Things to Do in Kansai, Japan
Japan's cultural heart: Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, plus the pilgrim trails and islands of the Kii Peninsula.
233 destinations across 7 prefectures
Suggested Itineraries
Places to Visit in Kansai
Hasedera
Mountain Temple Famous for Peonies
The head temple of the Shingon Buzan school, set on a hillside in Sakurai and known for its cover...
Nagahama
This lakeside town on the shores of Lake Biwa blends Edo-period charm with contemporary artistry ...
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
An Imperial Garden Masterpiece with Sweeping Mountain Views
Built in the 1650s by retired Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Three terraced gardens using the Higashiyama mo...
Izanagi Shrine
Japan's Oldest Shrine, Birthplace of the Creation Myth
Considered Japan's oldest shrine, dedicated to the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami who, accor...
Kitano Tenmangu
Shrine of Learning Famous for Plum Blossoms and Flea Markets
A major shrine dedicated to the deity of learning and scholarship, celebrated for its 2,000 plum ...
Nakanoshima
River Island with a Park, Rose Garden, and Historic Public Hall
A narrow river island between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, home to Nakanoshima Park, a rose ga...
Metasequoia Namiki
Tree-Lined Avenue of About 500 Metasequoias in Makino
A roughly 2.4 km avenue lined with about 500 metasequoia trees leading toward Makino Highland.
Seiryo-ji
The Living Buddha of Saga and Its Hidden Treasures
Houses the 'Living Buddha' statue brought from China in 987, a wooden Shaka Nyorai said to replic...
Daigo-ji
Hideyoshi's Cherry Blossom Temple on the Mountainside
A sprawling World Heritage Site famous for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's legendary 1598 cherry blossom vie...
Iga-ryu Ninja Museum
Ninja Museum with a Trick House and Demonstrations
A museum in Iga devoted to the ninja tradition, featuring a trick residence, tool exhibits, and d...
Mount Gozaisho (Gozaisho Ropeway)
Suzuka-Range Mountain Reached by Ropeway from Yunoyama Onsen
A 1,212-metre mountain in the Suzuka range, reached by the Gozaisho Ropeway from Yunoyama Onsen.
Mount Wakakusa
Grassy Hill Above Nara Park with City Views
A 342-metre grass-covered hill at the eastern edge of Nara Park, known for its wide views over th...
Sorakuen Garden
Japanese Garden with the Historic Hassam House
A municipal Japanese garden in central Kobe, home to the relocated Hassam House and known for its...
Awashima Shrine
Shrine Known for Thousands of Dedicated Dolls
A seaside shrine in Kada dedicated to Sukunahikona, associated with women's health and known for ...
Himeji Central Park
Safari Park and Amusement Park
A large entertainment complex combining a drive-through safari park with African wildlife and an ...