The 14 Best Day Trips from Nagoya

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 14 good day trips from Nagoya, Japan, led by Osaka, Kyoto, Hamamatsu. The closest is Ichinomiya, about 25 min by car, and 4 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 14 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Nagoya

  1. 1

    Osaka, Japan

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car139 km south-west of Nagoya

    What travelers see in Osaka

    • Osaka Castle - You'll be captivated by the majestic beauty of Osaka Castle, especially in the summer when the green surrounding parks are teeming with life.
    • Dotonbori - You'll find yourself enchanted by the dazzling neon lights of Dotonbori, where the vibrant atmosphere pulses with energy during the summer evenings.
    • Sumiyoshi Taisha - You'll be immersed in tranquility as you stroll through the lush grounds of Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines.
  2. 2

    Kyoto, Japan

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 40 min by car106 km west of Nagoya

    What travelers see in Kyoto

    • Fushimi Inari Taisha - You'll be mesmerized by the vibrant vermilion torii gates that create a stunning pathway up the sacred Mount Inari.
    • Kinkaku-ji - You'll be captivated by the shimmering gold leaf that covers the upper two floors of this Zen Buddhist temple, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond.
    • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - You'll find yourself enveloped by towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the summer breeze, creating a soothing rustle that feels magical.
  3. 3

    Hamamatsu, Japan

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car92 km south-east of Nagoya

    Known for 浜松市動物園.

  4. 4

    Shizuoka, Japan

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car136 km east of Nagoya
  5. 5

    Amagasaki, Japan

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 15 min by car145 km west of Nagoya
  6. 6

    Toyota, Japan

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car25 km south-east of Nagoya
  7. 7

    Hirakata, Japan

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 55 min by car122 km west of Nagoya
  8. 8

    Gifu, Japan

    Half-day trip
    About 35 min by car30 km north-west of Nagoya
  9. 9

    Toyonaka, Japan

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car138 km west of Nagoya
  10. 10

    Suita, Japan

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 5 min by car135 km west of Nagoya
  11. 11

    Okazaki, Japan

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car35 km south-east of Nagoya
  12. 12

    Ichinomiya, Japan

    Half-day trip
    About 25 min by car16 km north-west of Nagoya
  13. 13

    Toyohashi, Japan

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 15 min by car63 km south-east of Nagoya
  14. 14

    Nara-shi, Japan

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 50 min by car115 km south-west of Nagoya

A sample day: Nagoya to Osaka

  1. 07:30Leave Nagoya
  2. 09:40Arrive in Osaka (2 hr 10 min drive)
  3. 09:55Osaka Castle
  4. 11:55Lunch
  5. 13:10Dotonbori
  6. 14:55Sumiyoshi Taisha
  7. 16:25Head back to Nagoya
  8. 18:35Home in Nagoya

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Nagoya?
The best day trips from Nagoya are Osaka, Kyoto, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Amagasaki. The closest is Ichinomiya, about 25 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Nagoya?
Ichinomiya is the closest, 16 km north-west of Nagoya, roughly 25 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of Nagoya?
4 places are within about an hour's drive of Nagoya: Ichinomiya (25 min), Toyota (40 min), Gifu (35 min), Okazaki (40 min).
What is the biggest city near Nagoya for a day out?
Osaka is the largest city in day-trip range, 139 km south-west of Nagoya and about 2 hr 10 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
Where can I go for a weekend from Nagoya?
For a weekend away from Nagoya, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Amagasaki (145 km, 2 hr 15 min), Osaka (139 km, 2 hr 10 min), Toyonaka (138 km, 2 hr 10 min), Shizuoka (136 km, 2 hr 10 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from Nagoya?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Amagasaki at 145 km, around 2 hr 15 min by car, which is better as a long day or an overnight stay.

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