I’m going to be in Japan in November and need to find two last day trips for my last 2 days. I’ll be starting at a hotel in osaka.
Current ideas are:
– Day trip to kobe herb Gardens and amira onsen (could stay overnight). Wondering if the garden is worth it compared to other options that might be more interesting
– day trip to kumara and kifune, would include hike and onsen
– day trip to mt koya
-day trip to ohara
– guided tour of kyoto, fushima inari and arishima railway type things.
I’m kinda snubbing osaka itself, because of covid concerns I’d rather focus on sightseeing outdoors than city eating.
What would you pick?
By this part of the trip I will have seen plenty of shrines, so I’m trying to fill in the last two days with something that will stand out as a real highlight.
Also note: I’m limited during the day because I have to pick a guided tour but then can move freely at night.
2 comments
1. Shin-Kobe Ropeway is actually a good day trip. In November, if you will actually use the hiking path from Shin-Kobe station via Nunobiki Waterfall – it has some gorgeous autumn foliage. The garden cafe/teahouse serves produce from the garden itself and has a good reputation. If you are combining this area with Arima Onsen, then perhaps overnight stay might most sense.
2. Kurama Onsen is AWOL (Covid related). Kurama to Kibune trail is always worth visiting, although I wonder if in November – a day trip to Mt. Hiei would not be more rewarding.
3. Koya-san is probably better done as an overnight stay in November.
Other areas suitable for a day trip:
* Amanohashidate
* Minoo Park
* hiking Shigiikoma Skyline
* visiting Imperial kofuns and Daisen Park in Sakai
There are three round trip buses a day from Kibune to Ohara.
Using this, you can visit Ohara, Kibune and Kurama in a day.