While Osaka can lure you into its heart, a metropolis bursting with festive beauty, neon lights, and endless tourist zones, it is also generous in giving you the opportunity to pause from its pace and wind down in a less-traveled paradise. Osaka is a great jumping spot for natural attractions, historic sites, and other gems you won’t find in the city alone.
If you’re ready for dreamlike discoveries, here are top day trips from Osaka you and your travel buddies will enjoy:
Day Tour from Osaka: Kurashiki, Seasonal Fruits Picking, Sukiyaki
Visit the charming Kurashiki City, located in Okayama Prefecture. Travel back in time as you explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and its cultural facilities, such as the Ohara Museum of Art, the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, and the Kurashiki Archeological Museum. Feast on beef sukiyaki and local delicacies in Okayama. Taste some wine at the Sapporo Okayama Winery Factory.
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Sagano Romantic Train and Fushimi Inari Shrine: Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka
Admire the panoramic views of forests and bamboo stalks from the Sagano Romantic Train. Be mesmerized by the Kiyomizu Temple, an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. Complete the tour with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for its vibrant orange torii gates.
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Tottori Day Tour from Osaka: Uradome Coast and Tottori Sand Dunes
Ride a camel on a golden paradise on an unforgettable trip to the Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest sand dunes in Japan. Go to the top to soak in spectacular views of the coast. Explore the Sand Museum to see sand sculptures made by artists from different parts of the world.
Majestic rocks and pristine waters await you at the UNESCO-listed Uradome Coast. Admire the view while eating fresh sashimi and steak. Cap your tour with a fruit picking experience in a pear farm. You’ll get to try out tofu chikuwa, a local specialty created with steamed tofu paste wrapped around bamboo.
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Wakayama Day Tour from Osaka: Mount Koya, Shirahama Onsen, Shirahama Beach, Senjojiki
Take a peaceful pilgrimage in Mt. Koya, a Buddhist site built by Kobo Daishi during the Heian Period, and see the Kongōbu-ji Temple, Kondo Hall, and Konpon Daito. Buy your favorite seafood and local specialties at the Toretore Market. Marvel at the rock formations in Senjojki and stroll along the Shirahama beach.
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Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Arashiyama, and Nara Park
You’ll be taken to another world when you stand in the middle of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. See the beauty of the Kameyama-koen Park and Tenryu-ji Temple. Cross the Togetsu-kyo Bridge. Discover why Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. Walk through the tunnel-like pathway fenced in by vermilion torii gates. Aside from the amazing forest views, you may encounter deer when you wander through Nara Park.
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Kyoto Seaside Day Tour from Osaka: Amanohashidate, Ine no Funaya & Kayabuki no Sato
Create memories at the stunning Amanohashidate. Ride a cable car to take in the magnificent view of the mountains and lush foliage surrounding the pine-covered sandbar. Enjoy the tranquility while having a seafood lunch buffet of fresh sashimi, sushi, and grilled fish. Take a cruise in the fishing village of Ine no Funaya. Learn about traditional kayabuki or thatched roof farmhouses in the scenic village of Kayabuki no Sato.
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Day Tour from Osaka: Rokko Snow Park
Get ready to slide and catch snow thrown at you! In Rokko Snow Park, you and your family can try winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Book this adventure-filled tour and enjoy round-trip transportation on a ski tour bus.
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Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak Ski Day Tour from Osaka
Take your skiing and snowboarding experience to the next level! Complete the three ski courses of Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak for six full hours. If you have children, they can play in Karmin Park and play in the snow. Book your session now and receive beginner-friendly lessons and ski equipment rental on-site.
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Explore Osaka on an exciting tour! Book your experience on KKday now!
*Featured image sourced from Shutterstock
