Osaka is out of this world!
This vibrant, dazzling and futuristic mega metropolis has an enormous quantity to supply guests, from its well-known neon cityscape to its popularity for excellent meals (incomes it the nickname of Japan’s kitchen), to tremendous cool neighborhoods, shrines, temples, castles, nightlife, theme parks, aquariums, and rather more.
After all, it’s at all times good to take a break from metropolis life too and Osaka is a perfect base to discover the remainder of the Kansai area, whether or not you’re craving the coast or countryside or simply wish to pattern a distinct metropolis.
From sacred mountains and historic rural villages to coastal retreats, well-known shrines, and artwork islands, Osaka has one of the best of Japan on its doorstep, particularly in case you have a JR Move for limitless journey on Japan’s home rail community.
Japan’s railway system is super-fast, clear, secure, and comfy, and it’s the good technique to journey throughout this unforgettable nation.
Associated learn: A day in Osaka, Japan
Prepared to begin exploring? Listed here are the highest day journeys from Osaka.
As Japan’s second-largest metropolis, Osaka is extraordinarily properly linked by transport, making it the proper base for day journeys to many different excellent locations.
Because of its location (and the pace and effectivity of Japanese trains), you’ll be able to attain different main cities, rural hideaways, shrines, temples, mountains, coastlines, and extra inside an hour or two of Osaka.
Associated learn: La Carmina’s Various Osaka Journey Information
We extremely suggest getting the JR Move for limitless practice journey in Japan. Right here’s why:
✔ Limitless Journey: Take pleasure in limitless entry to most JR railways, together with high-speed Shinkansen, native trains, and buses.
✔ Value Financial savings: Save considerably on journey prices, notably helpful for long-distance and a number of journeys.
✔ Simplicity: Keep away from the trouble of buying particular person tickets through the use of your move to simply entry trains.
✔ Flexibility: Expertise the liberty to discover spontaneously with out worrying about additional ticket prices.
✔ Further Advantages: Profit from extras like free reserved seat bookings and reductions on different JR transport companies.
Listed here are eight of one of the best day journeys from Osaka by practice:
An apparent day journey from Osaka is one other of Japan’s most well-known and most visited cities – Kyoto, which is simply quarter-hour away from Osaka on the Shinkansen.
Often called the cultural coronary heart of Japan, Kyoto is packed stuffed with unbelievable historical past. The one draw back is that Kyoto is so well-known for its historic buildings, cultural treasures, shrines, and temples, that this can be very fashionable with worldwide guests. It’s, nevertheless, 100% price it to see the sweetness and historical past of Kyoto with your personal eyes.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan from the eighth Century to 1868 and the town embodies greater than 1,000 years of historical past.
Arguably the town’s most well-known and historic districts are Gion, which is known for its geisha district, and Pontocho, which was the birthplace of Kabuki.
Associated learn: Full Kyoto Journey Information
Kyoto can also be residence to a few of Japan’s greatest shrines and temples. In truth, it boasts greater than 1,600 temples which might make it arduous to know the place to begin.
Fortunately, we’ve achieved the arduous be just right for you by placing collectively a listing of our greatest temple suggestions when visiting Kyoto. Our checklist consists of Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, Saiho-ji Temple, Kennin-ji Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, and Ryoan-ji Temple.
Maybe essentially the most iconic temple in Kyoto is the “Golden Pavilion” of Kinkaku-ji – this iconic constructing has been the postcard of the town for a few years. Whereas Kinkaku-ji was based in 1397, the temple needed to be rebuilt in 1955 after a devastating fireplace. Regardless of that, it’s considered one of many temples on this checklist that make up the Historic Monuments of Historical Kyoto recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Web site.
Additionally vying for the highest spot amongst Kyoto’s temples is Kiyomizudera and its magnificent veranda. Kiyomizudera is discovered on Mt. Kiyomizu and overlooks the town. The unique temple dates again to 798 though what you’ll see now’s the model that was rebuilt in 1633. The temple’s title interprets as “Pure Water Temple” and comes from the pure waters flowing over the Otowa Waterfall shut by. Nevertheless it’s actually the immense picket stage, stated to have been constructed with no single nail, that’s the star attraction right here.
Kyoto can also be well-known for its Shinto shrines in fact. Probably the most well-known and most necessary being Fushimi Inari Taisha, whose vermillion crimson torii gates had been featured within the 2005 movie ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’.
Fushimi Inari Taisha was based in 711, which makes it one of many oldest shrines in Kyoto. It was initially positioned on Inariyama hill, within the southwest of the town, earlier than being relocated to its current and everlasting residence by the Hata household in 816. A century later, in 942, it was given the best rank amongst Shinto shrines, and in 1499, after the attractive and ornate most important shrine construction was constructed, Japan designed Fushimi Inari Taisha as an Necessary Cultural Property.
The origin of Fushimi Inari Taisha is steeped in legend. The story goes {that a} rice cake was fired into the air and became a swan that flew to the height of Mt. Inari. Rice started to develop on the mountain high and the spot turned the top shrine for Inari Okami, the Japanese god of rice, sake, and prosperity, and the patron of companies, retailers and producers.
Right this moment, 1000’s of individuals from throughout Japan,and tens of millions of holiday makers from all over the world,come to hope for fruitful harvests, enterprise success, and different blessings. It’s notably fashionable for New 12 months prayers in Japan – one of the vital necessary dates within the calendar.
After all, many worldwide guests come to see the well-known Senbon Torii—the 1000’s of vermilion crimson gates in dense rows resulting in the Torii gate mountain climbing path. Each bears the title of an individual or enterprise carved in black who donated the gate to obtain good luck and fortune.
The JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station takes simply quarter-hour and is absolutely lined by the JR Move whereas travelling on Hikari and Kodama trains.
One other wonderful day journey from Osaka, simply 40 minutes away by practice, is Nara—an space filled with historical past, wildlife, scenic views, temples, and shrines.
Most of Nara’s historic points of interest, in addition to its well-known free-roaming deer, are positioned inside the 660-hectare Nara Metropolis Park, which is comparatively small and straightforward to navigate.
Begin with a go to to the Heijo Palace web site, which is a remnant from the time when Nara was the Capital of Japan and is now a World Heritage web site.
From right here, go to the town centre for a go to to Kohfukuji and its three-story pagoda. This is likely one of the most well-known pagodas in Japan.
Subsequent, the Nara Nationwide Museum is simply a five-minute stroll away. It homes an impressive assortment of Buddhist artwork and historic nationwide treasures.
After lunch head east by way of the deer park to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, identified for the various stone lanterns donated by worshippers, a profound ambiance of calm may be felt. After visiting the shrine, take a stroll by way of the forest and soak within the peaceable ambiance surrounding the place.
The final and most well-known of our suggestions is Tōdai-ji – the crown jewel of Nara. This Buddhist temple advanced homes the Nice Buddha and its guardians. Despite the fact that it was accomplished in 752 A.D., it stays as one of many nationwide masterworks of Japan.
You need to use each the JR Yamatoji Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line to achieve Nara by practice from Osaka, with a journey time of round 40-50 minutes.
Simply 1.5 hours from Osaka and the house of the world-famous beef, Kobe is a gorgeous coastal metropolis and an incredible day journey vacation spot.
What’s so particular about Kobe beef we hear you ask?
Kobe beef is likely one of the most legendary sorts of beef on the earth, each for its high quality and its worth. After all, Kobe beef is extra than simply meals; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime culinary expertise, and there’s nowhere higher than Kobe itself to pattern this scrumptious meat. Whereas it may be served in many alternative methods, arguably one of the best dishes to eat it are both in shabu shabu, which is a soup that has boiled meat, sukiyaki (scorching pot), or teppanyaki, which is most individuals’s favourite. That’s when the chef prepares, cooks, and serves the Kobe beef proper in entrance of you.
As we stated, it’s a really particular expertise and Kobe is the place to go for this culinary journey!
Kobe isn’t simply well-known for meals too. If you wish to strive considered one of Japan’s most well-known conventional drinks, then you’ll want to go to the town’s Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum.
If that isn’t sufficient to persuade you to go to Kobe, the town additionally boasts loads of procuring alternatives, scenic views from the highest of the close by Mt. Rokko and its personal Onsen Sizzling Springs Resort (Arima Onsen) inside the metropolis limits.
And at last, Kobe (Ashiya district particularly) was additionally the childhood residence of well-known Japanese creator Haruki Murakami!
Associated learn: The Final Information to Avenue Meals in Japan
Utilizing a JR Move, take both the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station in simply quarter-hour or for a extra centrally positioned terminus, take the JR particular fast practice from Osaka Station to Kobe’s Sannomiya Station, which takes 20 minutes. Both means, it’s a fast journey and an ideal day journey.
The three grand shrines of the Kumano area are collectively often called the Kumano Sanzan temples. They encompass the Kumano Hongū Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. These Shinto shrines are extremely sacred and a standard pilgrimage vacation spot.
Hidden away within the forests close to the southern finish of the peninsula, the three shrines are linked by the traditional pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo. Which means visiting the Kumano Sanzan isn’t only for these fascinated with Japan’s religious facet, it’s additionally good if you’d like the nation’s pure facet.
You even have the possibility to witness considered one of Japan’s most breath-taking waterfalls, Nachi-no-taki, once you cease at Nachi Taisha shrine.
Associated learn: Eko Koyasan – A Mountaintop Buddhist Retreat with 100 Working Temples
Amazingly, the Kumano Sanzan Temples and Ise Grand Shrine will not be the one historic points of interest within the Kii Peninsula. You’ll additionally discover the historic and delightful Buddhist monastery advanced at Mt. Koya. Often called Kōyasan Shingon and positioned 800 meters above sea stage, it is a distinctive and religious vacation spot.
One of the crucial necessary temples right here is Danjo Garan, which has been a middle of spiritual instructing for the reason that ninth century. For those who’re fortunate you may even spot some present college students strolling round of their yellow robes. Sights to see there embrace the lately renovated Chūmon gate and the brilliant crimson Konpon Daitō pagoda.
One other main temple is the Oku-no-in sanctuary, residence to a cemetery of 200,000 tombs and the mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi, the founding father of Shingon Buddhism. There within the forest, you’ll discover many stupas lined in moss and an air of tranquility and reverence.
Koya-san can also be the start and finish of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which options 88 temples and shrines and may take three months to finish on foot.
Even if you happen to don’t have time for all 88, you’ll be able to e book a Shukubo (a ‘temple keep’) in Koya-san (which has greater than 100 temples to select from, many with their very own onsen and zen gardens for max rest).
Temples comparable to Eko-in and Muryoko-in are 1,000 years outdated and permit company to meditate, observe calligraphy, participate in morning chanting and different rituals, and rather more. It’s attainable to remain for weeks to completely immerse your self within the religious life.
With a journey time of round two hours, this is likely one of the longer day-trip locations, but it surely’s positively price it. You’ll need to set off from Nankai Namba Station in Osaka earlier than getting off Gokurakubashi Station on the foot of Mount Koya.
Certainly one of Japan’s most stunning and historic castles and simply 50 minutes from Osaka on the Shinkansen, Himeji Citadel is properly price a go to. Along with the citadel backyard, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and a nationwide treasure of the best rank. Due to its sensible white exterior and resemblance to a heron retreating, the citadel bears the title “White Heron Citadel” (Shirasagi-jō).
The historical past and identification of Himeji metropolis had lengthy revolved round its citadel, which originated in 1333 when the primary fort on Mount Himeji was constructed. A bit over two centuries later, in 1581, the fort was became a citadel. Within the following a long time, Himeji citadel was steadily expanded, creating an in depth citadel advanced with superior defensive techniques, which ended up being the most important citadel in Japan.
In contrast to different castles in Japan, Himeji citadel stood the take a look at of time and was by no means destroyed by conflict or pure catastrophe, it survived firebombs throughout WWII and the good Hanshin earthquake in 1995. In 2010 Himeji citadel underwent a large restoration undertaking that took over 5 years and re-opened to the general public in 2015.
Right this moment Himeji citadel stays open to the general public on most days and is a wonderful instance of prototypical Japanese citadel structure, feudal protection works and total cultural significance.
Take the Hiraki Shinkansen practice from Shin-Osaka to Himeji Station. It’s a direct line and simply 50 minutes away.
Well-known for each its trendy indoor and outside artwork, sandy seashores, gorgeous panoramic views and sunny climate, Naoshima Artwork Island makes for an incredible place to unwind, and you’ll keep there too.
The island is residence to the enduring Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama. That is solely the start of the gathering of open air-sculptures and installations, together with works by Dan Graham, Shinro Otake and Karel Appel.
What about lodging you ask? How about staying in a museum? Benesse Artwork Home is essentially the most well-known and maybe most intriguing museum on Naoshima. Created in 1992, Benesse Home is not only a museum however an upscale resort as properly.
Staying company can wander the exhibitions at night time with out being distracted by others. The artwork assortment consists of work by Tadao Ando, George Rickey, Alberto Giacometti, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Andy Warhol and others.
Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Okayama earlier than altering to the JR Uno Line to Uno Station. It’s then only a quick 20-minute ferry journey to the island) departing from reverse the practice station).
Often called the religious residence of the Japanese folks, Ise Grand Shrine (or Ise Jingu) dates again virtually 2,000 years and stays crucial and culturally vital shrine in all of Japan. For those who’re fascinated by Japan’s religious historical past and the fantastic thing about its shrines and temples, then Ise Grand Shrine needs to be on the very high of your checklist.
The shrine is the house of the solar goddess Amaterasu, Japan’s supreme deity, and the situation of the Sacred Mirror of the Emperor. One of the crucial fascinating info about Ise Grand Shrine is that each 20 years, the internal and outer shrines in addition to the Uji Bridge, are taken down and fully rebuilt consistent with Shinto beliefs of rebirth and renewal.
Ise Grand Shrine is not only spiritually and culturally necessary to Japan, additionally it is one of the vital stunning shrines you could possibly ever hope to go to.
Ise Grand Shrine is called Ise Jingu as a result of ‘Jingu’ is the best classification of Shinto shrines. Shinto is likely one of the two most important religious perception techniques in Japan, the opposite being Buddhism.
As a primary rule, shrines like Ise Grand Shrine are associated to Shinto, whereas temples belong to Buddhism. In contrast to Buddhism, Shinto originated in Japan and is deeply woven into the material of Japanese tradition and historical past.
The Shinto faith entails the worship of a number of gods or spirits often called kami, who’re stated to inhabit all issues. Purity is the large focus of Shinto, and totally different rituals contain cleaning worshippers.
Since Shinto has developed organically and has no single origin or sacred textual content, practices fluctuate relying on the kami and the area of Japan during which they happen.
First, use the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to journey to Nagoya then switch to the “Mie” fast practice to Ise. The Fast Mie practice is likely one of the few choices to entry the prefecture of Mie, well-known for the town of Toba, Ise Jingu temple, Ise Shima Nationwide Park and naturally, Mie itself.
The Japan Rail Move is legitimate on the Fast Mie practice, and as talked about above, seat reservations may be made free of charge. There’s one catch although, as between Kawarada Station and Tsu Station the practice travels on non-public railways operated by the Ise Railway. For this half, a 540 yen additional fare is required, which isn’t included within the move. The fare is collected on board by the conductor however will also be paid forward of time on the ticket workplace.
Osaka’s rail connections are a passport to smaller cities and villages you could not have heard of or thought-about visiting earlier than. Uji is a major instance and may be reached in round one hour from Osaka on the Shinkansen.
Uji is especially identified for 3 issues: its World Heritage websites, which encompass historic temples and shrines, its tea and the Story of Genji.
Let’s begin with Uji’s temples and shrines.
Of the assorted temples in Uji, one you received’t wish to miss is the Byodo-in Temple. This historic Buddhist temple dates again to 1053 and is considered one of two World Heritage websites within the metropolis. Byodo-in Temple is well known for its elegant Phoenix Corridor, an image of which truly adorns one facet of the ten¥ coin. Inside this deceptively tall corridor you’ll discover a fantastic three-metre-tall statue of Buddha Amida. Except for seeing the Phoenix Corridor, be sure to go to the temple museum and see its assortment of artefacts.
Subsequent is Ujigami Shrine, crucial place of Shinto worship in Uji and one other of Japan’s monuments acknowledged by UNESCO. The shrine isn’t notably massive however is shrouded in loads of imperial historical past and is claimed to have been constructed by 1060. This makes it one of many oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.
Subsequent is an wonderful literary truth that pertains to Uji. Do you know that the oldest novel on the earth is believed to be a Japanese story from the eleventh century? The novel is The Story of Genji written by Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese noblewoman, recounting a romance story of a prince and his adventures.
Uji is the setting for the ultimate ten chapters of the novel, a indisputable fact that the town continues to be fairly pleased with. No shock then that there are a number of landmarks round Uji that commemorate that connection. One is a statue celebrating the novelist Murasaki Shikibu, simply by the Uji Bridge throughout the river.
However the metropolis additionally hosts the Story of Genji Museum devoted to the story. Contained in the museum reveals present you what modern life was like in the course of the interval when the novel was set.
Consuming inexperienced tea is ever-present in life in Japan, being each the preferred beverage and a part of many customs and traditions. Uji and its surrounding area has lengthy had a popularity for its superior tea, and it was one of many first locations to correctly undertake this behavior from China.
Whereas within the metropolis, one of the best ways to expertise tea in Uji is by visiting considered one of its riverside tea homes. You’ll additionally discover Uji tea in most native eating places and shops, whereas it’s widespread to search out matcha-flavoured meals like ice-cream on the market. There are even sure locations, just like the Taihoan tea home the place you’ll be able to expertise a standard Japanese tea ceremony first-hand.
Lastly, as a facet attraction, the Uji River, working by way of the town, is likely one of the most stunning spots in Uji. As you look alongside the river to the encompassing hills blanketed in forest, loads of nature is on show, particularly fairly in spring or autumn.
To actually chill out, take a ship journey on an area boat normally used for cormorant fishing.
Utilizing your Japan Rail Move, journey on the JR Kyoto Line from Osaka to Kyoto earlier than switching to the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Uji. The full journey time is round an hour.
Osaka is the center of Japan, completely mixing historic richness with city magnificence. As a gateway to the Kansai area, it affords easy accessibility to close by cultural treasures and culinary delights, due to wonderful connectivity and the JR Move, making each tour a singular glimpse into Japan’s numerous tapestry.
For those who’re interested by diving deep into Japan and overlaying lengthy distances, it’s best to completely take into consideration getting the Japan Rail Move (also called JR Move). Taking the practice in Japan is all about being environment friendly, cost-effective, and straightforward to entry – and the JR Move delivers on all these perks.
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