kobe (Ashiya district particularly) was additionally the childhood house of well-known Japanese creator Haruki Murakami! 

Associated learn: The Final Information to Road Meals in Japan

Find out how to get from Osaka to Kobe by prepare

Utilizing a JR Cross, take both the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station in simply quarter-hour or for a extra centrally positioned terminus, take the JR particular fast prepare from Osaka Station to Kobe’s Sannomiya Station, which takes 20 minutes. Both means, it’s a fast journey and an ideal day journey.

Koyasan and Kumano

The three grand shrines of the Kumano area are collectively often known as the Kumano Sanzan temples. They encompass the Kumano Hongū Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. These Shinto shrines are extremely sacred and a standard pilgrimage vacation spot.

Hidden away within the forests close to the southern finish of the peninsula, the three shrines are related by the traditional pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo. Which means that visiting the Kumano Sanzan isn’t only for these excited about Japan’s religious aspect, it’s additionally good in order for you the nation’s pure aspect.

You even have the possibility to witness considered one of Japan’s most breath-taking waterfalls, Nachi-no-taki, while you cease at Nachi Taisha shrine.

Associated learn: Eko Koyasan – A Mountaintop Buddhist Retreat with 100 Working Temples

Amazingly, the Kumano Sanzan Temples and Ise Grand Shrine will not be the one historic points of interest within the Kii Peninsula. You’ll additionally discover the historic and delightful Buddhist monastery complicated at Mt. Koya. Often known as Kōyasan Shingon and positioned 800 meters above sea degree, this can be a distinctive and religious vacation spot.

One of the crucial vital temples right here is Danjo Garan, which has been a middle of non secular instructing for the reason that ninth century. In case you’re fortunate you may even spot some present college students strolling round of their yellow robes. Sights to see there embrace the lately renovated Chūmon gate and the brilliant pink Konpon Daitō pagoda.

One other main temple is the Oku-no-in sanctuary, house to a cemetery of 200,000 tombs and the mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi, the founding father of Shingon Buddhism. There within the forest, you’ll discover many stupas coated in moss and an air of tranquility and reverence.

Koya-san can also be the start and finish of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which options 88 temples and shrines and might take three months to finish on foot.

Even should you don’t have time for all 88, you’ll be able to e book a Shukubo (a ‘temple keep’) in Koya-san (which has greater than 100 temples to select from, many with their very own onsen and zen gardens for max rest).

Temples resembling Eko-in and Muryoko-in are 1,000 years outdated and permit company to meditate, observe calligraphy, participate in morning chanting and different rituals, and way more. It’s doable to remain for weeks to completely immerse your self within the religious life.

Find out how to get from Osaka to Koyasan by prepare

With a journey time of round two hours, this is among the longer day-trip locations, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly value it. You have to to set off from Nankai Namba Station in Osaka earlier than getting off Gokurakubashi Station on the foot of Mount Koya.

Himeji Fortress

Considered one of Japan’s most lovely and historic castles and simply 50 minutes from Osaka on the Shinkansen, Himeji Fortress is effectively value a go to. Along with the fort backyard, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website and a nationwide treasure of the very best rank. Due to its good white exterior and resemblance to a heron withdrawing, the fort bears the identify “White Heron Fortress” (Shirasagi-jō).

The historical past and identification of Himeji metropolis had lengthy revolved round its fort, which originated in 1333 when the primary fort on Mount Himeji was constructed. A bit of over two centuries later, in 1581, the fort was became a fort. Within the following many years, Himeji fort was steadily expanded, creating an in depth fort complicated with superior defensive methods, which ended up being the biggest fort in Japan.

Not like different castles in Japan, Himeji fort stood the take a look at of time and was by no means destroyed by conflict or pure catastrophe, it survived firebombs throughout WWII and the nice Hanshin earthquake in 1995. In 2010 Himeji fort underwent a large restoration venture that took over 5 years and re-opened to the general public in 2015.

Immediately Himeji fort stays open to the general public on most days and is a wonderful instance of prototypical Japanese fort structure, feudal protection works and general cultural significance.

Find out how to get from Osaka to Himeji by prepare

Take the Hiraki Shinkansen prepare from Shin-Osaka to Himeji Station. It’s a direct line and simply 50 minutes away.

Naoshima Artwork Island

Well-known for each its trendy indoor and out of doors artwork, sandy seashores, beautiful panoramic views and sunny climate, Naoshima Artwork Island makes for an amazing place to unwind, and you’ll keep there too.

The island is house to the enduring Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama. That is solely the start of the gathering of open air-sculptures and installations, together with works by Dan Graham, Shinro Otake and Karel Appel.

What about lodging you ask? How about staying in a museum? Benesse Artwork Home is probably the most well-known and maybe most intriguing museum on Naoshima. Created in 1992, Benesse Home is not only a museum however an upscale lodge as effectively.

Staying company can wander the exhibitions at evening with out being distracted by others. The artwork assortment contains work by Tadao Ando, George Rickey, Alberto Giacometti, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Andy Warhol and others.

Find out how to get from Osaka to Naoshima Artwork Island by prepare

Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Okayama earlier than altering to the JR Uno Line to Uno Station. It’s then only a brief 20-minute ferry experience to the island) departing from reverse the prepare station).

Ise Jingu

Often known as the religious house of the Japanese folks, Ise Grand Shrine (or Ise Jingu) dates again virtually 2,000 years and stays crucial and culturally vital shrine in all of Japan. In case you’re fascinated by Japan’s religious historical past and the fantastic thing about its shrines and temples, then Ise Grand Shrine must be on the very prime of your checklist.

The shrine is the house of the solar goddess Amaterasu, Japan’s supreme deity, and the situation of the Sacred Mirror of the Emperor. One of the crucial fascinating information about Ise Grand Shrine is that each 20 years, the internal and outer shrines in addition to the Uji Bridge, are taken down and utterly rebuilt in step with Shinto beliefs of rebirth and renewal.

Ise Grand Shrine is not only spiritually and culturally vital to Japan, it’s also probably the most lovely shrines you possibly can ever hope to go to. 

Ise Grand Shrine is called Ise Jingu as a result of ‘Jingu’ is the very best classification of Shinto shrines. Shinto is among the two principal religious perception methods in Japan, the opposite being Buddhism.

As a primary rule, shrines like Ise Grand Shrine are associated to Shinto, whereas temples belong to Buddhism. Not like Buddhism, Shinto originated in Japan and is deeply woven into the material of Japanese tradition and historical past.

The Shinto faith entails the worship of a number of gods or spirits often known as kami, who’re mentioned to inhabit all issues. Purity is the large focus of Shinto, and totally different rituals contain cleaning worshippers.

Since Shinto has advanced organically and has no single origin or sacred textual content, practices fluctuate relying on the kami and the area of Japan through which they happen.

Find out how to get from Osaka to Ise Jingu by prepare

First, use the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to journey to Nagoya then switch to the “Mie” fast prepare to Ise. The Speedy Mie prepare is among the few choices to entry the prefecture of Mie, well-known for town of Toba, Ise Jingu temple, Ise Shima Nationwide Park and naturally, Mie itself.

The Japan Rail Cross is legitimate on the Speedy Mie prepare, and as talked about above, seat reservations may be made free of charge. There’s one catch although, as between Kawarada Station and Tsu Station the prepare travels on non-public railways operated by the Ise Railway. For this half, a 540 yen further fare is required, which isn’t included within the move. The fare is collected on board by the conductor however will also be paid forward of time on the ticket workplace.

Uji

Osaka’s rail connections are a passport to smaller cities and villages you could not have heard of or thought-about visiting earlier than. Uji is a first-rate instance and may be reached in round one hour from Osaka on the Shinkansen.

Uji is principally identified for 3 issues: its World Heritage websites, which encompass historic temples and shrines, its tea and the Story of Genji.

Let’s begin with Uji’s temples and shrines.

Of the assorted temples in Uji, one you received’t need to miss is the Byodo-in Temple. This historic Buddhist temple dates again to 1053 and is considered one of two World Heritage websites within the metropolis. Byodo-in Temple is widely known for its elegant Phoenix Corridor, an image of which truly adorns one aspect of the ten¥ coin. Inside this deceptively tall corridor you’ll discover a wonderful three-metre-tall statue of Buddha Amida. Except for seeing the Phoenix Corridor, make sure that to go to the temple museum and see its assortment of artefacts.

Subsequent is Ujigami Shrine, crucial place of Shinto worship in Uji and one other of Japan’s monuments acknowledged by UNESCO. The shrine isn’t notably giant however is shrouded in loads of imperial historical past and is alleged to have been constructed by 1060. This makes it one of many oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.

Subsequent is an wonderful literary reality that pertains to Uji. Do you know that the oldest novel on the planet is believed to be a Japanese story from the eleventh century? The novel is The Story of Genji written by Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese noblewoman, recounting a romance story of a prince and his adventures.

Uji is the setting for the ultimate ten chapters of the novel, a proven fact that town remains to be fairly happy with. No shock then that there are a number of landmarks round Uji that commemorate that connection. One is a statue celebrating the novelist Murasaki Shikibu, simply by the Uji Bridge throughout the river.

However the metropolis additionally hosts the Story of Genji Museum devoted to the story. Contained in the museum reveals present you what modern life was like through the interval when the novel was set.

Consuming inexperienced tea is ever-present in life in Japan, being each the most well-liked beverage and a part of many customs and traditions. Uji and its surrounding area has lengthy had a repute for its superior tea, and it was one of many first locations to correctly undertake this behavior from China.

Whereas within the metropolis, the easiest way to expertise tea in Uji is by visiting considered one of its riverside tea homes. You’ll additionally discover Uji tea in most native eating places and shops, whereas it’s frequent to search out matcha-flavoured meals like ice-cream on the market. There are even sure locations, just like the Taihoan tea home the place you’ll be able to expertise a conventional Japanese tea ceremony first-hand.

Lastly, as a aspect attraction, the Uji River, operating by way of town, is among the most lovely spots in Uji. As you look alongside the river to the encompassing hills blanketed in forest, loads of nature is on show, particularly fairly in spring or autumn.

To actually calm down, take a ship experience on an area boat often used for cormorant fishing.

Find out how to get from Osaka to Uji by prepare

Utilizing your Japan Rail Cross, journey on the JR Kyoto Line from Osaka to Kyoto earlier than switching to the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Uji. The whole journey time is round an hour.

Day Journeys from Osaka by Prepare

Osaka is the guts of Japan, completely mixing historic richness with city magnificence. As a gateway to the Kansai area, it affords easy accessibility to close by cultural treasures and culinary delights, due to glorious connectivity and the JR Cross, making each tour a singular glimpse into Japan’s numerous tapestry.

Guide the Japan Rail Cross On-line

In case you’re interested by diving deep into Japan and masking lengthy distances, it is best to completely take into consideration getting the Japan Rail Cross (also called JR Cross). Taking the prepare in Japan is all about being environment friendly, cost-effective, and simple to entry – and the JR Cross delivers on all these perks.