Takatsuki (高槻) is a city in northeastern Osaka prefecture, near Kyoto. The neighboring rural district of Shimamoto (島本) is also covered here.

Understand

Located exactly halfway between Osaka and Kyoto, Takatsuki is a popular commuter town for people working in both cities, but most visitors to Japan only see it in passing from a train window.

Get in

Takatsuki is bisected by both the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line (JR Osaka to JR Kyoto stations) and the Hankyu Kyoto Line (Umeda to Kyoto-Kawaramachi), a few blocks apart. Travel time to either city on either line is 15-20 minutes.

See

• 1 Imashirozuka Burial Mound (今城塚古墳) (25 min on foot from JR Settsu-Tonda stn, or take bus 28/33/35). Museum hours Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. One of the largest burial mounds (kofun) in Japan, thought to date from the 6th century and possibly the burial place of Emperor Keitai. Unlike most kofun, which are strictly off limits to the public, this one has been turned into a park and there are active archaeological excavations in progress. The neighboring museum showcases finds so far, including haniwa clay statues, replicas of which are dotted around the park as well. Free. (updated Dec 2024)
• 2 Settsu-kyō Gorge (摂津峡) (bus 51 from Takatsuki stn to Tsukawaki). Gorge of the Akuta River on the north side of Takatsuki, with pathways, hikes and hot springs (see Sleep). Cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, autumn colors in the fall. (updated Dec 2024)

Drink

Yamazaki Distillery

• 1 Suntory Yamazaki Distillery (サントリー 山崎蒸溜所) (10 min walk from JR Yamazaki stn), ☏ +81-75-962-1423. Daily 10:00-16:45. Opened in 1923, this is Japan's first commercial whisky distillery and the home of the famed Yamazaki Single Malt. Taketsuru Masataka, founder of Japan's second distillery Nikka, also worked here before branching off on his own in 1934. There are various types of tours, ranging from free museum tours every hour (Japanese only) to a factory tour and whisky tasting Prestige Experience costing ¥10,000 (English available). All tours need to be booked in advance online and demand often outstrips supply, with a lottery system used to allocate places. There is also a rather spectacular tasting lounge on site and, of course, a gift shop. (updated Dec 2024)

Sleep

In addition to the usual business hotels near Takatsuki station, there are a scattering of hot spring resorts.

• 1 Sansuikan (山水館) (in Settsukyo Park, free shuttle bus from JR Takatsuki), ☏ +81-72-687-4567. Classic Japanese hot spring hotel set right next to the gorge. Some rooms have private onsen tubs. From ¥21,000/person with two meals. (updated Dec 2024)