Take a day trip from Osaka and experience leisurely travel through Japan by road!
The country’s cultural and historical capital, there’s tons of things to do in Osaka. First-timers could spend their entire trip in Osaka without having done half of what it has to offer — that’s how fun it is here. But there’s so much more to discover outside of Osaka and in the rest of the Kansai region, especially if you’re willing to drive around to find them.
Hear us out! Traveling through Japan (especially in the Kansai region) by car offers a more leisurely way to travel while seeing unexpected sights on the road. And as an added bonus, you get to have more luggage space and a flexible itinerary as well, perfect if you’re traveling with a big group.
Ready for a road trip like no other? Here’s a quick guide to car rentals in Osaka plus nearby picture-perfect places to go to on a day trip!
What do you need to book a car and drive in Osaka and Japan?
Good news, it’s so convenient and easy to pre-book and rent a car in Osaka. Just select your car of choice and desired duration. You can also choose where to pick up and drop off the rental car, whether that’s Kansai International Airport or Shin Osaka Station (among others).
Normally, your vehicle already comes with its own built-in GPS. Just make sure to change the settings from Japanese to English. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff where you get your car for help!
By the way, Japan drives on the left side of the road. Stay safe and cautious. Practice driving near or around your accommodation, if you have to!
Also, if you’re traveling with children aged 0 to 5, by law your vehicle has to be equipped with a child seat.
What requirements should I prepare to drive in Osaka?
Looking to drive around Japan? You can book an Osaka car rental hassle-free here on Klook! Overseas travelers will need the following documents!
- A valid passport
- A valid driver's License from your origin country anda valid International Driving Permit (IDP), or
- A valid driver's License from your origin country and its official Japanese translation (see below note)
- A credit card for payment plus a deposit fee
- A printed voucher for your car rental
Drivers must be aged 18+ but below age 70 with at least 1 year of driving experience.
Note: Japan only recognizes the International Driver’s Permit format based on the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. You’ll need an official Japanese translation of your driver’s license if your origin country is one of the following: Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland, & Taiwan.
Take a day trip (or two, or three) out of Osaka, Japan
Once you’ve got your car rental in Osaka sorted, make sure to free up a couple of days in your itinerary to explore beyond Osaka city! Here are some places you can’t miss that are less than a three-hour drive away!
1. Universal Studios Japan
Kids and kids-at-heart are sure to have a magical time at Universal Studios Japan! Home to the world’s first Mario-themed attraction, a real-life Mario Kart experience, this massive theme park has something for everyone. Potterheads can sip on a Butterbeer, hop on the back of a hippogriff, and tour the Hogwarts Castle at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We also recommend a visit to the Minion Park and enter Gru’s lab — warning, it’s all chaos and mayhem in there!
Klook Tip: Skip ahead of long queues and go straight into your fave attractions by upgrading your ticket to a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass! You can book a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass 4 or Express 7, depending on how many rides or attractions you want near-instant access to!
2. Osaka Castle
Photo Credit: Ken Cheung on Unsplash
Marvel at one of Japan’s most important historic monuments, the 400-year-old Osaka Castle! Standing 8 stories tall, the Osaka Castle boasts a gorgeous view of the city as well as artifacts that tell the city’s long and turbulent history.
Osaka Castle is especially picture perfect during sakura season, when the castle grounds open to all kinds of food vendors, becoming a popular picnic spot.
3. Nara
Photo Credit: Nagara Oyodo on Unsplash
Visiting Nara should be at the top of your list of things to do in Kyoto! And the good thing is, driving from Osaka to Nara takes just about half an hour! The city is full of historic and cultural treasures, with temples dating all the way back to the 8th century. Some must-see sites include the Todaiji Temple, which houses the Daibutsu or 15-meter tall Buddha and the Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine built by the Fujiwara clan.
And of course, you can’t miss a meet-cute! Pet and feed the famously friendly, hungry, and polite deer at Nara Park!
Klook Tip: Need some good luck? Try fitting through the Buddha hole, which is said to be the same size as the Buddha’s nose. Anyone who fits through the hole in one of the Todai-ji temple’s pillars will (probably) reach enlightenment. Or receive good luck!
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Photo Credit: Gio Almonte on Unsplash
Ever tried forest bathing before? It’s a Japanese mindfulness practice where you immerse yourself in the calm and quiet forest atmosphere as you let your body soak up the healing power of nature in the seemingly endless bamboo grove of Arashiyama.
If you’re looking for a retreat into nature, Arashiyama is the perfect day trip from Osaka! For an even more unforgettable spiritual experience, pay a visit to the nearby Zen temples and shrines.
5. Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Photo Credit: Susann Schuster on Unsplash
You absolutely can’t miss a trip to the Fushimi Inari-Taisha (shrine) if you’re in the Kansai area! Built in the 8th century, it’s one of the most important and iconic Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine is one of many devoted to the Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, business, prosperity, and foxes! You’ll notice along the way many fox statues since they’re said to be Inari’s messengers.
Walk through the trail of the popular red torii gates or the Senbon Torii which leads into the sacred mountain. The custom was that merchants could donate torii gates to the shrine to make a wish for success or to show their gratitude, which is why there are now roughly a thousand gates along the shrine!
Klook Tip: Observe proper etiquette and pay respects to the shrine! It’s customary to bow before passing through the large torii gate at the entrance.
6. Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion)
This Buddhist temple is listed as one of the 17 historic monuments of ancient Kyoto and is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, did you know that the golden temple that stands today is a gilded reconstruction? The original structure was built as early as 1397 and stood until 1950 when, suddenly, a monk burnt it down!
And yes, that’s pure gold leaf that covers the pavilion! It’s said to ward off and purify any incoming negative energy.
Klook Tip: Skip the crowds and visit Kinkaku-ji before 9:00 or after 16:00. Go on a sunny day so you can see the golden temple at its most lustrous, with its opulent reflection in the water!
7. Tottori Sand Dunes
Who knew you could find a desert in Japan?! Head to the biggest sand dune in Japan, which spans about 14 km along the coast of the Sea of Japan! A true marvel of nature, the Tottori Sand Dunes formed when rocks from the Chugoku Mountain washed into the sea by the Sendai river. Time, wind, and sea then shaped the sandy scenery you see today. And yes, they have camel rides there, too!
Klook Tip: Come by sunrise or sunset, when the contrast of sunlight and shadow is highest, so you can capture the best view of the dunes and sand ripples!
8. Rokko Mountain
Visiting Japan in the winter? Take a day trip from Osaka to the nearby Rokko Mountain Snow Park within the vicinity of Kobe City for an exciting (family-friendly!) skiing experience. Then, to relieve those muscles after skiing, enjoy a dip in the Arima Onsen, which is one of Japan’s major hot springs with over a thousand years of history! It’s most famous for its gold and silver hot springs, named after the natural color that comes from the rich minerals in the water.
Once you’re thoroughly relaxed, indulge in a little retail therapy in the nearby Kobe City outlets. You’re sure to find something to commemorate a memorable day!
9. Solinawa Onsen Experience
Treat yourself to a much-needed self-care day the Japanese way! Head to the Solinawa Onsen for a relaxing experience after a whole day of touring, walking, and driving. It’s the perfect stop at the end of an eventful day, as it’s open until 23:00. And since you’re driving there, don’t worry about lugging around your stuff from your tour – just stash it in your car!
Bathe and destress in the warm natural spring waters. Complete the experience by putting on a traditional yukata while gazing at or walking along Solinawa’s lush gardens.
Enjoy the Kansai region and drive safely!
With Japan finally fully opened to (fully vaccinated) travelers, don’t you think it’s time to plan and book your next life-changing road trip? Hop on your next adventure and book with Klook! Safe travels, or as the Japanese say, ki o tsukete!
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