10 Best Day Trips from Osaka or Kyoto

Looking for the best day trips from Osaka or Kyoto? You’re in the perfect spot.

Both cities make great bases to explore historic towns, peaceful temples, scenic coasts, and lively port cities, all within a short train ride.

Whether you want culture, nature, or food, there is something for every traveler.

Here are 10 of the best day trips worth adding to your plan. 😊

1. Nara

Why visit: Japan’s first capital with ancient temples and friendly free-roaming deer.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 35-50 mins by train
• From Kyoto: About 35-45 mins by train

a. Highlights

• Great Buddha at Todai-ji: See the massive bronze Buddha inside a huge wooden hall.

• Nara Park: Meet the famous deer that bow for crackers.
• Kofuku-ji Temple: Admire the five-story pagoda and explore one of Nara’s oldest temples.

• Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Walk through lantern-lined paths to this historic shrine.
• Higashimuki Shopping Street: Shop for souvenirs, snacks, and local treats near Kintetsu-Nara Station.

b. Must-try Foods

• Kaki-no-ha Sushi: Pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves.
• Nyūmen: Hot broth with thin somen noodles, comforting and light.
• Mochi Sweets: Try Nakatanidō’s freshly pounded yomogi mochi.
• Narazuke Pickles: Strongly flavored pickles made with sake lees.

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. Kintetsu-Nara Station
2. Kofuku-ji Temple
3. Nara Deer Park
4. Todai-ji Temple
5. Lunch at Todaiji Emado Chaya
6. Kasuga Taisha Shrine
7. Higashimuki Shopping Street
8. Nakatanidou Mochi Shop
9. Dinner at Tonkatsu Ganko Nara
10. Return to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, watch your belongings around deer, use Loop Bus if you don’t want to walk far. Kintetsu Nara Station is closer to the attractions than JR Nara Station.

Read More: Best Day Trip Guide to Nara from Osaka and Kyoto

2. Biwako Valley and Lake Biwa (Shiga)

Why visit: Japan’s largest lake with mountain views, outdoor activities, and a relaxing lakeside atmosphere.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 1 hr by train
• From Kyoto: About 40 mins by train

a. Highlights

• Biwako Terrace: Relax with stunning panoramic views over Lake Biwa.
• Winter Skiing: Ski, snowboard, or sled at Kansai’s closest slopes.
• Summer Activities: Try hiking, zipline, or ropes courses.

• Lake Stops: Visit Omi-Maiko Beach or Shirahige Shrine’s torii gate.

b. Must-try Foods

• Omi Beef: Premium wagyu beef, best enjoyed as steak or shabu-shabu
• Funazushi: Famous fermented fish sushi, a unique Shiga delicacy
• Biwa Salmon: Local lake salmon served as sashimi or grilled
• Yakisaba Somen: Grilled mackerel with somen noodles
• Takashima Chicken: Miso-marinated grilled chicken

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. Shiga Station
2. Ride the ropeway to Biwako Terrace
3. Biwako Terrace
4. Lunch at Biwako Terrace Mountain Restaurant
5. Shirahige Shrine
6. Blue Lake Shirahige Observatory
7. Shirahige Shrine Torii & Lake Biwa
8. Return to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: Check weather for clear views, dress warmly in winter, ropeway closes in late afternoon.

3. Kobe

Why visit: A stylish port city with a mix of international culture, shopping, scenic views, and great food.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 25 mins by train
• From Kyoto: About 50 mins by train

a. Highlights

• Meriken Park & Harborland: Stroll the port area with Kobe Port Tower and earthquake memorial.
• Ikuta Shrine: One of Japan’s oldest shrines, easy stop near Sannomiya.

• Kitano Ijinkan: Explore old European-style houses on the hillside.
• Nankinmachi Chinatown: Snack on pork buns, dumplings, and street food.

• Shin-Kobe Ropeway (Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway): Ride up to the Herb Garden for views and flowers.

• Rokko/Mt. Maya: Famous “Million Dollar Night View” over Kobe and Osaka Bay.
• Nada Sake District: Visit breweries for sake tasting.

b. Must-try Foods

• Kobe Beef: Rich, marbled beef, best enjoyed at teppanyaki restaurants.
• Akashiyaki: Soft octopus dumplings dipped in dashi broth.
• Butaman: Juicy steamed pork buns, especially in Chinatown.
• Sobameshi: Stir-fried mix of rice, noodles, and sauce.
• Nada Sake: Smooth sake brewed with pure water from Mt. Rokko.

Suggested itinerary: Morning Kitano, lunch Kobe beef or Chinatown, afternoon harbor & cruise, evening ropeway or sake brewery.

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. Sannomiya Station
2. Ikuta Shrine
3. Kitano Ijinkan
4. Lunch at Steakland Kobe near Sannomiya Station
5. Ride Nunobiki Ropeway to Herb Garden
6. Dinner at Chinatown
7. Meriken Park & Harborland or go up Mt. Rokko/Mt. Maya for night view
8. Return to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: Use City Loop Bus to get around, arrive early for Kitano, stay later for night views.

4. Uji

Why visit: A small riverside town famous for matcha tea and beautiful UNESCO temples. Most attractions are within walking distance.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 50–60 mins by train
• From Kyoto: About 20–30 mins by train

a. Highlights

• Byodoin Temple: See the Phoenix Hall featured on the 10-yen coin.
• Ujigami Shrine: Visit Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine.

• Uji River & Bridge: Walk along peaceful riverside paths.
• Tea Street (Byodoin Omotesando): Shop and taste Uji’s famous matcha.
• Tale of Genji Museum: Learn about Japan’s oldest novel.

b. Must-try Foods

• Matcha Tea: Sip pure Uji matcha or join a tea ceremony.
• Matcha Desserts: Parfaits, ice cream, roll cakes, tiramisu.
• Cha-soba: Green tea soba noodles, served chilled or with tempura.
• Tea Snacks: Matcha dango, taiyaki, and rice crackers.

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. JR Uji Station
2. Byodoin Temple
3. Walk Tea Street, browse shops, enjoy matcha treats
4. Lunch at Nakamura Tokichi Byodo-in
5. Uji River
6. Ujigami Shrine
7. Tale of Genji Museum or join a short tea ceremony
8. Dinner at Kokoro
9. Head back to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: Visit in the morning, flat and walkable town, join a tea ceremony if possible. Buy fresh Uji matcha at long-standing shops like Tsuen Tea.

5. Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya

Why visit: Northern Kyoto’s coast with a pine-covered sandbar and traditional fishing village.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 2.5 hours by train and express bus
• From Kyoto: About 2 hours by express bus

a. Highlights

• Amanohashidate Sandbar: Cycle or walk across the pine-covered “Bridge to Heaven”.
• Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park: Go up by chairlift or cable car, then try the famous upside-down viewing pose (matanozoki) for the “bridge in the sky” effect.

• Amanohashidate Viewland: Another viewpoint with rides, a Ferris wheel, and scenic overlooks.
• Chionji Temple: Pray for wisdom at this historic temple near the sandbar.

• Ine Funaya Boathouses: Stroll through the village and see the traditional waterfront boat houses.

• Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry: Take a boat ride to view the funaya from the water and feed seagulls.

b. Must-try Foods

• Clam Rice Bowl: Rice topped with Amanohashidate’s fresh clams simmered in soy and kelp.
• Tango Barazushi: Festive sushi rice with mackerel, omelette, shiitake, and pickled ginger.
• Yellowtail Set: Ine specialty with sashimi, shabu-shabu, teriyaki, and kombu-wrapped fish.
• Rock Oysters: Large summer oysters from the Tango/Ine coast, served raw, grilled, or fried.
• Assorted Sashimi Set: Daily fresh catch served raw, with winter yellowtail as highlight.

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. Amanohashidate Station
2. Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry
3. Funaya Boat Houses
4. Lunch at Wadatsumi Sushi Restaurant/ Ine Cafe
5. Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park or Amanohashidate Viewland
6. Chionji Temple
7. Head back to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: The best option is to depart from Kyoto, and I suggest taking the highway bus since it’s direct and reaches Amanohashidate Station earlier than the JR Hashidate Limited Express train.

Read More: Best Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya Day Trip Guide from Kyoto or Osaka

6. Hiroshima & Miyajima

Why visit: A moving mix of WWII history in Hiroshima and natural beauty at Miyajima’s floating shrine.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 1 hr 40 mins by Shinkansen
• From Kyoto: About 1 hr 40 mins by Shinkansen

a. Highlights

• Bomb Dome: See the preserved ruins, a UNESCO site.
• Peace Memorial Museum: Learn about the atomic bombing and message of peace.
• Children’s Peace Monument: View thousands of colorful paper cranes.

• Itsukushima Shrine: Walk through the shrine built over the sea.
• Itsukushima Torii Gate: Iconic “floating” gate, beautiful at both high and low tide.
• Stroll Miyajima: Shop, snack, and see friendly deer.
• Daisho-in Temple: Charming Buddhist temple with hundreds of small statues.

b. Must-try Foods

• Hiroshima Okonomiyaki: Layered savory pancake with noodles inside.
• Miyajima Oysters: Grilled, fried, or raw – fresh and juicy.
• Momiji Manju: Maple leaf-shaped cakes filled with bean paste or custard.
• Anago-meshi: Grilled conger eel on rice, local favorite.
• Hiroshima Tsukemen: Spicy dipping noodles, refreshing and flavorful.

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. Hiroshima Station
2. Visit A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park
3. Tour the Peace Memorial Museum
4. Lunch at Nagataya or Okonomiyaki Teppan-yaki Momiji-Tei
5. Ferry to Miyajima (About 45 minutes)
6. Explore Itsukushima Shrine and torii gate
7. Walk town streets, see pagoda, Daisho-in, or Mount Misen
8. Snacks, oysters, or momiji manju before ferry back.
9. Head back to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: Take early train, check tides for torii, wear comfy shoes for long walks.

7. Himeji

Why visit: Japan’s most beautiful original castle, nicknamed the “White Heron Castle”.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 30 mins by Shinkansen
• From Kyoto: About 45 mins by Shinkansen

a. Highlights

• Himeji Castle: Climb to the top for city views and see real feudal-era architecture.
• Kōko-en Garden: Nine Edo-style gardens with ponds, tea house, and seasonal flowers.

• Shosha & Engyō-ji: Ropeway up to a serene temple complex, also a film location for The Last Samurai.
• Otemae Street: Walk from station to castle, lined with shops, snacks, and a great castle view.

b. Must-try Foods

• Himeji Oden: Stewed ingredients with ginger soy sauce – a local twist.
• Almond Butter Toast: Sweet crunchy toast served in many local cafes.
• Anago (Saltwater Eel): Grilled or tempura-style, often served over rice.
• Jōkamachi-dog: A fun street snack made of cheese-filled fishcake in corn batter.

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. Himeji Station
2. Otemae Street
3. Himeji Castle
4. Lunch at Kassui-ken restaurant
5. Kōko-en Garden
6. Choose Mt. Shosha (ropeway + temple hike) or explore city’s shops and cafes
7. Head back to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: Arrive early to avoid long queues to enter the castle keep, and be prepared for steep wooden stairs inside.

8. Arashiyama (Kyoto)

Why visit: Scenic Kyoto district with bamboo groves, temples, river views, and monkeys.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 1 hr by train
• From Kyoto Station: About 25 mins by train

a. Highlights

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through towering bamboo stalks.
• Tenryu-ji Temple: Visit a UNESCO Zen temple with a beautiful garden.

• Sagano Scenic Railway: Old train ride through river valley, popular in spring and fall.
• Togetsukyo Bridge: Iconic bridge with mountain and river backdrop.
• Monkey Park: Short hike up to see wild monkeys and city views.

• Kimono Forest: Path of glowing kimono fabric pillars at Arashiyama Station.
• Boat Rides: Try a rowboat or Hozugawa River cruise.

b. Must-try Foods

• Yudofu & Yuba: Kyoto-style tofu dishes, simple and flavorful.
• Soba & Udon: Handmade noodles with local toppings, some with river views.
• Street Snacks: Mitarashi dango (grilled rice dumplings), matcha ice cream, seasonal sweets.

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. Start at Torokko Kameoka Station
2. Take the Sagano Romantic Train
3. Get off the Sagano Romantic Train at Torokko Arashiyama Station
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
5. Tenryuji Temple
6. Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura
7. Kimono Forest
8. Stroll around Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho and enjoy a ride on the Arashiyama Rickshaw
9. Togetsukyo Bridge
10. Return to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: Visit bamboo grove early, wear comfy shoes, monkey park is a 20-min uphill hike.

Read More: Kyoto Itinerary: Your Best 3 Days Travel Guide

9. Kurashiki

Why visit: A charming canal town with white-walled warehouses and old merchant houses.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 1 hr and 15 mins by Shinkansen and local train
• From Kyoto: About 1 hr and 30 mins by Shinkansen and local train

a. Highlights

• Bikan Historical Quarter: Walk willow-lined canals and old storehouses.
• Ivy Square: Historic industrial buildings, now a peaceful courtyard and shopping area.

• Canal Boat Ride: Take a traditional boat for scenic views.
• Ohara Museum of Art: Japan’s first Western art museum with Monet and more.

• Honmachi Street: Explore small shops selling crafts and denim.
• Ohashi House: Merchant family home from 1796, showing Edo-period lifestyle.
• Achi Shrine: Hilltop shrine with panoramic views of the town and canals.

b. Must-try Foods

• Okayama Barazushi: Colorful scattered sushi with seafood and vegetables.
• Demi-Katsudon: Pork cutlet rice bowl with rich demi-glace sauce.
• Kibi-dango: Soft sweet dumplings, linked to the Momotaro legend.
• White Peach & Fruits: Famous Okayama white peaches and Muscat grapes, often in parfaits or desserts.

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. Kurashiki Station
2. Bikan Historical Quarter
3. Ohara Museum of Art
4. Lunch at Cafe Miyake Shouten
5. Ivy Square
6. Take a canal boat ride
7. Achi Shrine
8. Return to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: Reserve boat tickets early, bring cash, combine with Okayama for a full day.

10. Okayama

Why visit: Known for Korakuen Garden (one of Japan’s top three) and striking black Okayama Castle.

Travel time:

• From Osaka: About 50 mins by Shinkansen
• From Kyoto: About 1 hr by Shinkansen

a. Highlights

• Korakuen Garden: Stroll one of Japan’s top three gardens, with ponds, bridges, and seasonal beauty.

• Okayama Castle: “Crow Castle” with black walls, interactive exhibits, and city views.

• Kurashiki Bikan District: Edo-era canal town with boat rides, shops, and Ohara Art Museum.
• Kibitsu Shrine: Peaceful shrine with a 400m wooden corridor and links to Momotaro legend.

b. Must-try Foods

• Kibi-dango: Soft, sweet dumplings tied to the Momotaro story.
• Okayama Barazushi: Colorful sushi rice with seasonal toppings.
• Demi-katsudon: Pork cutlet over rice with rich demi-glace sauce.
• White Peaches & Muscat Grapes: Famous fruits, often in parfaits or desserts.

c. Suggested Itinerary

1. Okayama Station
2. Okayama Castle
3. Korakuen Garden
4. Head to Kurashiki
5. Lunch at Cafe Miyake Shouten
6. Bikan Historical Quarter
7. Ohara Museum of Art
8. Ivy Square
9. Take a canal boat ride
10. Achi Shrine
11. Return to Osaka or Kyoto

Tips: Visit Korakuen Garden in the morning for the best light and fewer people. Combine with nearby Kurashiki if you want a full-day trip.

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