Osaka Side-Trip Recommendations

Since the last time I asked about my Japan travel plans for May 2025 (https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+181134), those plans have evolved a fair bit. After staying in Osaka for a week or more, I'll spend a couple of nights in Okayama (with a day-trip to Kurashiki), then cover the Setouchi Triennalle with a few nights each on Naoshima and in Takamatsu, then end with two more nights in Matsuyama before flying home from there. Or, I might instead do it as a (long) day-trip from Takamatsu, as well as skip the Okayama leg in favor of more day-trips from Osaka.

On that note, I've drafted a whole bunch of ideas for day-trips from Osaka, but only 2-4 spare days to choose from. (I've already set aside two days for Expo 2025 and USJ.) Out of the list below, which ones would you recommend the most, considering their highlights and travel times?

- Kobe
- Nara
- Mount Koya
- Hikone and Omi-Hachiman
- Akame Falls
- Ise
- Kinosaki Onsen
- Tottori

good morning

with a spare 2-4 days on hand
below definitely worth your consideration
- Kobe
- Nara
- Mount Koya (due to its proximity with osaka)
- Kinosaki Onsen (if you like japanese onsen)
- if you like waterfall, Minoo Park 箕面公園 in Osaka deserves a visit also

have a wonderful trip

My choice would be Nara and Hikone/Oki Hachiman as top priority.

My preference

1. Kinosaki Onsen
2. Nara
3. Mount Koya
4. Ise

These are not in your list, but as a fan of the "The Last Samurai" film I can highly recommend Himeji Castle then Mt Shosa: an easy and excellent day