Reader’s Question: I would like recommendations for travel destinations from Osaka. I will be traveling for one night and two days, on Friday and Saturday. I do not have a car, so please suggest places accessible by train or overnight
bus. I am not considering using the Shinkansen or airplanes. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Please exclude options related to alcohol or sports.
Weekend Getaway from Osaka: Exploring the Hidden Gems
Hey there, fellow wanderers! So, you’ve found yourself in Osaka, the vibrant heart of Japan, and have a couple of days to spare. Seriously, how exciting is that? I remember when I was in the same boat—just a couple of nights and a burning desire to explore beyond the city limits. And trust me, there’s so much to discover! Today, I’m here to take you on a journey to some amazing destinations that are totally accessible by train or overnight bus. Buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride!
Day 1: Kyoto – The Timeless Beauty
After a quick breakfast at one of Osaka’s famous bakeries—try the melon bread if you can—I hopped on the train to Kyoto. Just a little over 30 minutes away, this city is like stepping into a time machine. You can practically smell the history in the air!
The first stop was Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. Have you ever seen a building that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale? The way the sunlight dances off the golden surface is mesmerizing. I spent a good hour just wandering around the gardens, snapping pictures, and soaking in the tranquility. Pro tip: go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Next, I decided to take a leisurely stroll through the Arashiyama area. When I got to the Bamboo Grove, I felt like I was in a scene from a Studio Ghibli film. The sound of the bamboo swaying in the wind is something I can still hear in my mind. And if you love photography, this place is a goldmine! Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself taking a hundred pictures; I did!
Lunch and Culture
After all that walking, I was starving! Luckily, there are so many cute little eateries around. I found a tiny spot that served yudofu (tofu hot pot). Oh my goodness, it was the perfect comfort food! The flavors were so subtle yet rich, and the cozy atmosphere felt like home. I sat on tatami mats, sipping green tea, and thought to myself, “This is living!”
Post lunch, I made my way to Fushimi Inari-taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. I won’t lie; climbing up those steps felt like a mini cardio workout, but every corner turned revealed stunning views of Kyoto. The gates create this magical path, and I felt like I was walking through a portal to another world. Each gate has a name of the donor, and it’s fascinating to read those names as you go.
Evening in Kyoto
As evening approached, I decided to explore Gion, the geisha district. There’s something enchanting about this place, especially at twilight. The wooden machiya houses lined up against the lantern-lit streets felt like a scene from a movie. I even spotted a geiko (geisha) gracefully moving to her next appointment, and I felt like I was witnessing a living piece of art.
Dinner was at a kaiseki restaurant, which is the epitome of Japanese haute cuisine. Now, I know it sounds fancy and intimidating, but it’s actually a delightful experience. Each dish is meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. Spoiler alert: you might not leave hungry! I indulged in seasonal ingredients and felt like royalty.
After a long day of exploring, I tucked myself into a cozy inn and fell asleep dreaming of bamboo groves and golden pavilions. But the journey was only just beginning!
Day 2: Nara – A Day with the Deer
Waking up in Kyoto was refreshing, and I was excited to head to Nara, which is just about an hour away. The train ride was smooth, and I found myself daydreaming about the deer I would soon meet. Yes, you heard that right—Nara is famous for its friendly deer that roam freely!
Upon arriving, I headed straight to Nara Park. The sight of the deer greeting visitors is just adorable! These gentle creatures are quite accustomed to people and will approach you for snacks—just be sure to grab some shika senbei (deer crackers) beforehand. I was a little skeptical at first, but after feeding them, I was smitten! They nibbled on the crackers with such dainty little bites. Who knew deer could be so charming?
A Glimpse of History
While Nara is famous for its adorable deer, it’s also a treasure trove of historical sites. I made my way to Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant bronze Buddha statue. I’ll tell you, the sheer scale of the statue took my breath away. Standing in the Great Buddha Hall, I was filled with a sense of peace and amazement at the craftsmanship of ancient Japan.
After soaking up the spiritual atmosphere, I wandered through Naramachi, an old merchant district. The narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses felt like a scene from the past. There are cute shops and cafes everywhere. I couldn’t resist stopping for some matcha ice cream—because who can say no to ice cream, right? It was the perfect refreshing treat after all that walking!
Wrap It Up in Nara
As the sun began to set, I took a leisurely stroll back through Nara Park, watching the deer get cozy for the night. It’s these small moments that make travel so special, don’t you think? The peace and tranquillity of nature, and all while being surrounded by such rich history—what more could a traveler ask for?
By the time I headed back to Osaka, my heart was full. I had experienced so much in just two days! Kyoto with its timeless beauty and Nara with its gentle deer made for a perfect getaway. If you ever find yourself in Osaka with a couple of days to spare, you absolutely have to make this trip. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
So, what’s next on your travel list? I can’t wait to hear where you’ll wander off to next!
