Day Trips Within 3 Hours of The DECK
Working and living in Osaka opens up a world of experiences. The Kansai area holds a vast amount of culture, recreational activities, food, and once in a lifetime experiences.
The city of Nara is known for many things but its most popular attraction is the Sika deer. Walking around the city you may spot a few but the majority are found in or around Nara Park. These deer are completely unafraid of people, this is because in the park you have the opportunity to feed them right from your hand. Booths selling cookies line the paths, as do the deer waiting for you to make your purchase. Be prepared for a herd of hungry deer to follow you around, looking for a quick snack. Besides the unique experience of feeding deer, Nara holds extraordinary shrines and temples all within walking distance of one another.
While the name may say 48 waterfalls, this hike takes you past 23 natural and unique waterfalls. The five most well known waterfalls along Akame 48 Waterfalls hike are Fudo, Biwa, Senju, Nunobiki, and Ninai. At a comfortable pace it takes around 3 to 4 hours of walking to see the entire trail. This excursion is located in the Muro-Akame-Aoyama Quasi-National Park where there are plenty of additional outdoor activities and hikes to explore.
Photo of Senju Waterfall
Outside of the Shin-Kobe station, up a gondola or a steep hike, the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens looks over the city. With cafes, observation decks, greenery, and a spice museum, the gardens are a beautiful place to spend your day. Following the path from the top of the gardens down, you will be taken on a tour of herbs, flowers, and vegetation you may never have heard of before. Breath in the fresh air and enjoy the view on one of the many benches or hammocks placed around the gardens. If you decide to walk down the mountain, you can pass by a series of stunning waterfalls, all leading back to Shin-Kobe station.
Not far from Osaka is the Minoh Waterfall. It is about a 45 minute hike to see this 33 meter waterfall. Round trip, the hike is about an hour and a half, maybe longer if you decide to stop at the various shops and temples located along the way. Ryuanji Temple, a place of worship for the Shugendo mountain religious sect, is around the halfway point of the Minoh waterfall hike. The Minoh Park has an Insectarium with permanent and special exhibits as well as a live butterfly garden. Walk through a room of butterflies on your way to a beautiful waterfall, all within 2.5 kilometers of each other.
Home to traditional architecture, temples and shrines, and bamboo forests, Kyoto is rich in Japanese culture. To cover everything in Kyoto it would take days but luckily Kyoto is just 30 minutes to an hour away from Osaka. The city is popular and lively with people visiting Kyoto’s sake district, fresh food markets, and traditional restaurants. Spend the day sightseeing and a delicious dinner before the last trains leave around 23:30.
Within the mountains of Shigaraki, stands the Miho Museum, 80 percent of which is underground in order to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Designed by I.M. Pei, the same architect of the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris, France, the Miho Museum holds artwork from all over Asia as well as Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and American pieces. If you are interested in architecture and artwork, the Miho Museum might be a perfect trip for you.
Photo by Mobnoboka: Copyright License
In 1970, Osaka held the Japan World Exposition (Osaka Expo 70’) with over 60 million participants, holding the highest record of attendance until the Shanghai World Expo in 2010. The Expo 70’ Commemorative Park houses the Tower of the Sun, a 70 meter structure noticeable from all around the area, including the station adjacent to the park. With large open fields for playing and resting, you will see families setting up tents and blankets to spend a comfortable day lounging on the grass. As you explore, you will stumble upon multiple museums, a rose garden, and an impressive Japanese garden. There is a ropes course, ponds, creeks, and a walking routes for the enjoyment of those of all ages.
Osaka Castle is a compound of buildings and gardens surrounded by a moat in the center of the city. Visiting the castle could be a perfect day to see museums in the area. After walking around the grounds, viewing Hokoku Shrine, and seeing the view from the top deck of the castle, you are just a quick walk away from Osaka Museum of History, Fajita Museum and Mint Museum. Learn about Japanese culture, art, and technology throughout your day at different historical sites and educational exhibits.
Here at The DECK we look forward to hearing about users travel experiences! If you are looking for additional outings, the staff at The DECK is happy to offer suggestions. The DECK community is filled with Osaka locals and digital nomads who can share valuable recommendations as well!
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