New Years in Japan
 

We have 7-10 days to spend after Christmas in Japan and are looking for an easy way to enjoy onsen, with good food, visiting temples , nature, and just relaxing. We have never been to Osaka, Nara or Koya-san and wondered what it would be like to spend new years eve in one of these areas. Ease of access is important since we will not rent a car. Do we have to back track to Osaka to reach Koya-san from Nara ? It is tempting to go back to Kyoto but our time is limited.
Thank you for your help as always.

>>Osaka, Nara or Koya-san
The only onsen I know about in that area is Spa World in Osaka, probably not what you are looking for.

>>back track to Osaka to reach Koya-san from Nara

Not through the city. You would be going via an outer district, tho, not that it matters.

See the map at the link below. Nara is to the east of Shin-Imamiya. You would take a JR train from Nara to Shinimamiya and then Nankai to Koyasan.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4904.html

For onsen, you might consider Ryujin, Inunakiyama or Amami Onsen.

Thank you mrwundrfl and srsddan for your suggestions and links.

We like to spend at least a night or better two, where ever we go, and plan to spend three in Nara and two in Koyasan, and the last two days in Osaka.

I hope Nara and Koyasan are easy to get around on foot.

Osaka sounds large and industrial. Is there a part of the city that is better for those who want to get around using the train and or bus ?

Well trains can take you anywhere in Osaka.

There are two transport hubs in Osaka: Osaka station and Namba station. Scroll down on the link below to the Orientation section: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4006.html

That's a great link on Japan Guide ! Thank you !.

It looks like the Nankai railway connects to KIX and Koyasan so staying close that area would work well. Any suggestions ?

Staying in a hotel that is on the airport bus route for drop off and pick always works so well.

I appreciate your help.

There are a few transport passes to consider.

The Kansai Thru Pass, maybe, but am not sure if you would get the value out of it if you didn't use it for KIX.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_005.html

The Koyasan World Heritage Ticket http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_012.html

The JR Kansai Area Pass http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_03.html

Here is a summary page with links to the various passes:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_kansai.html

mrwunrfl thank you for the helpful links.

Will need to do some research to see if the passes will pencil out.

I am looking forward to this trip ! Hoping new years eve in Nara is magical- I think it will be. Thanks again for all your advice.

thanks mrwunrfl, i need it :)