Osaka and Kyoto are incredible, but don’t stop there.
Just a convenient train ride from either city, you’ll find some of Japan’s most rewarding destinations.
And these places deserve more than a quick day trip. Stay overnight or spend a few days to really soak them in.
From powerful history to charming canals and Japan’s most stunning castle, here are three cities that are absolutely worth your time. 😊
1. Hiroshima & Miyajima
a. Why Visit
Hiroshima is known as the “City of Peace”. It rebuilt itself after the 1945 atomic bombing and stands today as a symbol of resilience and hope.
But Hiroshima isn’t only about history. It’s a vibrant, welcoming city with amazing food. You have to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and fresh oysters.
Just off the coast sits Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most beautiful spots. The famous “floating” torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine is unforgettable, especially at high tide.
Together, Hiroshima and Miyajima give you two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one trip. You’ll experience deep history, spiritual beauty, and delicious local cuisine.
b. Best Things to Do
1. Atomic Bomb Dome
This skeletal structure was once the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. It stands exactly as it did after the 1945 bombing.
Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful symbol of peace.
The dome sits by the Motoyasu River and looks especially moving when lit up at night.
2. Hiroshima Castle
Originally built in the 1500s, this castle was destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt in 1958.
The current building houses a museum about Hiroshima’s samurai history.
Climb to the top floor for panoramic city views. The grounds are beautiful during cherry blossom season.
3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Located inside Peace Memorial Park, this museum tells the story of August 6, 1945.
You’ll see personal artifacts, photographs, and stories from survivors. It’s emotional but important. Plan for 1 to 2 hours here. Audio guides are available.
4. Nagarekawa
This is Hiroshima’s biggest nightlife district. Neon-lit streets are packed with izakaya pubs, bars, and restaurants.
It’s the perfect place to try local sake and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. The vibe is friendly and down-to-earth.
5. Itsukushima Shrine
This UNESCO World Heritage shrine on Miyajima Island dates back to the 6th century.
The buildings and famous torii gate appear to float on the water at high tide.
At low tide, you can walk across the sand to the gate. Either way, it’s stunning.
6. Omotesando Shopping Street
This 350-meter street leads to Itsukushima Shrine. It’s lined with shops and food stalls.
Try grilled oysters, conger eel rice, and momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes). Some vendors fry the cakes for a crispy treat. Don’t miss the friendly deer wandering around.
7. Takehara Townscape Conservation Area
About 60 km east of Hiroshima, this preserved Edo-period town is called “Little Kyoto of Aki”.
Traditional wooden houses line quiet streets. Many have been converted into cafes and small museums. It’s perfect for a peaceful side trip.
c. Best Places to Eat
- Okonomiyaki (Savory pancake with cabbage and noodles): Nagataya/ Hassei/ Okonomimura/ Rei-chan Hiroshima
- Onomichi Ramen (Soy sauce-based broth with pork back fat): Onomichi Ramen Akatsuki/ Tonchinkan
- Hiroshima Tsukemen (Cold dipping noodles with a spicy sauce): Bakudanya
- Oysters (Fresh or grilled local specialty): Kakiya/ Yakigaki No Hayashi
- Conger Eel Rice (Grilled conger eel served over rice): Fujitaya Anagomeshi/ Anagomeshi Ueno
- Maple Leaf-shaped Cake (Sweet, baked cake filled with red bean paste): Momijido Main Store
- Hiroshima Beef (Wagyu beef raised in the prefecture): Tomiya Honkan/ Nikuya Nobusuke
d. How to Get There
1. From Osaka
- Train: JR Sanyo Shinkansen (Nozomi or Mizuho)
- Departure: Shin-Osaka Station
- Arrival: Hiroshima Station
- Travel Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
- Fare: Around ¥10,750 (reserved seat) or ¥9,890 (unreserved)
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, take the Hikari or Sakura trains instead. Travel time is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
From Hiroshima Station, trams reach central sights in 15 to 20 minutes.
2. From Kyoto
- Train: JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi)
- Departure: Kyoto Station
- Arrival: Hiroshima Station
- Travel Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
- Fare: Around ¥11,100 (reserved seat) or ¥10,770 (unreserved)
With a JR Pass, take Hikari or Sakura trains with a transfer at Okayama. Total time is about 2 hours.
2. Kurashiki
a. Why Visit
Kurashiki is a picture-perfect canal town. Its Bikan Historical Quarter is one of Japan’s loveliest old merchant districts.
Walking along the willow-lined canals feels like stepping back to the Edo period.
White-walled storehouses reflect in the calm water. Many old buildings now house cafes, galleries, and boutiques.
Kurashiki is also Japan’s denim capital. The nearby Kojima district is the birthplace of Japanese jeans. You’ll find a whole street dedicated to indigo-dyed denim.
With its blend of old-world charm, art, and craftsmanship, Kurashiki offers a relaxing change of pace.
b. Best Things to Do
1. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
This is the heart of Kurashiki. A peaceful canal runs through old rice granaries and merchant houses with white walls and black tile roofs.
Weeping willows shade the water. Many buildings now host cafes and shops selling local canvas and denim goods. In the evening, old-style lamps light up the streets.
2. Take a Traditional Boat Ride on the Kurashiki Canal
Small wooden boats glide down the canal past old storehouses and under stone bridges.
Rides last about 20 minutes and run hourly. It’s especially pretty during cherry blossom season when petals drift on the water.
3. Honmachi-dori Street
This historic street runs through the Bikan Quarter. Traditional wooden townhouses line the way.
You’ll find craft shops, tea houses, and boutiques. The atmosphere of old Kurashiki is strong here. Look for traditional latticework and noren shop curtains.
4. Ride a Rickshaw (Jinrikisha)
For a unique experience, take a rickshaw through the old streets.
The puller shares historical stories and navigates narrow lanes cars can’t reach.
Choose short 30-minute rides or longer circuits. They’ll even help you get great photos.
5. Ohara Museum of Art
This was Japan’s first Western art museum, opened in 1930.
The collection includes masterpieces by Monet, Matisse, El Greco, and Gauguin.
Seeing Monet’s “Water Lilies” in this setting is special. The building’s Greek-style columns contrast beautifully with the traditional surroundings.
6. Kurashiki Ivy Square
This complex was once Japan’s first cotton mill, built in 1889.
Now ivy covers the red brick buildings. Inside you’ll find museums, cafes, and a hotel arranged around a pleasant courtyard.
It’s a great spot to rest and enjoy local craft beer.
7. Kojima Jeans Street
About 60 minutes south of central Kurashiki by train, this street is a denim lover’s dream.
Around 30 shops sell premium Japanese jeans from brands like Momotaro and Japan Blue.
You’ll see denim-wrapped vending machines and can even try denim-flavored ice cream. Custom-tailored jeans are available too.
8. Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
Housed in an old rice granary, this museum showcases everyday beautiful objects.
You’ll see ceramics, textiles, baskets, and lacquerware. The collection celebrates craftsmanship and the beauty of ordinary things.
9. Achi Shrine
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the old town, this shrine has over 1,600 years of history.
A short climb up stone steps rewards you with panoramic views of the Bikan Quarter.
The shrine is famous for its ancient wisteria tree that blooms in late April. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
c. Best Places to Eat
- Demikatsu (Fried pork cutlet with demi glace sauce): Kappa
- Yakitori (Carefully grilled chicken skewers): Kashiwaya Kobayashi
- Seasonal Parfait (Sweets made with seasonal Okayama fruits): Kudamono Komachi
- Golden Soba (Exquisite ramen with a rich chicken and egg soup): Tsuki no Utsuwa
- Happy Pudding (Pudding with unique hand-drawn expressions): Yuurin-an Cafe
- Sushi & Otsukuri (Fresh local seafood/raw slices of fish): Higashida
- Chisomaki Yakitori (Chicken wrapped in shiso leaves): Kurashiki Takataya
- Bukkake Udon (Udon noodle): Bukkake-Udon Furuichi
d. How to Get There
1. From Osaka
- Train: JR Sanyo Shinkansen (Nozomi/ Hikari/Mizuho/Sakura) to Okayama, then JR San’yo Main Line/ JR Hakubi Line
- Departure: Shin-Osaka Station
- Transfer: Okayama Station
- Arrival: Kurashiki Station
- Travel Time: About 1 hour total (45 minutes by shinkansen + 15 minutes by local train)
- Fare: Around ¥6,790 total (about ¥6,460 by shinkansen with a reserved seat + ¥330 by local train)
Kurashiki Station is a 10-minute walk from the Historical Quarter.
2. From Kyoto
- Train: JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi/Hikari) to Okayama, then JR San’yo Main Line/ JR Hakubi Line
- Departure: Kyoto Station
- Transfer: Okayama Station
- Arrival: Kurashiki Station
- Travel Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes total (60 minutes by shinkansen + 15 minutes by local)
- Fare: Around ¥8,430 total (about ¥8,100 by shinkansen + ¥330 by local train)
3. Himeji
a. Why Visit
Himeji is home to Himeji Castle, Japan’s most celebrated castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Often called the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant white walls, this is one of only 12 original castles still standing in Japan.
It survived wars, earthquakes, and bombings to remain remarkably intact.
Beyond the castle, you’ll find beautiful gardens, a peaceful mountain temple, and unique attractions.
The city’s layout makes it easy to explore. Walk straight from the station to the castle along a scenic boulevard.
Himeji is an easy day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. It’s perfect for history lovers and photographers, especially during cherry blossom season.
b. Best Things to Do
1. Himeji Castle
This is Japan’s most spectacular castle, completed in its current form in 1609.
The castle is treasured for its massive scale, beauty, and original structure.
It was never destroyed by war or natural disaster. The white plastered walls and multi-layered roofs give it the “White Heron” nickname.
Inside, you can climb six floors on steep wooden stairs to reach panoramic views. Notice the defensive features as you walk.
The confusing paths, hidden chambers, narrow archer windows, and stone-dropping holes were all designed to stop invaders.
Give yourself 2 to 3 hours to fully explore.
In spring, over 1,000 cherry trees surround the castle. Arrive early during busy seasons. A combination ticket with Koko-en Garden is available.
2. Koko-en Garden
This beautiful Japanese garden sits just west of the castle. It opened in 1992 on the site of former samurai residences.
Nine interconnecting gardens each have different themes. You’ll find ponds with koi fish, waterfalls, tea ceremony gardens, bamboo groves, and maple trees.
The castle often appears in the background, creating stunning views.
A tea house offers matcha and sweets with a pond view. Plan about an hour to stroll all sections.
3. Otemae Street
This grand avenue connects Himeji Station directly to the castle. As you exit the station, you’ll see the castle at the end of this 1 km road.
The walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Wide sidewalks are lined with shops, restaurants, and trees.
It’s especially stunning at night when the castle is lit up, or in autumn when the camphor and ginkgo trees turn vibrant shades of yellow along the street.
4. Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine
This shrine sits on a small hill northwest of the castle. A short climb leads to one of the best castle views.
Photographers love this spot for capturing the castle at sunrise or sunset.
The shrine is connected to Princess Sen, who once lived in the castle and prayed toward this shrine each morning.
It’s about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the castle base. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the distant castle.
5. Mount Shosha Ropeway
This aerial cable car takes you up Mount Shosha in about 4 minutes. Take Shinki Bus #8 from Himeji Station (about 30 minutes) to the ropeway base.
A round-trip ticket costs ¥1,200. Enjoy panoramic views of Himeji City and even the castle on clear days.
The ropeway runs every 15 minutes between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM (October 11 to end of February)/ 6:00 PM (March 1 to October 10).
6. Engyo-ji Temple
This sprawling Buddhist temple complex is over 1,000 years old, hidden in the forests of Mount Shosha.
After the ropeway, walk about 15 minutes through mossy paths and tall cedars.
The wooden halls are so atmospheric that “The Last Samurai” was filmed here.
The entire site is large, so wear good shoes. A complete walk takes 1 to 2 hours. Entry is about ¥500.
7. Taiyo Park
This quirky theme park features large-scale replicas of world landmarks.
You’ll find a mini Great Wall of China, Egyptian pyramids, the Arc de Triomphe, and 1,000 Terracotta Army soldiers.
There’s even a replica of Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle with a trick art museum inside.
It’s about 30 minutes from central Himeji by car or bus. Entry is around ¥1,500. Fun for families and great for unique photos.
c. Best Places to Eat
- Anago-don (Grilled conger eel rice bowl): Yamayoshi
- Sushi (Standing sushi): Totoro
- Himeji Oden (Oden simmered and dipped in ginger soy sauce): Nadagiku Kappatei
- Tamago Kake Gohan (Farm-fresh raw egg poured over rice): Tamagoya
- Ekisoba (Buckwheat noodles with a unique soup stock): Ekisoba
- Kushiyaki Kobe Beef (Grilled skewers of high-quality wagyu beef): Kushiyaki Kobe Beef
- Almond Toast (Thick toast with a sweet, aromatic almond butter spread): Café de Muche
- Yakiniku (Grilled wagyu beef): Yakiniku Azumi/ Yakiniku Senzankaku
- Jokamachi-Dog (Unique “corn dog” with a cheese fishcake inside): Yamasa Kamaboko Otemae
d. How to Get There
1. From Osaka
- Train: JR Sanyo Shinkansen (Nozomi, Mizuho, Sakura, or Hikari)
- Departure: Shin-Osaka Station
- Arrival: Himeji Station
- Travel Time: About 30 minutes
- Fare: Around ¥3,220 (unreserved) or ¥3,550 (reserved)
With a JR Pass, take Hikari or Sakura trains at no extra cost.
2. From Kyoto
- Train: JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi, Hikari)
- Departure: Kyoto Station
- Arrival: Himeji Station
- Travel Time: About 50 minutes
- Fare: Around ¥4,740 (unreserved) or ¥5,470 (reserved)
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Photos by PIXTA