Things to Do
Kansai Region
Parks & Gardens
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![Deer in Nara Park]()
Nara
Parks & Gardens
Nara Park
4.31 16A popular park in Japan.
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A Travel Guide to Gango-ji, Japan’s Oldest Full-Scale Buddhist Temple
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed “Gango-ji” is home to many buildings and Buddhist statues designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Often said to be the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism, it is renowned as a temple of great historical and cultural value. From the “East Gate,” the main gate, to highlights such as the “Main Hall” and other grounds buildings, there is plenty to see, and seasonal flowers charm visitors year-round. This article introduces everything you need to enjoy “Gango-ji,” from its history to recommended sightseeing spots-use it as a helpful reference.
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Nara Park Travel Guide: Stroll Through a Scenic Blend of History and Nature
One of Nara’s most popular sightseeing spots, Nara Park is dotted with valuable historical and cultural landmarks, where you can enjoy Japan’s history-older than Kyoto’s-along with seasonal natural scenery. Around 1,300 deer live in the park, and one of the highlights is feeding them deer crackers, interacting up close, and taking photos together. This article covers Nara Park’s key details, must-see highlights, and tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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[Horyu-ji Travel Guide] Experience Timeless History at Japan’s First World Heritage Site
Horyu-ji, the world’s oldest wooden building, is one of Japan’s most celebrated historic temples. Around 3,000 structures and artifacts have been designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, giving it immense historical and cultural value. Closely associated with Prince Shotoku, the temple remains deeply familiar to many Japanese people, and its traditions continue to this day. This article introduces the charms of Horyu-ji, focusing on recommended highlights that even first-time visitors can fully enjoy.
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![Illuminated Gion weeping cherry blossoms
Photo Credit: iStock]()
Kyoto
Parks & Gardens
Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
4.16 8The Gion weeping cherry trees that stand by the pond are one of the best photo spots in Kyoto.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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![Tower of the Sun
(Photo Credit: Osaka prefecture)]()
Osaka
Parks & Gardens
Expo’70 Commemorative Park
3.91 5A park opened at the site of the Japan World Exposition 1970 in Osaka, complete with an open-arm greeting from the Tower of the Sun, designed by Taro Okamoto.
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More Than the Tower of the Sun! A Family Guide to Spending a Full Day at Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Expo '70 Commemorative Park brings together a wide variety of attractions across its vast grounds, including nature, culture, art, and leisure facilities. It’s a great place for the whole family, with something for both kids and adults to enjoy. There are also cafes and restaurants throughout the park, so you can explore while taking breaks along the way. This guide introduces recommended spots and the best seasons to visit Expo '70 Commemorative Park, so be sure to use it as a reference.
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[Special Issue!!] Osaka Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Where You Can Enjoy Japan’s Beautiful Flowers Year-Round!
When you imagine Japanese flowers, most people think of the iconic sakura, or cherry blossom. It's absolutely a pretty flower, but Japan is also home to many other beautiful flowers that bloom in each of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.
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【Osaka】 Natural Arts! Let’s go enjoy fresh green leaves in the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park.
“Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park” is located in the former site of the “Japan World Exposition” held back in 1970. There is “Tower of the Sun”; the symbol object of the park, wide varieties of trees and flowers and activity centers in a site as large as 260 ha (approximately).
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