Osaka—a city famous for its mouthwatering food, electrifying energy, and… trains? Absolutely! While Osaka itself is a vibrant metropolis, one of the best ways to escape for a day is by hopping on a train. But not just any train—these are some of the most scenic, luxurious, and unforgettable railway journeys you can experience. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a unique way to explore Japan, these routes offer breathtaking views, nostalgic charm, and even a touch of luxury.
So, grab your ticket and a delicious ekiben (train bento), because here are seven incredible train trips that will take you beyond Osaka into the heart of Japan’s stunning landscapes!
In this article we are going to experience 7 of the best and most scenic train trips from Osaka for a day trip.
Aoniyoshi: A Luxurious Ride to Kyoto and Nara 🚆💜
First up, let’s talk about the Aoniyoshi—a train that’s as elegant as it is nostalgic. This isn’t just transportation; it’s a moving work of art. Draped in a deep royal purple, the Aoniyoshi exudes a sense of classic luxury, reminiscent of Japan’s aristocratic past. Step inside, and you’re greeted with beautiful wooden interiors, wide, plush seats, and tables with intricate woodwork. Even the lighting has a warm, golden glow, making you feel like a noble from the Heian period—except now, you have Wi-Fi and don’t need to write poetry to impress people.
Where Does the Aoniyoshi Take You?
The Aoniyoshi connects Osaka Namba Station with two of Japan’s most historically rich destinations:
- Kyoto – A city of breathtaking temples, traditional streets, and the finest matcha experiences.
- Nara – Home to friendly (and sometimes mischievous) deer, as well as stunning ancient temples.
Aoniyoshi Train Details
- Operator: Kintetsu Railway
- Main Route: Osaka Namba → Nara → Kyoto
- Duration: 1 hour 16 minutes (Osaka to Nara)
- Price:
- Adult: 2,140 yen
- Child: 1,080 yen
- Twin Seat (Solo Use): 2,650 yen
- Schedule: 8 trains per day
- First train: Osaka → Kyoto
- Trains 2 to 7: Kyoto ↔ Nara
- Last train: Kyoto → Osaka
Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful temple visit, a stroll through Kyoto’s historic streets, or an encounter with Nara’s famous deer, the Aoniyoshi is a stylish and relaxing way to get there.
Blue Symphony: A Luxurious Ride to Yoshino 🎶🚆
Every great journey deserves a theme song, and the Blue Symphony is here to deliver! This deep-blue luxury train, accented with golden detailing, looks like something straight out of a high-end travel magazine. But it’s not just about looks—step inside, and you’ll be transported to what feels like a jazz lounge on rails.
With wood-paneled decor, plush seats, and an onboard bar, the Blue Symphony is the perfect blend of class and comfort. Whether you’re sipping a drink while gazing out at the passing countryside or simply enjoying the sophisticated atmosphere, this train makes every moment of the trip special.
Destination: Yoshino – The Heart of Cherry Blossom Country 🌸
The Blue Symphony takes you deep into the mountains to Yoshino, one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots. In spring, the entire landscape transforms into a sea of pink, drawing visitors from all over the country. But even outside sakura season, Yoshino’s lush forests, scenic trails, and peaceful atmosphere make it a fantastic escape from the city.
Departing from Osaka Abenobashi
The journey begins at Osaka Abenobashi Station, conveniently located right below the Harukas Skyscraper—the tallest building in Japan. If you have time, consider pairing your trip with a visit to the observation deck for breathtaking city views before hopping on the train.
Blue Symphony Train Details
- Operator: Kintetsu Railway
- Main Route: Osaka Abenobashi → Yoshino
- Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Price:
- Total (Adult): 1,900 yen
- Breakdown: Base fare (1,170 yen) + Limited Express fare (520 yen) + Special car fare (210 yen)
- Schedule: 4 trains per day (2 in each direction)
For a train this elegant, relaxing, and unique, the price is surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms or just want a stylish getaway into nature, the Blue Symphony is an unforgettable way to travel.
Kuroshio: A Scenic Ocean Journey to Kii-Katsuura 🌊🚆
If you’re craving an ocean adventure, then the Kuroshio Limited Express “Ocean Arrow” is the perfect train for you! This sleek and modern express train connects Osaka with the breathtaking Kii Peninsula, home to some of Japan’s most stunning coastal landscapes.
Operated by JR West, the Kuroshio takes you on a scenic ride along the Pacific coast, offering breathtaking views of Wakayama’s beaches, rugged cliffs, and deep blue waters. Whether you’re heading for hot springs, white sandy beaches, or a peaceful escape into nature, this train makes the journey just as exciting as the destination.
Destination: Kii-Katsuura – A Tuna Lover’s Paradise 🐟✨
The Kuroshio’s final stop is Kii-Katsuura, a hidden coastal paradise famous for one thing: maguro (tuna)! This town isn’t called “Maguro Town” for nothing—here, you’ll find some of the freshest tuna in all of Japan. Whether it’s sushi, sashimi, or grilled, this is a must-try culinary experience for seafood lovers.
Kuroshio Train Details
- Operator: JR West
- Main Route: Osaka → Wakayama → Shirahama → Kii-Katsuura
- Duration: Just under 4 hours
- Price:
- Total (Adult): 4,510 yen
- Breakdown: Base fare + Reserved seat fare (2,950 yen)
- Seating: All seats are reserved
- Trip Options:
- Day trip – If you take an early morning train, you can explore and return the same day.
- Overnight stay – For a more relaxed trip, stay the night and enjoy Kii-Katsuura’s seafood and stunning ocean views.
With gorgeous coastal scenery, a relaxing train ride, and world-class tuna, the Kuroshio to Kii-Katsuura is a must for anyone looking to escape Osaka and experience Japan’s seaside beauty.
Kada Line: A Nostalgic Ride to the Seaside Town of Kada 🚂🌊
If you’re looking for a peaceful, nostalgic train journey, the Kada Line is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. This tiny, two-car train is a far cry from Japan’s high-speed bullet trains—instead, it offers a slow, charming, and almost meditative travel experience.
With big windows, simple yet cozy interiors, and a relaxed atmosphere, the Kada Line feels like a trip back in time. As you ride through quiet countryside and along the coastline, you can hear the gentle hum of the train, feel its soothing sway, and truly connect with the journey.
Destination: Kada – A Tranquil Fishing Town 🐟🌅
The Kada Line takes you to the coastal town of Kada, a peaceful fishing village known for its fresh seafood and laid-back charm. It’s a perfect escape from the city, especially if you enjoy the romantic side of train travel—where the journey itself is just as important as the destination.
Kada Line Train Details
- Operator: Nankai Railway
- Route: Wakayamashi → Kada
- Duration: 24 minutes
- Price: 370 yen
- Getting There from Osaka:
- Take the Nankai Line from Osaka Namba to Wakayamashi (about 1 hour, less than 1,000 yen)
- Transfer to the Kada Line for the final leg to Kada
This isn’t a train for speed or luxury—it’s a train for slowing down, soaking in the scenery, and appreciating the beauty of local rail travel. If you love the romantic, old-school charm of trains, the Kada Line is a must-ride.
Shimakaze: A First-Class Ride to Toba and Kashikojima 🚆✨
Now, let’s turn things up a notch with the Shimakaze—one of the most luxurious trains in Japan. From the outside, it looks futuristic, with a sleek, aerodynamic design and bold blue color. But the real magic happens inside.
This train isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about traveling in pure comfort and style. Here’s what makes the Shimakaze truly special:
- Massage chairs – Yes, you read that right. Some seats on the Shimakaze come with built-in massage functions to keep you relaxed throughout the journey.
- Private compartments – Perfect for small groups or couples looking for a more exclusive experience.
- Full-service café – Enjoy gourmet snacks, desserts, and drinks while watching the scenery roll by.
- Panoramic windows – These stretch up to the ceiling, offering breathtaking views of the countryside.
- Front-row seating – If you’re lucky enough to snag a seat at the very front, you’ll get a pilot’s view of the train’s journey!
This train glides effortlessly through the landscape, making it one of the most smooth and enjoyable rides in Japan. If you want to feel like royalty on rails, this is the way to travel.
Destination: The Ise Peninsula – Pearls, Seafood & Scenic Bays 🌊🐚
The Shimakaze takes you to the Ise Peninsula, home to charming coastal towns like Toba and Kashikojima. This region is famous for:
- Pearl divers – Traditional ama divers continue their centuries-old practice of free-diving for pearls.
- Scenic bays – Picture-perfect coastal views and serene island landscapes.
- Fresh seafood – This trip is all about eating delicious things while soaking in the ocean breeze.
Shimakaze Train Details
- Operator: Kintetsu Railway
- Route: Osaka Namba → Toba → Kashikojima
- Duration:
- To Toba: 1 hour 50 minutes
- To Kashikojima: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Price (Adult): 5,460 yen
- Schedule:
- Runs once a day from Osaka Namba to the Ise Peninsula and back
- Also available once a day from Kyoto and Nagoya
- No train one day per week on each of the routes
For such a luxurious and relaxing trip, the price is incredibly reasonable. If you love coastal scenery, gourmet food, and five-star comfort, the Shimakaze is an unmissable experience.
Minoh Line: A Short & Sweet Escape to Minoh Waterfall 🌿🚆💦
Not all train trips need to be long to be epic—and the Hankyu Minoh Line proves exactly that. If you’re looking for a quick getaway into nature, this short but scenic train ride is just what you need.
A Vintage-Style Train Through the Forest 🍁🚋
The Hankyu Minoh Line may not be a luxury sightseeing train, but its charming, vintage-style trains add to the nostalgic feel of the journey. As the train winds through forested areas, you’ll feel like you’re gradually leaving behind the noise of the city and stepping into a peaceful retreat.
Destination: Minoh Park & Its Stunning Waterfall 🌿💧
The final stop brings you to Minoh Park, home to one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls. From Minoh Station, it’s a gentle and scenic hike through lush nature to reach the magnificent 33-meter-high Minoh Waterfall. The journey itself is just as enjoyable as the destination, with serene paths, vibrant maple trees, and fresh mountain air.
If you need a quiet escape from the fast-paced energy of Osaka, this is the perfect spot. No rush, no crowds—just pure nature and relaxation.
Minoh Line Train Details
- Operator: Hankyu Railway
- Route: Osaka Umeda → Ishibashi Handai-Mae → Minoh
- Duration: Less than 40 minutes (including one easy transfer at Ishibashi Handai-Mae)
- Price: 280 yen (one way)
- Train type: Regular service, but with a nostalgic and charming feel
Despite being a regular commuter train, the vintage aesthetics and peaceful ride make this a lovely, underrated train journey. If you’re in Osaka and have a couple of spare hours, this short trip to Minoh Park is highly recommended!
Tenku: A Scenic Journey to the Sacred Koya-san 🚆🌿🛕
Last but definitely not least, let’s take a ride on the Tenku—a train so scenic, it feels like you’ve stepped into a Studio Ghibli movie. If you love lush forests, deep valleys, and breathtaking mountain views, this train trip is pure magic.
A Train Designed for the View 🌄🚋
The Tenku is built for maximum scenic enjoyment. Instead of regular forward-facing seats, this train has side-facing seats that give passengers a full view of the passing landscapes. The ride takes you through steep valleys, misty forests, and hidden mountain trails, making it one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring journeys in Japan.
Destination: Koya-san – Japan’s Spiritual Heart 🏯✨
Koya-san is not just a destination—it’s an experience. This sacred mountain is home to one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temple complexes, filled with ancient shrines, moss-covered cemeteries, and serene monastery gardens. Highlights include:
- Okunoin Cemetery – A mystical, lantern-lit graveyard where history meets spirituality.
- Stay in a Buddhist Temple – Spend the night in a temple and experience the life of a monk.
- Shojin Ryori (Monk Cuisine) – A simple yet delicious vegetarian meal that reflects Buddhist traditions.
If you’re looking for a train trip that feeds the soul, this is it.
Tenku Train Details
- Operator: Nankai Railway
- Route: Hashimoto → Gokurakubashi
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Price: 520 yen seat reservation fee (on top of the base fare)
- Schedule:
- Weekends: 3 trains per day (each direction)
- Weekdays: 2 trains per day (each direction)
- Access from Osaka:
- Osaka Namba → Hashimoto: 50 minutes
From Gokurakubashi Station, you’ll need to take a short cable car ride up to Koya-san, making this trip feel like a true pilgrimage into the clouds. Whether you visit for a day or stay overnight, this journey is an unforgettable escape into Japan’s spiritual heart.
The Journey is the Destination 🚆✨
And there you have it—seven epic train trips from Osaka that prove train travel in Japan isn’t just about getting from A to B. Whether you’re looking for luxury, nostalgia, breathtaking scenery, or a spiritual retreat, these trains offer unforgettable experiences that go far beyond just transportation.
Each journey has its own unique charm—from the elegant Aoniyoshi to the coastal Kuroshio, the nostalgic Kada Line, and the soulful ride to Koya-san. Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a new adventure, there’s a perfect train trip waiting for you.
Have You Taken Any of These Trips? 🚄💬
Have you ever ridden one of these amazing trains? Or do you have a personal favorite when it comes to train travel in Japan? Drop a comment and let me know!
And if you love railway adventures, don’t forget to follow along—because you never know when the next amazing train journey will come your way!
Mata ne! 🚆✨
7 Epic and Scenic Day Train Trips from Osaka on Youtube
Check out the video about the 7 epic and scenic day train trips from Osaka on the Tabetetsu Youtube Channel.