There is certainly no shortage of activities in Osaka, but after spending a while in the city, you may be itching to explore more of the country or want to visit places where life moves a little more slowly. The good news is there are plenty of options close enough to be perfect for a day trip.

Uji

Located between the more famous cities of Kyoto and Nara is Uji. Many people describe Uji as having a similar atmosphere to Kyoto but with fewer crowds. It also has many unique things to offer, including Ujigami Shrine, whose main hall is believed to be the oldest surviving Shinto shrine building in Japan; Byodo-in Temple and its Phoenix Hall, part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site; and the Nintendo Museum (entry by advance online lottery only). If you enjoy green tea, Uji is a must-visit because it is one of the most celebrated names in matcha.

Okayama

Another historic city is Okayama, with sites including its castle (completed in 1597, rebuilt in 1966 after its destruction in 1945, and nicknamed Crow Castle for its black facade) and Korakuen Garden, considered one of the most important traditional gardens in Japan. From July into early October, Okayama is a popular destination for picking fruits including white peaches and grapes such as Shine Muscat.

Minoh

If you’re looking for a nature destination, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option for a day trip than Minoh. An accessible hiking trail runs through the forest valley for three kilometers, taking you along Minoh River, past Minoh Waterfall, and by Ryuanji Temple, a mountain-worship temple said to be the birthplace of the lottery in Japan. While you’re there, make sure to try the local treat momiji tempura: deep-fried maple leaves coated in a sweet batter.

Onomichi

Another destination for spending time outdoors is Onomichi. Its Temple Walk consists of a series of paths that connects 25 temples. The hilly city also has a ropeway that reaches the top of Mount Senkoji for views of the coastline, Senko-ji Temple, and the cherry blossoms in the spring. It’s the perfect setting for a stroll, as you can wander along narrow streets, many of them paved with stone and lined with traditional houses.

Kurashiki

Kurashiki is a city full of history. Some of the buildings date back centuries, including traditional townhouses from the Edo period. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Japanese Folk Toy Museum (Gangukan), with about 10,000 folk toys from the Edo through Showa periods; the Kurashiki Archaeological Museum with its ancient artifacts (open Fridays, weekends, and holidays until a long-term closure from April 2027); and the Ohara Museum of Art, which houses famous works from European artists like Monet and El Greco.

Awaji

An island destination close to Osaka is Awaji, located in the Seto Inland Sea. It is most famous for its traditional puppet theater, which is a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Try to go to one of the shows if you have the chance. Awaji is also a gateway to an impressive natural phenomenon: cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from Kobe, then head to the far end of the island, where the Onaruto Bridge spans the Naruto Strait. Look down on the whirlpools through the glass floor of the Uzu-no-Michi walkway, or get up close on a whirlpool cruise from Fukura Port. Finally, for some natural beauty, head to the hilltop park at Hanasajiki, where there are different flowers in bloom every season of the year.

Depending on how long you’ll be in Osaka, you may be able to visit all these destinations by taking a different day trip every week!

663highland, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons