Hi everyone, will be heading into Osaka in early June later this year and would love some help in planning a day hike/trip near Osaka. Going as a group and a few of them are going into USJ but some of us are not as interested so we would like to find a nice hike near Osaka that we would be able to travel out to but also be back on the same day. It is my first time going to Osaka (and actually Japan) so not too acquainted with much.
I am looking at Kumano Kodo and the hikes in that area however it is going to take us 5-6 hours to get there via train+bus and I am worried we would not be able to finish the hike and board the last public transport out and back to Osaka since I have heard public transport in those areas end around 5-6pm. Has anyone done a similar hiking day trip from Osaka to Kumano Kodo like this? I would like to know how it was like! Also if a car would make this much more doable we would not mind renting (but there are also worries of the drive and road conditions).
Alternatively, are there other hikes near or around Osaka that is a must go in general (or especially so during June)?
by ju_bye