13 Best Day Trips from Osaka
During my travels I’ve passed through Osaka a few times and each time I have no problem finding stuff to do, it’s just such a cool city and one I’m happy to keep coming back to. But, if you’re going, you really should tear yourself away from the city’s sake and sushi scene to explore some other spots on a day trip from Osaka.
Osaka is a great gateway to nearby southern cities and with an average train delay time of 18 seconds in Japan, you can pretty much rely on the rail links to get you where you need. There’s so many cool places to visit from Osaka, it’d be rude not to.
13 Best Day Trips from Osaka
It’s easy to take a side trip from Osaka, thanks to the excellent rail service in Japan. There’s also a great, modern new airport in Osaka, which means you can base yourself there, and take day trips from Osaka for a more unique trip in Japan.
Disclaimer –
some of these experiences were enjoyed on a press trip basis. All thoughts and impressions my own though, of course.
1. Osaka day trip to Lake Biwa
I’m recently back from a week around Lake Biwa – exploring the many things to do in Fukui, in the north, and researching a guide to Shiga, around the lake. There’s so much to do around Lake Biwa, making it a great choice for a day trip from Osaka.
The capital city of Shiga, Otsu, is only 1 hour 15 minutes away from Osaka on the train. From here you can join day tours to make the most of the lake. Visiting Lake Biwa is a great way to release yourself from the craziness of the city.
Mt. Hiei and the Enryakuji Temple are the two biggest highlights, along with the stunning Shirahige Jinja shrine too.
2. Day trip from Osaka to Koyosan
A day trip from Osaka to Koyasan may be pushing it a bit, but if you’re really short on time it’s still worth fitting in. Koyasan is known as the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism, and is filled with over 100 temples high up in the mountains of Koya.
One of the most popular things to do in Koyasan is a temple stay, which is exactly what I did at the Henjosonin Temple. You’d obviously need to stay overnight for this though.
If you only have the day to spend in Koyasan then I’d recommend checking out the Tori Gates, getting a traditional Japanese lunch, visiting the Okunoin Cemetery, the Kobo Daishi Mausoleum and going to see the view from the Daimon (the Great Gate).
READ MORE: What to Expect from a Koyasan Temple Stay
3. Osaka day trip to Sakai
Sakai is only a few stops on the train from the centre of Osaka, yet, a more relaxed and green world. The big thing to do here is to check out the Daisen Kofun, known as the Japanese pyramids. These are mausoleums on islands set up in ode to the emperors gone by.
No one is allowed on the islands, so your experience will just be through VR, but they’re a fascinating thing to learn about and will give you an insight into Japan’s past.
One of the highlights of my day trip to Sakai was to have lunch in a traditional home, the Hanachawa, to try the Kofun curry. Basically, a bit like a Katsu curry but in the shape of a Kofun. What more could you want?!
The lady was lovely and I really liked being in her home. Also, I wrote in her guest book in Japanese (using Google translate) and everyone said how amazing my Japanese handwriting was so I thoroughly enjoyed that.
Other things to do in Sakai include the Sakai Hamono Museum