Osaka Travel Guide

Osaka's location in central Japan makes it an excellent point of origin for day trips or over-night excursions. Owing to fate and history, Osaka also happens to be very close to some of the country's most important cities and tourist destinations, foremost among these being Kyoto.

Tour One: Nara and Kobe

Due east of Osaka, equally as close as Kyoto, is the prefecture and city of Nara, whose historical and cultural significance equals that of Kyoto. Nara makes for an especially pleasant day trip and is certainly more relaxing than Kyoto. Note, however, that Nara does not lie on the bullet train route, so transportation is less convenient, though only slightly so.

Traveling west from Osaka you will reach Kobe in a matter of minutes by bullet train, and in less than half an hour by regular express train. This port city, once completely devastated by the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, has risen from the rubble to become one of Japan's best, with many shops and restaurants to keep visitors happy. Only slightly further down the bullet-train route is Himeji. Tourists really have only one reason to stop here—Himeji Castle. This is unquestionably Japan's most awesome and famous castle and is recognized by the United Nations as a World Cultural Treasure.

Tour Two: Rokkozan and Kongosan

Locals are very familiar with two vantage points that provide perhaps the most impressive panoramas in all of Japan. These are Rokkozan and Kongosan, whose elevations are both around 3,000 feet. Both provide stunning views of the entire Kansai plain. At night, the lights from Osaka blend into the surrounding cities and stretch to the horizon, shimmering like a mirage, giving the impression that the earth is trembling. It is a breathtaking and unforgettable experience.

South of Osaka, in Wakayama Prefecture, is a delightful theme-villa called Wakayama Marina City. The buildings that make up this tourist town feature Portuguese architecture, giving the occasional feeling that you are not really in Japan. There are rides, shows, shops, restaurants and many other diversions.

Tour Three: Awaji Island

Several miles across the bay from Osaka lies Awaji Island, which is part of neighboring Hyogo Prefecture. Access to the island is made possible by boats from Osaka Port and more conveniently, by a bridge from Akashi-shi, a city just west of Kobe. This island is connected via another bridge to the south to Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four major islands. It is host to a number of attractions, foremost among them perhaps is the theme park Awaji World Park Onokoro. There are also a number of beautiful parks and gardens, including Awaji Hanasajiki with its nearly 2.5 million seasonal flowers, and the Awaji Farm Park England no Oka, which is particularly popular among children.

Tour Four: North of Akashi-shi

Just north of Akashi-shi are two destinations frequented by local families and couples. These are Miki Horseland Park and Mitoro Fruits Park, whose names may be only peripherally apt. The former, while it does offer horse-drawn carriages and horse riding opportunities, also has wide stretches of natural scenery, campgrounds and other relaxing, recreational attractions. The latter is a sprawling agricultural park with numerous fun activities for children. Further to the north, deep into Hyogo Prefecture, lies another pleasant park called Kitaharima Yokamura. Its most popular attraction is an extensive obstacle course, though many guests come for the quiet gardens and cabins, which offer a night's lodging away from the noise of the city.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 114