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Spend a day in Osaka and experience a leisurely road trip in Japan! Below is a list of fantastic Osaka tourist destinations you can visit by car.
As the cultural capital of Japan, Osaka offers a plethora of valuable experiences. First-time visitors to Osaka may not have the chance to explore half of its attractions on their initial trip. However, there's much more to discover beyond Osaka and elsewhere in the Kansai region, especially if you're willing to drive and explore.
Exploring Japan (especially in the Kansai region) by car is both comfortable and allows travelers to enjoy unexpected scenic views along the way. Moreover, you'll have more luggage space and flexible itineraries, making this option perfect for large group travel.
Are you ready to explore? Here's a quick guide to car rental services in Osaka along with beautiful destinations near Osaka that are worth visiting in a day.
Tips for Renting & Driving in Osaka, Japan
Good news is, booking and renting a car in Osaka is incredibly convenient and easy. Travelers simply need to choose the desired car and rental period. You can also select the pickup and drop-off location, whether it's Kansai International Airport or Shin-Osaka Station (and other locations).
Usually, the cars come equipped with GPS already. Just remember to change the settings from Japanese to English. Don't hesitate to ask the staff at the pickup location for assistance if needed!
Moreover, in Japan, driving is on the left side of the road. So, be cautious and ensure safety. Practice driving near or around your area if necessary!
Also, if you have children aged 0 to 5 accompanying you, then by law, your vehicle must be equipped with a child seat.
What are the Requirements for Driving in Osaka, Japan?
Looking to explore Japan by car? You can easily book car rentals in Osaka here on Klook. Foreign travelers will need the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP), or
- Valid national driver's license along with an official Japanese translation (see note below)
- Credit card for payment along with a deposit fee
- Rental confirmation documents
- Driver must be over 18 but under 70 years old and have at least 1 year of driving experience.
Note: Japan only recognizes International Driving Permits based on the 1949 Geneva Road Traffic Convention. Travelers will need an official Japanese translation of the driver's license if they are from any of the following countries: Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland & Taiwan.
Near Osaka Travel Suggestions for Driving by Car
After sorting out car rental in Osaka, remember to allocate a few days in your itinerary to explore beyond the city of Osaka. Here are some places less than three hours' drive away that you shouldn't miss.
1. Universal Studios Japan
Children and those young at heart are sure to have an exciting time at Universal Studios Japan! This sprawling theme park is for everyone as it features the world's first Mario-themed area, a real-life Mario Kart experience. Harry Potter fans can sip on Butterbeer, hop on a hippogriff, and tour Hogwarts Castle at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We also recommend visiting Minion Park and stepping into Gru's laboratory — fair warning, it's chaotic and messy in there!
Pro-tip for #teamKlook: Skip the long queues and head straight to your favorite attractions by upgrading to the Priority Ticket at Universal Studios Japan! You can book a Universal Studios Japan 4-Park Priority Ticket or 7-Park Priority Ticket, depending on the number of rides or attractions you want access to.
2. Osaka Castle
Marvel at one of Japan's most important historical landmarks, the 400-year-old Osaka Castle! Osaka Castle towers 8 stories high overlooking the gleaming cityscape and houses artifacts that mark its long and tumultuous history. Osaka Castle is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, when all the street vendors flock into the grounds, turning it into a popular picnic spot.
3. Nara
Nara should top the list of must-visit places in Kyoto! And luckily, Nara is only about a half-hour drive from Osaka. This city is teeming with historical and cultural treasures, with temples dating back to the 8th century. Some must-visit spots include Todaiji Temple, home to the Daibutsu or Great Buddha statue standing at 15 meters tall, and Kasuga Taisha, Nara's most famous shrine built by the Fujiwara clan. And of course, you can't miss an enchanting encounter! Pet and feed the famously polite and friendly deer at Nara Park!
Pro-tip for #teamKlook: Feeling lucky? Try squeezing through the 'Buddha hole,' rumored to be the same size as the nostril of the Great Buddha. Anyone who passes through the hole on one of the columns at Todai-ji temple will (possibly) achieve enlightenment or simply encounter more luck in life. Give it a try!
4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Ever tried forest bathing? It's a Japanese mindfulness practice where you immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the forest to absorb the healing power of nature amidst the endless Arashiyama bamboo grove.
If you're seeking a secluded spot to commune with nature, Arashiyama is the perfect day trip destination from Osaka! For an even more unforgettable spiritual experience, visit the nearby Zen temples and shrines.
5. Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
You absolutely can't miss a visit to Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine when in the Kansai region. Built in the 8th century, it's one of Japan's most important and famous Shinto shrines. It's one of the many Inari Okami shrines, dedicated to the Shinto deity of rice, agriculture, business, prosperity, and foxes! You'll see many fox statues along the way as they are considered messengers of Inari.
Take a leisurely stroll through the famous vermilion torii gates or Senbon Torii leading into the sacred mountain. Traditionally, merchants may donate torii gates to the shrine to pray for success or show their gratitude, which is why there are now around a thousand gates lining this shrine!
Pro tip for #teamKlook: Respect the rules and show reverence for the shrine! It's customary to bow before passing through the large Torii gate at the entrance.
6. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
This Buddhist temple is one of Kyoto's 17 ancient landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But did you know that the golden temple you see today is actually a reconstruction with gold leaf covering it? The original temple was built in early 1397 and stood until 1950 when it was mysteriously burned down by a monk. Indeed, pure gold leaf enveloped the entire structure, believed to ward off and purify evil spirits.
Pro tip for #teamKlook: Visit Kinkaku-ji before 9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid crowds. Visit on a sunny day to see the pavilion at its most radiant, reflecting gloriously in the water!
7. Tottori Sand Dunes
Did you know that Japan has its own desert? Head to the largest sand dunes in Japan, stretching about 14 km along the coast. A true masterpiece of nature, Tottori Sand Dunes were formed when rocks from Mount Chugoku were carried by the Sendai River into the sea. Time, wind, and sea then sculpted the sandy landscape you see today. And yes, they even offer camel rides here!
Pro tip for #teamKlook: Visit Tottori Sand Dunes at sunrise or sunset, when the contrast between sunlight and shadows is most striking, to capture the most beautiful images of the sand dunes and rippling waves!
8. Rokko Snow Park
Traveling to Japan in winter? Spend a day away from Osaka at Rokko Snow Park near the neighboring city of Kobe to enjoy an exciting snow tubing experience (great for families). Then, to relax your muscles after tubing, soak in Arima Hot Springs, one of Japan's largest hot spring resorts with over a thousand years of history.
This place is best known for its golden and silver hot springs, named after the natural colors of the rich minerals found in the water. Once fully relaxed, enjoy a brief shopping excursion in the nearby city of Kobe. You're sure to find something to commemorate a memorable day of sightseeing!
9. Solinawa Hot Spring Experience
Treat yourself to some much-needed self-care the Japanese way. Head to Solinawa Hot Spring to unwind after a long day of exploration, hiking, and driving. It's the perfect pitstop after a busy day, as it's open until 11:00 PM. Soak and relax in the warm natural spring water. Don a traditional yukata and admire or stroll through Solinawa's beautiful gardens to fully experience the tranquility.
