Kansai Region : World Heritage Sites

Kinkaku-ji

A golden pavilion nestled in the greens of Kitayama.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Himeji Castle

A World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous castle buildings. Also known as "Hakuro Castle”.

Hyogo / Tourist Attractions

Tenryu-ji Temple

This Zen temple was once ranked first among Kyoto's Five Mountains, and it is also designated as a World Heritage Site. There are many things to see in the precincts, including Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden) and Unryuzu (Cloud-Dragon Painting).

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple

A place that should be visited when traveling to Kyoto, the temple selected as a World Cultural Heritage.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Todaiji Temple

The temple was built in the Nara period (710-794) and is registered as a World Heritage Site as a "cultural asset of the ancient capital Nara”.

Nara / Shrines & Temples

• 3 Jan 2023

  See the Ancient City of Nara via 19 Top Historic Sites

  Nara Prefecture, once the capital of Japan, is home to a full repertoire of World Heritage Sites, including treasured cultural properties and buildings, Buddha statues and other coveted tourist destinations. Set just next door to Kyoto, many travelers enjoy an itinerary that allows them to explore both Kyoto and Nara together. Here are a few hand-selected, must-visit spots in Nara, a city with an ancient history even older than Kyoto, along with unforgettable souvenirs to shop plus remarkable food and stays.

• 11 Feb 2019

  Nara Prefecture’s Todai-ji – Nigatsu-do Shuni-e

  First held in the year 752, this event has been held every year without fail for over 1260 years! Held by the temple’s monks in front of Nigatsu-do’s figure of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the temple’s idol, the event exists to repent for the everyday sins of humanity and wish for everyone’s happiness.

Washoku Home Cooking Machiko

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

Osaka / Experiences Facilities

• 8 Apr 2021

  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.

Kumano Kodo Path

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

Wakayama / Tourist Attractions

• 27 Mar 2022

  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.

• 27 Mar 2022

  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.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

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

Wakayama / Shrines & Temples

Byodoin

Amazing perfect symmetry! Heavenly architecture is truly enchanting.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Nishinomiya Noh (Nogaku) Theatre

Noh is the oldest theatrical performance in the world with a history of over 700 years.

Hyogo / Museums

Kumano-Nachi Taisha

One of the three major shrines on Kumano mountains that is believed to help with relationships and wishes. There is an 850-year-old giant camphor tree and many other spots to see.

Wakayama / Shrines & Temples

Nijo-jo Castle

This is a symbol of the power of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Kyoto. There are numerous valuable remains and attractions, including the national treasure Ninomaru-goten Palace.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Ginkaku-ji

The serene atmosphere is the essence of Higashiyama culture.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Kongobuji

The whole Mt. Koya is the premise! The head of Japan’s buddhist temples.

Wakayama / Shrines & Temples

Ryoanji Temple

A Zen temple is listed as a world heritage site famous for its dry landscape garden "Stone Garden '' of 15 stones. The strolling garden, which retains the remnants of the Heian period, is a spectacular sight known as a famous spot for autumn leaves.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Jishu Jinja

World heritage site, said to have been built in the earliest history in Japan, that enshrines the gods of love.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Kamigamo Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine)

This is the oldest shrine in Kyoto, with a history of more than 2,600 years since the arrival of its god in the Kamishiro period. The shrine grounds are lined with more than 60 shrines and temples, including two National Treasures and 41 Important Cultural Properties.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja)

Having been enshrined since BC, it is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Ninna-ji Temple

This is the first temple in Japan where the imperial family has served as the head priest for many generations since its establishment by Emperor Uda. Highlights include the Kondo (a national treasure), which is a relocated palace from the Imperial Palace, and the Goten, which was the Imperial family's private rooms, and other valuable remains of palace architecture.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

The Head Temple of the Tendai Sect, Mt. Hiei (Hieizan) Enryakuji Temple

A solemn temple divided into three areas where the entire mountain becomes the precincts.

Shiga / Shrines & Temples

Ujigami Shrine

A sacred power spot revered since ancient times.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Gangoji Temple

A stately World Heritage site with 1,300 years of history.

Nara / Shrines & Temples

Kumano Kodo Iseji Magose Pass

Hike up to Magose Pass, which offers a great view, via an old pilgrimage route with cobblestone pavements.

Mie / Tourist Attractions

Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival)

One of Japan's most famous festivals held in Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto with more than 1150 years of history.

Kyoto / Summer festivals & Events

Kumano Hayatama Taisha

UNESCO World Heritage, The “land of resurrection" that plays a part of Kumano Sanzan.

Wakayama / Shrines & Temples