5 best day hikes in and around Osaka – ranked by difficulty

Difficulty level: ★

There’s always a place for a hike that’s more atmospheric than challenging, and the Takedao abandoned railway trail delivers exactly that: a gentle two-hour walk through tunnels and over bridges along a defunct JR line slowly reclaimed by nature.

While you can start from JR Takedao Station, departing from Namaze Station is recommended. Yes, the 20-minute walk to the trailhead along a busy road and under a freeway isn't scenic, but it means you'll finish at the often-quiet Azare Onsen, where you can soak in a tree-lined rotenburo (outdoor bath).

The route follows the old tracks for about 6km, sometimes through pitch-black tunnels that will test even the bravest nerves, and crossing rust-red railway bridges suspended over the gorge. It's flat enough to count as a stroll but atmospheric enough to feel like a proper exploration.

Whatever time of year, the trail is always a crowd pleaser. Spring brings cherry blossoms, autumn delivers fiery maples, and summer offers shade and cool river breezes. 

Getting there: Take the Fukuchiyama Line to Namaze Station, and return on the same line from Takedao Station.

Difficulty level: ★

If you have the time and energy for a full day hike near Kyoto and also want to take in some cultural sights, this hike is for you. Not so much hiking as river hopping, this gentle trail follows the winding river through a narrow forested valley, where the path alternates between proper trail and stepping stones across the river. 

The trail starts in Takao, a village in the mountains northwest of Kyoto, 45 minutes from Kyoto Station by bus. It winds through the valley for around an hour before ending in Kiyotaki, where you can get a bus back to Arashiyama Station, or continue walking to Arashiyama. If you choose the latter, you’ll pass one of Kyoto’s most underrated temples – Otagi Nenbutsuji, a Buddhist site featuring more than 1,200 stone heads on its grounds, each with its own unique expression – as well as the Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street.

When Osaka's summer heat gets too intense, this hike offers the perfect respite. In summer, the temperature drops by several degrees in the valley, and you’ll find families barbecuing and swimming along the river.

Getting there: Take the bus from Kyoto or Arashiyama Station to Takao, and return by bus from Kiyotaki to Arashiyama Station.

Difficulty level: ★ (★ ★ if you head to Mt. Ikoma)

At just shy of 300 metres, Mt. Hiraoka in Higashi-Osaka is where you hike when you want nature without the commitment. But don’t let the modest altitude fool you. The observation deck punches above its weight with views that span across Osaka City and, on crystal-clear days, all the way to Mount Rokko and Awaji Island. 

It’s an easy 40-minute walk that even kids can handle. Plus, it’s the quickest to get to from central Osaka. The real joy of this hike is its flexibility. Feeling energetic? You can continue along the ridge up to Mt. Ikoma and Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park. Feeling flowery? Heading south will take you to the Tsutsuji Flower Road, an undulating mountain road flanked on both sides by towering azalea bushes that come alive during Golden Week. 

There are also a host of other trails lacing the mountainside, some heading over to Ikoma while others descend back down to Hiroaka. It’s well signposted and perfect for an easy weekend walk without venturing far from the city.

Getting there: Take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Hiraoka Station, and you can return the same way. However, if you continue on to Mt. Ikoma or the Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park, take the Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car, followed by the Kintetsu Line from Ikoma.

Difficulty level: ★ ★

Down in southern Osaka, Mt. Iwawaki might not have Mt. Rokko's altitude, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in splendour. The refreshingly straightforward trail is well marked, mostly gentle, and shaded all the way to the top. The summit is a plateau rather than a peak, and transforms into a sea of swaying susuki (pampas grass) come autumn. 

Much like Mt. Rokko, Mt. Iwawaki is best experienced as a through-hike. First, hop on a scenic 50-minute bus ride from Kawachinagano Station to Takihata Dam in Osaka prefecture. Start your hike there, and you'll end up in a picturesque town on the edge of Wakayama prefecture.

From the dam, it’s about two hours of steady climbing until the forest suddenly opens onto the summit. On clear days, you'll be granted sweeping views across Wakayama and over to Shikoku, and you can sometimes spot Abeno Harukas rising from the Osaka skyline.

The hike is walkable throughout the year, but the shaded path makes it a good choice in summer compared to Mt. Rokko. Plus, there’s a campsite near Takihata Dam Bus Stop if you fancy turning it into a weekend.

Getting there: Take a train from Namba to Kawachinagano Station, then a bus to Takihata Dam. Return from Kimitoge Station to Namba. 

Pro tip: On weekends, the first bus at 9am fills up fast, so hustle from the train or embrace standing room only.

Difficulty level: ★ ★ ★

Straddling the prefectural border between Hyogo and Osaka, Mt. Rokko offers one of Kansai's most accessible serious hikes. Popular throughout the year, the terrain delivers everything from rocky scrambles and sacred shrines to spectacular views over Osaka Bay, as well as the option to finish your day soaking in one of Japan's oldest hot springs.

Start from Hankyu Ashiyagawa Station and follow the residential streets north. On the way, you’ll pass Frank Lloyd Wright’s Yokoko Guest House, and 30 minutes later you’ll hit Koza Falls. From here, it’s three to four hours up to the peak, where you’ll be greeted with stunning views over Osaka Bay, a shrine, plus options to take your hike further.

A 90-minute journey along the ridgeline will then take you to Rokko Garden Terrace, a well-developed park with dining, shopping and a botanical garden. From here, you can take the bus back to Sannomiya, or take the ropeway down to Arima Onsen.

Still have energy to burn? You could walk for another two to three hours from the summit down to Arima Onsen, where you can melt away any hiking aches in a hot spring bath before taking a bus back to either Kobe or Osaka – unless you’re spending the night in one of its many ryokans.

Getting there: Take the Hankyu line to Ashiyagawa Station. Return via Sannomiya if you opt to take the bus from Rokko Garden Terrace, or take a direct bus from Arima Onsen back to Osaka Station.