Things to Do Kansai Region

A traditional theater with more than 400 years of history.

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Guide to Discovering Kabuki and Enjoying Its Performance: Experience Japan’s Traditional Performing Art

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese performing art. Kabuki, with its various charms, has been a popular form of entertainment in Japan for centuries. Stepping into a Kabuki theater transports you to an extraordinary world. For over 400 years, Kabuki actors, who are the pride of Japan, have preserved and carried on this tradition, dazzling audiences with their vibrant performances and magnificent stages. You can experience a special time, enjoying the brilliance of the costumes, the sounds of traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen, and the refined beauty of the dances down to the fingertips. This world is traditionally an all-male domain, where both the actors who play male roles (“tachiyaku”) and those who play female roles (“onnagata”) have their own distinct aesthetic styles. Even if you don’t understand the language, as long as you grasp the key points of how to watch, you’ll be fine! When you see a performance, there will surely be something that moves your heart.

Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina

Shrines & Temples

Chion-in / Yuzen-en

The garden on the Chion-in grounds with the stroll-style pond, rocks and sands.

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Wakayama

Shrines & Temples

Kongobuji

The whole Mt. Koya is the premise! The head of Japan’s buddhist temples.

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Okazaki, Ginkakuji, Ohara

Shrines & Temples

Kurama-dera

This temple is known to be the place where Ushiwakamaru (later Minamoto no Yoshitsune) trained with Tengu (a long-nosed goblin). It is also popular as a sacred power place.

Nara

Famous Places

Naramachi

Old townhouses built between the Edo and Meiji periods remained as they were and became an attractive sightseeing spot for walking around gathered with cafes and various shops.

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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.

Shiga

Shrines & Temples

Mii-dera (Onjoji) Temple

The national treasure, Kondo hall, and many cultural properties are in this Tendai Jimon Sect’s head temple in Otsu City, Shiga.

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Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina

Museums

Kyoto National Museum

Preserving the legacy of Kyoto’s cultural assets for the benefit of future generations.

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[Kyoto National Museum Highlights Guide] Don’t Miss Kyoto-Connected Cultural Treasures and Beautiful Architecture!

The Kyoto National Museum showcases cultural treasures connected to Kyoto, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. With a collection of over 14,000 works, you can enjoy a wide range of masterpieces depending on the season and special events. Rare cultural assets are also exhibited, so be sure to check the exhibition schedule. In this article, we’ll introduce the highlights you should know to fully enjoy the Kyoto National Museum.

Hokusetsu

Zoos & Aquariums

NIFREL – Interactive Aqua Zoo

An experimental-based museum where visitors can experience the appeal of living things and nature with a sense of art.

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Easy Access from Central Osaka! Your Complete Guide to “NIFREL – Interactive Aqua Zoo”

“NIFREL - Interactive Aqua Zoo,” produced by Osaka’s renowned Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest aquariums, combines the concepts of an aquarium, zoo, and art museum under the theme of "Touching Sensibilities." This innovative space is packed with interactive exhibits that bring you closer to the fascinating world of living creatures while enriching your sensory experience. Conveniently located near central Osaka, NIFREL offers easy access alongside nearby attractions like Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park and large multi-purpose facilities. Visitors can enjoy an entire day filled with leisure and entertainment in the area.

Wakayama

Nature Spots

Senjojiki (Wakayama Prefecture)

A tiered rock formation that looks like large tatami mats.

Tennoji, Shinsekai

Shrines & Temples

Shitennoji Temple

Prince Shotoku had this first Japanese Buddhism temple built. One of the oldest architectural styles in Japan, Shitennoji Temple Building Layout, can be seen on the temple grounds. There are also valuable treasures from the founding time.

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[Shitennoji Temple Travel Guide] Experience Culture and History at Japan’s Oldest Temple

Shitennoji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku, one of the most famous historical figures known to nearly all Japanese people. It is one of Japan’s oldest temples and is known for featuring Japan’s oldest architectural style. The temple also has a Japanese garden where you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and a classic Japanese atmosphere. In this article, we introduce the history and highlights of Shitennoji Temple. The vast grounds are filled with many things to see, and this guide will help you enjoy its charm to the fullest.

Okazaki, Ginkakuji, Ohara

Shrines & Temples

Sanzen-in Temple

One of the three Tendai Sect temples administered by the imperial family. The garden is lovely in all seasons.

Fushimi, Rakunan

Shrines & Temples

DAIGOJI Temple

With over 1,100 years of history, the temple is the largest in Kyoto City. It stores many national treasures and important cultural properties. It is also a famous place for cherry blossoms related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

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[Daigoji Temple Visitor Guide] A Famous Flower Spot Where You Can Experience Japan’s History, Culture, and Timeless Charm

Daigoji Temple is the head temple of the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism, one of Japan’s Buddhist sects. Its vast grounds, registered as a World Heritage Site, are home to historic structures such as Japanese gardens and a five-story pagoda. Also known as a famous cherry blossom spot, it is a popular place to experience Japanese history and culture. This article introduces basic information about Daigoji Temple, along with its highlights and the key areas of the temple grounds you should know. We also cover nearby sightseeing spots, so you’ll find the information you need before visiting Daigoji Temple.

Uji, Joyo, Yawata

Museums

Shōkadō

A tea world conveying the spirit of wabi-sabi

Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace

Shopping Streets

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

Shopping to temple stamp collection, a commercial street in the heart of Kyoto that offers enjoyment.

Hyogo

Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

Kinosaki Onsen

Six out-spa baths are scattered throughout the elegant hot spring resort.

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Kinosaki Onsen Travel Guide: Walk to All 6 Public Bathhouses and Enjoy the Charming Streets

With a 1,300-year history, Kinosaki Onsen is a beautiful, atmospheric hot spring town-and its biggest draw is hopping between six public bathhouses. The town was designed around the idea that “the station is your entrance,” “the streets are the hallways,” “the inns are your guest rooms,” and “the public baths are the grand baths.” Walk around in a yukata, and you’ll feel as if the entire town is welcoming you as one big ryokan. You’ll also find plenty of great food, including Matsuba crab and Tajima beef. Here’s a guide to Kinosaki Onsen’s six public bathhouses, plus top sights, food, and places to stay.

Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)

Shopping Streets

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street

A path that connects people with the tools that support Osaka's food culture.

Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace

Shrines & Temples

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined here, the head of Tenjin shrines where Tenjin worship originated. On every 25th, there is a fair on the theme of Sugawara. Famous for plum blossoms.

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"Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Travel Guide" Enjoy Lavish Historic Architecture and Scenic Nature

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is famous as a shrine dedicated to the deity of learning and the arts. Not only can you see splendid Momoyama-period architecture, but you can also enjoy beautiful natural scenery. There are highlights you might miss if you don’t know about them, so a little prep will help you make the most of your visit. In this article, we’ll introduce the history and must-see sights you should know, Tenjin-sama’s Seven Mysteries, and nearby spots to help you fully enjoy Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

Shiga

Shrines & Temples

Ishiyamadera Temple