Choose from 75 Fun Things to Do in Kansai
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 75 listings.
Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island (also known as Itzukushima) has been a Shinto holy place for centuries and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, a red gate (torii) rising from the water just off Miyajima’s shores. Other ancient shrines and temples speckle the island, nestled among a thick forest of maple and cherry trees.
The Basics
Visit Miyajima Island’s many temples, hike through the forest, and see the views from Mount Misen. You can also visit an aquarium, peruse a small history museum, and shop for souvenirs on Omote-Sando, the island’s main street.
Most Miyajima Island day tours depart from Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima. It’s also possible to visit on a multi-day tour and visit the island along with notable cities such as Okayama, Kurashiki, and Hiroshima. On Miyajima, you can explore Mount Misen on a guided walking tour or see island highlights on a rickshaw tour. Private tours are also available for a personalized experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Miyajima Island is a must-see for nature and culture lovers.
- A variety of restaurants and convenience stores can be found on Omoto-Sando shopping street.
- At low tide you can actually walk out to Itsukushima Shrine and pass through it.
- The island has public restrooms.
How to Get There
By boat, Miyajima Island can be reached from Hiroshima in less than an hour. Direct boats run from Hiroshima Peace Park and from Hiroshima Port.
When to Get There
Known for its maples and broad-leafed trees, Miyajima Island is particularly picturesque in autumn. Spring is also a good time to visit, when the island’s cherry trees are in bloom. Since Miyajima is a popular day trip destination, most visitors leave by dusk. To see the island free of crowds, stay overnight in a traditional inn (ryokan).
Where to Hike on Mount Misen
Mount Misen sits 1,640 feet (500 meters) above sea level and has three hiking trails: the Momijidani, Daisho-in, and Omoto courses. The Daisho-in trail is the easiest and offers great views along the way. Each course leads to the summit in about two hours, and you might see deer—and even wild monkeys—along the way. On clear days, it’s possible to see Hiroshima from Misen’s peak.
Address: Miyajima Island, Japan
From $ 6
Miho Museum
The Miho Museum is situated in the hills of Shigaraki, around an hour’s drive southeast of Kyoto. The museum is named after Koyama Mihoko, who founded the museum and who also happens to be one of the richest women in Japan.
The architecture of the Miho Museum is the first thing to strike visitors as they approach the building via a dramatic causeway. The mainly glass structure somehow blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, and this theme continues inside the museum, with the use of warm stone and glass - the latter of which providing beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
The exhibits inside the Miho Museum are that of Mihoko’s private antique collection - mainly pieces from ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and Egyptians, along with a number of Asian cultures. The main exhibition changes every year or so, and temporary exhibits change every few months.
Practical Info
To reach the Miho Museum, take the JR Tokaido Line from Kyoto Station to Ishiyama Station and then take bus number 150 from bus stop three straight to the museum. The bus will arrive at a reception area, where you can buy your tickets before making your way to the main museum entrance, either on foot or via the free museum shuttle.
Address: 300 Shigarakicho Tashiro, Koka, Shiga Prefecture 529-1814, Japan
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: 1,100Yen, Youth: 800Yen or 300Yen
From $ 10
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen,” the Kuromon Ichiba Market caters to the city’s chefs. Every day, cooks from well-known -- and hole-in-the-wall -- restaurants scurry through the 600 meter-long market’s 170 food stalls purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, herbs, and more to prep their kitchens.
Originally, the market was known as “Emmiji Market,” named after a nearby temple. Over time, locals began referencing the market in regards to a large black gate that rested near it and the temple. Eventually, the translation for “Black Gate Market” stuck, and that’s how Kuromon Ichiba Market got its name.
Although the market caters to the restaurant industry, the general public is welcome. Locals and tourists alike walk the length of the Kuromon Ichiba to experience shopping in Osaka’s Kitchen. The market has everything from fresh sea urchin and puffer fish to dried scallops, artisanal mocha, and ready-to-eat kabob meats. The market boasts many high-quality restaurants, as well, that serve local Osaka dishes like okonomiyaki – a savory pancake.
Practical Info
The individual food stalls have their own operating hours. The market is located a short walk from Nippombashi Station on the Sakaisuji Line of the Osaka Subway or Kintetsu Nippombashi Station on the Kintetsu lines. There are ‘rest stops’ along the long market with bathrooms, sitting areas, and even free wifi. These make for great places to enjoy snacks purchased from the vendors.
Address: 1-15-6 Nippombashi, Osaka, Kansai 542-0073, Japan
Hours: Different for each stall
From $ 36
Osaka Museum of History
Work your way through centuries of the past at the Osaka Museum of History, opened in 2003. Located just across from the Osaka Castle, head to the top floor to see great views of the castle.
Exhibits chronicle Osaka's history, beginning in ancient times when Osaka served as Japan's first capital and site of the Naniwa Palace and ending with exhibits on the city's bustling shopping arcades of the early Showa Period.
Exhibits chronicle Osaka's history, beginning in ancient times when Osaka served as Japan's first capital and site of the Naniwa Palace and ending with exhibits on the city's bustling shopping arcades of the early Showa Period.
Designed from top to bottom, visitors start on the 10th floor and work their way down to the 7th, passing through galleries which focus on the Age of the Naniwa Palace, the Age of the Hongan-ji Temple, and the Age of Greater Osaka. Archaeological remains are displayed in the building’s basement.
Take the Highlights Course if you’re short of time, or follow a more leisurely and detailed route with the Complete Course.
Practical Info
The Osaka Museum of History is in the cutting-edge, sail-shaped NHK Broadcast Center building, a short walk west from Osaka Castle. The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo and Tanimachi Subway Lines, a five minute walk from the museum.
The closest JR station is Morinomiya Station on the JR Loop Line, a 20-30 minute walk from the museum.
The closest JR station is Morinomiya Station on the JR Loop Line, a 20-30 minute walk from the museum.
Address: 1-32 Otemae 4-Chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0008, Japan
Hours: Wed, Thurs, Sat - Mon 9:30am - 5pm (until 8pm on Fridays). Closed Tuesdays and Dec 28 - Jan 4
Admission: Adults: ¥ 600, Junior High and Elementary School Students: Free
From $ 88
Nishi Hongan-ji
While many of Kyoto’s temples provide insight into ancient Japanese Buddhist history, few showcase contemporary movements. That’s what makes Nishi Hongan-ji unique. Built in the late 16th-century, the temple remains today an important landmark for modern Japanese Buddhism. Located in the center of Kyoto, the large temple and its sibling-temple, Higashi Hongan-ji, represent two factions of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism.
The three main attractions on the temple grounds include Goeido Hall, Amidado Hall, and the temple gardens. Goeido Hall is dedicated to the sect’s founder, and Amidado Hall to the Amida Buddha – the most important Buddha in Jodo-Shin Buddhism. Cultural treasures, including surviving masterpieces of architecture, are displayed in these main halls. The Temple garden is known as a “dry” garden, utilizing stones, white sand, trees, and plants to symbolize elements of nature such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean.
The three main attractions on the temple grounds include Goeido Hall, Amidado Hall, and the temple gardens. Goeido Hall is dedicated to the sect’s founder, and Amidado Hall to the Amida Buddha – the most important Buddha in Jodo-Shin Buddhism. Cultural treasures, including surviving masterpieces of architecture, are displayed in these main halls. The Temple garden is known as a “dry” garden, utilizing stones, white sand, trees, and plants to symbolize elements of nature such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean.
Practical Info
The temple can be reached on foot from Kyoto Station within 10-15 minutes. One of the main halls of the temple, Amida Hall, is undergoing renovations until 2015. Scaffolding covers the structure. Nishi Hongan-ji is open during daylight hours year-round, and there is no entrance fee.
Address: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
From $ 60
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Japanese royal family lived in Kyoto Imperial Palace until 1868, when the capital moved to Tokyo. It’s located within the Kyoto Imperial Park, which also houses other palaces and shrines. This must-visit attraction allows visitors to gain a greater understanding of Japan’s rich history and culture while enjoying landscaped gardens.
The Basics
Although Japan’s royal family haven’t lived in the Kyoto Imperial Palace for more than 150 years, the imperial furnishings have been preserved and reflect the life of the royals in the mid-19th century. The beautifully landscaped Kyoto Imperial Park surrounding the palace contain jogging trails, picnic benches, numerous plants and water features, and is one of the finest public gardens in the city.
Travelers can visit the Imperial Palace independently, or as part of a full- or half-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto. Such excursions also tend to include sites such as the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, and Nijo Castle. The palace is located in Kyoto City, to the north of Kyoto Station, so is a convenient stop on sightseeing tours of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the park is free.
- While the gardens can be visited independently, the palace buildings can only be entered by prior arrangement with the palace authorities.
- The palace is very close to Nijo Castle, and the two places can be visited together in a convenient morning or afternoon of sightseeing.
How to Get There
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located between two JR Subway stations, Imadegawa and Marutamachi, both of which are a short walk away. Imadegawa station is a bit closer to the entrance gate.
When to Get There
The palace is closed Mondays, as well as from December 28 until January 4, plus some other public holidays. From April to August, it is open from 9am until 5pm; in September and March, from 9am until 4:30pm; and from October to February, from 9am until 4pm. Last admissions are allowed in 40 minutes before the grounds close.
Visit Kaninnomiya Mansion
While it’s not easy to go inside the Imperial Palace itself, visitors can go inside Kaninnomiya Mansion, a restored Edo-period luxury home within the Imperial Park. There were once hundreds of such mansions around the Imperial Palace, but this is the only survivor. The mansion, teahouse, and gardens with a pond are worth visiting—plus, they’re also free.
Address: Kyoto-Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 601-8151, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 34
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizu-dera) is one of Japan’s oldest and most eye-catching Buddhist temples. Its classic red pagoda has been influential to Japanese architecture for centuries. Located on a hilltop, Kiyomizu Temple is also worth visiting for its sweeping views over Kyoto.
The Basics
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu Temple should not be missed when visiting Kyoto. Although originally built in 798, most of the current buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries because of repeated fires throughout the years. Lovely gardens and shrines surround Kiyomizu Temple, and the stage just off the Main Hall is famous for its city views.
Kiyomizu Temple is a must-see attraction in Kyoto, so most organized tours include it on their itineraries. It’s also easily accessed via public transport. The complex offers tours of the temple and grounds conducted by a Buddhist priest.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Although the temple is part way up Mount Otowa, it is fully wheelchair accessible, with no-step paths and special vehicle access via the emergency road entrance to save climbing the steps.
- The temple grounds are large, with 30 buildings and gardens to stroll through. While it’s possible to visit quickly, if you’re trying to see many highlights of Kyoto in a short time, it’s also worth spending a couple of hours here.
- There is a small admission charge.
How to Get There
Kiyomizu Temple is best reached by bus. From Kyoto Station, catch City Bus no. 206 or 100 (on Saturdays and holidays, take the Kyoto Bus no. 18) and get off at Gojozaka and walk east. Buses are also available from Hankyu Kawaramachi, Keihan Gion-Shijo, and Keihan Shichijo stations. There are no parking lots at the temple, and nearby lots tend to get crowded quickly due to the temple’s popularity.
When to Get There
The temple is open every day from 6am until 6pm or 6:30pm, depending on the season. Special night-viewing sessions are also organized in each season, when the temple remains open until 9pm. Every season at Kiyomizu Temple offers a different experience: the temple is surrounded by snow in winter, blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, and fiery leaves in fall.
Stage on a Cliff
The Main Hall of Kiyomizu Temple is built upon a steep cliff, and the stage that hangs out in front offers amazing views of Kyoto. While this may seem like a precarious perch, especially in an earthquake-prone country, the platform has survived since 1633. The traditional construction method consists of 18 wooden pillars and uses no nails.
Address: Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Kennin-Ji Temple
The oldest and one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto, Kennin-Ji was founded in the year 1202 by a monk. Situated near the famous Geisha district of Gion, Kennin-ji attracts Buddhist monks on pilgrimage, as well as religious locals and tourists, and curious explorers.
The main hall is a bastion of solemnity. The architecture features rooftops that curve upwards toward the sky, as if in prayer. The original temple complex contained seven buildings, but fires throughout the centuries destroyed many. The temple was rebuilt in the mid-thirteenth century and again in the sixteenth century. Today three outstanding buildings remain: the Dharma Hall, the principal building; a tea house; and the Imperial Messenger Gate. Interestingly, the gate dates back to the 12th or 13th centuries, and today marks from stray arrows during battles can still be seen.
Kennin-ji boasts a stunning Zen garden. Like most Zen gardens, Kennin-ji's is defined by its simplicity and beauty. An aesthetically pleasing placement of rocks, trees, and grassy areas create a calming, peaceful atmosphere for strolling or simply sitting and thinking.
Practical Info
Like many temples in Kyoto, Kennin-ji's hours vary between seasons. The temple is typically open between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, with slightly longer hours in March through October. The temple is closed from December 28-31. There is an admission fee of 500 yen ($5 USD) for adults, and there are discounts for students. The temple is a 10-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station on Kyoto's Keihan line.
Address: 584 Komatsu-cho, Kyoto, Japan
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Admission: 500 yen
From $ 41
Okayama Korakuen Garden
One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Okayama Korakuen Garden was commissioned by regional ruler Tsunamasa Ikeda in 1686 and took over 14 years to complete. Today, the 13-hectare garden is a protected public park and retains its original appearance despite undergoing extensive restoration in the post-World War II years.
Its vast grassy lawn is Korakuen’s most unique attribute, but for many visitors, it’s the traditional Japanese features that draw the most attention, like the immaculately clipped bonsai trees, the blossom trees that bloom with color each spring and the network of water ways bridged by dainty stepping stones and narrow wooden footbridges. Climb to the top of the Yuishin-zan hill for a view over the garden and the neighboring Okayama Castle, gaze out over the central lake from the Enyo-tei tea house, then follow the walkways to discover the plum and cherry orchard, small tea plantation and rice field, and cages of rare red-crowned cranes.
Practical Info
Okayama Korakuen Garden is located on an island on the Aashi River, opposite Okayama Castle, and is open from 7:30am-6pm in summer or 8am-5pm in winter. Adult admission is 400 yen.
Address: 1-5 Korakuen, Okayama, Japan
Admission: Adult: 400 yen
From $ 723
Pontocho
Foodies who spend any time in Kyoto will want to dedicate at least one evening to Pontocho, an incredibly atmospheric dining area packed with restaurants and exclusive tea houses lining a narrow, cobbled alley just west of the Kamo River.
Visitors from around Japan and the world come here for the open-air dining along the river and the opportunity to spot apprentice and master geishas scurrying to their appointments. While most of the tea houses are difficult to visit without a connection, visitors will find a range of restaurants — everything from inexpensive yakitori to modern Kyoto cuisine – to choose from in the evenings.
Practical Info
Pontocho is rather quiet by day, so plan your visit for the evening hours to experience the alley at its best.
Address: Pontocho, Kyoto, Japan
From $ 43
Ohara Museum of Art
Japan’s oldest museum of western art, the Ohara Museum of Art opened its doors in 1930 to commemorate the death of local artist Kojima Torajiro, whose western influences had inspired local businessman Ohara Magosaburo to import a varied collection of French paintings and sculptures.
Today, the museum remains an important cornerstone of western art in Japan, expanding its collection to include an impressive selection of 17th- to 20th-century Dutch, Flemish and Italian works, Greek and Roman classical artworks, ancient oriental art and a series of paintings from the Japanese Mingei Movement. Highlights of the museum’s three galleries include El Greco’s “Annunciation,” Monet’s “Water Lilies” and Foujita’s “Avant le bal,” as well as works by Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse, Cezanne, Warhol and Chagall, to name just a few.
Practical Info
The Ohara Museum of Art is located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in central Kurashiki and is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-5pm. Adult admission is 1300 Yen.
Address: 1 Chome - 1-1-15 Chuo, Kurashiki, Japan
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults: 1300 yen
From $ 12
Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)
One of the largest public aquariums in the world, Osaka Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan, is home to various species found in the Pacific Rim, most specifically, in the "Ring of Fire."
With 27 of the largest tanks in the world, the aquarium houses 16 main exhibits with the goal of reflecting the sea life's natural habitat. Guests can learn about all of the sea creatures through themed exhibition halls and interactive activities. Only a thin sheet of glass separates visitors from the denizens of the deep, from whale sharks and sand-scuttling spider crabs to jellyfish, otters, seals, dolphins and penguins.
With 27 of the largest tanks in the world, the aquarium houses 16 main exhibits with the goal of reflecting the sea life's natural habitat. Guests can learn about all of the sea creatures through themed exhibition halls and interactive activities. Only a thin sheet of glass separates visitors from the denizens of the deep, from whale sharks and sand-scuttling spider crabs to jellyfish, otters, seals, dolphins and penguins.
Practical Info
Osaka Aquarium is in the Tempozan Harbor Village in the west of Osaka, a five-minute walk from Osakako subway station and close to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. The site is set near a number of restaurants and shops.
Address: 1-1-10 Kaigan-dori, Minato-ku, Osaka 552-0022, Japan
Hours: Daily 10am–8pm
Admission: Adults: ¥ 2,300, Children: ¥ 600 - ¥ 1,200
From $ 21
Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and one of the twenty oldest lakes in the world. Located northeast of Kyoto in the Shiga Prefecture, its proximity to the ancient capital has seen many references to Lake Biwa within Japanese literature.
Over the many millennia that the lake has been in existence, a diverse ecosystem has evolved, with more than a thousand plant and animal species living there. The lake also attracts thousands of water birds, and therefore birdwatching is a popular pastime around its shores. Other activities at Lake Biwa include fishing, boat rides, and a number of watersports. Bicycles can also be rented next to the train station nearby, with the wide paths around the lake making the area ideal for cycling.
There are a number of historical places of interest surrounding the lake, including Hikone, a city most famous for its castle, which is one of just four in Japan designated as a national treasure.
Practical Info
It takes approximately 30 minutes from Kyoto to Omimaiko Station near the lake, where there is also a pleasant beach.
Address: Lake Biwa, Hikone, Shiga Prefecture 522-0001, Japan
From $ 124
Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo)
Among the most famous castles in Japan, Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) dates back to the 16th century, when it played a major role in unifying the nation. Today the reconstructed castle houses a museum filled with artifacts from the history of Japan and from the castle’s creator, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The main tower provides a nice view over urban Osaka.
The Basics
As one of Osaka’s most popular landmarks, Osaka Castle features in just about every city sightseeing tour—many of these include an Osaka river cruise departing from Osaka Castle Park. Many of the informative displays within the castle are in Japanese only, so it’s a good idea to visit the grounds with a guide who can explain some of the history of what you’re seeing. The castle is also included on the Osaka hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The castle is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Osaka.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Give yourself at least 45 minutes to tour the castle and grounds.
- All areas of the castle are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
How to Get There
Osaka Castle is centrally located in the Umeda district and easily accessible by public transportation. Take the Chuo Line to Tanimachi 4-chome (Yonchome) Station or the JR Osaka Loop Line to Osakajo Koen (Osakajokoen) Station. Alternatively take the Aqua-Liner sightseeing boat to the Osaka Castle stop.
When to Get There
The museum within the castle is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the structure itself remains illuminated from sunset until 11pm. Home to some 4,000 cherry trees, the castle grounds are particularly stunning during the spring cherry blossom (sakura) season, typically in early April.
A Royal Photo Op
Castle visitors looking to take home a unique souvenir have the chance to don a full set of period clothing—replete with helmet, surcoat, and kimono—for a quick castle photo op (not included in the price of admission).
Address: 1-1 Osaka-jo,Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0002, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Nishiki Food Market
With more than 100 shops, stalls, and vendors selling everything from fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood, to tasty sweets and sushi takeaway, Nishiki Food Market is a wonderland of culinary delights. Kyoto’s biggest and most popular food market is a local institution and a popular attraction for traveling foodies.
The Basics
Although you can explore the market on your own, opting for a guided walking tour is a great way to bridge the language barrier, learn more about the vast array of foods on offer, and pick up tips on what to buy and from where. Sample local delicacies including sushi and sake during a food tasting tour; capture the colorful produce and bustling atmosphere on camera on a photography tour; or get hands-on and take part in a traditional Japanese cooking class, using ingredients purchased from the market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no entrance fee to the market.
- Opening times vary, but most shops and stalls are open from 9am to 5pm.
- Make sure you bring local currency—many stalls won’t accept credit cards or foreign currency.
- The market is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
- How to Get to There
- Nishiki Market is located in downtown Kyoto, near the Daimaru department store. The closest subway stations are Shijo Station on the Karasuma line and Karasuma on the Hankyu line, both around a 5-minute walk from the market.
When to Get There
The Nishiki Food Market is open daily, and the entire market is covered, so it’s a safe bet for a rainy day. Available produce and foods depend on the season, and some stalls may be closed on Wednesday or Sunday.
Dining at Nishiki Food Market
Among the heaps of fresh fish, pickled vegetables, and mushroom varieties, Nishiki also has plenty of options for lunch, from street food vendors to casual sit-down restaurants. Tuck into a tasty omelette or a steaming bowl of soup; order a platter of sushi, sashimi, and yakitori; or try something more adventurous such as tako tamago (quail egg embedded in octopus), candied kumquats, or pickled gourds. For snacks, pick up some roasted chestnuts, tofu donuts, mochi (rice cakes), and various wagashi (Japanese sweets).
Address: Nishikikoji-dori, Kyoto 460-0003, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Nipponbashi
Flanked by neon-lit signs and store fronts , the narrow streets of Nipponbashi, also known as “Den Den Town,” cater to shoppers interested in electronics and comics. Multitudes of shops selling anime, manga, video games, action figures, tools, electronic equipment, and even furniture compete for business among Osaka’s young people. The commercial district was once known for second-hand stores. Today, it is often compared to Tokyo’s famous Akihabara Electric Town.
Unlike shopping in the majority of Japan, it is acceptable to negotiate prices in Nipponbashi. Some of the shops even sell tax- and duty-free items. Some of the more popular, unique stores include Super Potato, which specializes in retro video games, and Gee! Store, the place to find a wide variety of costumes and other clothing. Alongside endless entertainment shopping, Nipponbashi boasts a wide variety of cafes and restaurants.
Practical Info
Nipponbashi is accessible by a one-minute walk from the Ebisucho Station on Osaka’s Sakaisuji Line or a five-minute walk from Nipponbashi Station on the Kintetsu Line. The shopping district is centered along Sakaisuji Avenue. Hours of operation vary by individual store and restaurant. The area is best explored on foot.
Address: Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Japan
From $ 27
Koko-en Garden
Located on the grounds of the Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden was finished in 1992 to commemorate the one-hundredth anniversary of the Himeji municipality. The 9-acre (3.6-hectare) space, divided into nine smaller gardens, showcases the typical garden style of the Edo Period when Japan was under shogun rule.
Professor Makoto Nakamura from Kyoto University supervised the design of the gardens, which are laid out on the former site of the lord’s residence and samurai houses. The smaller garden spaces were designed so that as you walk through, the view is constantly changing.
At the onsite Tea Room, designed by an Ura school tea master, visitors can participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The garden also houses a Japanese restaurant where traditional dishes are served with views over the garden.
Practical Info
There’s always something worth seeing in Koko-en Garden, but by far the best time to visit is during cherry blossom season (typically between March and May) when the delicate pink blossoms adorn the garden trees.
Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Japan
From $ 154
Nijo Castle
UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, a fortified complex dating from 1603, was the official residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun. Walk in the pretty gardens or visit Ninomaru Palace to see fine Japanese artworks. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, a city already full of must-visit attractions.
The Basics
Inside the grounds of Nijo Castle are two palaces, Ninomaru and Honmaru, although only Ninomaru is open to visitors. The palaces are said to be the best-surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. Inside Ninomaru Palace are beautiful Japanese artworks, including about 3,000 folding screens and ceilings painted with gold leaf. The palace gardens, landscaped in a traditional Japanese style, are a peaceful place to walk. Many seasonal flowers bloom there, including camellias, azaleas, and maples.
Organized tours of Kyoto regularly include Nijo Castle on their itineraries, along with other highlights, such as the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Imperial Palace. Nijo Castle is quite near the Imperial Palace, so it’s easy to visit them together.
Things to Know Before You Go
- An admission fee is charged to enter the Nijo Castle grounds.
- English audio guides and in-person guided tours are available.
- Although the Honmaru Palace is not usually open, visitors can walk around the Honmaru Gardens and climb the stone tower for views of the palace and gardens.
How to Get There
The closest train station to Nijo Castle is Nijojo-mae on the Tozai line. Or, get there by bus. From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus numbers 9, 50 or 101, or from Shijo Kawaramachi, take Kyoto City Bus number 12.
When to Get There
The grounds are open from 8:45am until 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. The Ninomaru Palace is open from 9am until 4pm. The castle is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December, and between December 26 and January 4.
Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Grave at Nikko
Travelers interested in the history surrounding Tokugawa Ieyasu, who lived in Nijo Castle, should visit his memorial in Nikko. This town in the mountains in Tochigi Prefecture is easily accessible on a day trip from Tokyo. The Toshogu Memorial and other temples here, dating from the early 17th century, are some of the finest traditional architecture in Japan and are a UNESCO-listed site.
Address: Nijo-dori Horikawa, Kyoto 604-8235, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Ninna-ji Temple
Built at the end of the 9th century in the year 888 and founded by the reigning Emperor of the time, Ninna-ji Temple maintained a centuries long reign as a royal place of worship. Members of the Imperial Family served as the temple’s head priest, bringing prestige that lasts to this day. To further elevate its status, the temple was originally named Monseki-jiin and served as a residence for a member of the Imperial Family who had entered priesthood.
Today, Ninna-ji is the center of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism and houses buildings from the former Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Among the relocated historical treasures is a five-storied pagoda and Reiho-kan, a structure that houses cultural treasures such as sculptures, paintings, and the seated figure of Amida-Nyorai Buddha, the deity of Paradise. Encompassing the temple buildings is an orchard of dwarf cherry trees, making Ninna-ji one of the most popular spots to see the cherry blossoms in Spring.
Today, Ninna-ji is the center of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism and houses buildings from the former Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Among the relocated historical treasures is a five-storied pagoda and Reiho-kan, a structure that houses cultural treasures such as sculptures, paintings, and the seated figure of Amida-Nyorai Buddha, the deity of Paradise. Encompassing the temple buildings is an orchard of dwarf cherry trees, making Ninna-ji one of the most popular spots to see the cherry blossoms in Spring.
Practical Info
Ninna-ji is a ten minute walk west of Ryoanji Temple and a few paces away from Omuro Ninnaji Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line – a small train that connects Arashiyama with the Kitano district. The admission fees are as follows: 500 yen for entrance ($5USD), 500 yen for cherry blossom viewing ($5USD), and 500 yen to gain access to the treasury hall, or Reiho-kan building ($5USD). The temple is open year-round.
Address: 33 Omuroouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Admission: Admission: 500¥; Cherry Blossom Viewing: 500¥; Access to Treasury Hall or Reiho-kan Building: 500¥
From $ 89
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
With its scenic canals lined with weeping willows, Edo-period gardens and historic merchant houses, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers an authentic feel of Old Japan at the heart of one of Japan's oldest merchant towns.
The historical quarter has been painstakingly preserved, with the 19th- and 20th-century buildings characterized by their mushikamado latticed windows, whitewashed walls and black tiled roofs, and the waterfront promenades linked by pretty stone footbridges. Highlights of the atmospheric district include the grand Ohashi House; an array of museums including an Archaeological Museum, a Toy Museum, a Museum of Folkcraft and the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s first museum of Western art; and the aptly-named Ivy Square, a former textile mill now crawling with ivy and home to a cluster of cafés, traditional tea houses and crafts shops.
Practical Info
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is located in central Kurashiki, along the Kurashiki River.
Address: Kurashiki, Japan
From $ 30