Go Beyond the City: Journey to 9 Untapped Gems in Osaka Prefecture

Slip away from Osaka Station on a 45-minute train to Fujidera, a city known for the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group. Dotted with historic shrines and picturesque temples, a visit here will transport you to a sense of worlds gone by.
Drop in between sightseeing for a stroll through three local shopping streets and two unique commercial properties with deep ties to the community. With everything from everyday eateries and grocery stores, to specialized shops, you’ll start to see the charming local flair that hums among the Fujidera residents here.
Unlike large commercial complexes, these local spots offer warm, personal customer service, friendly conversations with shop owners, and distinctive products that reflect community culture. Spend some time connecting with authentic local life, an experience you won't find in typical tourist destinations.

Skip up to the north end of Osaka Prefecture to find Toyono, a serene countryside town hugged by green mountains. Rich in history, the area is dotted with shrines, temples, and stone Buddhist statues, accompanied by numerous traditional folklore tales.
Conveniently located just an hour by car or as little as 50 minutes by train from central Osaka, Toyono Town is perfect for a relaxing day trip.
One of the town’s must-see autumn destinations is Toyono Cosmos Village (Toyono Cosmos-no-Sato). From mid-September to late October, approximately one million cosmos flowers bloom, covering the fields in vibrant shades of pink and white. This picturesque scenery just begs to be snapped, but also doubles as a perfect spot to stroll in the crisp, clean air of rolling seasons.
Situated conveniently along National Route 423, Toyono Cosmos Village makes an ideal stop on a countryside driving tour.
Visit Toyono Town this autumn to experience a tranquil pace of life and breathtaking seasonal beauty, far from the bustling city.

Located at the northernmost tip of Osaka Prefecture, Nose Town (Nose-cho) is a picturesque rural region dominated by forests and farmland. It’s conveniently accessible from Osaka City in approximately 90 minutes by a combination of train and bus.
The town’s most iconic attraction is the Great Noma Zelkova Tree (Noma no Okeyaki), estimated to be over 1,000 years old, measuring roughly 27 meters in height, with a trunk circumference of 13 meters. One of the largest zelkova trees in western Japan, this ancient giant stands proudly within the precincts of Noma Shrine, revered as a sacred tree and symbol of the community.
Adjacent to the tree is the Keyaki Museum, showcasing fascinating exhibits about the tree’s history and ecology. Inside the facility, you’ll also find a shop called Okina Ki, where you can purchase local beverages like Nose Ginger, souvenirs, and even join various workshops.
Come experience the abundant natural beauty and rich culture of Nose Town for yourself.

Just 30 minutes by train from central Osaka, Shimamoto Town, situated in northeastern Osaka Prefecture along the Kyoto border, is blessed with lush greenery and pristine water sources. About 70% of its land comprises mountains and hills, and the clear-flowing Minase River and charming bamboo groves further enhance the area's picturesque scenery.
Among the many shrines and temples found here, Minase Shrine (Minase Jingu) is undoubtedly the town's most significant spiritual landmark. Within the shrine grounds flows Rikyu-no-Mizu, Osaka Prefecture's only water source selected among Japan's "100 Famous Waters." Many visitors come specifically to enjoy this renowned natural spring.
Historically favored by the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyu, this water is still ceremonially used today by Japan's three major tea schools—Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushanokojisenke—in annual tea-offering rituals (kencha-shiki) held at the shrine’s tea house, Toshintei.
Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, Toshintei is accompanied by numerous other historically significant structures within the shrine's precincts. Visitors can appreciate Japan’s traditional aesthetics and historical charm, particularly enhanced by beautiful seasonal scenery such as the delicate weeping cherry blossoms of spring and vibrant autumn foliage.

Located in southeastern Osaka Prefecture, Osaka Sayama City offers both abundant natural beauty and urban convenience, making it a perfect day-trip destination just 30 minutes by train from downtown Osaka.
The city is often noted for destinations like Sayama-ike Pond, Japan’s oldest reservoir dam with a history of over 1,400 years, officially designated as a national historic site.
Around the pond, approximately 1,300 cherry blossom trees bloom beautifully in late March, creating picturesque scenery along its walking paths.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Butterfly Garden, filled with diverse plants and butterflies, as well as various species of wild birds and aquatic creatures around the pond.
The community hub Sayarin Base, located next to the pond, hosts a variety of local events. If your schedule permits, be sure to drop by!

Tadaoka is the town set in the southwestern end of Osaka Prefecture along Osaka Bay, complete with easy train access in just about 50 minutes by train from Shin-Osaka and approximately 30 minutes from Kansai International Airport.
Though it’s the smallest town in Japan by area, Tadaoka boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, numerous temples and shrines, and diverse local eateries. A notable highlight is the traditional Danjiri Festival, whose origins date back to the Edo period (1603–1868).
When visiting Tadaoka, be sure to stop by the Masaki Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of around 1,300 East Asian artworks, primarily ink wash paintings. The collection includes three National Treasures and thirteen Important Cultural Properties.
Adjacent to the museum, visitors can explore the historic residence of its founder, featuring a traditional Japanese-style main house and tranquil gardens, making for a culturally enriching visit.

Located in southeastern Osaka Prefecture and bordered by Nara Prefecture to the east and Wakayama Prefecture to the south, Kawachinagano City is surrounded by lush mountains and easily accessible—just a 30-minute train ride from central Osaka.
In addition to historical temples and traditional townscapes, visitors should not miss the popular Kansai Cycle Sports Center, one of Japan's rare bicycle-themed amusement parks.
Inside the park, enjoy an array of unique bicycles designed for unusual movements, or teamwork-required rides that test your coordination. For thrill-seekers, the Cycle Parachute, which climbs 30 meters before rapidly descending, and Mods, a cycling-themed roller coaster, offer exciting experiences.
Family-friendly attractions include Cycle-Go-Round, a bicycle version of the traditional carousel, ideal for younger children. Additionally, the park features a beginner-friendly campsite and four different pools open exclusively during the summer months.

Sojourn to the southernmost tip of Osaka Prefecture and find Hannan, a city set in big green nature against the gentle waters of Osaka Bay and mountains. Find this verdant escape is just an hour away from central Osaka by train in an easy route you can call a day trip.
Stroll the picture-perfect streets flanked by cherry blossoms in spring, swimming at beautiful beaches in summer, experiencing historical festivals in autumn, and taking in clear, breathtaking scenery in winter.
A must-see in Hannan City is Naniwa Sake Brewery, established in 1716, making it the oldest traditional sake brewery in Osaka Prefecture. This famed brand keeps a reputation for handcrafted sake, met with numerous awards and laud.
Aside from purchasing premium sake at the onsite shop, visitors can also explore the brewery’s historic main house, recognized as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, its scenic gardens, and even join guided tours to witness traditional sake-making processes firsthand.

Located in eastern Osaka Prefecture, just about an hour by train from central Osaka, Yao City's Takayasu District is a region rich with historical heritage. Known for the nationally reputed ancient burial mounds called the Takayasu Senzuka Kofun Cluster, this area has long been home to communities cherishing traditional crafts and culture, including Kawachi cotton indigo dyeing, historic houses, and local Bon-odori festivals.
When visiting Yao City, don’t miss the Yao City Museum of History and Folklore, where the permanent exhibition is divided into three engaging themes. The museum provides an insightful look into the area's history and local folk culture.
Adding the museum to your itinerary will enrich your experience, offering deeper connections to the captivating stories and traditions that define Yao City.

With that you’ve got the insider’s scoop to the lesser-known but over-and-beyond gems that await in Osaka Prefecture.
Add a little pizazz to your upcoming Osaka plans with an itinerary that’s authentic, more in tune and far beyond your best expectations.