Quick Summary:

  • Q: What makes Osaka one of the most beautiful cities in Japan?
  • A: With its ancient castles and flower-filled parks, Osaka is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan.
  • Q: What can visitors explore in the surrounding Kansai region?
  • A: Visitors can explore historic sites in Kyoto or Kurashiki, and learn about traditional washi paper at the Echizen Washi Village.
  • Q: Where can visitors experience traditional Japanese shrines near Osaka?
  • A: Visitors can pay a visit to the Itsukushima Shrine.
  • Q: Where can travelers relax near Osaka?
  • A: Travelers can relax in the thermal springs of Arima Onsen Town or Kinosaki Onsen.
  • Q: How can visitors travel to these day trip destinations from Osaka?
  • A: Whether traveling by car or bullet train, these are the best day trips you can take from Osaka.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Arima Onsen Town ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Arima Onsen Town | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© Puripat/stock.adobe.com

2. Awaji Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Romantic Islands
Awaji Island | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© yoshihiro/stock.adobe.com

3. Echizen Washi Village

Echizen Washi Village | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© Damien/stock.adobe.com

4. Fukui

Fukui | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© kurutanx/stock.adobe.com

5. Himeji Castle

Romantic Castles
Himeji Castle | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

6. Hiroshima

Hiroshima | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© arthit k./stock.adobe.com

7. Iga

Iga | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© sam1124/stock.adobe.com

8. Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© Sanga/stock.adobe.com

9. Kanazawa

Kanazawa | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© Scirocco340/stock.adobe.com

10. Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© jeafish/stock.adobe.com

11. Kobe

Kobe | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© coward_lion/stock.adobe.com

12. Koyasan

Koyasan | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© coward_lion/stock.adobe.com

13. Kurashiki

Kurashiki | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© clin0000/stock.adobe.com

14. Kyoto

Kyoto | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© coward_lion/stock.adobe.com

15. Lake Biwa

Category: Activities
Lake Biwa | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© Sanga/stock.adobe.com

16. Miyajima Island

Romantic Islands
Miyajima Island | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© sabino.parente/stock.adobe.com

17. Nagoya

Nagoya | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© coward_lion/stock.adobe.com

18. Naoshima Island

Romantic Islands
Naoshima Island | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© otent/stock.adobe.com

19. Nara

Nara | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© Tupungato/stock.adobe.com

20. Okayama

Okayama | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© Sanga/stock.adobe.com

21. Shirahama Beach

Category: Beaches
Shirahama Beach | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© amenohi/stock.adobe.com

22. Takeda Castle

Romantic Castles
Takeda Castle | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© MyPixelDiaries/stock.adobe.com

23. Tokushima City

Tokushima City | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© Enken/stock.adobe.com

24. Wakayama City

Wakayama City | Weekend & Day Trips from Osaka, Japan
© leungchopan/stock.adobe.com

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