Area: Kansai
Rich in culture and history, the Kansai area includes seven prefectures: Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo and Shiga. Kyoto, Nara and Osaka are popular tourist destinations.
ALL 323Hyogo 40Kyoto 94Mie 16Nara 21Osaka 90Shiga 18Wakayama 9
Enkoji Temple is not usually listed in popular tourist guides, which makes it all the more alluring. Yet, it can be found in some of the top autumn attraction rankings of Kyoto, and perfectly captures the refined balance of a garden park, viewing hall, art display, bamboo grove, and mountain hike.
NatureSightseeingKansai
Alma Reyes
November 28, 2018
You can avoid the long waits outside temple entrances and bus stops by avoiding the guidebook-recommended spots, such as Kiyomizu-dera, Nanzenji, Heian Shrine or Arashiyama. Indeed, these gorgeous sites reveal Kyoto’s most treasured maple views; yet, there are other 1,600 and more temples and shrines in Kyoto that likewise exude charming beauty in their simplicity, solace, and natural landscapes.
NatureSightseeingKansai
Alma Reyes
November 27, 2018
Sixteen of Japan’s forty-seven prefectures along its coastline. Here’s over 101 starting points, from north to south and east to west, for exploring the amazing Japan coast of the Sea of Japan.
ChubuChugokuHokkaidoKansaiTohoku
Dkun
November 27, 2018
Many tourists travel around Japan hoping to encounter some of its beautiful wildlife. They might want to see macaques relaxing in an onsen, a Tanuki streaking across the road or even a majestic Japanese deer.
NatureChugokuKansaiKanto
Alfie Blincowe
November 5, 2018
As coffee becomes more popular nowadays, it is not rare to find someone craving for a cup of coffee in the morning before they start the day–even while they are traveling. Luckily, Kyoto has several coffee shops that offer its tourist wide range of choice – from the local one to the multinational one. Here are five coffee shops in Kyoto you may want to consider to visit before you start your day exploring Arashiyama or Kiyomizu-dera.
Food & DrinkKansai
Anissa Ratna Putri
October 23, 2018
When you’re planning your trip to Kyoto the initial thought is to visit all the shrines and historical museums, which of course, are definitely worth a visit. But also, because of this, Japan’s contemporary culture is overlooked when thinking of Kyoto. So why not change the itinerary a bit? Take a day to immerse yourself in the country’s modern times and artworks.
CultureKansai
Arielle
October 16, 2018
The last ten chapters of The Tale of Genji are set in the small town of Uji in Kyoto, and the city has a small yet delightful museum dedicated to it. The Tale of Genji Museum first opened in 1998, but it’s been upgraded in recent years with some fun interactive and digital elements. If you’re a fan of the novel, or want to escape the tourist crowds in Kyoto, it’s well worth a look.
CultureKansai
Donna Sheffield
October 12, 2018
Okonomiyaki is a type of savory dish that looks like a pancake – it might be known as the Japanese pancake or pizza is some countries, like in Indonesia. Okonomiyaki Chitose is a small food shop at the back of an alley in Shin-Imamiya, Osaka. It has been running since 1959 under the hands of Hideki-san.
Food & DrinkKansai
Yoga Febrian Pratama
September 28, 2018
One such art is Maki-e, (蒔絵) a traditional Japanese lacquer painting. Maki means “sprinkling” and e means "picture". It is the most basic technique of a pattern of lacquerware making that is traditionally painted on plates, trays, mirrors, cups, boxes and other objects made from bamboo or wood, but also sometimes paper, leather or basket materials.
CultureKansai
Sydney Solis
September 25, 2018
If you travel to countries hoping to experience another culture, Japan is still rich with it and Nara is the perfect place surrounded by culture and history. It is many things at once: traditional, natural, delightful, heartfelt, and all around wonderful. Come to Nara and be amazed. I honestly could name 100 things in Nara that would make for an amazing trip, but I have narrowed it down to the top 15 spots that you will not find even in most guidebooks.
NatureShoppingSightseeingTravel TipsKansai
Kade Delis
August 27, 2018
Don't fear the crowds of Kyoto! It is easy to slip down a backstreet and find a little-known shrine or temple all to yourself. Here are three for you to find and explore...
SightseeingKansai
Peter Leonard
August 21, 2018
Uji - a place that harbors all the charms of major cities like Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, but remains on the sidelines, rewarding those who seek to venture outside of the tourist guide. With a countless number of places you can go and experiences you can have in the city, here are a few to get you started.
Food & DrinkKansai
Fuad Olajuwon
July 14, 2018
Kukai is a quiet establishment tucked away in an alley near Ikuta Shrine in Kobe. Although you have an array of choices on the menu, most patrons come for one thing and one thing only; the Kobe beef okonomiyaki.
Food & DrinkKansai
Fuad Olajuwon
June 30, 2018
Markets are a genuine way to experience the amazing food and culture of Japan. Nishiki Market in Kyoto is not to be missed in Kansai, but for fewer crushing crowds of tourists try Kuroman Ichiba Market in Osaka for an authentic Japanese experience.
Food & DrinkKansai
Sydney Solis
June 30, 2018
With shops all around selling a variety of chocolates, cookies, cakes, and bread, Kobe is the city of sweets. Few sweets in Kobe can be described as mediocre. In fact, most range between eye-opening-good to mind-blowing-excellent. The amount of care and attention that goes into what are seemingly “gimmick” products can be astonishing.
Food & DrinkKansai
Akira Fuyuno
June 27, 2018
Introducing one of the most beautiful spots of Wakayama prefecture, hidden in the Kozagawa area: Ichimai-Iwa Monolith. Legend says that visiting it on a rainy day will bring you happiness.
NatureKansai
Yana
May 2, 2018
It is often called “Sports Aikido” or “Tomiki Aikido,” but its actual name is Shodokan Aikido. Tomiki Kenji, the founder of this style of Aikido, chose this name.
EventsKansai
Ian Box
May 2, 2018
In Yokkaichi prefecture, along the river side and small bridge ways, these trees which are bare the whole of winter would sprout out their little buds at the beginning of April which is a sign the time for celebration.
EventsSightseeingKansai
Fazira Thufail
March 23, 2018
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