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Kansai Region

Osaka

Observatories

Umeda Sky Building / Kuchu Teien Observatory

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The 40-story super high-rise was completed in 1993. From the observatory on the 40th floor and Kuchu Teien Observatory 173m off the ground, view the whole Osaka City.

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• [Umeda Sky Building Visitor Guide] Enjoy a Special Experience with Spectacular Views of Osaka

  Umeda Sky Building is a popular scenic spot where you can take in beautiful panoramic views of Osaka. As one of Umeda’s best-known landmarks, many people may know the name, but fewer know exactly what you can enjoy there. This article introduces the basic information, highlights, and gourmet spots you should know before visiting this landmark in Umeda. With its convenient location, why not add Umeda Sky Building to your Osaka sightseeing itinerary?
• Where to See the Best Christmas Illuminations at Umeda Sky Building + Takimi Koji Lane

  Christmas time at Umeda Sky Building is now a full-on winter tradition. Expect to see this spot decked out and all alight with state-of-the-art LED illuminations and even an all-new tree. Swing by this Christmas for an evening of spell-binding romance, gazing out over the breathtaking nightscape from the Floating Garden Observatory inside.

Kyoto

Experiences Facilities

Sagano Romantic train

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The Trolley train runs through the magnificent nature along the Hozu River.

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• [Togetsukyo Bridge Travel Guide] A Scenic Landmark and Iconic View Spot in Arashiyama

  Togetsukyo Bridge is one of Arashiyama’s most famous sightseeing spots and is always bustling with visitors. Its scenic views, which change beautifully with the seasons, and its deep history are part of its lasting appeal. This article introduces access to Togetsukyo Bridge, the best times to visit, and popular sightseeing spots nearby. By reading this article, you’ll find all the information you’ll want to know before visiting Togetsukyo Bridge.

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Yasaka Shrine

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An ancient shrine with over 1,300-year history since before the relocation of Japan’s capital to Heian-kyo, it is also known as the birthplace of the Gion Festival, and has been highly revered.

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• [Yasaka Shrine Travel Guide] A Famous Kyoto Power Spot for Beauty, Connections, and Good Fortune

  With a long and storied history, Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of Yasaka Shrines and Gion Shrines across Japan. Enshrining a variety of high-ranking deities, it’s known as one of Kyoto’s most famous power spots, even in a city filled with temples and shrines. Beyond that, the grounds are packed with historically valuable architecture and plenty of highlights. To help you fully enjoy Yasaka Shrine and receive its many blessings, we’ll introduce the main must-sees, the best seasons to visit, and noteworthy events.
• Experience Japan’s Timeless Charm, Woven from History and Nature: A Kiyomizu-dera Travel Guide

  Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing spots, as famous as Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama. It’s packed with highlights, from many historically valuable buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties to beautiful natural scenery. To help you fully enjoy Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s must-visit attractions, we’ll introduce not only the can’t-miss highlights, but also its history and the best seasons to visit.
• Kyoto in the fall - Illuminated Fall Foliage at Kodai-ji -

  In this article, we will introduce you some pictures that were taken at Kodai-ji on November 28th 2010, during a time of night-time special viewing. The temple is in the walking distance from Yasaka-jinja and it is famous for a superb garden.

Osaka

Parks & Gardens

Osaka Castle Park

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Osaka Castle’s tower is at the heart of this Park with multi facilities and concert / event halls.

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• Experience the History and Nature of Japan’s Three Great Castles! Your Guide to Touring Osaka Castle

  Osaka Castle, affectionately referred to as "Taiko-san's Castle" by locals, stands as a symbol of Osaka. The site is home to numerous structures designated as Important Cultural Properties and is famous for the Osaka Castle Park, a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot. Often listed among Japan’s three great castles, Osaka Castle is celebrated worldwide for its beauty. This article highlights the must-see attractions for first-time visitors to ensure you make the most of your visit.

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Fushimi Inari Taisha

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“1000 Toriis(gate)” presents a grand spectacle with the beauty of a mysterious vermilion color.

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• [Fushimi Inari Taisha Visitor Guide] One of Kyoto’s Top Power Spots, Famous for Its Endless Torii Gates

  With a history spanning more than 1,300 years, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of all Inari shrines across Japan. Known for its many blessings, Fushimi Inari Taisha is also famous as one of Kyoto’s top power spots. It is also an extremely popular sightseeing destination, so much so that many international visitors come specifically to see the Senbon Torii, the rows of vermilion shrine gates. It’s no exaggeration to say that it is a must-visit spot when sightseeing in Kyoto. This article introduces Fushimi Inari Taisha in detail for first-time visitors, covering its history, highlights, and nearby sightseeing spots.

Kyoto

Experiences Facilities

Thatch Roof Fuki-kae Experience

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Miyama is home to many traditional thatch roof houses.

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• For staying guests only! Learn about people's lives through the 5000 year history/thatch craftsman experience

  Thatch roof houses are houses with roofs made of "kaya," a plant in the Poaceae grass family. They have been used for Japanese homes since long ago, but are rapidly disappearing in recent years due to lifestyle changes and a decline in materials. There are still many well-preserved thatch roof houses built during the Edo period (1603-1867) remaining in nature-rich Miyama, located in the center of Kyoto Prefecture. Miyama is popular for its scenery that changes through the seasons and is known overseas for it's unspoilt Japanese landscape.

Osaka

Experiences Facilities

Washoku Home Cooking Machiko

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"Washoku," Japan’s unique food culture born in close connection with nature

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• Experience Japanese life through washoku cooking!

  In this class, students will make the most popular Osaka gourmet classic, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki. Before starting cooking, your washoku instructor-certified teacher will explain about washoku and give students lessons on Japanese ingredients and the cultures of soup stocks in each region.

Kyoto

Tourist Attractions

Togetsukyo Bridge

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A landscape representative of Arashiyama, which was even printed by Katsushika Hokusai.

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• A Travel Guide to Tenryu-ji: Feel Zen in a Serene Setting

  Among Kyoto’s many sightseeing spots, Tenryu-ji is one of the most popular. Its signature works, the Unryu-zu (Cloud Dragon Painting) and Daruma-zu (Daruma Painting), are images most Japanese people have seen at least once. To help you fully enjoy Tenryu-ji, we’ll introduce the history and highlights you’ll want to know. With a bit of background as well as must-see spots, you’re sure to appreciate Tenryu-ji even more.

Nara

Nature Spots

Mt. Yoshino

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Japan’s Best Cherryblossom Spot.

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• Yoshinoyama Travel Guide: Explore Historic Shrines and Temples Surrounded by Beautiful Nature

  Yoshinoyama is famous as Japan’s top cherry blossom destination. Not only in spring, but also in summer, fall, and winter, you can enjoy hiking while taking in beautiful seasonal scenery. Historic shrines, temples, and ruins scattered throughout the mountains are also highlights. This article introduces the charms of Yoshinoyama, popular sightseeing spots, and useful information to know before your visit. By the end, you’ll see why Yoshinoyama is considered such a popular travel destination.

Wakayama,Mie

Tourist Attractions

Kumano Kodo Path

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Designated as the World Cultural Treasure. The historic path leading to the holy Three Kumano Mountain shrines.

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• Kumano Kodo Travel Guide: Set Out on a Journey Through Japan’s History and Spiritual Traditions

  The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route, essentially a path used to visit shrines and temples. With its mystical atmosphere and rich nature, the Kumano Kodo lets you explore historic spots and is still traveled by many visitors today. This article introduces Kumano Kodo sightseeing spots and explains its five routes in detail. Since the Kumano Kodo covers a wide area with plenty to see, it’s best to read up with this guide before you go.
• 40 Things to Do in Wakayama

  Wakayama Prefecture, blessed with oceans, mountains, and rivers, is a popular travel destination filled with historical sites, World Heritage locations, leisure spots, hot springs, and more. From scenic attractions that showcase Japan’s beautiful seasonal landscapes to accommodations, cuisine, and hot springs, we’ve carefully selected the best recommendations for your visit.
• 30 Things to Do in Mie

  Mie Prefecture is home to many spiritually significant sites, such as Ise Jingu, one of Japan's premier power spots, and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The picturesque scenery, surrounded by both sea and mountains, is sure to soothe your soul. Additionally, you can enjoy delicious gourmet dishes made from the bounty of the land and sea. Why not visit Mie for a trip that will recharge both your mind and body?

Wakayama

Shrines & Temples

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

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112-feet-tall shrine gate is the landmark. The sacred place for Kumano Pilgrimage

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• Kansai, where you can “Experience the Real Japan” that you have been looking for.

  The Kansai region is a “treasure house of Japanese culture” with a rich cultural resource remaining from its history as a former prosperous capital. There is a new, high-quality cultural tour that offers multiple cultural experiences in special settings with top-notch people who have mastered culture, art, or faith rooted in the Kansai region. Here are some travel reports from actual tour participants. Take part in this tour that is sure to become a once-in-a-lifetime precious trip.
• Meet "real Japan" in Kansai - an exclusive experience.

  Kansai Region hosted a capital city in ancient times and has served as the nation’s hub. It has produced many types of culture, which are handed down to this day. Touring the Kansai Area allows you to trace back the source of Japanese culture. The guide by the Japanese-culture-and-arts expert and the exclusive space are woven together into this acclaimed video. Enjoy a simulated cultural experience in the space usually closed off from the public.

Kyoto

Parks & Gardens

Maruyama Park (Kyoto)

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The Gion weeping cherry trees that stand by the pond are one of the best photo spots in Kyoto.

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• [Kyoto Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour] Spring in full bloom!

  If you feel a hint of spring, why don't you go to Kyoto?Cherry blossoms in Kyoto usually begin blooming around the end of March and are at their best from early to mid-April. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is known for its elegant scenery. Enjoy walking around the historic shrines and temples and the streets where you can feel the careful lifestyle of the people and visit the best cherry blossom viewing spots.

Kyoto

Experiences Facilities

Tatsumiya Restaurant

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Uji, a town built around the World Heritage site Byodoin Buddhist temple, has the best tea houses in Japan

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• Approx. 20 Minutes from Kyoto Station! 10 Must-See Uji Spots You Can Enjoy on a Day Trip

  Uji is known for its historic streetscapes and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s less than 20 minutes from Kyoto Station, and many attractions are clustered within easy walking distance, making it a great day-trip destination from Kyoto. Here, we’ll introduce popular sights, recommended local food, and the best seasons to visit Uji to help you make the most of a day trip from Kyoto. Use this guide and you should be able to enjoy Uji in a half-day if you’re in a hurry-or take it slow and still see plenty in a full day.