The second largest city in Japan, Osaka welcomes millions of visitors all year round at their international airport (KIX). As the city is located in the center of Kansai region, there are numbers of options to travel around western Japan. Western Japan has plenty attractive cities, landmarks and delicious food, so you should definitely take a few side trips to neighbouring cities when you visit Osaka! Today, I’m introducing 5 best places to visit from Osaka even for a day trip 🙂
1. Kyoto
Kyoto is the city everyone has to visit once in a life time. This old capital of Japan is the best city to explore Japanese history and traditional culture. Countless temples, shrines and other historically sites are preserved beautifully in this city until today such as Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizudera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Kyoto can be accessed from Osaka by local trains and it takes around 1 hour. Ideally, you should spend 2-3 days in Kyoto, however, it is very possible to visit there for a day trip from Osaka and enjoy the best highlights.
If you are planning to visit Kyoto for a day trip, it’s highly recommended to take a private tour to explore the city efficiently without wasting your precious time as well as learning and understanding the rich history and culture of Kyoto deeper with an expert local guide. “Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour” by Japan Wonder Travel is one of the most recommended/worthy private tours in Kyoto, organizing “customisable” tours according to guests’ needs with experienced and officially licensed guides. From must-visit sightseeing spots to off the beaten path spots, you can personalise your perfect day trip in Kyoto! (Check our writer’s review: Kyoto Private Tour: the Best Highlights in Kyoto in 1 Day)
Check the link below for more details about the tour and book the tour on your wished date before it’s fully booked!
2. Nara
Nara is another historically important city in the country, which is known as Japan’s first permanent capital (Heijo) before it was moved to Kyoto. Like Kyoto, Nara has numbers of historical monuments including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the world’s largest Buddha at Todaiji Temple, and the oldest wooden building, Horyuji Temple. Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, these 3 cities are the top choice for many travellers visiting Western Japan as the transportation link is well connected. Most of the famous landmarks in Nara are located close to each others, so sightseeing can be done in one day easily!
As I mentioned above, Nara is the city with a rich history, and there are much to learn about this ancient capital of Japan with full of historical facts, treasures and monuments. If you wish to maximise your travel experience in Nara, it’s definitely a great idea if you join a private tour with a local guide.
3. Wakayama
Located in south of Osaka, Wakayama Prefecture is best known for Mount Koya (Koyasan), the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, and Kumano Kodo, the famous pilgrimage trail on the Kii Peninsula. The prefecture is also known for the beautiful beach resort called Shirahama, which is the most popular summer getaway in Kansai Region. As most of the tourist visit Osaka, Kyoto and Nara while travelling Western Japan, Wakayama Prefecture could be an amazing off-the-beaten-track option for those who like exploring new places or enjoy less touristy and peaceful atmosphere. It takes less than 2 hours from Osaka to Wakayama City by local trains, then takes another 1-2 hours to extend the trip to the mountain or beach areas. Ideally spend 2–3 days to explore the prefecture.
In addition, Wakayama City, the northern part of Wakayama Prefecture, is more accessible from Osaka. It takes just an hour to get to the center of Wakayama City from Osaka by train. There are lots of hidden gems in the port town including Wakayama Castle, Yosuien Garden and Negoroji Temple. This is an 2-day itinerary in Wakayama City.