7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Osaka

Osaka, is a bustling city known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and hearty street food. But even the most dedicated urbanite needs a break from the city's fast pace. Digital nomads living in Osaka have the unique advantage of being able to explore a variety of destinations on the weekends, ranging from popular tourist spots to hidden gems off the beaten path. Here are seven fun weekend getaways that offer a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to recharge before another productive week.

Kyoto

Just a short train ride away from Osaka, Kyoto is the epitome of traditional Japan. With its well-preserved temples, sublime gardens, and geisha districts, Kyoto offers a tranquil escape from the modernity of Osaka. Visitors can explore the historic streets of Gion, marvel at the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple, or enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The city is also famous for its tea ceremonies and kaiseki dining, providing a cultural feast for the senses.

How to Get There: The quickest way to reach Kyoto from Osaka is by taking the JR Special Rapid Service or the shinkansen (bullet train), which can take as little as 15 minutes to arrive.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a mesmerizing path up the mountain.

Where to Stay: Consider staying at a traditional ryokan, such as Ryokan Motonago, to experience authentic Japanese hospitality. For a more luxurious stay, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto offers exquisite accommodations and a stunning view of the city's temples.

Where to Eat: For a unique dining experience, try Nakamura Tokichi Honten, where you can enjoy matcha-based dishes and desserts in a historic tea house setting.

Nara

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a city that brims with historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples. Nara Park is famous for its free-roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods in Shinto religion. Visitors can feed the deer with special crackers and explore the massive Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant Buddha statue. The city's quaint backstreets and traditional shops offer a peaceful retreat from the modern world.

How to Get There: Nara is easily accessible from Osaka via the JR Yamatoji Line or the Kintetsu Nara Line, with the journey taking around 30 to 45 minutes.

Travel Tip: Visit the Nara National Museum for a deeper understanding of the city's rich Buddhist art and history.

Where to Stay: The Nara Hotel offers classic elegance and views of the surrounding hills, while the Onyado Nono Nara provides a modern onsen experience in the heart of the city.

Where to Eat: For a taste of local cuisine, try Kameya, which serves up Nara's famous persimmon leaf sushi and other regional specialties.

Kobe

Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city with a reputation for its signature marbled beef, but there's much more to explore. The city's diverse attractions include the scenic Kobe Harborland, the lush Nunobiki Herb Garden, and the mesmerizing night view from Mount Rokko. Kobe's cultural blend of Japanese and foreign influences is evident in its architecture, such as the historic Kitano-cho district with its European-style houses.

How to Get There: Kobe is just a 25-minute train ride from Osaka using the JR Kobe Line Rapid Service.

Travel Tip: Take the Shin-Kobe Ropeway up to the Nunobiki Herb Garden and enjoy the panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka Bay.

Where to Stay: The ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is directly connected to the Shin-Kobe bullet train station and offers easy access to the ropeway. For a seaside experience, Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland provides luxury with ocean views.

Where to Eat: Steakland Kobe offers an affordable way to try the world-famous Kobe beef in a teppanyaki-style setting.

Koyasan

For a truly unique experience, Koyasan (Mount Koya) is a sacred mountain and the center of Shingon Buddhism. This serene retreat is home to over 100 temples and the otherworldly Okunoin Cemetery, the largest in Japan. Staying overnight at a temple lodging, or shukubo, allows visitors to participate in morning prayers and taste shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.

How to Get There: The journey to Koyasan involves a combination of train and cable car, typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours from Osaka.

Travel Tip: Participate in the early morning meditation sessions offered by some temples for a spiritual start to your day.

Where to Stay: Ekoin Temple offers a traditional shukubo experience with modern comforts, while Koyasan Onsen Fukuchiin provides hot spring baths along with temple lodging.

Where to Eat: Bon On Shya offers a chance to enjoy shojin ryori in a traditional setting, with dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients.

Awaji Island

Awaji Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea, is a scenic destination known for its natural beauty and culinary delights. The island's attractions include the Awaji Yumebutai, a complex of gardens and amphitheaters, and the Naruto Whirlpools at the Onaruto Bridge. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood, particularly Awaji's famous onions, and relax at the many hot springs and beaches.

How to Get There: Reach Awaji Island by bus from Osaka, which takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the departure point.

Travel Tip: Visit the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge, which connects the island to the main island of Honshu.

Where to Stay: The Grand Nikko Awaji offers luxurious accommodations with ocean views and extensive spa facilities. For a more traditional stay, Yumesenkei Besso Amahara features private open-air baths in each room.

Where to Eat: Uzushio Restaurant serves local Awaji beef and seafood with a view of the Naruto Whirlpools.

Shigaraki Pottery Village

Shigaraki is one of Japan's six ancient kilns and a pottery village with a history that spans over 1,200 years. Digital nomads with a penchant for arts and crafts will find Shigaraki a refreshing and inspiring getaway. Visitors can tour the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, participate in pottery workshops, and explore the local galleries. The village is also home to the endearing tanuki (raccoon dog) statues, considered a symbol of good fortune.

How to Get There: The trip to Shigaraki from Osaka involves a train ride to Kusatsu (via the JR Biwako Line) and then a transfer to the Shigaraki Kogen Railway, totaling about 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Try your hand at pottery-making in one of the many workshops available and take home a unique souvenir crafted by you.

Where to Stay: For a local experience, stay at a guesthouse like Guesthouse Shigaraki or a traditional inn in the area.

Where to Eat: Shigaraki has several local cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy regional cuisine, such as Sobadokoro Gen, known for its delicious handmade soba noodles.

Minoo Park

Minoo Park is a nature reserve on the outskirts of Osaka, famous for its waterfall, autumn colors, and natural trails. It's an ideal spot for digital nomads looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. The park offers hiking trails that lead to the Minoo Waterfall, a hot spring, and a museum dedicated to insects. During autumn, the park becomes a canvas of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, making it a photographer's paradise.

How to Get There: Minoo Park is accessible via the Hankyu Minoo Line from Umeda Station in Osaka, and the journey takes about 25 minutes.

Travel Tip: Visit the Minoo Park Insect Pavilion to learn about the diverse insect life in the area, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot spring after your hike.

Where to Stay: There are several ryokans and guesthouses in the area, such as the Minoo Kanko Hotel, which offers both Western and Japanese-style rooms.

Where to Eat: Try the local specialty, Minoo Beer, at the Minoo Beer Warehouse, where you can pair craft beers with delicious food in a cozy atmosphere.