[Seishun 18 Ticket] Departing from Kansai! Hidden Gem Spots for Outings! 9 Must-Visit Spots for Day Trips and Solo Travel! Places You Can Reach by Limited Express Train, Recommended for Train Journeys!

[Osaka/Kansai Origin] A Day Trip to Soothe Your Soul. 9 Recommended Day Trip Destinations Accessible by Train, Perfect for Solo Travelers

From here, we will introduce five recommended spots for solo travelers who want to explore freely from the Kansai region by train.

If you're looking for recommended spots for solo travel across Japan, please also check out the following articles.

Kyoto, Uji

Wouldn't you like to experience catching and grilling your own eel at least once in your life? The place where you can have such a precious experience is "Shiotomi," a specialty restaurant for river fish dishes located about a 10-minute walk from JR Rokujizo Station in Kyoto.

Upon arrival, you'll experience eel fishing using specialized fishing rods. The caught eels will be transferred to a bucket by hand and then skewered. Let's grill them slowly over charcoal. The Ayu, whose fishiness has been removed using underground water, will undoubtedly be delicious and fatty.

Before and after the experience, it's also nice to hear various stories from the shop owner and his wife. You can enjoy a relaxing time for as long as time allows, chatting about the water they use, the charcoal, their skilled techniques, and more.

Why not have a truly satisfying experience where, alongside a professional chef, you can not only enjoy delicious food but also learn the importance of respecting life in a fun environment?

I want to make unaju with the eel I caught!](https://trapol.jp/plans/7wjsew#utm_source=media&utm_medium=banner&utm_id=kansai_zyositabi)

Kyoto - Amanohashidate

Located in Miyazu, Kyoto, Amanohashidate is a spot characterized by its beautiful pine grove and snow-white sandy beach, situated between Lake Asoumi and Miyazu Bay. It is such a breathtaking view that it has been selected as one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, and its magnificent landscape woven by nature fascinates many people.

You can cross Amanohashidate on foot in about 50 minutes, so why not spend a relaxing time there? As you gaze at the various kinds of pine groves, you can enjoy the luxurious pleasures unique to solo travel, such as picking up seashells and sea glass on the sandy beach.

Additionally, nearby is a viewing spot called "Amanohashidate View Land." The beauty of Amanohashidate as seen from there will undoubtedly heal your daily fatigue and refresh your mind and body.

Furthermore, Miyazu is known not only for Amanohashidate but also as a hot spring resort. "Amanohashidate Onsen Chie-no-yu" is a public bath that is easy to access, allowing both men and women to enjoy a day trip. It might be a good idea to stop by on your way back from Amanohashidate to relax and soothe your fatigue.

Address: 626-0001, 308 Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture

Access: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway.

Approximately 10 minutes by car from Miyazu Amanohashidate IC

Nara Asuka Village

Source:TRAPOL Official Website

Asuka Village, located in the central part of Nara Prefecture, is a small basin surrounded by hills and mountains. Going back in time, about 1400 years ago, it was the site of the nation's central capital and became the stage for the Asuka period. It retains a rich history and romance.

In such a "Asuka Village," you can experience a supreme forest bathing session guided by a forest bathing facilitator. Not only will they lecture on the charms of the forest and how to enjoy it, but you can also enjoy a mini camping experience with activities like Swedish torches made from hinoki logs and simple campfire cooking.

A feature here is the willingness to let go of digital devices to enjoy forest bathing more fully. In today's world where people tend to multitask, focusing on the present moment might help you recall something you had forgotten.

TRAPOL Thumbnail (1)](https://trapol.jp/plans/pnms76)

Hyogo, Shinonsen Town

Source: Tottori City Tourism Website

(https://www.torican.jp/feature/shinonsen)

Shinonsen Town is a hot spring resort located along the Sea of Japan coast in Hyogo Prefecture. As it is on the border with Tottori Prefecture, it is accessible from Tottori Sand Dunes in about a 30-minute drive.

What's captivating is its rich natural setting. To the sea, there's the San'in Kaigan Geopark, and inland, there are mountains reaching 1000 meters. Additionally, the town boasts five hot springs and cuisine featuring both mountain and sea delicacies, so despite its compact size, it's brimming with charm.

Among these, the quality of the hot springs at "Yumura Onsen" is also famous as a beauty bath. For example, it has warming effects, moisturizing properties, and cleansing effects, among others. Furthermore, it contains four times the standard amount of "metasilicic acid," a beautifying ingredient that makes skin smooth, so you can expect both refreshment and beauty benefits.

Address: 2673-1 Hamasaki, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture 669-6792

Access: JR Limited Express Hamakaze [Osaka Station] - [Hamasaka Station] Travel time: Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes

JR Limited Express Hamakaze [Kobe Station] - [Hamasaka Station] Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes

Osaka - Yumura Onsen Route [Hankyu Sanbangai] - [Yumura Onsen] Travel time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

Kobe-Yumura Bus [Sannomiya] - [Yumura Onsen] Duration: Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes

Okayama/Kurashiki

Kurashiki is a region nationally renowned for its charming streets that evoke an old-fashioned atmosphere, and it's an unmissable tourist destination when visiting Okayama. It's lined with many cafes and shops renovated from historic buildings, making it the perfect spot for those who want to explore tranquil places.

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a representative spot of Kurashiki, is a place where historic buildings line the banks of the Kurashiki River, making you feel as if you've traveled back to the Edo period. A large part of the district is designated as a "Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings." Restaurants,雑貨屋 (zakka-ya, or miscellaneous goods shops), and galleries, all retaining a nostalgic atmosphere, are lined up, allowing you to feel the gentle flow of time.

One way to enjoy the town of Kurashiki is with the "Kurashiki River Boat Cruise." You board a boat and leisurely glide down the river while listening to the boatman's stories. It seems like a refreshing experience, different from exploring on foot.

Just a short distance from Kurashiki, in the Kojima district, lies "Washuzan," said to be the most scenic spot in the Seto Inland Sea, with an observatory offering a panoramic view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. It's also a popular spot for watching sunsets, and the collaboration of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge, bathed in the orange hues of the setting sun, is breathtakingly beautiful.

Gifu, Hida Takayama

Source:Hida Takayama Official Website

Hida Takayama is an area famous for its townscape that retains the atmosphere of an Edo castle town, so much so that it is called the "Little Kyoto." The main tourist attractions are within walking distance of JR Takayama Station, making it easy to visit on a Seishun 18 Ticket trip.

A famous tourist spot located very close to the station is Takayama Jinya. This was once the site used by the Edo Shogunate to govern Hida Province, and its history as an office, courthouse, and rice granary is preserved to this day. Visiting Takayama Jinya allows you to experience the administration and life of Japan during that era.

Just a stone's throw from the Takayama Jinya, you'll find Takayama's representative old townscape. This charming area, which retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, has been designated as an "Important Preservation District for Traditional Architecture" by the national government. Cafes and sake breweries housed in historic buildings line the streets. Many establishments also offer street food, so it's recommended to visit on an empty stomach.

Furthermore, just a 50-minute bus ride from Takayama lies the World Heritage site of "Shirakawa-go." This village, with its beautiful gassho-zukuri farmhouses, evokes the charm of old Japan with its satoyama landscape. A place where traditional culture and scenery remain vividly preserved, it is truly the ultimate spot to experience Japanese beauty.

Kagawa, Naoshima

Naoshima, located in Kagawa Prefecture, is an island famous for being an art island. Since around 1990, various art forms have been incorporated, and there are now many artworks and museums scattered across the island. It attracts the attention of art enthusiasts from all over the world, and a unique landscape unfolds where art merges with the island's original old town scenery.

Upon arriving at Naoshima by ferry, the first thing that catches your eye is the "Red Pumpkin." The polka dot pattern drawn on this giant pumpkin is a work by world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama. You can experience its vibrant colors and profound meaning.

When you visit Naoshima, one spot you absolutely cannot miss is the "Chichu Art Museum." Although most of the building is underground, the skillful incorporation of natural light allows you to enjoy the fantastical scenes created by the artworks. This space, where art, nature, and light beautifully merge, offers a luxurious experience that can only be savored here.

For those looking to refresh their mind and body, "Naoshima Bath I♥Yu" is highly recommended. While it's a public bathhouse where locals and travelers gather, the facility is packed with playful art. From the bathtubs, murals, and mosaics, to even the ceramic toilet bowls, it's a space brimming with Shinro Ohtake's charm, allowing you to experience the world of art with your entire being.

Ishikawa, Kanazawa

Kanazawa prospered as a castle town centered around Kanazawa Castle, and because it was spared from damage during wartime, its old buildings and townscapes have been preserved. Blessed with natural beauty, this land also offers delicious seafood. With its diverse attractions encompassing tourism, gourmet food, and nature, Kanazawa draws visitors from all over the world.

"Higashi Chaya District" symbolizes the charming townscape of Kanazawa. A diverse array of shops, from those selling Japanese sweets and local specialties to traditional crafts and general stores, line the streets. Amidst the crisscrossing narrow alleys, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while soaking in the Japanese atmosphere.

When you visit Kanazawa, a must-see destination is "Kenrokuen Garden." It is renowned as one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, offering exquisite scenery that changes with the seasons. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, or snow-covered landscapes in winter, the garden displays a different charm each season, breathtakingly beautiful no matter when you visit. The nighttime illumination events, in particular, are captivating with their fantastical atmosphere.

In recent years, the "21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa" has garnered significant attention in Kanazawa. This museum, where you can experience contemporary art from around the world, offers an immersive journey into the art world. The artwork "Swimming Pool" is particularly popular, creating the illusion of being inside a pool, and it's sure to be a hit on social media.

Hyogo, Kinosaki

Source:Kinosaki Onsen Tourism Association Official Website

Kinosaki in Hyogo is a region where the entire town is said to be a hot spring resort. Many inns, souvenir shops, and restaurants are gathered in the hot spring town. Kinosaki Onsen's hot spring quality is diverse, and it is expected to have skin-beautifying and relaxation effects. It can be said to be the perfect place to heal from the fatigue of daily life on a solo trip.

When it comes to enjoying Kinosaki Onsen, the most popular activity is "visiting the seven outdoor baths." These are public bathhouses located outside of the inns, and Kinosaki Onsen boasts seven of them. Each onsen has different therapeutic benefits, so why not try bathing in them and comparing their effects?

Additionally, near Kinosaki Onsen, there is the "Kinosaki Ropeway," which offers panoramic views of the town of Kinosaki and the Sea of Japan. After a roughly 7-minute aerial journey, we also recommend spending some blissful time at a spectacular cafe located at the mountain summit. The beauty of nature and exquisite coffee will surely heal you.

If you're visiting Kinosaki, don't forget to also visit the Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork. The Oriental White Stork is a rare bird on the brink of extinction, and you can observe its precious form up close within the park. There are also exhibits on its ecology and conservation activities, allowing you to enjoy an encounter with great nature and a precious creature.

Want to travel alone affordably? The Seishun 18 Ticket: Basic Usage and Precautions!

The Seishun 18 Kippu is a ticket that allows unlimited rides for one day on local and rapid trains on JR lines nationwide, as well as on bus rapid transit systems and the JR West Miyajima Ferry. It is sold for a limited time each spring, summer, and winter, and can be purchased for ¥12,050 for a set of 5 uses (for 5 people). Despite its name, "Seishun" (youth), there is no age limit, so anyone can purchase it.

Tickets can be purchased at "Midori no Madoguchi" (ticket offices) within JR stations, at travel agencies, and at reserved seat ticket vending machines. During the specified period, they generally do not sell out. However, for early morning or late night trains, the ticket offices may be closed, so it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

How to use

When using it, pass through a ticket gate with station staff and have them stamp the date on your ticket. When getting on and off within the same day, you can pass through the ticket gate by showing your ticket to the station staff each time.

If used by one person, the ticket is valid for 5 days. Also, if a train you are on crosses midnight, it will be valid until the first station you stop at after 12:00 AM. In specific sections within Tokyo and Osaka, it is valid until the last train.

Merit

The advantage of the Seishun 18 Ticket is that the more you ride, the more value you get. At 2410 yen per day, you'll break even if your destination is 1210 yen or more one way. Furthermore, since the price doesn't change no matter how many times you get off and on within a day, you can enjoy the journey by making detours on your way to your destination.

Points to note

Points to note include that the ticket is only valid for JR local and rapid trains, and cannot be used on Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express trains, or Green cars. However, for Green cars on local and rapid trains, you can board by purchasing a separate Green ticket.

Furthermore, it cannot be used on sections where direct services with JR are operated; it can only be used with JR. If you lose your ticket, you will need to purchase a new one.

In conclusion

This article introduced recommended day-trip destinations from Osaka/Kansai that can be enjoyed using the Seishun 18 Ticket. From islands of art to charming old towns and hot spring resorts, each area is packed with attractive tourist spots. Please use this article as a reference and fully enjoy the unique pleasures of solo travel with the Seishun 18 Ticket.

If you're looking for recommended spots for solo travel across the country, please also check out the following articles.

TRAPOL offers a wide range of tours perfect for women traveling alone for the first time, as well as special plans that can only be experienced at TRAPOL. For those who want to know about unique travel plans that can only be experienced here, such as introductions to hidden tourist spots by local friends and secret scenic tours, please see below.

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Please note that the information published here is as of the May 2024 distribution. It may differ from the current content, so please be aware of this in advance.