Arima Onsen is surely the best hot spring town closest to Kyoto and Osaka. While the onsen town is full of characters and worthwhile to visit, vegan/vegetarian meals are hard to come by. Fortunately, Onsenji Temple (温泉禅寺) offers monk cuisine and runs a cafe that serves vegan keema curry rice!
Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) in northern Hyōgo Prefecture has become more and more popular among tourists both locally and overseas. Not only does the hot spring town have Michelin’s two-star rated scenery, but it is also filled with historical and cultural charms. But because the region is famous for Tajima beef, it might be difficult to find a …
The Vegan-Friendly Spots in and Close to Kinosaki Onsen Read More »
If you can only visit one castle in Japan, Himeji Castle is undoubtedly the one to visit. The castle that escaped the fate of being bombed isn’t just the most elegant castle in Japan but is also one of the top cherry blossoms and fall foliage destinations in the Kansai region. If you feel hungry …
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As you might already know, the port city of Kobe is more than just the Kobe beef. It is a great destination to enjoy Japan’s nice hot springs, nature, harbor cruise, and much more. But the term Kobe beef might deter you from visiting the city if you are a vegan or a vegetarian because …
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If you are planning your next trip to Japan’s Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Shiga), you might be confused about the best transportation passes to use. After all, with so many train and bus companies in the region offering various passes, choosing the right one for your trip can be a hard task! …
The Most Useful Transportation Passes in the Kansai Region Read More »
Japan’s Kansai region is best known for attractions such as the USJ, Osaka Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji. While these spots are surely stunning in the fall, the areas are now considered overcrowded and touristy. So if you are planning your second or even third visit to Osaka and Kyoto, how about venturing out of the …
14-Day Kansai’s Amazing Less-Visited Spots Autumn Itinerary Read More »
If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Kansai region, head to Yabu City in Hyōgo Prefecture. The city is perfect for outdoor recreation activities. It also has some amazing scenery that will captivate you any time of the year!
If you have ever wondered where the copper of the Great Buddha at Tōdaiji Temple in Nara was from, then you must visit Akenobe Mine (明延鉱山) in Hyōgo Prefecture, discovered in 809!
If you like music, there is an attraction that you have to visit when you are at Mt. Rokkō. The original Rokkō International Musical Box Museum (六甲オルゴールミュージアム) was renovated and reopened in mid-July 2021 and was renamed to Rokkō Mori no Oto Museum (ROKKO 森の音ミュージアム). Now the facility isn’t just all about musical boxes. It …
Enjoy a Feast of Music at Rokkō Mori no Oto Museum Read More »
Kobe (神戸), a fashionable port city only a 30 minutes train ride from Osaka, has many hidden gems that many international visitors aren’t aware of. As an international trading port since 1868, many choose to pass it by when they visit Kansai because the city seems to be filled with western elements that aren’t unique …
Kobe – Your Ultimate Guide to The Scenic Port City Read More »