Kansai Region

Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Nara, Wakayama

Hiraoka-Shrine-Shimenawa-Higashi-Osaka-Japan

Hiraoka Shrine: A Scenic Shrine That Holds a Laughing Ritual

Nestled in a sacred area at the foot of Mt. Ikoma (生駒山麓) bordering the Nara Basin, Hiraoka Shrine (枚岡神社) is known as Kawachi Province’s Ichinomiya (河内国一之宮). It means that the shrine was the most influential shrine in the Kawachi Province. Because the Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) in Nara enshrines the two main gods in Hiraoka Shrine, […]

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Tamateyama Park: A Hidden Spot for Plum and Cherry Blossoms

If you plan to travel to Osaka with young children in spring or autumn, Tamateyama Park (柏原市立 玉手山公園) is a good spot for a family trip! The municipal park was completed in 1999 and has a ground area of 68,000 square meters. In spring, the locals head to the park for plum and cherry blossoms.

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Osaka-Garden-of-Floral-Culture-Kawachinagano-Osaka-Japan

Osaka’s Hidden Floral Spot: Osaka Garden of Floral Culture

If you are in Osaka from late February to early July and are after an off-the-beaten-path spot to enjoy nature and different kinds of flowers, consider heading to Osaka Garden of Floral Culture! The vast park is divided into several zones, each with a different type of flowers planted. Although getting there isn’t straightforward, you

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Enman-in-Otsu-Shiga-Japan

Enman-in: The Temple to Enjoy Japanese Cultural Activities

While many are unaware of this, Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto, has a wealth of national treasures and cultural properties! Starting from Mt. Hiei to the temples in the Sakamoto area, Ōtsu is the city for a day tour destination with spots that are rich in history and culture. To make your visit more memorable,

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Katsuoji-Front-Gate-Osaka-Japan

Minō – A City Great for Onsen & Nature Getaways from Osaka

If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Osaka City and get back to nature, consider coming to Minō / Minoo / Minoh city (箕面市). It is in Osaka prefecture, less than 30 minutes by the Hankyū Train from Umeda Station (梅田駅)! Right next door to Minō is Ikeda city (池田市) which

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The Best Guide to Sagano Scenic Railway

The mountains from Arashiyama to Kameoka have some of the most spectacular scenery in Kyoto. To adore the scenery that changes each season, the best seats are provided by Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道). The company’s Sagano Romantic Train runs along the Hozu River (保津川), which flows through the scenic Hozu Gorge (保津峡). Especially during the

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The Best Guide to Chūbu Japan’s Discounted Transport Deals

The Chūbu Region (中部地方), located in the center of Japan’s main island – Honshu (本州), is one of the most scenic parts of Japan. The best thing about the Chūbu Region is that many of its stunning destinations are located quite near each other. And there are multiple discounted transportation tickets and passes for you

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OKO-Fun-Okonomiyaki-Bar-Free-Peanuts-at-Waiting-Area-Osaka-Vegan-Restaurant

OKO Fun Okonomiyaki Bar: The Ultimate Vegan & GF Osaka Spot

Looking for vegan or vegetarian street food in Japan? Finding authentic, vegan, gluten-free okonomiyaki can be one of the biggest challenges for travelers in the beautiful country. However, located in the heart of Osaka‘s Shinsaibashi district, OKO Fun Okonomiyaki Bar (遊べるお好み焼き屋 OKO) has become a legendary destination for travelers with or without dietary requirements. Known

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cherry blossom along Lake-Biwa-Canal-Otsu-Shiga-Japan

Shiga Sakura Spots: 19 Spots to Escape Kyoto Crowds

Looking to experience Japan’s iconic spring beauty without the overwhelming Kyoto crowds? While most travelers flock to the packed parks of Arashiyama, the best-kept secret of the cherry blossom season is just a 10-minute train ride away in Shiga Prefecture. Boasting breathtaking lakeside views and historic castles, Shiga offers a peaceful, authentic alternative for those

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