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 popularity for excellent meals (incomes it the nickname of Japan’s kitchen), to tremendous cool neighborhoods, shrines, temples, castles, nightlife, theme parks, aquariums, and rather more.

In fact, it’s at all times 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 unique 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 you probably have a JR Cross for limitless journey on Japan’s home rail community.

Japan’s railway system is super-fast, clear, protected, and cozy, and it’s the excellent solution to journey throughout this unforgettable nation.

Associated learn: A day in Osaka, Japan

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

8 of The Finest Day Journeys From Osaka

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

Because of its location (and the pace and effectivity of Japanese trains), you possibly can attain different main cities, rural hideaways, shrines, temples, mountains, coastlines, and extra inside an hour or two of Osaka.

Associated learn: La Carmina’s Various Osaka Journey Information

Listed below are eight of the most effective day journeys from Osaka by practice:

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.

Referred to as the cultural coronary heart of Japan, Kyoto is packed filled with unimaginable 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 standard with worldwide guests. It’s, nevertheless, 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. Actually, it boasts greater than 1,600 temples which may make it laborious to know the place to start out.

Fortunately, we’ve carried out the laborious give you the results you want by placing collectively an inventory of our greatest temple suggestions when visiting Kyoto. Our record consists of 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 record that make up the Historic Monuments of Historic Kyoto recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Web site.

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 title interprets as “Pure Water Temple” and comes from the pure waters flowing over the Otowa Waterfall shut by. But it surely’s actually the immense picket stage, stated to have been constructed and not using a single nail, that’s the star attraction right here.

Kyoto can also be well-known for its Shinto shrines after all. Essentially the most well-known and most essential 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 important 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 become a swan that flew to the height of Mt. Inari. Rice started to develop on the mountain high and the spot grew to become the pinnacle shrine for Inari Okami, the Japanese god of rice, sake, and prosperity, and the patron of companies, retailers and producers.

At present, 1000’s of individuals from throughout Japan,and tens of millions of holiday makers from world wide,come to hope for fruitful harvests, enterprise success, and different blessings. It’s significantly standard for New 12 months prayers in Japan – probably the most essential dates within the calendar.

In fact, many worldwide guests come to see the well-known Senbon Torii—the 1000’s of vermilion pink gates in dense rows resulting in the Torii gate mountaineering path. Each bears the title of an individual or enterprise carved in black who donated the gate to obtain good luck and fortune.

Learn how to get from Osaka to Kyoto by practice

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

Nara

One other wonderful day journey from Osaka, simply 40 minutes away by practice, 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 web site, which is a remnant from the time when Nara was the Capital of Japan and is now a World Heritage web site.

From right here, go to town centre for a go to to Kohfukuji and its three-story pagoda. This is without doubt one of the most well-known pagodas in Japan.

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

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

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

Learn how to get from Osaka to Nara by practice

You should use each the JR Yamatoji Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line to succeed in Nara by practice 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 important day journey vacation spot.

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

Kobe beef is without doubt one of the most legendary forms of beef on this 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 various methods, arguably the most effective dishes to eat it are both in shabu shabu, which is a soup that has boiled meat, sukiyaki (sizzling 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 stated, 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’ll want to 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 procuring 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 writer Haruki Murakami! 

Associated learn: The Final Information to Avenue Meals in Japan

Learn how to get from Osaka to Kobe by practice

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 speedy practice from Osaka Station to Kobe’s Sannomiya Station, which takes 20 minutes. Both approach, 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 linked by the traditional pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo. Because of this visiting the Kumano Sanzan isn’t only for these fascinated by Japan’s non secular facet, it’s additionally excellent in order for you the nation’s pure facet.

You even have the prospect to witness considered one of Japan’s most breath-taking waterfalls, Nachi-no-taki, once 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 exquisite Buddhist monastery advanced at Mt. Koya. Referred to as Kōyasan Shingon and positioned 800 meters above sea stage, this can be a distinctive and non secular vacation spot.

One of the crucial essential temples right here is Danjo Garan, which has been a middle of spiritual educating for the reason that ninth century. For those who’re fortunate you may even spot some present college students strolling round of their yellow robes. Sights to see there embrace the not too long ago renovated Chūmon gate and the intense 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 lined 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 may take three months to finish on foot.

Even for those who don’t have time for all 88, you possibly can 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 optimum leisure).

Temples akin to Eko-in and Muryoko-in are 1,000 years previous and permit friends to meditate, observe calligraphy, participate in morning chanting and different rituals, and rather more. It’s attainable to remain for weeks to totally immerse your self within the non secular life.

Learn how to get from Osaka to Koyasan by practice

With a journey time of round two hours, this is without doubt one of the longer day-trip locations, however 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 stunning and historic castles and simply 50 minutes from Osaka on the Shinkansen, Himeji Fortress is properly value a go to. Along with the citadel backyard, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and a nationwide treasure of the very best rank. Due to its sensible white exterior and resemblance to a heron withdrawing, the citadel bears the title “White Heron Fortress” (Shirasagi-jō).

The historical past and identification of Himeji metropolis had lengthy revolved round its citadel, which originated in 1333 when the primary fort on Mount Himeji was constructed. Somewhat over two centuries later, in 1581, the fort was become a citadel. Within the following a long time, Himeji citadel was steadily expanded, creating an intensive citadel advanced with superior defensive techniques, which ended up being the most important citadel in Japan.

In contrast to different castles in Japan, Himeji citadel stood the take a look at of time and was by no means destroyed by struggle or pure catastrophe, it survived firebombs throughout WWII and the good Hanshin earthquake in 1995. In 2010 Himeji citadel underwent a large restoration challenge that took over 5 years and re-opened to the general public in 2015.

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

Learn how to get from Osaka to Himeji by practice

Take the Hiraki Shinkansen practice 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 outside artwork, sandy seashores, gorgeous panoramic views and sunny climate, Naoshima Artwork Island makes for an important place to unwind, and you’ll keep there too.

The island is house to the long-lasting 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 isn’t just a museum however an upscale resort as properly.

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

Learn how to get from Osaka to Naoshima Artwork Island by practice

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 trip to the island) departing from reverse the practice station).

Ise Jingu

Referred to as the non secular house of the Japanese folks, Ise Grand Shrine (or Ise Jingu) dates again virtually 2,000 years and stays a very powerful and culturally vital shrine in all of Japan. For those who’re fascinated by Japan’s non secular historical past and the fantastic thing about its shrines and temples, then Ise Grand Shrine needs to be on the very high of your record.

The shrine is the house of the solar goddess Amaterasu, Japan’s supreme deity, and the placement of the Sacred Mirror of the Emperor. One of the crucial fascinating details 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 line with Shinto beliefs of rebirth and renewal.

Ise Grand Shrine isn’t just spiritually and culturally essential to Japan, it’s also probably the most stunning shrines you could possibly 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 without doubt one of the two important non secular perception techniques in Japan, the opposite being Buddhism.

As a primary rule, shrines like Ise Grand Shrine are associated to Shinto, whereas temples belong to Buddhism. In contrast to 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 stated to inhabit all issues. Purity is the massive 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 range relying on the kami and the area of Japan during which they happen.

Learn how to get from Osaka to Ise Jingu by practice

First, use the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to journey to Nagoya then switch to the “Mie” speedy practice to Ise. The Speedy Mie practice is without doubt one of 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 practice, and as talked about above, seat reservations might be made at no cost. There’s one catch although, as between Kawarada Station and Tsu Station the practice travels on non-public railways operated by the Ise Railway. For this half, a 540 yen additional fare is required, which isn’t included within the go. The fare is collected on board by the conductor however may also be paid forward of time on the ticket workplace.

Uji

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

Uji is especially 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 varied temples in Uji, one you gained’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 really adorns one facet of the ten¥ coin. Inside this deceptively tall corridor you’ll discover a gorgeous three-metre-tall statue of Buddha Amida. Other than seeing the Phoenix Corridor, make certain to go to the temple museum and see its assortment of artefacts.

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

Subsequent is an superb literary reality that pertains to Uji. Do you know that the oldest novel on this 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 continues 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 up to date life was like in the course of 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 popularity 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 widespread to seek out matcha-flavoured meals like ice-cream on the market. There are even sure locations, just like the Taihoan tea home the place you possibly can expertise a standard Japanese tea ceremony first-hand.

Lastly, as a facet attraction, the Uji River, operating via town, is without doubt one of the most stunning spots in Uji. As you look alongside the river to the encircling hills blanketed in forest, loads of nature is on show, particularly fairly in spring or autumn.

To essentially chill out, take a ship trip on an area boat often used for cormorant fishing.

Learn how to get from Osaka to Uji by practice

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 entire journey time is round an hour.

Day Journeys from Osaka by Prepare

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

Ebook the Japan Rail Cross On-line

For those who’re excited about diving deep into Japan and protecting lengthy distances, it is best to completely take into consideration getting the Japan Rail Cross (often known as JR Cross). Taking the practice in Japan is all about being environment friendly, cost-effective, and simple to entry – and the JR Cross delivers on all these perks.