Things to Do

Kansai Region Tourist Attractions

Himeji Castle

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

Hyogo / Tourist Attractions

Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail

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

Kyoto / Tourist Attractions

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!

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

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.

Togetsukyo Bridge

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

Kyoto / Tourist Attractions

Engetsu Island

One of the “100 best sunsets in Japan” and a landmark with its beautiful seascape.

Wakayama / Tourist Attractions

Yamanakadani

A popular cherry blossom viewing spot with 1,000 cherry trees lining the riverbed.

Osaka / Tourist Attractions

Rokko Garden Terrace

A spectacular spot on Mt. Rokko where you can see the city & night view of Kobe.

Kobe / Tourist Attractions

Wakayama Castle

The view of Wakayama city is beautiful from the white three-tiered castle tower.

Wakayama / Tourist Attractions

Tower of Osaka Castle

It was rebuilt with donations from Osaka citizens and is now a museum, holding permanent and special exhibitions.

Osaka / Tourist Attractions

• 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.

Ine no Funaya

Located along Ine Bay, where fishing is thriving, this is a rare building in Japan where the first floor is connected to the sea.

Kyoto / Tourist Attractions

Hachiman-bori Canal

It is a castle town that prospered as a commercial city in connection with the Omi merchants. Have fun with the charm from both land and water.

Shiga / Tourist Attractions

Kishiwada Castle

It is a symbol of Kishiwada, known for the legend of "Tako Jizo," in which a swarm of octopuses protected the castle.

Osaka / Tourist Attractions

Onaruto Bridge

The Bridge that connects Awaji Island and the Mainland, where you can watch whirlpools in the Naruto Channel.

Tokushima,Hyogo / Tourist Attractions

• 16 Dec 2021

  Gaze down from a bridge over world-class, epic whirlpools.

  Onaruto Bridge Whirlpool Walk tour you’ll enjoy a rare chance to take the bridge’s backstage access route for an exclusive view over the Naruto Whirlpools from above.

• 18 Feb 2021

  A Complete Guide to Tokushima Prefecture! All the information you need including popular tourist spots, hidden gems, gourmet food and souvenirs.

  Tokushima is a tourist destination with many spots where you can get close to and feel the beauty of nature, such as Naruto Whirlpool and Iya Valley, one of the three most unexplored destinations in Japan. There are also many delicious foods such as Tokushima's famous brand-name chicken "Awaodori" and local cuisine that has been handed down from generation to generation.

The Old Halls of Toyosato Elementary School

Preserving and Opening to the Public an Elementary School

Shiga / Tourist Attractions

• 29 Mar 2020

  A Special Educational Tour Inside the Old Halls of Toyosato Elementary School, a Tangible Cultural Property Dubbed the "Chalk Education Palace"

  Established in 1937 based on a design by the American architect William Merrell Vories (1880-1964). Follow the Toyosato Travel Guide and venture inside the school buildings, which were awarded the title of Tangible Cultural Property in 2007! The guide will take you on a special tour of rooms and locations that you usually cannot access.

Lake Biwa flower fountain (Biwako Hana Funsui)

A huge fountain offers a feeling of cooling refreshment and fantastic atmosphere of Lake Biwa.

Shiga / Tourist Attractions

Omi Bridge

An arch-shaped beautiful bridge that blends seamlessly with the scenery of Lake Biwa.

Shiga / Tourist Attractions

Philosopher's path

A 2-km walkway leading from Ginkakuji Temple to Kumano-Nyokuouji Shrine.

Kyoto / Tourist Attractions

Keage Incline

The tourist spot most famous along “Lake Biwa Canal,” completed in the Meiji Period and still being used today.

Kyoto / Tourist Attractions

• 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.

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

Sasayama Castle Ooshoin

The castle was built by Takatora Todo, and the Ooshoin(main building), restored in 2000, is the symbol of Tamba Sasayama.

Hyogo / Tourist Attractions

Metasequoia tree avenue (Shiga Prefecture)

500 Metasequoia trees along the 2.4 km straight road!

Shiga / Tourist Attractions

Nagahama Castle Historical Museum

The reconstructed Nagahama Castle is now open to the public as a historical museum. The museum introduces the history and culture of Nagahama with a variety of materials.

Shiga / Tourist Attractions

Hikone Castle Ruins (Special Historical Site)

This castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan that was completed in 1622 and its castle tower is designated as a national treasure. This type of castle is called Hirayamajiro, which means a castle built on a mountain or hill in the middle of a plain.

Shiga / Tourist Attractions