OSAKA & NEARBY TOURS
5 Best Osaka Day Tours
Visiting Japan should be at the top of any intrepid traveller’s list. From high-speed public transport, to the incredibly rich history, this beautiful country is a dream for anyone wishing to base themselves in one spot and branch out for day trips and adventures.
Located on the southwest coast of Japan, the city of Osaka is perfectly positioned for day trips outside the city. Within hours of reach of Kyoto, Mount Koya, and Hiroshima, this lovely city is a hub to explore the western parts of the island near the stunning Pacific Ocean. If you’re planning on making an Osaka day trip from Tokyo, you’ll need to get up early – the transit takes around three hours by bullet train.
1 – Kyoto Day Tour From Osaka
Transit time: 30 minutes from Osaka By Train
Less than one hour from downtown, a Kyoto day tour from Osaka is a prime way to get started exploring. Attracting more than 10 million visitors per year, this Japanese city is brimming with temples, shrines and historical sites to whet even the most passionate history buffs.
The most famous aspect of Kyoto is undoubtably its many temples and shrines. The most famous, Kiyomizu Temple, overlooks the city from the side of Otowa Mountain, and provides some of the best views in the region. Continue your historical journey with a visit to Teapot Lane, home to the magnificent Main Hall as well as many traditional craft shops and vendors.
Kyoto is one of only a few cities to escape heavy bombing during WWII. As such, the historic town center remains as it was laid out more than one thousand years ago – walk amongst the beautiful buildings and structures as they were, and step through into history.
Some other significant Kyoto attractions include the Golden Pavillion, Nijo Castle and the ancient Imperial Palace, constructed in 794 AD.
The best way to experience this beautiful city is with the Day Trip By Bus from Osaka To Kyoto. Walk through the bright red ‘torii’ gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, marvel at the local history and enjoy a classic Japanese lunch.
2 – Nara Day Tour
Transit time: 45 minutes from Osaka By Train
Next up on the list of Osaka day tours is Nara. Located 45 minutes east of Osaka, this historical city is actually on the way to Kyoto – if you’re short on time, you could fit a visit to both into a very busy day.
Like Kyoto, Nara avoided damage during WWII, and the fine traditional architecture and temples are for the most part in perfect condition. Spend an afternoon wandering through the historic old district, where you’ll find cultivated gardens and temples from aeons past.
Nara is most famous for its Seven Great Temples, scattered around the city. The largest of these, Todaiji, was constructed in the 8th century and is a magnificent tribute to traditional Japanese architecture. Here you’ll find Daibutsu, the Nara Great Buddha, sitting serenely in the temple for almost 1,300 years.
If you want to cram several destinations into your one day tour, the 12-hour Sightseeing Trip From Osaka to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe could be best for you. Visit the historic Nara Park, Todaiji Temple and enjoy delicious Japanese fare as your guide imparts local history knowledge.
3 – Himeji Castle Day Tour
Transit time: 60 minutes from Osaka By Train
Just over an hour west of downtown Osaka, Himeji Castle stands proudly overlooking the Harima-nada Sea. Built in the 14th century, this magnificent castle consists of over 80 buildings, and is known as ‘White Heron Castle’ for its signature white exterior walls.
One of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan, Himeji attracts thousands of visitors per year – and for good reason. Explore the castle’s main keep, climbing all the way to the top for the best views over the stunning Japanese countryside. Make sure you visit the striking Kōko-en for a glimpse at a traditional Edo-style garden.
After you’ve had your fill of the largest fortification in Japan, take a detour through the winding streets and alleys of the surrounding city of Himeji. Here you’ll find charming stores selling trinkets, souvenirs and intricate Japanese crafts found nowhere else in the world.
If you want to add this Osaka day tour to your list, book the World Heritage of Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge walking tour from Osaka. Pack your comfortable shoes – there is a lot of walking during the tour of this extraordinary region.
4 – Hiroshima And Miyajima Shrine Island Day Tour
Transit time: 1 Hour 30 minutes from Osaka By Bullet Train
One for the modern history buffs, Hiroshima and Miyajima Shrine Island are only three hours west of Osaka. Now a vibrant and thriving city, this Japanese site is a living tribute to the devastation of WWII. Shrines and memorials to those lives lost in the world’s first nuclear attacks are scattered around the city, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
If you take this day tour from Osaka, make sure you visit the 428-year old Hiroshima Castle. A staple of Hiroshima’s history, this beautiful structure escaped the ravages of war, and is one of the most popular attractions in the region.
Lose yourself on Miyajima, just a ferry ride away from the main city of Hiroshima. Known as Shrine Island, this stunning isle is home to intricate bridges, waterways and buildings over five centuries old. You’ll lose track of time exploring every nook and cranny of this historic temple, so set aside as much of your day as possible.
For the best experience, coincide the Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour from Osaka with one of Miyajima’s many annual festivals. This one day tour from Osaka will take you through the main attractions of these beautiful locations, as well as provide a sobering glimpse into her history.
5 – Mount Koya (Koyasan) Day Tour
Transit time: 90 minutes from Osaka By Train
If you want to take an Osaka day trip at a slower pace than the bullet train, take a drive through Japanese hill country to Mount Koya (Koyasan). This two hour journey may not be as direct, but believe it or not is actually the fastest way to reach this sleepy mountain town.
Once you’ve made it through the winding roads, feast your eyes on one of the most extensive Shingon Buddhism temples in Japan. Built in the 9th century, this beautiful religious site holds great significance and attracts thousands of locals and international visitors every year. Look for the bright red scarves left at the graves of monks buried at the mountain’s base, left by travellers as a mark of respect.
Set aside a full day to explore Koyasan, and immerse yourself in the rich historic township, including the well-known Kongobuji shrine. Grab a traditional bento box lunch, and relax in one of the many lovely gardens around the town.
Other Popular Tours in Osaka & Nearby