Things to Do

Kansai Region

Making a kitchen knife as a traditional craft at Sakai, Osaka - Attaching a handle & sharpening

The Japanese knives from the blacksmithing city Sakai have been attracting attention from all over the world in recent years.

Osaka / Experiences Facilities

Kinkaku-ji

A golden pavilion nestled in the greens of Kitayama.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Private Charter Flight at Kobe

Emperor Nintoku Mausoleum and Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group Flight Tour

Kobe / Experiences Facilities

Himeji Castle

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

Hyogo / Tourist Attractions

Universal Studios Japan

An interactive dive into the world of movies, anime and games from around the world!

Osaka / Amusement Parks & Theme parks

• 22 Jun 2023

  Your trusty guide to smooth, wallet-friendly transportation in Osaka!

  Osaka is the largest city in Kansai and the second-largest in Japan after Tokyo. With so many means of transportation and railway lines, many people may find themselves lost while moving around Osaka Prefecture. In this article, we will explain some key tips to getting around in Osaka so you can get on and see the sights, all the more smoothly.

• 18 Sep 2022

  17 Best things to do in Osaka, Japan

  The metropolis, Osaka, is full of tourist / gourmet spots, it is hard to choose from. Here is our recommendation for first-time visitors to Osaka, a comprehensive list of appealing sight-seeing spots, gourmet eateries, inns, souvenir shops and events.

• 1 Jan 2020

  Best Travel Spot Add-Ons During a Trip to USJ, Osaka

  Universal Studios Japan, or USJ as it’s known more commonly, is the popular theme park in Osaka where guests can dive into the popular worlds of Harry Potter, Mario from Nintendo and more. In this guide, we’ll show you some more travel spots that work as perfect add-ons to your trip to USJ.

Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail

Green bamboos grow up to create a canopy on this trail. A beloved spot in Kyoto.

Kyoto / Tourist Attractions

Minoo Falls

The Minoo Falls have been selected as one of the "100 best waterfalls in Japan" and is also famous as a spot to enjoy the autumn colors of the leaves.

Osaka / Nature Spots

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

Ise Jingu

A two-thousand-year-old Shinto shrine, filled with the origins of Japanese history, nature, and architecture.

Mie / 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.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

This is the world's longest suspension bridge connecting Honshu and Awaji Island, and is a beautiful bridge nicknamed the Pearl Bridge.

Kobe / Tourist Attractions

• 17 Dec 2021

  Complete Guide to Visiting Naruto: a Full Line-up of Must-See Spots!

  Naruto is known for its world-class, oversized whirlpool currents, unforgettable tourism, and delicious eats. But with so much to do there are still plenty of visitors who aren’t sure what to see on their trip. If that’s you, we’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find a full overview of Naruto’s best spots to help you build a travel plan that’s custom fit to you.

• 25 Feb 2021

  A complete guide to Awaji Island! From major and hidden tourist spots to gourmet foods and souvenirs

  Awaji Island, a wonderful resort area where you can enjoy beautiful flowers, an endless ocean and fresh produce grown in the abundant nature. It is a popular tourist spot among visitors from both Japan and overseas with its easy access from the Kansai region. There are so many places to introduce on this island full of entertainment. Let's get started!

Dotonbori

The “eat ‘till you drop” foodie destination marked by the larger than life signboard.

Osaka / Famous Places

Umeda Sky Building / Kuchu Teien Observatory

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.

Osaka / Observatories

• 1 Nov 2023

  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. Especially as it rings in its 30th anniversary this year, 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.

Sagano Romantic train

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

Kyoto / Experiences Facilities

An e-BIKE tour around the Funaya houses

Explore the town of Ine, where a large cluster of Funaya houses stand, on a relaxing ride on an electric bicycle

Kyoto / Experiences Facilities

Nara Park

A popular park in Japan.

Nara / Parks & Gardens

Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan)

Active and romantic. "Rokkosan" is the symbol of Kobe and the pinnacle of fun!

Kobe / Nature Spots

Yasaka Shrine

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.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Eiraku Dam

This dam is rich in nature and has been selected as one of the "100 best places for greenery in Osaka" and "100 best places for water source forests".

Osaka / Tourist Attractions

Namba Yasaka Shrine

This is a shrine with a lion-headed shrine pavilion that has a great impact, and is a shrine for improving one's luck in the game.

Osaka / Shrines & Temples

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.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

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

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Mt. Yoshino

Japan’s Best Cherryblossom Spot.

Nara / Nature Spots

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.