Osaka Day Trips

Ancient capital with Japan’s most famous temples and Imperial palaces, Kyoto deserves at least a week, but a day trip will still allow you to see Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple.26 miles

A World Heritage site, this sacred mountaintop retreat was founded by esoteric Buddhist Kobo Daishi in the 9th century; since then faithful followers have been buried here. Wander pathways lined with stone lanterns leading to wooden temples nestled among centuries-old cypress.

This historic city was Japan’s capital before Kyoto. Many flock here to visit the 1,200-year-old Todaiji temple, which contains Japan’s largest Buddha. Others take picnics in Nara Park and watch the deer wander by.

User-friendly city that’s home to World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, nicknamed “White Heron,” and Koko-en, a restful, nine-garden park with a tea house overlooking a carp pond that you’ll never want to leave.

Famous for its fatty, marbled beef (which fetches eye-popping prices throughout Japan) this city is also known for having survived a devastating 1995 earthquake. Today, having been almost completely rebuilt, it again thrives.

Take in the reputed healing waters of Kin-no-yu (Gold Spring) and Gin-no-yu (Silver Spring) in this resort village on Mount Rokko seasonally favored with autumn red and gold leaves, late winter camellia flowers, and spring cherry blossoms.