Exploring Osaka & Surrounds.

#OSAKA.

For things to see and do within Osaka, please check out our sightseeing map (places with orange icons are open on or before 7 am) https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1Hh4NlxBW6lSlSosyI2oGSfsi4PmXSIc&ll=34.65652959814445%2C135.51221354999998&z=11

#Day trips from Osaka.

1. Kashihara

With plenty to see and do, but without those pesky crowds, Kashihara makes for an excellent day trip. Located around 90 minutes from Osaka, Kashihara is just the ticket for those wishing to escape the hectic pace of Osaka.

Journey Duration: Around 90 minutes from Osaka Station to Unebi Station(change at Shin-Imamiya then Oji). For Kashiharajingu-Mae Station walk from Unebi Station to Yaginishiguchi Station (about 6 minutes) and take the Kintetsu Line Train (about 12 minutes).
Highlights - Unebi Station: Alight at Unebi Station for the historic district of Imaicho, Ofusa Kannon Temple, Fujiwara Palace Ruins, Cosmos Fields/Gardens (Pictured - usually in bloom around October)
Highlights - Kashiharajingu-Mae Station: Alight at Kashiharajingu-Mae Station for: Kumedera Temple and Kashihara Jingu.

2. Kurashiki.

Although quite popular nowadays, Kurashiki maintains a relaxed feel and can be reached within 2 hours from Osaka. With historic streets surrounding a canal, Kurashiki makes for a lovely day out.

Journey Duration: Around 90 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station by Shinkansen and regular/mainline train (change at Okayama).
Highlights: Bikan Historic Quarter (pictured), Denim Street, Achi Shrine, Kanryuji.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used for Travel between Shin-Osaka and Kurashiki.
Bonus Tip: As a change is needed at Okayama, some may wish to consider staying in Okayama a bit longer to explore this area as well.

3. Wakayama.

For anyone hoping to see impressive shrines and temples, historic castles, picturesque gardens, and coastal scenery all in a day, Wakayama is just the ticket. The area can be reached within 90 minutes of Osaka, making for an ideal day trip.

Journey Duration: The Shinkansen from Osaka Station to Wakayama Station takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Wakayama Station, Kimiidera Station can be reached by regular train in under 10 minutes.
Highlights - Wakayama Station: Alight at Wakayama Station for Hinokuma-jingu and Kunikakusa-jingu shrines, Wakayama Castle, Momijidani Teien Garden (pictured).
Highlight - Kimiidera Station: Alight at Kimiidera Station for Kimii-dera Temple, Tamatsushima Shrine, Kataonami Park and Beach, Kishi Toshogu and Wakaura Tenmangu Shrines, Tanoura Fishing Port and Namihaya Beach (via Horai-iwa Rock), Saikazaki Fishing Harbour, Bandoko Garden, and Yosui-en Garden.
Rail Pass: The JR Rail Pass is valid for travel on the Shinkansen between Osaka and Wakayama and the regular JR Line Train onto Kimiidera. For those planning to travel on the Nankai Line purchase a separate ticket or use an IC card.
Bonus Tip: As it is quite a hike from Yosui-en Garden back to Kimiidera Station, the Nº.35 bus can be taken to Wakayamashi Station. To take the bus get on at the stop opposite the Family Mart on Oura-kaido Street (about a 12 min walk) and alight at the stop on Minatohonmachi 3 Chome, just a few minutes walk away from Wakayamashi Station. Alternatively, a 40-minute walk will get one to Wakayamako Station on the Nankai Line.

4. Kobe.

Perhaps not so crowd-free as the places above, however, Kobe deserves a mention. Home to one of Japan's oldest shrines, impressive gardens, and the famed Kobe Beef, a trip to the port city of Kobe is one to consider highly.

Journey Duration: A Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Shin-Kobe will take less than 15 minutes with links to Kobe's local transport system easily accessible from Shin-Kobe.
Highlights: Nunobiki Herb Gardens and Nunobiki Falls (both pictured), Kitano Tenman Shrine, Kitano Ijinkan-Gai, Ikuta Jinja, Sorakuen Garden, Kobe Chinatown, Minatogawa Jinja, and Kobe Harbour.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid between Shin-Osaka and Shin-Kobe Stations while an IC card is best for local transport around Kyoto.
Bonus Tip: As Kobe can be somewhat popular it is best avoided on weekends and during holiday periods. Note that Sorakuen Garden is listed as closed on Thursdays - be sure to double-check times ahead of visiting.