The 16 Best Day Trips from Kyoto and Osaka

The Kansai region is our favorite area in Japan, and a lot of that has to do with Osaka and Kyoto. We’ve explored many parts of the country through the years but those two cities, especially Kyoto, remain our favorites.

We enjoy it so much that we plan on staying in Kyoto for 2-3 weeks on our next trip to Japan. We want to immerse ourselves in the city and use it as a base to explore new areas and revisit intriguing destinations like Kinosaki Onsen and Nagoya.

If you’re visiting the Kansai region and staying long enough in Osaka or Kyoto, then you may want to spend a few of those days making day trips. Listed below are 16 of the best day trips from Osaka and Kyoto.

THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM KYOTO & OSAKA

Osaka and Kyoto are less than half an hour apart by JR train so every destination listed in this guide is easily accessible from either city. Beneath each listing are directions on how to get there from Osaka or Kyoto along with approximate travel times.

Please be advised that these are estimates only. Considering the distance, I chose routes that had the best balance between cost and travel time but these will vary depending on which trains you choose and what time you leave. For exact fares and travel times, you can use Hyperdia and Google Maps to plot your trip.

For quick reference, listed below are approximate one-way travel times to every day trip destination from Osaka Station and Kyoto Station. Click on a link for more information about that location.

The Best Day Trips from Osaka

1 Hour Day Trips from Osaka Station

1-2 Hour Day Trips from Osaka Station

2-3 Hour Day Trips from Osaka Station

The Best Day Trips from Kyoto

1 Hour Day Trips from Kyoto Station

1-2 Hour Day Trips from Kyoto Station

2-3 Hour Day Trips from Kyoto Station

1. Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a district in Kyoto but it’s far enough away from the city center that it merits its own day trip from Kyoto. Plus, there’s lots to see and do there so you’ll want to stay for at least half a day.

Arashiyama is one of our favorite places in Kyoto. It’s a stunningly beautiful area known for scenic attractions like Tenyru-ji Temple, Moon Crossing Bridge, Iwatayama Monkey Park, and most famous of all – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (pictured below).

Arashiyama is home to lots of quaint shops, restaurants, and cafes so it’s easy to lose track of time and spend the whole day there. For the best pictures, you may want to rent a kimono from one of the shops in town.

When it isn’t too crowded, the bamboo groves and Tenryu-ji Temple make wonderful backdrops for photos. Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the most important temple in Arashiyama.

It’s easy enough to explore Arashiyama on your own but if you’d like to go on a guided tour, then you can book one through Klook, Get Your Guide (Option 1 | Option 2), or Magical Trip.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Arashiyama Station then explore the area on foot. If you’re already in downtown Kyoto, then taking the bus may be cheaper. You can use Google Maps to plot your trip.

From Osaka Station: Around 55 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 40 mins

2. Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. It gets its name from it shape which is said to resemble a biwa or a Japanese short-necked lute. At over four million years old, it’s estimated to be the 13th oldest lake in the world.

Lake Biwa consists of about 235 km (146 miles) of shoreline offering plenty of outdoor-related activities like windsurfing, paddle boarding, cruising, hot spring baths, and island hopping.

Visitors in summer can go swimming at one of the lake’s many popular beaches like Omimaiko Beach or Shiga Beach. If you visit in winter, then you can go skiing or snowboarding in Biwako Valley which is accessible via a cable car near the lake’s western shore.

Along the perimeter of the lake are hotels, ryokans, and resorts, many of which have hot spring facilities. If you’d like to soak in a hot spring, then Ogoto Onsen along the western bank is a good place to visit. Be sure to look out for Shirahige Shrine which is a Shinto Shrine known for its “floating” torii gate (pictured below).

Lake Biwa is located in Shiga prefecture, just 10 minutes by train from Kyoto Station, making it one of the easiest and quickest day trips from Kyoto. Train lines run along the perimeter of the lake so you can easily explore the area on your own. If you’d like to go on a lake cruise, then you can book one on Klook.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Otsu Station which is located at the southern tip of Lake Biwa.

From Osaka Station: Around 40 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 10 mins

3. Nara

The former ancient capital of Nara is one of the most popular day trips from Osaka or Kyoto. It’s an historic city that’s famous for its free-roaming sika deer and wealth of traditional temples and shrines.

Nara once served as Japan’s first permanent capital. It became the country’s seat of government in 710 and held that distinction until 784 when the capital was moved to Nagaoka. It stayed there for ten years before being moved to Kyoto where it remained for the next thousand plus years.

When it comes to its abundance of cultural attractions, Nara is second only to Kyoto. It’s home to the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara which is a group of eight historical sites collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Of these eight attractions, none are more important perhaps than Todai-ji Temple (pictured below). It’s a large Buddhist complex that houses the world’s biggest bronze Buddha statue.

But as culturally significant as Nara is, it’s perhaps become better known for its herds of inquisitive deer that tourists can feed with shika senbei crackers. Freely roaming around Nara Park, the deer are cute and make for great pictures but do be careful because they can become quite aggressive with food.

If you’d like to explore Nara on your own, then you can refer to our Nara travel guide to help you plan your trip. If you’d rather go on a guided tour, then you can book one through Klook (from Osaka | from Kyoto), Get Your Guide (from Osaka | from Kyoto), or Magical Trip (from Nara).

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Nara Station. The historical area is about a 20-25 minute walk from the station.

From Osaka Station: Around 50 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 45 mins

4. Mt. Rokko

Mt. Rokko is the highest peak in Hyogo’s Rokko mountain range another great day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. It offers spectacular views of Kobe and Osaka Bay, especially at sunrise and sunset which is when the picture below was taken.

One of my best friends lives near the base of Mt. Rokko so we’d take the funicular up to the top to have drinks and enjoy the view. The view from the top station (Sanjo Station) is great, but it’s even better from the observation deck at Rokko Garden Terrace which is a tourist center with a few restaurants and shops.

To get around Mt. Rokko, you can catch a bus from Sanjo Station to the Garden Terrace and to other family-oriented attractions like Alpine Botanical Garden, the Musical Box Museum, and Country House nature park.

According to my friend, trekking is popular on Mt. Rokko. If you’re fit, then you can forgo the funicular and hike up to the summit instead. If you want to soak in an onsen, then you can take a cable car to Arima Onsen which is a famous hot spring town on the opposite side of the mountain.

If the views from Mt. Rokko aren’t pretty enough for you, then you can catch a 20-minute bus ride to the summit of Mt. Maya. Nicknamed the “Ten Million Dollar Night View”, it’s regarded as one of the three best night views in Japan.

Check out Get Your Guide for a list of Mt. Rokko tours and travel deals.

HOW TO GET THERE

Take public transportation to Rokko Cable Car Shita Station then take the funicular up to Mt. Rokko.

From Osaka Station: Around 1 hr
From Kyoto Station: Around 1 hr 40 mins

5. Mt. Koya

If you have a keen interest in Buddhism, then you may want to spend the day at Mt. Koya. Located in Wakayama prefecture, Mt. Koya or Koyasan refers to a large Buddhist settlement that serves as the center for Shingon Buddhism.

Shingon Buddhism was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi. Revered as one of Japan’s most important religious figures, he had wandered the country for years in search of a suitable center for Shingon Buddhism. He ultimately settled upon Mt. Koya and began construction of the original Garan temple complex in 826.

Since then, Mt. Koya has become the site of over a hundred temples covering an area of about 18 sq km (7 sq mi). It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and serves as the first and final stop on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

Overnight temple stays are common, but you can visit on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto as well. Klook offers a guided day tour to Mt. Koya from Kyoto.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Gokurakubashi Station then take the cable car up to Mt. Koya. From the top, take a bus to the town center.

From Osaka Station: Around 2 hrs
From Kyoto Station: Around 2 hrs 20 mins

6. Himeji Castle

I’ve visited a few castles in Japan, including Osaka Castle. Some of them can look fairly similar, but two stand out – Matsumoto Castle and Himeji Castle. They’re two of the most beautiful castles I’ve been to in Japan.

Known as the White Heron Castle, Himeji Castle stands out because of its brilliant white exterior and imposing hilltop location. It’s revered as perhaps the single most spectacular castle in Japan because of its size, beauty, and remarkable state of preservation.

Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan. It’s one of the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of Japan’s twelve original castles (Matsumoto Castle is another). Unlike many Japanese castles, it was never destroyed by fire, earthquake, or war.

Himeji Castle is located in Hyogo prefecture and makes for an easy day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Entrance to the castle grounds and Kokoen Garden is JPY 1,050. We went on our own but if you’d like to go with a guide, then you may be interested in this Himeji Castle walking tour.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Himeji Station. The castle is about a 20-minute walk from the train station.

From Osaka Station: Around 1 hr
From Kyoto Station: Around 1 hr 30 mins

7. Amandohashidate

Amanohashidate is a narrow pine-covered sandbar that spans Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto. Together with Matsushima Bay in Miyagi and Itsukushima Shrine’s “floating” torii gate, it’s considered one of Japan’s three most scenic views.

The name Amanohashidate roughly translates to “bridge in heaven” because the sandbar is said to resemble a pathway between heaven and earth. It’s best appreciated from the mountains on either side of the bay.

The picture below was taken from Amanohashidate View Land which is a small theme park located on the south side of the sandbar. You can get to the top via a chairlift or by monorail to enjoy some of the best views of Amanohashidate.

Measuring just 20 meters (66 ft) wide at its narrowest point, this slender sandbar is home to nearly 8,000 pine trees. A lovely walking trail spans the entire length of the sandbar which you can cross in about 45 minutes on foot or 15 minutes on a bicycle. You can rent a bicycle from one of the many shops around Amanohashidate Station.

The sandbar is definitely the highlight but be sure to explore the areas on either side of the bay as well. They’re home to a few small temples and shrines like Chionji Temple, Nariaiji Temple, and Motoise Kono Shrine.

Amanohashidate is over two hours away and makes for a scenic day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. You can visit on your own or go on a guided tour.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Amanohashidate Station. It’s about a 5-minute walk to Amanohashidate from the station.

From Osaka Station: Around 2 hrs 20 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 2 hrs

8. Nagoya

Nagoya is the capital of Aichi prefecture and the largest city in the Chubu region. It’s a bustling city that’s one of Japan’s main industrial and transportation hubs, not to mention one of its best cities for Japanese food.

Nagoya is home to the Toyota Motor Corporation and a few Toyota-related museums like the excellent Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, or Toyota Techno Museum for short (pictured below). Other notable museums include the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park and the Nagoya City Science Museum.

If you travel for food like we do, then you’re going to love Nagoya. According to a Japanese friend of mine, it’s one of three cities that the local Japanese often visit when they travel for food, the other two being Hiroshima and Fukuoka.

Nagoya is home to fantastic regional dishes like miso katsu, kishimen, doteni, and my personal favorite – hitsumabushi. I’ve eaten my way through many cities in Japan and Nagoya is definitely one of my favorites.

Nagoya is over 130 km (81 miles) from Kyoto and Osaka. Thanks to the Shinkansen bullet train, you can get there in an hour or less, making it an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. You can purchase Shinkansen tickets at the station or in advance through Klook.

If you plan on exploring the Chubu region, then you may be interested in a Takayama Hokuriku Pass. It’ll give you unlimited travel on JR trains in central Japan for five consecutive days. Click on the link for more information. You can also check out our 5-day Chubu itinerary to help you plan your trip.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Nagoya Station then explore the city using public transportation.

From Osaka Station: Around 1 hr
From Kyoto Station: Around 35 mins

9. Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen is an atmospheric onsen town in northern Hyogo. It’s been welcoming guests to its hot spring baths since the 8th century and is one of the best and most traditional onsen towns you can visit on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.

We’ve visited many Japanese cities and towns but Kinosaki Onsen gave me one of my most memorable first impressions in Japan. The moment I walked out of Kinosakionsen Station, I felt as if I had stepped into a different era.

Kinosaki Onsen is known for its network of traditional wooden buildings and a willow-lined canal that runs through the center of town. Onsen-goers in yukatas and getas (wooden clogs) can be seen strolling around town as they move from soto-yu to soto-yu.

Kinosaki Onsen has seven of these soto-yus or public hot spring baths. If you’re visiting for the day, then you can use all seven public onsens for JPY 1,300.

Soaking in an onsen is one of the best things you can do in winter. We experienced our first hot spring bath in Kurokawa Onsen a few years ago and we’ve been doing it ever since. You feel amazing afterwards.

If you enjoy crab, the you’ll have another reason to visit Kinosaki Onsen. Matsuba Crabs are male snow crabs fished from the Sea of Japan. They’re one of the most prized crabs in Japan and can be found in abundance in Kinosaki Onsen.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Kinosakionsen Station then explore the town on foot.

From Osaka Station: Around 2 hrs 45 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 2 hrs 30 mins

10. Fukui

Fukui is one of Japan’s lesser known prefectures, at least to foreign visitors. It’s located in the Chubu region and can be visited using the aforementioned Takayama Hokuriku Pass.

There isn’t as much to do in Fukui City but there are a few interesting attractions you can visit outside the city center. None are more spectacular than Tojinbo Cliffs (pictured below) – a one-kilometer stretch of cliffs with columnar joints that I had no idea existed in Japan!

The cliffs were breathtaking but equally impressive was the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. Opened in 2000, it’s recognized as one of the leading dinosaur museums in the world.

On display at the museum are forty dinosaur skeletons, including several species like Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus that were first excavated and identified in Fukui. You’ll also find a few life-like animatronic dinosaurs that roar and snap at passing tourists. It’s a fun place to spend a few hours.

Other notable attractions include Eiheiji Temple – a center for Japanese Zen Buddhism, and Maruoka Castle – one of the twelve remaining original castles in Japan.

Getting to Fukui on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka may be straightforward but getting around may not be as easy. Attractions are spread out so you may be interested in renting a car.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Fukui Station then explore the city using public transportation.

From Osaka Station: Around 2 hrs
From Kyoto Station: Around 1 hr 30 mins

11. Okayama

Okayama is the second largest city in the Chugoku region, after Hiroshima. It’s an Edo period castle town famous for its landscaped garden – Koraku-en. Together with Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en and Mito’s Kairaku-en, Koraku-en is considered one of the three most beautiful landscaped gardens in Japan and a great place to view the cherry blossoms in Spring.

Okayama is also famous for its castle – Okayamajo – which is located just across the river from Koraku-en. It’s often referred to as Crow Castle because of its striking black exterior. Unfortunately, the original castle was destroyed in World War II so the castle that stands today is a reconstruction built in 1966.

Okayama is located over 160 km (99 miles) west of either city but thanks to the Shinkansen bullet train, it can be reached in about an hour on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Okayama Station then explore the city using public transportation.

From Osaka Station: Around 1 hr
From Kyoto Station: Around 1 hr 20 mins

12. Naoshima Island

Located in Kagawa Prefecture, Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea known for its contemporary art museums, outdoor sculptures, and interesting architecture.

Naoshima was a sleepy island until a billionaire Japanese art patron gradually converted it into one of the most unique places in the world to appreciate art. It features several museums designed by renowned Japanese architect Ando Tadao and showcases the work of internationally recognized artists like Jasper Johns, Claude Monet, David Hockney, and Bruce Nauman.

But perhaps most famous of all is this large yellow pumpkin covered in black polka dots. It was installed in 1994 by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and has become one of the most recognizable artworks and symbols of Naoshima.

You can go to Naoshima Island on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Uno Station then take the ferry to Naoshima Island.

From Osaka Station: Around 2 hrs 30 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 2 hrs 30 mins

13. Tottori

Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, Tottori is famous for its large sand dunes measuring up to 50 meters (164 ft) high and 2 km (1.2 miles) wide.

These sand dunes have been sculpted for thousands of years by river sand washing out to sea and being redeposited along the coast by the ocean’s currents. They span roughly 16 km (10 miles) of coast and offer visitors the chance to go sandboarding or paragliding.

Fans of sand castles will enjoy the Sand Museum, a fun museum showcasing large sand sculptures created by different artists from around the world.

Tottori is almost 200 km (124 miles) from either city but Japan’s excellent rail system makes it feasible as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. If you’re staying in Osaka, then you can also visit Tottori on a guided day tour.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Tottori Station then take the bus to the sand dunes.

From Osaka Station: Around 2 hrs 30 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 2 hrs 45 mins

14. Kanazawa

Located in the Chubu region, Kanazawa is the capital city of Ishikawa prefecture and nicknamed “Little Kyoto” for its beautifully preserved neighborhoods and wealth of cultural attractions.

During the Edo period, Kanazawa served as the seat of the Maeda Clan, the second most powerful feudal clan in Japan. It became a culturally significant city which like Kyoto, survived the air raids of World War II, keeping its historical districts intact.

Among Kanazawa’s most noteworthy attractions are its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts and Kenroku-en. Kenroku-en is a stunning landscaped garden, which like Okayama’s Koraku-en, is considered one of the three most beautiful in Japan.

If you love sushi like I do, then you’re going to adore Kanazawa. Kanazawa shares a border with the Sea of Japan so it’s known for some amazing seafood. Sushi in Kanazawa was terrific and relatively cheap compared to other cities in Japan.

Omicho Market is a great place for sushi and other types of seafood. Be sure to look out for kabura zushi as well. It’s a type of fermented nare sushi that’s a specialty of Kanazawa. You can refer to this article on the best things to do in Kanazawa for more suggestions.

Kanazawa is over 220 km (137 miles) from either city but thanks to Japan’s excellent rail system, it’s doable as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. Just make sure you start early to give yourself enough time to explore the city.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Osaka Station: Around 2 hrs 45 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 2 hrs 15 mins

15. Hiroshima

As described in this article on the best things to do in Hiroshima, I instinctively associate Hiroshima with three things – the Peace Memorial Park, okonomiyaki, and oysters. They’re three of the most popular things you can do in Hiroshima.

Peace Memorial Park and Museum commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb in World War II, a catastrophic event that claimed the lives of over 140,000 people.

We’ve visited the Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki but I found the Peace Memorial Museum to be more powerful. It shares many first-hand victim accounts, the majority of which are from children. It’s an important museum but not the easiest to get through.

As previously described, many local Japanese consider Hiroshima to have some of the best regional food in Japan, with two of the most important dishes being okonomiyaki and oysters.

If you’ve had okonomiyaki in Osaka, then you’ll notice that the Hiroshima version is slightly different. Personally, I prefer Hiroshima okonomiyaki. You can check out our food guide for suggestions on where to eat in Hiroshima.

Located in the Chugoku region, over 325 km (202 miles) from Osaka and Kyoto, you’d think that Hiroshima would be too far away to visit on a day trip but it isn’t. Thanks to the Shinkansen, you can get there in less than 2 hours.

I explored Hiroshima on my own but if you’d like to go with a guide, then you may be interested in this walking tour. If you like good food and drink like we do, then you may want to join this Hiroshima bar hopping food tour as well.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Hiroshima Station then explore the city using public transportation.

From Osaka Station: Around 1 hr 40 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 1 hr 40 mins

16. Miyajima Island

Formally known as Itsukushima, Miyajima is an island in Hiroshima Bay located about an hour train ride south of Hiroshima City. It’s home to Itsukushima Shrine and its giant “floating” torii gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the three most celebrated views in Japan.

Itsukushima Shrine is Miyajima’s most famous attraction, but there are plenty of other fun things to do on the island. It’s to home to a thriving population of wild sika deer, scenic hiking trails that take you up Mt. Misen, and some of the best oysters in Hironshima.

Miyajima Island can easily be visited from Hiroshima City, but because of the distance, I decided to split them into two day trips from Osaka or Kyoto. Hiking on Mt. Misen is one of the best things you can do on Miyajima and that alone will take up most of your day. If you don’t plan on going hiking, then I’d say it is possible to experience the best of both Hiroshima City and Miyajima Island on the same day.

I explored Miyajima Island on my own but if you’d like to go with a guide, then you may be interested in doing this half-day Miyajima walking tour.

HOW TO GET THERE

Catch a train to Miyajimaguchistation Station then take the ferry to Miyajima Island.

From Osaka Station: Around 2 hrs 30 mins
From Kyoto Station: Around 2 hrs 30 mins

FINAL THOUGHTS ON DAY TRIPS FROM OSAKA & KYOTO

Osaka and Kyoto are two of the most visited destinations in Japan, and for good reason. They’re both fascinating cities that offer much to see and do for first-time visitors. You’ll have your hands full navigating their myriad attractions but if you’re staying long enough, then it’s a great idea to go on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

Between the two, Kyoto has more attractions and will demand more of your time. If you’re spending a week or less in the Kansai region and splitting time between these two cities, then it’s best to go on a day trip from Osaka. You’ll only need about two days to see most of its major attractions, unlike Kyoto which will require you to stay for at least three full days to do it justice.

In any case, I hope you enjoyed this article on the best day trips from Osaka and Kyoto. If you have any questions, then feel free to let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading and have an amazing time in Japan!

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