Day Trip to Ise itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: Mie Ise Shima | 0

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

Here are some of the best things to do and see when planning an Ise Shima itinerary. Even if you only have 24 hours in Ise Shima, you should be able to hit up all the highlights within one day.

Located in Mie Prefecture, the Ise Shima region (伊勢志摩) is known for its natural beauty and cultural importance. This area might seem like a less popular travel destination for international travelers. But in fact, Ise Shima was visited heavily by Japanese visitors as it is home to Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines. Locals also flock to Ise Shima for a rural gateway on the Shima Peninsula’s seaside. Popular cities to explore in Ise Shima are Ise, Toba, and Shima.

Ise Shima was blessed with an abundance of treasures from the ocean and land. There are plenty of activities and fantastic sites to enjoy on the Shima Peninsula, perfect for people of all ages and travel styles. It’s a unique experience where you can get a taste of real Japan.

If you’re planning on visiting Ise Shima, then be sure to check out our Ise Shima itinerary. You can find some useful travel tips for visiting Ise Shima, including the best time to visit, where to stay, how to get around, and where to eat in this Ise Shima Travel Guide blog.

Table of Contents

How To Get to Ise Shima

Fortunately, getting into Ise Shima is very easy. The city is served by several stations on the Kintetsu Railway Shima Line and JR Train into Mie Prefecture. Most travelers to Ise Shima will probably first arrive in Nagoya, and then only get to Ise Shima by train.

From Nagoya to Ise, you can either take the Kintetsu or JR train to the Ise Shima area:

Direct Kintetsu limited express trains connect Nagoya and Ise (Iseshi or Ujiyamada Station) in 80 minutes. The one-way fare is ¥3,080. All seats are reserved. While slower express trains takes about 100 minutes, but costs only ¥1,740.
Direct JR Mie rapid trains (kaisoku) took around 90 minutes from Nagoya to Ise (Iseshi Station). The one-way trip costs ¥2,040. There is about one train per hour.

Once you are in Ise Shima area, it is pretty convenient to travel around by bus. The CAN Bus connects Ise’s railway stations with most of the city’s main attractions (including the Ise Shrines, Edo Wonderland, and the Meoto Iwa Rocks) and Toba once or twice per hour.

Besides, a rental car can be even more convenient for exploring the peninsula. This area can be easily explored by self-driving with convenient parking spots on the attraction’s sides.

Getting around in Ise shima with CAN Bus

Money Saving Transport Pass

Traveling with Kintetsu trains run between Osaka (Osaka-Namba Station) and Nagoya (KintetsuNagoya Station).

Kintetsu Rail Pass (5 Days) – Valid for 5 consecutive days on Kintetsu train lines. Cost: ¥3,700.
Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus (5 Days) – Valid for 5 consecutive days on Kintetsu train lines and buses in Nara and Mie areas. Cost: ¥4,900.

Take note that the Kintetsu Rail Pass for 1 Day and 2 Days is not covered by Nagoya and Mie. Also, Kintetsu Rail Pass only covers the basic fare and you will need to top up for seat fees when using the Limited Express Train. From Osaka to Nagoya, the seat reservation fee costs about ¥2,130. Travelers can make a seat reservation at the Kintetsu counter.

Traveling via JR Train that runs between Nagoya and Iseshi:

While JR Pass holders have to pay a supplemental fee of ¥520 (one way) on board the train as Mie rapid train partially uses non-JR tracks. While less popular JR Ise-Kumamo-Wakayama Area Pass can be used for traveling for 5 days within the Ise, Kumano, and Wakayama Area. This pass is not valid for Shinkansen.

How Many Days for Ise Shima

Ise Shima can be visited as a day-trip from Nagoya Station and you can easily spend a whole day visiting the site. If time is permitted, we recommended spending at least one night in the area. Visitors can spend their time in Toba aquarium and several theme parks along the Shima coast.

Where To Stay

Ise Jingu is one of the popular attractions in Mie prefecture. Spending one night in Ise is a great option for those looking for a more relaxing trip when visiting the area. Most accommodations will be scattered around the Ise-Jingu Geku (Outer Shrine) area. You can find high to mid-range business hotels and also some budget hostels.

Best place to stay when visiting Ise:

High-Range: FAV Hotel Ise is a great option and perfect for family travelers. The location was great, within walking distance of the outer shrine. The rooms are well designed and layout.
Mid-Range: Comfort Hotel Ise – This mid-budget hotel has it all: affordable pricing, a great convenient location, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms.
Budget: Ise Guest House Kazami is one of the top-rated hostels if you are looking for where to stay in Ise on a budget. It is built as a dodecagon-shaped building, featuring an indoor garden at the atrium. The hostel offers dormitory and private rooms.

For more accommodation options: Where To Stay in Ise: Best Places and Hotels.

Things To Do for Ise Itinerary

Not sure where to begin your journey? With the below 1-day Ise itinerary, you’ll able to discover and get the taste of a real Japanese culture city.

Things to do in 1-Day Ise itinerary:

Visit Ise Jingu
Geku (Outer Shrine)
Naiku (Inner Shrine)
Oharai-machi
Taste akafuku mochi
Meoto Iwa

Visit Ise Jingu

No Mie destination list could start with anything other than Ise Jingu -Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine.

Ise Jingu or Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮) is one of the oldest and most revered shrines in Japan. This sacred place has long been revered as the abode of Amaterasu Omikami, the goddess of the sun and universe, the guardian deity of Japanese people. Over 8 million worshippers visit this site every year. Even the Royal Family of Japan will come here to visit annually.

Ise Jingu consists of 125 shrines centering on two sprawling compounds, Naiku (Inner Shrine) and Geku (Outer Shrine). The Naiku and Geku are separate with a 15-minute bus ride apart. The sanctuaries at both are considered perfect examples of pre-Buddhist Japanese architecture and are all built without nails. It is definitely a very beautiful, interesting, and peaceful place and should not be missed when in Iseshi.

Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮)
Address: 1 Ujitachicho, Ise, Mie 516-0023
Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 to 18:00
Admission Fee: Free!

Ise Shima Travel Guide Tips: It is customary to begin your visit to Ise Shrine, not at the inner shrine but at the outer shrine.

Geku (Outer Shrine)

The Outer Shrine or Geku (外宮) is one of the two main shrines making up the Ise Jingu. It is believed to have been established 1500 years ago, 500 years after the Inner Shrine. Here the god of clothing, food, and shelter is worshipped.

Geku Outer Shrine — The grounds of the Outer Shrine

The Geku is just near the JR station, a mere 10 mins walk. Signs for Ise Jingu Shrine Geku are placed strategically to guide the visitors. You will pass by the Geku-sando street that lines with restaurants, cafes, chocolatiers, and long-established confectionaries selling homemade Manju before reaching the entrance of the shrine.

Ise Shima Itinerary - Geku Outer Shrine — Geku Outer Shrine

Next, followed the sequence to visit the Outer Shrine and then to Inner Shrine.

The grounds of the Outer Shrine are just beautiful with gravel-covered walking paths and massive cedars trees everywhere. It is smaller compared to the Inner Shrine. It is very crowded on a Sunday and we spent about 60 mins in Geku.

Getting to Outer Shrine: 10-minute walk from Iseshi or Ujiyamada Station.

Naiku (Inner Shrine)

The Inner Shrine or Naiku (内宮) is the larger and more important of the two. Naiku is Japan’s most sacred shrine and is believed to have been established over 2000 years ago. It houses Amaterasu-Omikami, the Shinto sun goddess, ancestor of the imperial family, and protector of the nation.

It is a nice calming 10 minutes walk over a gravel path with cedar trees to the main shrine. Although the area with a big crowd but everyone is quiet and calm. One easily felt calm and cleansed by the mere serenity setting.

There’s the famed Isuzu river that exalted spiritual and mystical aura, and the 100-meter wooden famous Ujibashi bridge, built in a traditional Japanese style.

You will also be seeing some small shrines before you reach the main building, but mostly are closed to the public.

Ise Shima Itinerary - Naiku Inner Shrine

Follow the crowd and walk up the steps to the Main Shrine to pay homage. Take note that photography is not allowed at the main shrines.

Take Bus from Outer Shrine to Inner Shrine

Getting to Inner Shrine: Frequent buses connect the Outer Shrine with the Inner Shrine (15 minutes, 470 yen one way). The Outer Shrine is also served by the CAN buses.

Oharai-machi

Oharai-machi (おはらい町) is a nearly 1-kilometres long pedestrian street leading to Naiku. The restored Edo-era street is lined by many traditional-style buildings, housing shops, restaurants, souvenir shops, and even a craft beerhouse. This pleasant area has been serving pilgrims and tourists for several centuries and many traditions remain to this day.

Here, you can experience an old-fashioned Japanese street. The area is known for its ‘Ise udon’ noodles and ‘akafuku’, a traditional sweet made from ‘mochi’ and red bean paste – a delightful and tasty snack to try as you walk to and from the Inner Shrine. Most stores open early, from 05:00 onward, and close around 18:00.

Getting there: Oharaimachi is located just next to the Inner Ise Shrine.

Taste akafuku mochi

Akafuku mochi (赤福餅) is a rice cake confection topped with anko (sweet red bean paste). This Japanese traditional sweet with a unique shape symbolizes the Isuzugawa River, which flows through the precinct of Ise Jingu. It has been loved by worshippers going to Ise Jingu for more than 300 years.

The Akafuku was first original by Akafuku Wtore and its flagship store is located in Oharai-machi. It was established in 1707 and has over 300 years of history since the Edo period. Don’t miss the chance to eat this signature Akafuku mochi on your Ise Shima itinerary.

Meoto Iwa

Lastly, it is best to couple your visit to Ise Jingu with Meoto Iwa.

Located off the coast of Futami in Mie Prefecture are the Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩) or Wedded Rocks. The duo of picturesque rocks represents the symbols of male and female of the Japanese pantheon of gods, Izanagi and Izanami. Therefore, these rocks are also said to bless unions, couples, and marriages. The rocks are tied by a shimenawa rope—made of rice straw and replaced three times a year during a ceremony.

A nice paved trail with small shrines and frog statues leads to the rocks. The area is a wonderful place to walk around with a great seaside view and makes for great photos. It is worth spending some time to see the Meotoiwa rocks near the shoreline on your Ise Shima itinerary.

The best time to visit is during high tide when the sun rises and falls between the two rocks.

Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩)
Address: 575 Futamichoe, Ise, Mie 519-0602
Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30 to 16:30

Getting there: Meoto Iwa is easily access by CAN bus within the Ise region. Alternatively, you can take the JR train to JR Futaminoura Station and then walk for 15 minutes.

Overall: A Day Trip Ise Shima itinerary

All in all, a visit to Ise Shima for its Ise Jingu Shrine is one of the most memorable trips to Japan. It is an immensely spiritual place with Japan’s most remarkable Shinto shrines. The Iseshi is a fairly small and quiet town, but combined with other areas, there is still more to do than is possible in a single day. Enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes and culture in Iseshima.

Lastly, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this Ise Shima travel guide blog on the best things to do in Iseshima. Enjoy your trip!

Related Ise travel blog:

Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our related travel stories to Nagoya and nearby cities:

Sinonomesou Review: Kinosaki Onsen Traditional Ryokan Stay

by Emily | posted in: Kansai Wide Japan | 0

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

Staying in Japanese ryokan is your must-do when visiting Kinosaki Onsen. Read about our stay with a detailed Sinonomesou review in this accommodation post.

Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) is known for being one of Japan’s most attractive onsen towns. This is a picturesque idyllic hot spring town nestled in a lush mountain valley of Hyogo prefecture. Travelers can stay one night in a Ryokan or Japanese traditional Inn to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle.

During our trip to Kinosaki Onsen, we stayed at this mid-range ryokan – Sinonomesou. This is a 3-star lovely ryokan run by kind Japanese ladies who made us feel very welcome. Our Japanese tatami room is spacious and clean, with lower dining tables and chairs. The Kaiseki room option is superb and we had a marvelous Snow Crab meal. A good affordable option for exploring Kinosaki Onsen. We loved our stay here.

Read about our Sinonomesou review to know more details in below accommodation guide.

Table of Contents

Getting to Sinonomesou

Ryokan Sinonomesou is tucked away in an alley off the main road. We arrived by JR train at Kinosaki Onsen train station. It was about a 10-minute walk to the ryokan. Along the journey to Sinonomesou, you’ll walk by some restaurants, eateries, gift shops, and specialty stores.

Once arrived in Sinonomesou, we were welcomed by the friendly lady owner. Though they cannot speak well in English, simple communication is not an issue. We were brought to our room upon completing the check-in process. You will be also asked for the preferable dinner time if you have reserved for the half-board plan.

Additional bath tax of about ¥800 per person per day is paid upon check-in. Dinner and breakfast are included for our stay and this is part of the reason the room price is high. But it is worth it!

Sinonomesou
Address: 757 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan.

If you’d like to make a reservation at Sinonomesou, then you can do so through Booking.com or Agoda.com. You can browse through those links for other listings in Kinosaki Onsen as well.

Visiting Kinosaki Onsen? Read on our Kinosaki Onsen Checklist Guide for all the essentials:

1. Planning a trip to Kinosaki Onsen – read more Kinosaki Onsen Travel itinerary Guide.

2. How To Get to Kinosaki Onsen
– Find the best prices on a RentalCars from Booking.com.
– Save on transportation: JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass [Get from Klook] , [Get from KKday]

3. Accommodation at Kinosaki Onsen – read more Where To Stay In Kinosaki Onsen.
– High Range: Nishimuraya Honkan and Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei
– Mid Range: Ryokan Sinonomesou and Koyado Enn

4. What To Do in Kinosaki Onsen: Soak into 7 Public Onsen, Stay in Traditional Ryokan, Eat Kaiseki Dinner

The Room

Here’s our room. These traditional Japanese rooms all pretty much look like this. You’ll find a Japanese low dining table with tatami mats over a heated floor.

Sleeping is on the tatami mats and futon mattresses and they are usually kept in the closet. The ryokan staff will only prepare your Japanese-style beds and futons for sleeping after dinner.

The best thing about our room is this private room had a private toilet and washbasin. Most of the ryokans have no private showers because you’re meant to use the public onsens to bathe. Although we didn’t use the private shower in the room, it is a great plus if you are looking for a private shower in the room.

Check the latest prices of Sinonomesou Ryokan here.

Wearing Yukata and Wooden Clogs

We settle in and can’t wait to head for the onsen dipped in Kinosaki Onsen. We then get changed into our yukata and using the wooden clogs provided in the lobby, start our onsen hopping!

When staying in Kinosaki Onsen, the ryokan will offer the Onsen Pass that allows guests to use the Kinosaki Onsen for FREE! This gives you free access to all seven public hot spring baths. The onsen pass is valid from 15:00 on the day you check in until the next day at 10:00 when you check out.

For day tripper, you can purchase the Yumepa pass at ¥1,300 from the tourist information center or entrance to each of the onsens. Alternatively, you can pay ¥500 per onsen bath.

There is a guide on how to wear the yukata for man and woman.

There are 7 onsens in town, but we’ve stopped at 3 during our trip to Kinosaki Onsen. Each onsen is gender-segregated. Unless you are an onsen lover and would like to try all the seven onsens in Kinosaki Onsen. Else, 2 or 3 onsens dipped should be sufficient to experience the natural hot spring water here.

It’s also good to know Sinonomesou had its own baths – one for men and one for women.

Kaiseki Ryori Dinner

After the onsen, we were ready for the crab feast! We were advanced booking with the winter special Kaiseki Ryori meal with Snow Crab. The half-board meal is not included with the Matsuba Crab and we have been called to the property to upgrade our meal plan.

It is much more expensive than the price advertised. But trust me, it was totally worth it!

As we entered the room, the table was already set with a full crab and various other plates and vessels, all containing crab.

There are lots and lots of small plates. A bit of so many different flavors. The food was outstanding!

Sinonomesou Review - Eat Matsuba Snow Crab

Matsuba crab is caught between November and March each year and is fished from the Sea of Japan, just 10 minutes or so from Kinosaki Onsen. It’s my first Matsuka Crab and it was so fresh!

We ate the Matsuba Crab via sashimi and also grilled it.

Sashimi plate with crab,ebi, and fish.

Be sure to try Tajima beef here in Northern Hyogo! Only purebred Tajima beef, borne and raised in Hyogo prefecture can be certified as Tajima beef!

Kaiseki Ryori Dinner Japanese Rice Soup Zosui

Lastly, our Kaiseki Ryori dinner is ended with Japanese rice soup zosui. It is a satisfying dinner in Sinonomesou!

Japanese Traditional Breakfast

Sinonomesou Review - Japanese Breakfast Set

The next morning, the breakfast is also served in the room. We have the Japanese traditional rice set for breakfast. It is featuring with rice, miso soup, fish, pickles, and seaweed. We enjoyed seeing how it was served and prepared. It was so full to finish all of the items!

After that, we leave and head towards the train station to the next destination. It was a superb experience at our Kinosaki Onsen Ryokan and one of the most memorable ryokan stay in Japan.

My Final Sinonomesou Review

All in all, we hope this Sinonomesou Ryokan review is helpful. It is a lovely ryokan run by kind Japanese ladies who made us feel very welcome. We truly enjoy our ryokan stay experience in Sinonomesou and will look for them on return trips to Kinosaki Onsen whenever possible.

In short, we truly enjoyed our stay in Sinonomesou and highly recommended it!

If you’d like to make a reservation at Ryokan Sinonomesou, then you can do so through Booking.com or Agoda.com. There are many ryokans with onsens in Kinosaki Onsen so be sure to go through the listing to find one that best suits you. Alternatively, you can look for other accommodations in Kinosaki Onsen as well.

Related Kinosaki Onsen travel stories:

Traveling to the Kansai Wide and looking for some inspiration? Free feel to continue to check out our travel stories to some other interesting places:

Hongu and Shingu itinerary: A Travel Guide blog

by Emily | posted in: Kansai Wide Japan | 0

Last updated on October 18th, 2024

Visiting the Kumano Sanzen is the top thing to do when you’re in Shingu and Hongu. Read on to find out what to visit, how to get there, where to stay in this quick and easy travel guide blog.

Located on the Kii Peninsula in the prefecture of Wakayama, Shingu can make for a perfect side trip on your trip to Kii Peninsula. The city is famous for Hatayama Taisha and other Shinto shrines of key importance in the Kumano faith.

During our exploration of the Kumano Kodo area, we make a trip to Shingu (新宮) and Hongu (本宮町) for its sacred Kumano Grand Shrine. Together with Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, the Kumano Hongu Taisha at Hongu and Kumano Hayatama Taisha at Shingu are referred to as Kumano Sanzan. They are the head shrines of the Kumano Shrines of which there are about 4,700 throughout the country.

Read our Shingu Travel Guide below to find out all about this sacred destination!

How To Get To Shingu

To get to Shingu, traveling can take the JR train from Shin-Osaka or Nagaya direction to the Kii Peninsula. From either direction, it’s about a three-and-a-half to four-hour journey each way.

From Shin-Osaka, take the Kuroshio Limited Express bound for Shingu to JR Kii-katsuura or Shingu. The journey takes about 3.5 hours. The Japan Rail Pass, JR Kansai Wide Pass, JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass, and JR Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass are valid for this route. Take note that all seats are reserve seat for JR limited express train Kuroshio.

From Nagoya Station, take the Limited Express Nanki to Shingu or Kii-Katsuuura. The journey takes about 4 hours. The Japan Rail Pass and JR Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass are valid for this route. But JR Pass is required to pay with an additional charge of ¥800 for using the Ise Private Railway route. It is always recommended to reserve a seat for JR limited express Wideview Nanki due to limited seats available.

If you are in Nachikatsuura, you can either takes the local train or bus to Shingu. The journey take about 20 minutes train ride from JR Kii-Katsuura station.

Getting Around in Shingu

Shingu is a pretty compact city. It is a great city to walk or bike in to visit the city!

Many hotels offer complimentary or inexpensive bike rentals, but you can also rent a bike at Tourist Information Center located opposite the JR Train Station. We rented the electric bike at Tourist Information Center when visiting the attractions in Shingu.

Where To Stay

There are a few business hotels and guesthouses in Shingu if you are looking for where to stay in Shingu. But we choose to stay in Nachikatsuura as there are a number of good onsen hotels. From there, we take the bus to Shingu to visit the Kumano Grand Shrine.

Here is our recommendation:

High-Range: Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima – This is one of the best hotels in the area if you want a luxurious stay! It is a seaside Ryokan located on a private island in Katsuura Bay.
Mid-Range: Hotel Urashima – A popular onsen resort with beautiful hot springs in Nachi Katsuura. The most famous is the Bokido, a natural hot spring bath in a cave overlooking the ocean. Truly amazing!
Budget: Why Kumano, Hostel & Bar is a convenient hostel accommodation with a bar and café in front of the. It is housed in a narrow three-story building with a tasteful design.

More accommodation options: Where To Stay in Nachikatsuura – Best Hotels Pick.

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

Firstly, head to the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine (熊野速玉大社). This shrine is part of the “Kumano Sanzan” and oldest among the three. It is also the smallest, but also the least crowded.

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine is a beautiful vermilion shrine with magnificent architecture. Offering prayer at the sacred ground of Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine is said to bring fortune in this life.

The ground is spacious and with many lovely features. There is a huge nagi tree that stands on the shrine grounds. It is believed to be 800 years old and locals believe the leaves can help to sustain relationships.

Getting there: About a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Shingu train station.

Kamikura Jinja Shrine

A relatively short walk from Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine is the Kamikura-jinja (神倉神社), a shrine that marks the grand shrine’s former site. It is situated at the top of a cliff and some effort is required to reach it.

To get to the shrine, you have to climb up the 538 stone steps leading up to Kamikura-jinja Shrine. The stairs can be a little treacherous and physically demanding. Make sure you’re wearing good shoes when you hike up and be extra careful.

At the top of these steps is a large, sacred rock called Gotobiki-iwa. Legends have it that this rock is the dwelling place of one of the shrine’s deities. Many people make the journey to worship there. The area is very calm and serene. You will also be rewarded with the best view of Shingu City. Worth the hike!

Shingu Castle Ruins (Tankaku Castle)

While visiting Shingu city, we also have a quick stop at the Shingu Castle ruins. There are nothing exceptional and no structures remaining from the original castle.

The ground is nice to walk around and have a get great views of Shingu City from the top. A great place for a quick stopover.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

Stairs to Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine

Lastly is the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine (熊野本宮大社). This is the most important shrine for Kumano Kodo pilgrims and is located at the center of the Kumano Kodo network of pilgrimage trails. A must-visit if you are in Hongu.

A moderate amount of stairs to climb from the entrance will get you to the main shrine area.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine is classic Shinto design. The shrine itself was elegant and rustic, with a thick thatched roof (with cypress shingles). Symbols of Yatagarasu, (eight-span crow) with three legs are everywhere. The three-legged crow represents the sun in Japanese myth.

The original shrine was built closer to the river (at Oyunahara). It was moved to its current location after the original structure was destroyed in the flood in 1889. If you have the time, walk 15 minutes or so to Oyunohara, the original site of Kumano Hongu Taisha where the Japan’s biggest Torii gate is.

Getting there: Take the local bus from Shingu Station to Hongu. The main bus stop in Hongu is the Hongu Taisha-mae bus stop, in front of the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. This is also near the Hongu tourist information center.

Overall: A Trip to Shingu

All in all, we hope this Shingu City guide helps you on your visit to the sacred Kumano Sanzen! We visited some of the important shrines in Japan and were truly amazed by them. Although Shingu and Hongu is not popular travel destination, this trip was one of the most memorable during our time in Japan. We could really enjoy the experience and feel the authentic vibe of a Japanese sacred place. If you are planning to visit off-the-beaten-path parts of Japan, you should definitely add Shingu to your list!

RELATED READ:

Planning a trip to the Kii Peninsula? Check out our other posts for inspiration:

Osaka Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: Kansai Japan | 0

Last updated on September 24th, 2024

In this Osaka travel guide blog, we compiled lists of things to do in Osaka and some of the best day trips where you can plan for your Osaka itinerary.

Osaka (大阪, Ōsaka) offers a wide range of activities or day trip options that are easy to add to your Osaka itinerary. We’ve visited Osaka many times through the years but there are still many places or attractions awaiting us to discover. Plus, with the strategic location and well-connected public transport system, it is very convenient to use Osaka as a base to explore nearby interesting places like Kyoto, Nara, Kinosaki Onsen, Nagoya, or even Hiroshima.

As Osaka with so much to do, working out how to experience the best of Osaka and get the most out of your trip can be challenging on your own. But don’t worry.

In this comprehensive Osaka travel guide blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your Osaka itinerary. We will share with you what is the best time to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and what to do in Osaka for 1 day, 2 days, 5 days, or even one to two weeks. Let’s start planning your Osaka trip here!

Table of Contents

Best Time To Visit Osaka

To plan your visit to Osaka, you’re going to want to think about the timing of the trip. Although Osaka is a year-long travel destination, choosing the wrong time for your visit and you could face large crowds of tourists, or even worse, typhoons.

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Osaka is during Spring, especially Sakura season or Autumn foliage season. These two seasons are the most popular time to visit Osaka and the city is very beautiful. It is also peak tourism time, so expected more people and it can be crowded.

While August to September is typhoon season and weather can be bad. So it is best to avoid the typhoon season. Besides, we would also recommend avoiding Golden week in the first week of May as this is Japan’s biggest holiday. So expect many local visitors and increasing in room rates during Japan Golden Week.

How Many Days Should I Spend For Osaka

If you are planning your first trip to Osaka, we highly recommend you spend at least 1 or 2 days within the city and spend the rest of the days with day trips from Osaka to other nearby cities. It would be better if you can stay in Osaka for at least 5 days as this will allow you to visit some of the highlights from nearby cities: Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe, Hiroshima, Himeji, Okayama, Kinosaki Onsen, and more.

Depending on how many days for your Osaka itinerary, you can adjust based on your interest. But generally, 7 days is the best duration for a perfect Osaka trip. And I am pretty sure, you will come back and re-visit Osaka for sure!

Traveling To Osaka

By Airplane – The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport (airport code: KIX) with frequent domestic and international flighs. The airport and city is well connected by various of public transport with different option available. If you choose to staying in Osaka, we recommended taking the JR Haruka Airport Express. This line takes you straight from KIX to the city, stopping at major stations Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, Osaka station which is very convenient.

Get Discount JR Haruka Airport Express from Klook here

RELATED: We also documented other transport option here: How To Get To Osaka From Kansai Airport.

By Shinkansen train – For international travelers, most people will be landing at Narita International Airport and arrive in Tokyo. If you’re coming from Tokyo, most likely you will be getting to Osaka via Shinkansen, Japan’s famous ultra-fast bullet train. We would recommend you get the Japan Rail Pass to get the unlimited JR train ride. Buying the Shinkansen ticket separately would already cost almost as much as the JR pass, so it’s worth it. You can reserve your JR Pass here and redeem it when arrive in Japan. It is cheaper and very convenient.

Click here for prices & information on how to order and save with the JR Pass.

Getting Around in Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area, boasting great transportation links of buses, trains, metros, and even Shinkansen. It is very easy to get around in Osaka as everywhere is well-connected. There are several ways for getting around in Osaka.

When getting around in Osaka with the metro, we would recommend you get the Osaka Metro Pass for 1 or 2 Days based on your need for unlimited rides on the subway. It is very useful when you are hopping around Osaka city center without worrying about getting lost or going down the wrong subway station.

Alternatively, get the IC Card – ICOCO Card as it will save you the hassle to buy tickets at every station.This tap-and-go card will pre-load with a certain amount and you can use it for transportation fees and even convenience store purchases.

Where To Stay

When looking for where to stay in Osaka, we highly recommended staying close to the major train station. Staying in the right place can absolutely make your trip easier as it helps you saves a lot of energy and time. Anywhere near Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba, or Shinsaibashi station is a great option.

Below is our editor’s pick when looking for a convenient place to stay in Osaka:

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka is an unbeatable pick. It is directly connected to JR Namba Train Station and OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) located right next to the hotel within a minute’s walk. You can direct the airport shuttle bus to/from Kansai Airport easily.
Cross Hotel Osaka is located about 5 minutes walk from the Namba Station Midosuji Line. This 4-star hotel is always the top pick of travelers due to its fantastic location situated between Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.
Nest Hotel Osaka Umeda is a 3-star hotel situated nearby Umeda Station. It is a decent chain of business hotels in Japan. All rooms are cozy and modern. Very suited and practical for the traveler who looks for a comfortable stay. Reasonable price tag too!

Complete read on the full list of recommendation list: Where To Stay in Osaka: Umeda or Namba.

Osaka Travel Guide Tips: If you’re planning on visiting Osaka during the high season, you should book your accommodation in advance. You will then have a greater selection of hotels and hostels to choose from and also lower prices.

Planning for Osaka itinerary

Osaka is truly a convenient place to plan for the Osaka itinerary for 2 days, 5 days, 7 days, or even 2 weeks. You can easily tailor your itinerary based on your interest in the nearby cities or small towns. Among all the cities, Osaka and Kyoto are definitely the two must-visit places. You should allocate at least 1 or 2 days to visit them. I can easily spend just 5 days just visiting these two cities alone.

If you want to explore some of the other places, we recommended the Nara, Uji, Himeji, Okayama, or even Hiroshima. The traveling journey would take you about 1 to 2 hours depending on the destination chosen. Plus, you can utilize the Japan transport pass to save you on transportation fees. I will share more information on the transport pass on each attraction below.

Do I Need JR Pass for Osaka itinerary?

Japan Rail Pass provides unlimited rides on JR trains and this includes high-speed bullet trains (Shinkansen). It is available for either 7, 14, or 21 days. With this physical ticket, you can make the most of the extensive and reliable network of trains that connects every corner of Japan. However, it doesn’t mean that you always need to get a JR pass whenever visiting Japan. There is the same regional JR Pass that designed for the Kansai region.

For example, if you are already holding the JR pass as you are coming from Tokyo or other places, then you can fully utilize the pass to save some traveling fees. If you are already in Osaka, and only looking for exploring the Kansai region, then regional JR Pass is a better deal compared to JR Pass.

Here is the Regional JR Pass that you can consider for your Osaka itinerary:

JR West Kansai Japan: 1, 2, 3, or 4 days validity within West Kansai area.
JR Kansai Wide Area Pass: 5-Day validity within the Kansai Wide Area.
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass: 5-Day validity within the Kansai Wide Area and Hiroshima.

Pro Tips: Make sure the pass is cover on your destination, else you will need to top up the route if you are taking the train that are not covered by the pass.

Besides, if you only plan to visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, or Kobe, you don’t need to get the JR pass. Instead, you can consider traveling by local train. Local trains might take longer time but it is cheaper and can access to more places. You can also plan your Osaka itinerary and then see which transport pass is best suit your itinerary.

Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass provides an unlimited train ride for the Keihan Railway (Osaka-Kyoto).
Hanshin Tourist Pass provides unlimited access to the Hanshin Electric Railway lines (Osaka-Kobe).
Kansai Thru Pass provides unlimited use of trains, subways, and buses in the Kansai Region.

Things To Do in Osaka itinerary

Planning on visiting Osaka for the first time? Here are my top things to do in Osaka for a beginner’s guide. There are so many exciting things to try out in Osaka and the activities cater to all types of travelers. Here is our recommendation.

Things to do in Osaka itinerary:

Visit Osaka Castle
River Cruise Ride in Osaka
Back to Old Times of Japan
Food Hunting at Dotonbori
Seafood Feast at Kuromon Ichiban market
Shopping at Shinsaibashi
Enjoy Osaka Ariel View
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Side Trip To Kyoto
Day Trip to Nara, or Uji
Day Trip To Kobe
Onsen Trip to Kinosaki Onsen
Trip To Hiroshima and Miyajima

and many more.

Visit Osaka Castle

Must-visit in Osaka itinerary - Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsakajō) is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. It is located in the heart of Osaka and you could easily spend half or a whole day in the area. The main tower of the castle had been burnt and destroyed in the war. It was restored to its original and reconstructed to new glamour with the support of the government and Osaka people. The castle now houses museums and exhibitions for historical of Japan. Travelers can also go onto the viewing platform on the 8th floor for an ariel view of the citadel.

Don’t forget to take a picturesque stroll to the large, beautiful, and spectacular castle park with free entry. Locals come here for morning jogs or to enjoy the sun. The park is a popular place to visit during Hanami (Sakura) or Momijigari (Autumn) season.

Osaka Castle (Osakajo)

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (Last Admission at 16:30)
Admission Fee: ¥600 (Get your Osaka Castle Ticket from Klook)

Pro Tips: The admission to Osaka Castle is free with Osaka Amazing Pass.

River Cruise Ride in Osaka

Taking a river cruise or boat ride is another popular thing to do in Osaka. During the old time, water transportation is very important for locals to transport goods. It now becomes sightseeing option where visitors can see the city’s major attractions along the river by the river cruise or boat ride.

There are plenty of boat rides available in Osaka city. For example Osaka Suijyo Bus (Aqua-Liner), Cruise Ship Santa Maria Day Cruise, Pirates Of Osaka, and more. You can go on a boat ride along the Osaka Castle, Dotonbori River, or even Osaka Harbor.

The best part most of the river cruise is included in the Osaka Amazing Pass and it was truly a great deal. We tried Osaka Wonder Cruise and Tombori River Cruise during our last visit. You may consider getting the pass if you plan to take the river cruise ride.

Back to Old Times of Japan

If you want to experience the old times of Japan, we recommended visiting the Shinsekai (新世界). Literally “New World”, Shinsekai is a district in Osaka that was developed before the war and then neglected in the decades afterwards. It is a old neighbobour that full of full of uniqueness and memorability.

When visiting Shinsekai, you will be amazed by the colorful banners, neon lights, and vintage things. All these make it like old times Japan for good photo opportunities. You can also couple your trip to visit the Tsutenkaku Tower and try the popular Kushikatsu here.

Getting there: 5 minutes walk from Dobutsuen-mae station. Else, Ebisucho Station on the Sakaisuji Subway Line (Exit#3) with 2 minutes walk.

Food Hunting at Dotonbori

Osaka is a paradise for food-lovers and it truly is one of the best places to visit if you enjoy food. There is so much good food to be had in Osaka. In fact, it’s one of a handful of cities we could visit again and again just for the food.

While the Dotonbori (道頓堀) is the busiest place in Osaka and you can find almost everything here. The iconic food street is full of shops, restaurants, and bars with eye-catching billboards and neon lights. Come for food hunting at Dotonbori. You basically can find all of Osaka’s specialties here.

The popular food to eat in Dotonbori includes takoyaki, Kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, ramen, crab dishes, seafood, and many more. Eat till you drop!

Seafood Feast at Kuromon Ichiban Market

Kuromon Ichiba Market (黒門市場) is a traditional covered public marketplace with an extensive selection of food to experience the Japanese market culture. It is the most popular place for food hunting in Osaka and you can have a variety of food in one place.

Here, you can sample as much as possible of Japanese street food in the market. For example, takoyaki, grilled scallop, seafood, sushi, sashimi, and more.

I personally love to patron the seafood stall to taste the fresh Oyster and sea urchin whenever in Kuromon Ichiba market. The fatty tuna also can’t be missed for tuna lovers. Enjoy your stroll and stopped for good food when walking through.

A great location to have a seafood feast or grab a bite with some fresh delightful Japanese specialities.

Getting there: Right outside at the exit of the Nippombashi subway.
Operating hours: Daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (Come early as stalls may closed)
Entrance Fee: Free.

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

If you are traveling to Osaka and want to go shopping, then you will be amazed by the number of shopping areas, arcades, streets, and malls. The city boasted a huge variety of shops from luxury goods to novelty items.

Adjacent to Dotonbori is the Shinsaibashi (心斎橋), Osaka’s best-known shopping area. You’ll find countless shops, from high-end retailers to street vendor shops. Besides, there are also restaurants, cafes, and bars lining both sides of the arcade. Another option for shoppers is the Umeda (梅田) area. This area is home to many malls, shops, restaurants, and cafes so you may want to spend an entire day exploring the area.

Osaka Ariel View

So far, you’ve only seen Osaka City at street level, but a trip over to the Umeda Sky Building or Abeno Harukas will soon fix that. Both provide a birds-eye view of the city and are highly included one of it in the Osaka itinerary.

Umeda Sky Building is located in the city’s business district. This building is uniquely designed and consists of two towers connected by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor. We managed to get to the observatory deck before the late evening. And it was the best time to get a glimpse of Osaka’s majestic sunset. The view was so breathtaking. It was one of the best times for us in Osaka. The entry to Umeda Sky Building cost ¥2,000 and it is free with Osaka Amazing Pass / Osaka e-Pass before 15:00.

Osaka Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory

Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan
Opening Hours: daily from 9:30 to 22:30 (Last Admission at 22:00)
Admission Fee: ¥2,000 (Get your Umeda Sky Building Ticket from Klook)

Pro Tips: The admission to Umeda Sky Building is free with Osaka Amazing Pass / Osaka e-Pass before 15:00.

Enchanted escalators tunnel trip in Umeda Sky Building

Another option is the Abeno Harukas located nearby Tennoji station. The Observation Platform Harukas 300 is on the 60th floor, 300 m above ground, Japan’s highest point. You get a 360-degree view of Osaka City which takes in everything from the city center including Osaka’s famous sites such as Osaka Castle, famed landmark Tsutenkaku, and Shitenno-ji Temple.

You can speed up the process by buying the ticket ahead of time here: HARUKAS 300 Observatory Ticket.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is the most popular attraction in Osaka and it isn’t hard to understand why. This place is mind-blowing and fun no matter what your age. Favorite attractions include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Minions, Transformers, and the new Super Nintendo World aka Super Mario Land!

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) with 1, 1.5 and 2-day Studio Pass

A 1-day pass to Universal Studios is not cheap but you can sometimes get a discount if you purchase advanced tickets through Klook. Plus, purchasing the USJ tickets through Klook will help to get in the park faster and avoid long queues on the day. We also highly recommend getting the Express Pass as it is super helpful and saves queueing time.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Another popular attraction to visit for the Osaka itinerary is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. It is one of the world’s largest aquariums and had plenty of sea creatures from all over the globe. You can enjoy seeing the deeper depths of the ocean and the Arctic.

The biggest aquarium featuring a shark whale is one of the biggest attractions in Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Penguins, stingrays, and any type of marine life can be found here. Additionally, there are food-feeding activities, so please come early.

The admission costs are ¥2,400 for adults and ¥1,200 for kids ages 7-15. You may get discounted e-tickets from Klook and skip the ticket queue, especially during weekends or holidays. Highly recommended and a good place to visit for families with kids.

Getting there: 5 min walk from Osakako Station, Exit 1.
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 to 20:00
Entrance Fee: ¥2,400. Kids ¥1200 for ages 7-15 and ¥600 for ages 4-6.

Side Trip To Kyoto

It is a shame that did not include a side trip to Kyoto on your Osaka itinerary. The historical Kyoto is full of historical charm and Japanese culture. It has boasted many historical shrines and has many natural hidden gems. Kyoto can be easily planned for a few days of the itinerary. It’s about half an hour away from Osaka and can easily be visited on daily trips from Osaka.

Check out our Kyoto travel guide for more information: Kyoto Itinerary – A Travel Guide Blog For First-Timers.

Day Trip To Nara

Nara is another popular trip to take from Osaka due to its proximity – only 30 minutes by local train. During your visit to Nara, take a historical visit to Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, or some other ancient buildings in Nara. Or wandering around at Nara Park with a free-roaming Sika deer encounter. You can purchase some Shika-senbei (Deer rice crackers) to feed them.

Nara is easily doable on your own, but if you prefer to go with a guide and learn a bit more history, I recommend taking the guided tour. Delve into Japan’s ancient imperial past on a history-inspired tour with Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka / Kyoto. One of the popular day tours in Kansai.

Day Trip To Uji

Uji is more like a hidden gem with peaceful charm yet historical importance. It is famous for its traditional green tea and historical shrine. Here you also can find the historical temple, Byodo-in, and a range of historic architecture to explore.

You can check out our Uji travel guide to help you plan your trip. Don’t forget to taste the green tea when visiting there.

Day Trip To Kobe

Kobe is a good option for an easy day trip from Osaka. It is easy to access with public transport and takes only 30 minutes to get there from Osaka by train. The city is filled with a variety of shopping, dining, and sightseeing attractions. The popular attractions include Kitano Ijinkan, Motomachi, Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown), and Kobe Harborland. You can also taste the world-famous Kobe beef during your trip to Kobe!

Onsen Trip to Kinosaki Onsen

Located in northern Hyogo Prefecture, Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) takes about 2.5 hours from Osaka. This picturesque idyllic town is built along a willow-lined river and is famous for its natural hot spring water. It has been running since the Heian era (794-1185) and is rated as one of the most charming hot spring towns in Japan. Many locals and travelers are flocking to Kinosaki Onsen to soak into its nourishing hot spring waters and even spend their nights in the traditional ryokan.

There are 9 direct trains per day and the journey costs ¥5,080 for one way. You can save some money by using the transport pass such as JR Kansai Wide Area Pass.

Trip To Hiroshima and Miyajima

Lastly, Osaka is also can be planned with a day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima by utilized the high-speed bullet train, Shinkansen. Through we recommended spending at least 2 days visiting both attractions. Travelers in more of a rush could also be doing a day trip but have to skip some of the major sights. We recommended getting the Japan Rail Pass or JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass for the Shinkansen ride.

With the grim past, Hiroshima (広島) is full of fantastic sights and historical attractions. The important historical sites like A-Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Peace Memorial Museum are all powerful and confronting. A visit to Hiroshima is truly an emotionally-encompassing experience!

While Miyajima (宮島) is beautiful to walk around. You can visit the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine and its enormous Torii gate. At high tide, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the giant Torii gate appear to float on water. Spend some time wondering around the island, admiring ancient temples, and tasting the mouth-watering oysters and local snacks.

Overall: A Visit To Osaka

Pheww! That’s it for the ultimate Osaka Travel Guide blog to help you plan for your Osaka itinerary. As you can see, there are so many things to do and great places to experience when visiting Osaka.

There are still many places and attractions that I didn’t include in this travel guide. You can easily fill up your Osaka itinerary with days or even weeks. Still, we recommended planning it based on your interest and allowing time for your visit. I am pretty sure you will have an amazing time in Osaka. ENjoy your trip to Osaka!

Related Osaka Travel Stories:

Lastly, here is some useful travel information to help you plan your trip to Osaka. Feel free to take a look!

Blog Full

How To Get to Ise Shima

Money Saving Transport Pass

How Many Days for Ise Shima

Where To Stay

Things To Do for Ise Itinerary

Visit Ise Jingu

Geku (Outer Shrine)

Naiku (Inner Shrine)

Oharai-machi

Taste akafuku mochi

Meoto Iwa

Overall: A Day Trip Ise Shima itinerary

Getting to Sinonomesou

The Room

Wearing Yukata and Wooden Clogs

Kaiseki Ryori Dinner

Japanese Traditional Breakfast

My Final Sinonomesou Review

How To Get To Shingu

Getting Around in Shingu

Where To Stay

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

Kamikura Jinja Shrine

Shingu Castle Ruins (Tankaku Castle)

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

Overall: A Trip to Shingu

Best Time To Visit Osaka

How Many Days Should I Spend For Osaka

Traveling To Osaka

Getting Around in Osaka

Where To Stay

Planning for Osaka itinerary

Do I Need JR Pass for Osaka itinerary?

Things To Do in Osaka itinerary

Visit Osaka Castle

River Cruise Ride in Osaka

Back to Old Times of Japan

Food Hunting at Dotonbori

Seafood Feast at Kuromon Ichiban Market

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Osaka Ariel View

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Side Trip To Kyoto

Day Trip To Nara

Day Trip To Uji

Day Trip To Kobe

Onsen Trip to Kinosaki Onsen

Trip To Hiroshima and Miyajima

Overall: A Visit To Osaka