Osaka is home to one of Japan’s 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are several others within daytrip distance. Here are all the details on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Osaka.
Osaka’s UNESCO Site:
Mozu-Furuichi Ancient Kofun (Tumulus)
Located in Sakai City, in southern Osaka Prefecture, this group of 50 “kofun” (tumulus) served as burial mounds for some of the early Yamoto emperors. The most famous is the Daisen Kofun, which is thought to be the final resting place of Emperor Nintoku, who reigned in the 5th century AD. To get there, take the Hanwa Line from Shin-Osaka or Osaka Station to Mozu Station and walk 10 minutes. There’s not much to see, but you could combine it with a trip to other sights in Sakai. See the Southern Osaka district page for details.
UNESCO Sites Near Osaka:
Kumano Kodo - Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
A few hours south of Osaka by train, this network of pilgrimage trails and shrines is one of the best ways to get deep into Japanese nature and religious culture. Check out our Kumano Kodo Walking Trail: A Guide with Maps for all the details.
Himeji-jo Castle
About 40 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station by shinkansen, this castle is the finest in all Japan. It’s an easy day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. For all the details, check out our Himeji Day Trip Itinerary.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
Just 12 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station by shinkansen, Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (collectively listed as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”). For all the details on these sites, check out our Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites page.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara:
About 30 minutes from downtown Osaka, Nara is home to eight superb UNESCO sites (collectively listed at “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”). Many of them are conveniently clustered in the center of the city, within walking distance of the train stations. For all the details, check out our Nara Travel Guide.
Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area:
For serious fans of Japanese and Buddhist history, Horyu-ji Temple is a good addition to a Nara day trip (it’s about 40 minutes southwest of Nara). For all the details, check out our Nara Travel Guide.
More Japan UNESCO Information
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- Get a prepaid Icoca card to make travelling around Osaka easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
