Things to Do

Kansai Region Foliage Spots

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

Tofukuji Temple

Japan’s oldest zen temple, established in 1255. Maple trees on the ravine that crosses the temple grounds turn red in fall and are renowned.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Osaka Castle Park

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

Osaka / Parks & Gardens

• 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.

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

Kodaiji Temple

Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife Nene built the temple as his and her burial place. It is well-known for the fall foliage not only in Kyoto but also nationwide.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

• 23 Oct 2018

  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.

Heian Jingu Shrine

A stunning tourist spot in Kyoto renowned for its beautifully vermilion-painted buildings.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

• 1 Feb 2023

  [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.

• 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.

Katsuo-ji Temple

Pray for "good luck" with Dharma at a temple with magnificent cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

Osaka / Shrines & Temples

Daihonzan Eigenji Temple

One of the most famous places in Kansai for autumn foliage, where people continue to pray for zazen study and safety under the sun.

Shiga / Shrines & Temples

• 29 Sep 2023

  Discovering Japan's Roots: Eigen-ji Temple and Mandokoro Tea Experience

  Known as a popular spot for autumn foliage, Daihonzan Eigen-ji is a temple in Shiga Prefecture that draws countless worshippers and tourists from both within Japan and abroad. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the unique ways of ancient temples, like "zazen" meditation—where one learns to regulate breathing and posture to confront oneself in silence—and savoring "shojin ryori" or traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, which offers insights into the teachings of Buddha. To spice up your trip, make your way over to Oku Eigen-ji, a village nearby that brings visitors to the forefront of "Mandokoro tea," a harvest made entirely organic and pesticide-free. Take this tour and see into untouched naturescapes, old-world lifestyles that took root as the natural model of SDGs, truly in tuen with the natural resources of the land.

Asajigahara-enchi Park and Ukimido Pavilion

A scenic spot by the water featuring a beautiful pavilion that appears to float on the pond.

Nara / Nature Spots

Koshoji Temple (Uji City)

The temple grounds, gracefully blending with the natural landscape, and the stunning approach path, particularly in spring and autumn, add to the allure of this temple, the oldest of the Soto Zen sect and a beloved historical sanctuary.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Enkouji Temple

A historical Zen temple opened by Ieyasu Tokugawa. Popular for its picturesque views of Kyoto City from atop its hills.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Panasonic Museum

Experience the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.

Osaka / Museums

Okadera Temple

Japan’s first spot to ward off evil spirits to which many worshippers take refuge.

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.

Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato Garden KOKO-EN

A Japanese garden adjacent to the World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle, which has been used as a setting for many samurai dramas and TV shows.

Hyogo / Parks & Gardens

Mt. Takagi Observatory

A panoramic observatory at an elevation of 700 meters, offering sweeping views of cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and the surrounding mountains.

Nara / Observatories

Ishiyamadera Temple

This is a temple on the sacred large wollastonite, a natural monument, where the noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu came up with the idea of the novel “Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji)”

Shiga / Shrines & Temples

Hikone-jo Yakatabune

Japanese castles aren't only gorgeous. They were strategically designed for war.

Shiga / Experiences Facilities

Jingoji Temple

A historic temple situated halfway up the magnificent Mount Takao.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Shogunzuka Seiryuden

A scenic spot associated with Heian-kyo, offering panoramic views of Kyoto city from a large stage.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Bishamondo Monzeki

A prestigious temple of the "Tendai Sect Kyoto Gokashitsu Monzeki," known for its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Hakuryuen Garden

A Japanese garden in the mountains of Kurama, open to the public only during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Kyoto / Parks & Gardens

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple in Sagano is overwhelming with the sight of about 8,000 stone Buddhas and pagodas lined up within its precincts.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Chion-in / Yuzen-en

The garden on the Chion-in grounds with the stroll-style pond, rocks and sands.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples