KANSAI
KANSAI
KANSAI
KANSAI
KANSAI
KANSAI
KANSAI
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KANSAI
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Shiga
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Kyoto
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Osaka
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Hyogo
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Nara
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Wakayama
All Kansai
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Shiga
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Kyoto
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Osaka
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Hyogo
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Nara
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Wakayama
One of the most iconic regions in Japan, Kansai is also the largest economic bloc in the western part of the country. With all six prefectures having UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Kansai region is full of historic charms as well as famous tourist spots and gourmet experiences.
One of the largest cities in Japan, Osaka offers visitors of all ages a wide range of fun choices, from traditional sightseeing spots to a variety of large commercial facilities and unique gourmet dining establishments.
Kyoto preserves an old-world and iconic Japanese ambience, offering stunningly beautiful scenery in all four seasons. Enjoy the serenity and tranquility of Kyoto by visiting renowned temples and shrines as well as taking a leisurely stroll in the city.
Hyogo Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan to the north and Seto Inland Sea to the south. Himeji-jo Castle, the first World Heritage site designated in Japan, is located here. After taking in the abundance of nature in the mountains and the sea, relax at one of Japan's representative hot spring resorts.
Surrounded by mountains, Shiga Prefecture is adorned with Japan's largest lake at its center. A host of seasonal leisure activities are available, from cherry blossom viewing and cruising on the lake to autumn foliage and skiing.
As Nara Prefecture was an ancient capital of Japan, there is an astonishing number of shrines, temples, structures and Buddhist statues, some of which are designated as World Heritage sites. The whole prefecture projects an aura of traditional significance.
The vertically long Wakayama Prefecture is blessed with a warm climate and an abundance of foods from the mountains and the sea. The prefecture is packed with all the best things you look forward to when travelling in Japan, including hot springs, sightseeing spots and gourmet treats.
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Shopping
Sunai no Sato
Located in a mountain village in the south of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Sunai no Sato (The Home of Longevity) is a center of Japanese confectionery operated by Kano Shojuan, a long-established Japanese sweets shop based in prefecture. In addition to the Kano Shojuan headquarters and factory, the site is filled with various facilities that introduce Japanese traditions and cultures such as a teahouse, restaurant, charcoal burner cabin, papermaking workshop and pottery kiln. Time flows slowl…
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Culture
Kamomioya Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine)
Shimogamo Shrine, a World Heritage site, is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. Its official name is Kamomioya Shrine, and it is called Shimogamo Shrine because of its location downstream (shimo) of the Kamo River. The enshrined deities are Kamotaketsunumi-no-mikoto and Tamayorihime-no-mikoto. Two main shrines (national treasures) and 53 buildings specified as important cultural properties stand in the vast precinct of the surrounding Tadasu-no-Mori forest.
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Food
Nandennen Okonomiyaki and Teppanyaki Restaurant
Enjoy delicious okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) with drinks in a Japanese pub-like atmosphere. In addition to standard okonomiyaki and yakisoba (fried noodles), there are a variety of original menu items such as the restaurant's specialty, Nandennen-yaki.
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Culture
Nankinmachi
Located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Nankinmachi is one of Japan's three largest Chinatowns along with those in Yokohama and Nagasaki. The exotic streets are lined with buildings of Chinese-style designs, comprising various shops ranging from authentic Chinese to international cuisine, teas and sweets, as well as unique stores offering sundries and gourmet ingredients.
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Culture
Mount Yoshino
Mount Yoshino in central Nara Prefecture has long been famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. On the ridge extending about 8 kilometers at the north end of the Omine mountain range, varieties of cherry blossoms start to bloom from the foothills and travel upwards in the order of Shimosenbon, Nakasenbon, Kamisenbon and Okusenbon. Around 30,000 cherry blossom trees are said to cover the valleys and ridges, and come into full bloom from the beginning to the end of April. In particular, Shimosenb…
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Experience
Adventure World
Located on the temperate Kii Peninsula in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, Adventure World is a theme park that combines a zoo, safari park and an aquarium. Around 1,400 animals of 140 species from land, sea and sky live here. Famous for the popular pandas, there are also various animals in their natural habitat in the Safari World, and the aquarium showcases high-quality dolphin and whale shows every day. Under the theme of "Future creation park with a smile in the heart," Adventure Park has no…
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Experience
Shigaraki Pottery Village
Recognized as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, Shigaraki pottery boasts a long history centered around Shigaraki in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. It is perhaps best known for the comical raccoon dog ceramic statues found at many storefronts in Japan. Shigaraki Pottery Village is a long-standing potter with over 100 years of history, with some of the few completely preserved climbing kilns built using the slope of a mountain, as well as old-fashioned cave kilns.
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Culture
Myoshin-ji Temple
Myoshin-ji Temple is one of the representative temples of Kyoto, serving as the headquarters of 3,400 temples across Japan of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen school. Founded in 1337 by the cloistered emperor Hanazono, its vast temple grounds include the important cultural property Garan temple complex from the south, the Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall and Dharma Hall, which are surrounded by 46 sub-temples. There is so much to see, including Japan's oldest bonsho bell decorating the Dharma Ha…
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Culture
Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum
While Dotonbori is now famous for its great dining options, the town once flourished as the center of theater culture, with numerous playhouses lining the streets. The Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum displays various ukiyo-e paintings of 19th century Kabuki plays performed at the Dotonbori Goza, the five main theaters, from which the names are still passed on today such as the Nakaza and Kadoza theaters. The museum is the only location to exhibit a large collection of valuable Osaka ukiyo-e paintings.
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Culture
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art opened in 2002 in HAT Kobe, the new city center located in the eastern part of Kobe, as a symbol of the city's cultural resurrection from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. It is one of the largest-scale art museums in western Japan, with a collection of around 10,000 works by artists with ties to Hyogo Prefecture such as Ryohei Koiso and Heizo Kanayama. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando as a place for various forms of art to c…
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Culture
Kinpusen-ji Temple
Kinpusen-ji Temple is the symbol of Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot of Nara Prefecture. The Main Hall and Niomon Gate on the temple grounds are exceptional wooden architectures registered as part of the World Heritage site. Mount Yoshino and its surrounding mountains in southern Nara Prefecture were once called Kinpusen (mountain of golden peaks) and considered a sacred area since ancient times. En no Gyoja, the founder of the mountain worship religion Shugendo, trained in t…
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Experience
Wakayama Electric Railway's Kishigawa Line
Wakayama Electric Railway's Kishigawa Line connects Wakayama Station in Wakayama City with Kishi Station in Kinokawa City. Unique-themed trains travel the line, and at the last stop of Kishi Station, you can greet the famous cat stationmaster Nitama. Kinokawa is one of the country's leading fruit production areas and is also famous as the birthplace of Hanaoka Seishu, the first surgeon in the world to successfully perform a surgery under general anesthesia. Other sites to visit include the Road…
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Accommodation
Ogoto Onsen
At a pH value of 9.0, the hot spring water of Ogoto Onsen in Shiga Prefecture is a simple alkaline hot spring that exceeds standard levels and has a skin smoothing effect after bathing. The gentle water is safe even for people with sensitive skin and pregnant women.
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Culture
Sanzen-in Temple
Sanzen-in Temple is located in the village of Ohara, at the northeast of Kyoto City. Surrounded by quiet mountains, Ohara has been a peaceful retreat for nobilities since ancient times, and has been written about in many poems. The foundation of Sanzen-in Temple was in the 8th century, said to have begun its long history with the hermitage built on Mount Hiei by the monk Saicho. Its two renowned gardens offer much to admire in each of the four seasons, and it is also famous for the cherry bloss…
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Experience
Cupnoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
The Cup Noodles Museum is located in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, which is the birthplace of instant ramen noodles. The museum introduces stories on the birth of instant ramen and history of its advancements. The Instant Noodles Tunnel near the entrance displays Nissin's product lineup from the past and present, with an astonishing 800 packages covering the inner side of the tunnel.
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Food
Kasumi Port
An abundance of fresh seafood is caught all year round in Kasumi Port, located in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture. Among them, Kasumi Port is best known for crabs. Matsuba Crab (snow crab), the king of winter delicacies, can be enjoyed from November to March of the following year, while Kasumi Crab (red snow crab) can be found for a longer time from September to May of the following year. Located in the same space as Kasumi Port's auction site is Yugyo-kan, a fishery cooperative directly …
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Accommodation
Shigisan Gyokuzoin Temple
Shigisan Gyokuzoin is a distinguished temple founded over 1,000 years ago, offering a great setting to truly experience Japanese history from ancient times. Through overnight stays at the temple lodging, prayer rituals and Buddhist training experiences, immerse yourself in culture and history in comfort at Gyokuzoin during your stay in Japan.
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Food
Katsuura Port Nigiwai Market
Known as part of the World Heritage-registered Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, the town of Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture is also famous for the fishing port that hauls the largest volume of tuna in Japan. In the Nigiwai Market located inside Katsuura Port, visitors can taste right there on the spot delicious texture of fresh tuna that has never been frozen. Savor the distinct flavor and texture of fresh tuna, which are nothing like defrosted tuna.
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Activity
Hachiman-bori Canal
Hachiman-bori Canal is a waterway in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, which once played an important role as a transportation route and in the lives of residents. The scenery from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (16th to early 17th century) remains even now, and is often used as a filming location for period dramas. During the canal tour on a yakatabune cruise boat, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the four seasons and explore the town’s history.
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Culture
Kyoto International Manga Museum
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is situated at the center of Kyoto in Karasuma Oike. The museum opened in 2006 by reusing the building of a closed-down elementary school. With an extensive collection of 300,000 manga materials from historical to foreign works, it is both a library and a fun museum of Japanese manga culture, playing a vital role as a purveyor of the Japanese culture and drawing attention from all over the world.
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Culture
Kishiwada Danjiri Kaikan
The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival has a history of 300 years, and has been passed down and cultivated with pride by the people of Kishiwada. The dynamic towing of Danjiri floats is well known not just in Japan but also as a world-class festival. Danjiri Kaikan is a museum where you can experience the Danjiri Festival not only during the festival but throughout the year. There is much to see such as the reproduction of the festival through powerful videos and sounds, elaborate sculptures and a hand…
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Culture
Izanagi-jingu Shrine
Located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, Izanagi-jingu Shrine is Japan’s oldest shrine believed to have been founded by the deity Izanami-no-mikoto, who created the country as described in "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki," the oldest historical texts of Japan. The ancient camphor tree on the grounds called Meoto-no-okusu (husband and wife giant camphor tree) is said to bring good luck for a harmonious marriage and relationships.
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Accommodation
Sasayuri-ann
Scenic mountains of a national park, the quaint lives of locals and the ever-changing skies: enjoy the spectacular scenery from the fireside of a thatched roof home nestled in a mountain village. Indulge in a leisurely stay embraced in the seasonal landscape as you feel the nature and tradition of Fukano.
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Culture
Mihama-cho (Wakayama)
Situated at the center of Wakayama Prefecture’s coastline, Mihama is a town with various attractions beginning with its beautiful beaches. While the town is the second smallest in Wakayama in terms of area, there is much to see including Enjugahama beach with a large pine grove that was selected as one of Japan’s best 100 sceneries of white sand beaches and pine groves, and the Mio district where past residents who emigrated to Canada brought back culture from abroad.
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Food
Omi Beef
Now popular around the world, Japanese wagyu beef consists of over 200 brands, and Omi, Matsuzaka and Kobe are renowned as the top three wagyu brands. Omi beef is a Japanese Black cattle raised in the rich natural environment and waters of Shiga Prefecture. With a fine texture and sweet flavored fat, the tender meat is best enjoyed as sukiyaki or shabu-shabu hot pot dishes.
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Activity
Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride
An essential activity for Kyoto sightseeing, the Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride is a thrilling journey traversing about 16 kilometers through the Hozu Valley at the northwest of Kyoto City, from Tamba to the Kyoto Basin. Kameoka, the departure point for the river boat, offers various sightseeing and hands-on experience facilities, including the Yunohana Onsen hot spring resort and the Sagano Romantic Train, which connects Arashiyama and Kameoka.
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Food
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is in the Minami area of Osaka, one of Japan'’s leading commercial districts and a spot where you can fully experience the lively atmosphere of Osaka. It's a town of food and entertainment, where the iconic Kani Doraku crab restaurant and Glico signs are sure to catch your eyes. Dotonbori started as a theater town in the Edo Period (1603-1868), and is still home to the Shochikuza Theatre for Kabuki performances and many entertainment halls, as well as various types of restaurants to a…
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Culture
Sasayama Castle Oshoin Palace
Sasayama Castle was erected in 1609 in Hyogo Prefecture's Tamba-Sasayama, an important transportation hub. As a castle tower was not built in Sasayama Castle, the Oshoin palace built around the same time as the castle served as a center of politics. Only the domain lord was permitted to enter the grand wooden building. While the original building was destroyed by fire in January 1944, it was restored and reconstructed in 2000.
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Culture
Hozan-ji Temple
Hozan-ji Temple is located on the hillside of Nara Prefecture's Mount Ikoma, worshiped as a mountain where gods reside since ancient times. With the enshrinement of Shoten, a Buddhist guardian god, Hozan-ji Temple has been affectionately called Ikoma Shoten. The deity Shoten is also called Kangiten and is said to grant all wishes in the present world. At Hozan-ji Temple, the Kangiten Festival is held on the first and 16th day of every month, and the temple becomes bustling with visitors praying…
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Activity
Nanki Kumano Geopark (Kushimoto-cho)
Geopark is essentially a "park of the earth," a place where you can not only learn about the origins of the area's geography, but also experience the relationship between the land and people's lives through history, culture, flora and fauna, and foods. Located in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula, Nanki Kumano Geopark is a very rare area in Japan where three types of terrain created by plate subduction can be observed in one setting.
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Culture
Sagawa Art Museum
Located in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, Sagawa Art Museum overlooks Lake Biwa with a view toward Mount Hiei and Mount Hira. In the three mystifying buildings floating on the vast grounds of the water garden, masterpiece collections of Japanese art are housed, such as works of eminent Japanese-style art painter Ikuo Hirayama, sculptor Churyo Sato and ceramic artist Kichizaemon Raku. The museum shows us different faces in the changing seasons and will temp you to visit many times.
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Culture
Miyama Thatched Roof Village
Miyama's Thatched Roof Village is located in Nantan City in northern Kyoto Prefecture, about two hours from Kyoto City. In the quiet village surrounded by beautiful mountains, 39 thatched roof houses are preserved and resided in a traditional lifestyle. The preservation of the historic landscape has been highly appraised and has also been selected as an important preservation district of historic buildings of Japan. Take in the healing, unspoiled scenery of Miyama's Thatched Roof Village.
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Culture
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Located in Tenjinbashi, Osaka, the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a museum where you can experience the transition of lifestyles in Osaka and the city itself from the Edo Period (1603-1868) to the Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926) and Showa (1926-1989) eras. Actual townhouses built by traditional methods line the floor, exhibiting the recreation of early modern town of Osaka about 200 years ago. On the modern era floor, diorama models and videos showcase the houses and lifestyles of …
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Culture
Shiunzan Nakayama-dera Temple
Located in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Shiunzan Nakayama-dera Temple is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku and is famous as a temple to pray for safe childbirth. In the Nara Period (710-784), the area was a grand temple with numerous large and small religious buildings, and its name even appears in ancient history books. Thanks to the dedication and donations of many powerful figures, the current monastery was built and has been preserved for more than 1,400 years.
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Activity
Mifune Waterfall
Located in the mountains in western Nara Prefecture, Mifune Waterfall is roughly 50 meters high with the waters tumbling in two tiers. The scenery is beautiful in the spring to early summer with fresh greenery, as well as in autumn as the waters fall amid the vibrant foliage. However, the most impressive scenery is during the harsh cold period of winter when the entire waterfall freezes into a spectacular ice waterfall. Enjoy trekking along the natural phenomenon, a rare opportunity in the rela…
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Experience
Kumano Hongu Onsen Village
Kumano Hongu Onsen Village, situated in the mountains of Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture, is known for its three hot springs: Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen and Wataze Onsen. This area is home of the World Heritage site Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. It's a perfect place to enjoy both the historic hot springs and hiking along the Kumano Kodo trails in the beautiful terrain surrounded by rivers.
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Culture
Koto Sanzan
Three Tendai Sect temples, namely Saimyo-ji, Kongorin-ji and Hyakusai-ji, situated on the east side of Lake Biwa, are well known collectively as the Koto Sanzan temples. They are situated on the west part of the Suzuka Mountain Range, and together with Eigen-ji Temple located to the southeast of Hyakusai-ji Temple, are popular viewing spots for colorful autumn foliage.
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Activity
Take-no-michi
Muko City in Kyoto Prefecture is well known as one of the top producers of high-quality bamboo shoots in the Kyoto area. The Take-no-michi bamboo-lined path was created through a number of different development phases in order to preserve the beautiful scenery of the majestic bamboo forest. This path, stretching over 1.8 kilometers, is edged with a variety of fence types made from local Moso bamboo. Once you step on to the path and start to stroll through this serene environment, you will be in…
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Food
Kuromon Market
The Kuromon Market is located in Minami, the center of Osaka. A wide variety of different types of shops and restaurants are packed tightly together in this area, offering not only fresh seafood such as blowfish and soft-shell turtles but also a wide variety of other edible delights, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, pickles, dried food, Japanese sweets and Western pastries. Every nook and corner of the market is bustling with energy, providing customers with a fun and entertaining shopping exp…
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Culture
Japanese Sake in Nada (Nadagogo)
Nadagogo (Nada's five districts) is a collective name for the five sake brewery districts in the Nada area: Nishigo, Mikagego, Uozakigo, Nishinomiyago and Imazugo. This area has long been home to a number of sake breweries as the area is blessed with hard water called Miya-mizu that contains a lot of minerals perfect for sake brewing, as well as produces Yamada Nishiki rice, the top brand rice for sake. Nada's sake is generally dry with a slightly strong acidity, and its taste ranges from the i…
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Culture
Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera Temple was established in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, in 686 as the main temple of the Buzan Branch of the Shingon Sect. It has long been a sacred spot for Kannon worshippers who come to this temple to admire the largest Kannon statue in Japan. It is also famous as a temple of flowers, as visitors can view a variety of seasonal flora on its grounds all through the year.
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Food
Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings of Yuasa
Yuasa Town in Wakayama Prefecture once prospered as a post-station town on the Kumano Kodo road. It is also well known as the birthplace of soy sauce. It was nationally designated as an Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings in 2006 for its well-preserved townscape, consisting of traditional houses and storehouses with thick mortar walls. These showcase the golden age of the town's development with various commercial and manufacturing industries, including soy sauce production.
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Culture
Keisoku-ji Temple (Formerly Hanpuku-ji)
Keisoku-ji Temple, located in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is famous for its 200 maple trees which turn completely red in fall. Established in 735, this temple, once prosperous and demonstrably affluent, has now been abandoned as a temple, but is still cared for by local residents. In fall, impressive scenery reminiscent of its glorious past returns, with the grounds completely covered by fallen red leaves. This spectacular sight is truly beyond description.
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Culture
Komyo-ji Temple (Main temple of the Seizan Jodoshu Sect)
Komyo-ji in Nagaokakyo City in Kyoto Prefecture stands on grounds that cover a vast area of 66,000 square meters with hundreds of maple trees. It is the main temple of the Seizan Branch of the Jodo Sect, where Honen (the founder of the Jodo Sect) read the Nembutsu chant for the first time in Japan. The main feature of this temple in late fall is the photogenic 200-meter-long Momiji Approach, which offers a spectacular view of vivid red color. Once you step on the approach that is completely cov…
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Shopping
Sennichimae Doguyasuji shopping street
Since the Edo Period (1603-1868), Osaka has played a central role in Japan's food culture as
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Culture
Izushi
Izushi, now within Toyooka City in Hyogo Prefecture, was a small castle town that once prospered as the center of the Tajima region (present-day northern part of Hyogo Prefecture) between ancient times and the middle ages. It boasts a historic ambience, featuring a number of landmarks, including the remains of Izushi Castle with beautiful stone walls, Japan's oldest clock tower and Soji-ji Temple that was established in the early 8th century. The town is also well known for its Sara Soba buckwh…
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Culture
Tanzan Shrine
Tanzan Shrine, located on Mount Tonomine in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, enshrined Fujiwara no Kamatari, who launched the Taika Reform in the 7th century. It is such an important event in ancient Japanese history that it appears in every Japanese history textbook. This mountain came to be known as Katarai-yama (mountain of discussion), as Kamatari met with Prince Naka no Oe in secret on this mountain in 645 to plan the reform. This episode was the reason why the shrine was named "Tanzan" beca…
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Activity
Shirahama-cho (Wakayama)
Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture is one of the top beach resort areas in the Kansai region, with Shirarahama Beach adorned with the beautiful sea and a long stretch of white sand, in addition to hot springs. It is perfect for families and has a wide variety of attractions, such as the Sandanbeki Cliffs, Senjojiki tiered rock formation and other spectacular geo sites, a leisure park where pandas live and delicious, fresh seafood.
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Culture
Miho Museum
Nestled deep in the beautiful nature of Shigaraki town in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, the Miho Museum houses one of Japan's largest collections of valuable art, attracting attention from both Japan and overseas. The building was designed by architect I. M. Pei, who is renowned for works such as the large glass pyramid of the Louvre Museum in Paris.
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Activity
Amanohashidate
Located in Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Amanohashidate is a roughly 3.6-kilometer sandbar covered with approximately 5,000 densely growing green pine trees. Amanohashidate View Land is an observatory that offers a panoramic view of the sandbar from the south side. Try viewing it in the "matanozoki style" by turning your back on the sandbar and bending over forward to view it upside down through your legs, which is said to make Amanohashidate appear as if it were a dragon flying into…
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Activity
Tsutenkaku Tower
Designated as a national tangible cultural asset, the 108-meter-high Tsutenkaku observation tower is hailed as one of the symbolic landmarks of Osaka. Day or night, the Gold Observation Platform where the statue of Billiken, the Deity of Good Fortune resides, offers a pleasant view of the entire city. The current tower is the second generation, but has a beautiful ceiling painting, which is a reproduction of the original painting of the first tower, making it a popular photo spot.
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Activity
Kobe Harborland
Located slightly west of the downtown, Kobe Harborland is one of the leading tourist areas and a large commercial complex in the city with shopping malls, restaurants, movie theaters and other recreational facilities. The Takahama Wharf where ships including the Kobe Concerto cruise ship berth is a perfect spot to take a stroll while feeling the refreshing sea breeze.
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Culture
Dorogawa Onsen Townscape
Located in the village of Tenkawa in Nara Prefecture, Dorogawa Onsen has long flourished as a hot spring retreat for Shugendo practitioners who were visiting Mount Omine for ascetic training. The entire hot spring town is cloaked in a quaint atmosphere, but in particular, the "engawa" boarded floor running along the outside of traditional Japanese inns lets you feel the remnant of the Showa Period (1926-1989). It is perfect to sit and take a short rest. At night, the streets are lit up with bea…
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Food
Kuroshio Market and tuna cutting demonstration
Located within an artificial island of Wakayama Marina City, the Kuroshio Market is a bustling fish market offering freshly caught seafood not only from Wakayama but from all over Japan, letting you savor delicious marine products including unfrozen maguro (tuna). Tuna, the highlight of the market, are caught in Katsuura finishing port that boasts the largest catches of raw tuna in the country as well as shipped from Kushimoto where tuna farming is thriving. The tuna cutting demonstration that …
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Activity
The magnificent seasonal scenery of the Dawn Redwood Avenue
Stretching out along an approximately 2.4-kilometer straight road is the Dawn Redwood (metasequoia) Avenue leading to the Makino Highland located in the northwestern part of Shiga Prefecture. Every season, visitors are afforded a stunning view: fresh verdure and greenery in spring, lush greens in summer, the vivid colors of autumn leaves and the bare trees covered in snow that resembles pretty snow flowers. In harmony with the Nosaka mountain range visible in the background, it creates stunning…
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Activity
Ine no Funaya
Ine is a small fishing village located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture facing the Sea of Japan. There are still about 230 "funaya," or traditional wooden boat houses, stretching for five kilometers along the Ine Bay. These houses are built right on the water and the boats are housed in the first floor while the second floor is a living space. The funaya houses stand in a row around the bay creating a scenery unique to Ine town, which somehow evokes a nostalgic feeling.
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Culture
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group
The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group is a cluster of massive tumulus tombs that spread across three cities in Osaka Prefecture, namely Sakai, Fujiidera and Habikino. Having served as an important political and cultural center of Japan from the late 4th century to late 5th century, dozens of burial mounds for emperors and their families are densely concentrated in the area, making it among the largest tomb groups in the country. The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group was also given a place on the UNESCO World H…
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Culture
San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark
A geopark is a kind of natural park that contains a geological heritage that helps people learn about and enjoy the earth's history and activities. The San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geomorphological and geological features related to the process from the time when Japan was part of the Asian continent to its present-day formation of the country. The geopark lies about 120 kilometers east and west stretching over Kyoto, Hyogo and Tottori prefectures with many valu…
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Activity
Mitarai Valley
The Mitarai Valley can be found along the Sanjo River that flows from Mount Omine in the village of Tenkawa in Nara Prefecture. The sparkling emerald green waters flowing through waterfalls and gigantic rocks give the valley a spectacular landscape known to be one of the most scenic spots in the Kansai region. There is a path set up along the river so you can enjoy hiking in the natural surroundings. The unspoiled valley offers gorgeous views in all four seasons.
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Activity
Tomogashima Islands
On the Kitan Strait of the Seto Inland Sea floats a cluster of the four uninhabited islands of Jinoshima, Torajima, Kamishima and Okinoshima, collectively known as Tomogashima. In Okinoshima, which served as a military fort of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, the remains of old gun batteries and defense storage areas still stand today. Covered with overgrown green moss, the brick ruins bear a strong resemblance to the world of an animated film. Torajima island is known to be the …
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Experience
Nagarasan Onjo-ji Temple (Mii-dera Temple)
Nagarasan Onjo-ji Temple (Mii-dera Temple) in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, is the head temple of Tendaijimon Buddhist sect. It is also known as the "Temple of the Phoenix" for its tenacity in overcoming various hardships in its over 1,200-year history, such as fire attacks during war. The temple houses numerous national treasures and cultural properties, and the spectacular view of Lake Biwa from the observation deck, cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are must-see sights.
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Culture
Byodoin Temple
Founded in 1052, Byodoin Temple presents the spectacular scenic setting of Phoenix Hall built on an island in a pond harmonizing with the natural beauty of the four seasons. Phoenix Hall is also well known as the image engraved on Japan's 10-yen coin. Other must-see sites include the Hosho-kan Museum exhibiting a collection of many national treasures and Tea Room Toka where you can enjoy authentic Uji tea.
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Culture
Katsuo-ji Temple
Katsuo-ji Temple has been worshipped as a temple of winner's luck since ancient times. Over its long history of 1,300 years, various conquerors of the period including generals of the Kamakura (1185-1336) and Muromachi (1336-1568) shogunates have paid visits to this temple. Even today, many people come to pray, wishing to triumph over any challenges in life such as curing illness, succeeding in business, passing exams, winning in sports and finding fulfillment in love. The temple premises are f…
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Culture
Engyo-ji Temple on Mount Shosha
Established in 966 by the priest Shoku-shonin, Engyo-ji Temple is a historic temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism, located on top of Mount Shosha in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Just a 5-minute journey by a scenic ropeway ride, the quiet and spacious mountaintop is filled with numerous temple structures, earning its nickname "the Mount Hiei of the West." Some of the must-see sites include Mani-den, which resembles Kyoto's famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Dai-ko-do and Jiki-do, both …
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Culture
Oka-dera Temple
Oka-dera Temple is located in the historical Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, the site of an ancient city. The temple was founded about 1,300 years ago and formally called Ryugai-ji (Dragon Lid Temple). Its name was taken from the legend in which Gien Sojo, the founder of Oka-dera Temple, drove an evil dragon that was destroying the land of Asuka into a pond and covered it with a large stone. For ridding the land of disasters caused by the evil dragon, Oka-dera Temple is also known as Japan's fi…
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Culture
Wakayama Castle
A historic landmark of the city of Wakayama, the area is designed as a park with various attractions including a garden, history museum and zoo. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the lush green Mount Torafusu, sparkling white castle tower and beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. Since its construction in 1585, Wakayama Castle was the longtime residence of the Kishu Tokugawa clan, one of the three branches of the ruling Tokugawa clan.
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Culture
Chikubu Island
The small island only about two kilometers in circumference has attracted people's faith from ancient times with Hogon-ji Temple, one of the Three Greatest Shrines of Benzaiten (goddess of art), and Tsukubusuma Shrine. There are also many historical buildings designated as national treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The entire island is cloaked in a mysterious atmosphere befitting the name "Island of the Gods."
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Culture
Wazuka-cho
The town of Wazuka in Kyoto Prefecture is a major production area of Uji tea and is also known for its high-quality sencha (Japanese green tea), manufacturing about half the total tea leaf production of Kyoto Prefecture. Wazuka's tea cultivation began in ancient times when the terraces along the steep hillsides were carved out by hand, and since then, the tea culture has been passed down to the present day. It is a traditional industry that will continue to endure.
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Culture
Townscape of Taiheiji
In the Taiheiji district of Kashiwara City in Osaka Prefecture, there is a cluster of historic folk houses. From the slope leading to Kannon-ji Temple, the road that stretches like a maze is lined with lime plastered homes and clay storehouses, taking you back in time. The area's main street has been renovated into a stone-paved road to blend with the landscape. Combined with the Japanese-style streetlamps, it creates a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for strolling.
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Food
Kobe Plaisir Sannomiya Honten
Enjoy Hyogo's famous Wagyu brands such as Kobe Beef and Tajima Beef, together with locally grown vegetables served to enhance their natural flavors. Kobe Plaisir Sannomiya Honten restaurant is directly operated by the Hyogo prefectural branch of the National Federation of Japan Agricultural Cooperative Associations (ZEN-NOH) and offers various dishes exclusively made with foods produced in Hyogo Prefecture with dedication and care by local farmers.
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Experience
Soni Highland
Soni Highland in eastern Nara Prefecture is a vast plain at the foot of Mount Kuruso (elevation: 1,038 meters), one of the 300 Famous Japanese Mountains. Known for the beautiful fields of Japanese pampas grass, every year in mid-March, the wilted grass is burned off the hill, and from spring to summer, fresh pampas grass covers the plain in a green carpet. The scenery becomes even more incredible in the fall season from October to the end of November, as the pampas grass covering the 40-hectare…
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Food
Wakayama Ramen
In Wakayama, ramen noodles have been endearingly referred to as chuka soba, or Chinese noodles. The pork broth soy sauce soup is categorized into two types: the lighter, soy sauce-based soup and the richer, pork broth-based soup. The noodles are soft, thin and straight. On the table are the staple side menus hayanare-zushi, or salted mackerel sushi, and boiled eggs, which customers tell how much they ate upon payment in the unique Wakayama Ramen style.
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Activity
Lake Biwa
Sitting proudly at the center of Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, and was created approximately four million years ago. Due to its size, it offers a wide variety of unique seasonal scenes in different areas. "Biwa-ichi" is a popular recent activity which involves cycling in a loop around this large lake. It has now been selected as one of the National Cycle Routes certified by the national government.
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Culture
Togetsu-kyo Bridge in Arashiyama
The Togetsu-kyo Bridge (literally "the moon crossing a bridge") over the Katsura River in Arashiyama is one of the most popular landmarks in Kyoto. This area, not so far from downtown, is a must-see tourist destination surrounded by stunning natural beauty that showcases its beautiful seasonal features, such as cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. The bridge is even more beautiful when it is illuminated in the evening and is a place that attracted aristocrats from the capita…
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Culture
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is a vast park located in the center of Osaka, with various facilities including the Osaka Castle Main Tower, Nishinomaru Garden, plum grove and Osaka-Jo Hall. It is also known for its beautiful seasonal flowers such as plums, cherry blossoms and azaleas. The inside of the five-layer, eight-floor castle tower is a history museum, and you can experience wearing war helmets and see actual Warring States Period (late 15th century to mid-16th century) materials such as armors and …
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Culture
Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Gai
Kitano is located at the foot of Mount Rokko overlooking Kobe Port. When the port opened in 1868, the Kitano area became a foreign settlement and many Western-style houses were built. In the present day, these mansions are called ijinkan (residence of foreigners) and displayed to the public. The town is an exotic mélange of Western-style and Eastern-style buildings and also has friendship ties with Paris's Montmartre area. Just a 15-minute walk from Kobe's central Sannomiya area, Kitano Ijinkan…
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Culture
Kasuga-taisha Shrine
Kasuga-taisha Shrine is a World Cultural Heritage site with a history of 1,300 years, and is the head shrine of the over 3,000 Kasuga Shrines to be found all around Japan. Surrounded by a primeval forest stands an impressive bright orange shrine building on the premises, which are also famous for the many gorgeous wisteria trees that come into full bloom in the spring. The shrine is located in Nara Park, and there are over a 1,000 deer roaming the grounds that are considered messengers from the…
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Culture
Mount Koya
The temple complex on Mount Koya (Koyasan), was established in 816 by Kukai, a monk also known as Kobo Daishi who founded the Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Comprised of 117 temples including Okunoin and Danjo Garan, which are the two most important sites in Mount Koya, as well as Kongobu-ji, which is the head temple of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, Mount Koya is known as one of Japan's most sacred mountains. The tolerance of accepting all persons regardless of ethnicity or religion is the spirit that…
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Culture
Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple
Enryaku-ji Temple is well known as the Mother of Japanese Buddhism, as it produced a number of high-ranking priests of different Buddhist sects who revered it as a place of great learning and training. There are over 100 Buddhist architectural landmarks on Mount Hiei that blend in well with the surrounding natural seasonal features, such as cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. Over the centuries, the temple has continued to receive many priests for training, as well as a gre…
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Culture
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Located on Mount Otowa in the middle eastern part of Kyoto City, Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and has always attracted thousands of visitors. This temple, established in 778, boasts a number of historical landmarks on its grounds, including a host of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The most famous one is the Main Hall, built on a promontory, featuring the symbolic "stage," a wooden overhanging platform. The view of the city from here is absolute…
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Activity
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located in the bay area of Osaka Port, an area filled with various tourist facilities and shops. The oceans of the Pacific Rim are reproduced in numerous exhibits such as the Pacific Ocean tank and 13 other large tanks, in which 30,000 creatures of 620 species including whale sharks are on view. A truly stunning sight is the 9-meter-deep tank that utilizes the height of the building. The new Interactive Exhibit area "Look, Listen, Smell and Feel" as well as the jellyf…
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Accommodation
Arima Onsen
One of Japan's three most famous and historic hot springs, Arima Onsen, is located at the northern foot of Mount Rokko near the city of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture. It is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan and also known to have been favored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most prominent warlords in the Warring States period (late 15th century to mid-16th century). The traditional atmosphere of the traditional hot spring town can be felt even today. Enjoy a full hot spring tour with the t…
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Culture
Ishibutai Tumulus
Asuka Village is the site of numerous excavated items from palaces and other historic remains from the Asuka Period (552-646). The Ishibutai Tumulus stone chamber, compiled of 30 huge rocks, was constructed in the 6th century and is one of the largest in Japan. It is known as Ishibutai (stone stage), as the top part of the ceiling has stones that are flat, giving a stage-like impression. The tomb was once covered by earth, but over time this was eroded to reveal the ceiling stones. It has never…
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Activity
The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route
The southern part of Wakayama Prefecture known as Kumano has gathered the faith of people as a dwelling place of the gods over the centuries. Since the Heian Period (794-1185), a network of roads connecting to Kumano was developed all over Japan, which came to be known as the Kumano Kodo ancient pilgrimage route registered as a World Heritage site of Japan. Among them, Nakahechi was the most walked route during the Middle Ages with many smaller shrines known as Oji shrines that house "Mikogami,…
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Culture
Hikone Castle
For over 400 years, Hikone Castle has been one of the few castles in Japan to survive wars and disasters and maintain its original condition. This historic building looks even more beautiful in spring when it is surrounded by the approximately 1,200 cherry trees in full bloom, and its adorable mascot, Hiko-nyan, is also very popular.
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Activity
Kyoto Tower
The design of Kyoto Tower, well known as a landmark of the city, was based on a lighthouse, which casts its light over a city with no sea. From the 100-meter-high observatory, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city with different features of the season. Its charming mascot, Tawawa-chan, is also a popular feature among Kyotoites.
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Activity
Umeda Sky Building and Kuchu Teien Observatory
Umeda Sky Building is a renowned landmark of the Umeda area in Osaka. Selected as one of the world’s top 20 architectures, it has a unique design in which two 40-floor, 173-meter-high buildings are connected by a circular Kuchu Teien (mid-air garden). The observatory is a scenic spot where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Osaka while feeling the refreshing breeze in the sky.
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Activity
Mount Rokko
Mount Rokko extends from the western to the northern parts of the urban area of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Commonly, Mount Rokko refers to the entire Rokko Mountain Range, which includes various sized mountains spanning not only Kobe but also the surrounding cities of Ashiya, Nishinomiya and Takarazuka. At the mountaintop, there are many relaxing sightseeing spots such as a pasture farm and an ancient temple with a wonderful view. The night view from Mount Maya is famous as one of the three best n…
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Culture
Gango-ji Temple
Gango-ji Temple, originally Asuka-dera that was Japan's oldest temple, is known to be the temple where the original form of Japanese Buddhism started. It constitutes the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, sites that have been added to the World Heritage List. It is a surprising fact that most of the Naramachi area, a modernized old town with cafes and shops, actually used to be the grounds of Gango-ji Temple during the Nara Period (646-794). The temple houses a collection of materials on the f…
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Culture
Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine
The Kumano region located around the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture has been worshipped as a sacred place since ancient times. Pilgrims began to travel to worship the deities enshrined in the three shrines in Kumano, the Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha and Hayatama Taisha, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan. Kamikura Shrine that sits on the top of a mountain is believed to be the first place where the Kumano deities descended from heaven. Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine was newly buil…
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Experience
Koka School Ninja House
The Koka School Ninja House in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, has been preserved in its original state since its establishment. Once home to the Mochizuki ninja family, it was designed with a number of tricks and secrets to guard against intruders.
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Culture
Former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle
Located in the center of Kyoto City, Nijo-jo Castle grounds cover a vast area 500 meters east to west and 400 meters north to south. This castle was first established in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Edo Government, as his residence. The grounds were expanded to their current size with the extension of the Ninomaru Palace in 1626. Steeped in history, this place bore witness to a number of historic events, including the return of power to the Emperor by Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the…
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Activity
HEP FIVE
The red Ferris wheel is a landmark that represents the Umeda area of Osaka. Once on board, enjoy a dreamy 15-minute trip with a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view from the exclusive space in the sky of Umeda.
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Accommodation
Kinosaki Onsen
Located in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture, Kinosaki Onsen is one of the leading hot spring resorts in the Kansai region with a history of 1,400 years. Visitors can dress in traditional yukata (cotton kimono) and hop around various spas while strolling around the picturesque town that extends along a river. Baths in Japanese-style inns are called uchiyu (inner baths), and public baths without accommodation are called sotoyu (outer baths). Kinosaki Onsen is famous for its seven sotoyu faci…
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Culture
Imanishi Residence
The Imanishi Residence in Kashihara City belonged to a family who served as the head of sodoshiyori (officers who worked under the town magistrate) of Imai Town during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and were delegated autonomy to rule the area especially in terms of public security and politics. The residence itself is an outstanding feature of Imai Town, which has managed to preserve its townscape since the Edo Period. The structure of the residence is in the yatsumune-zukuri style (eight-ridge co…
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Experience
Akizuno Garten
Akizuno Garten is a facility housed in a refurbished site of the former Kamiakizu Elementary School. Within the courtyard are the farmers' restaurant that offers a slow food buffet, an accommodation facility, sweet-making workshop and the wooden elementary school building that serves as an activity center where visitors can experience local life and culture. You can also try picking mikan (mandarin oranges) and other fruits, as Kamiakizu produces citrus fruits throughout the year.
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Shopping
Kurokabe Square
Kurokabe Square is at the center of Nagahama tourism, a castle city known for its 16th-century historical architecture. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the city prospered as a station town on the Hokkoku Kaido Road. Kurokabe Square utilizes the retrospective townscape and now bustles with stylish restaurants and shops, as well as glass workshop studios.
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Culture
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is the symbol of the Gion area, affectionately called Yasaka-san or Gion-san by the locals. It is believed to have been built in 656 and enshrines the Susanoo-no-mikoto deity of Japanese mythology, whose parents were Izanagi (god) and Izanami (goddess). Yasaka Shrine used to be called Gion-sha or Kanshin-in, from which the name "Gion" was derived since the area once flourished as a shrine town. Shijo Street, which is Kyoto City's main street running east to west, starts from this …
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Culture
Osaka Museum of History
Located near Naniwa Palace Site Park, the Osaka Museum of History preserves the remains of Naniwa Palace from the 7th century and conducts research on and presents the history of Osaka. Actual materials mainly from the Asuka Period (552-646) to modern times are exhibited in addition to offering many hands-on events. History fans are sure to be thrilled with the extensive collection that allows you to enjoy both Osaka's history and archeology simultaneously. The amazing view of Naniwa Palace and…
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Activity
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the longest cable suspension bridge in the world, connecting the city of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture with Awaji Island in a stretch of around 4 kilometers. Recognizable by the symbolic two main towers rising to the sky, the bridge is also known as Pearl Bridge, beautifully lit up like a band of pearls at night.
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Culture
Shigisan Chogosonshi-ji Temple
Shigisan Chogosonshi-ji Temple sits on the 437-meter-high Mount Shigi in Nara Prefecture. It was established over 1,400 years ago by Prince Shotoku and enshrines Bishamonten, the god of good fortune. It is believed that after the prince was taught the secrets of victory in battle by Bishamonten, who appeared at the hour of the tiger, on the day of the tiger, in the year of the tiger, he was able to defeat enemies and establish a foundation to spread Buddhism. This is why tigers are the symbolic…
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Activity
Canoeing experience in the Koza River and Ichimai-Iwa monolith
The Koza River runs through the southern part of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture. It is known for its magnificent and beautiful scenery full of huge, oddly shaped rocks and is one of the representative rivers in Kumano. Dubbed the crystal river, its water is so clear and transparent that even the riverbed can be seen, making you feel as if the canoe is floating in the air. Since the flow is gentle, beginners can also enjoy canoeing with total peace of mind.
