Choose from 75 Fun Things to Do in Kansai
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 75 listings.
Sanjusangen-do Hall
Built in 1164, Sanjusangendo Temple impresses in scope, size, and detail, with 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, flanking the main image of a giant, seated Kannon. Carved in the 12th and 13th centuries, the statues are arranged in 50 columns, each two rows deep. It's said that the Kannon witness and protect against human suffering. To aid in their mission, the Kannon are equipped with 11 heads and 1,000 arms.
"Sanjusangendo" translates to hall with thirty three spaces between the columns," describing a traditional measurement system. The wooden temple building extends 118 meters (387 feet), making it the longest of its kind in the world. Originally built for former emperor Go-Shirakawa, the Temple today remains a religious destination and popular tourist stop. It represents some of the most exquisite Japanese Buddhist sculpture and architecture in the country.
"Sanjusangendo" translates to hall with thirty three spaces between the columns," describing a traditional measurement system. The wooden temple building extends 118 meters (387 feet), making it the longest of its kind in the world. Originally built for former emperor Go-Shirakawa, the Temple today remains a religious destination and popular tourist stop. It represents some of the most exquisite Japanese Buddhist sculpture and architecture in the country.
Practical Info
Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop is located 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by bus numbers 100, 206, or 208 or a 20 minute walk. The temple is also a five minute walk from Schichijo Station along the Keihan Line. A parking lot is available but has limited spots. The temple is open from 9:00am - 4:00pm every day of the year, and a small entrance fee is required.
Address: Higashiyama-ku Chaya-machi, Kyoto 605-0941, Japan
Hours: Open daily, Mar - Oct 8am - 5pm, Nov - Mar 9am - 4pm
Admission: ¥600
From $ 55
Teramachi Street
Teramachi Street, a covered pedestrian shopping arcade in Kyoto, brims with shops and boutiques – a favorite shopping destination for Kyoto’s university students in particular. The name of the street translates to Temple Town, reflecting the many temples and shrines that occupied the area during the sixteenth century.
Today, it’s dominated by casual clothing shops and stores selling green tea, accessories, books and souvenirs. Hungry shoppers will find a few traditional Japanese confectioneries, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes specializing in Japanese and international flavors.
Practical Info
Teramachi Street is about a 10-minute walk from Marutamachi Station. It’s also possible to get there by taking buses 4, 17 or 205 to Kyoto Shyakusho Mae (City Hall) and walking for about 5 minutes.
Address: Teramachi Street, Kyoto, Japan
From $ 63
Nanzen-ji Temple
It is not every day that a retirement home is converted into a temple. After Emperor Kamayema’s death in 1305, however, this is exactly what happened. Named the Nanzenji Temple, it is now one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. The Nanzenji Temple complex includes multiple buildings and several subtemples. Walking paths wind through the complex.
An impressive, large gate—the Sanmon entrance—welcomes visitors to the temple. The gate memorializes the soldiers who died in the battle for Osaka Castle in 1615. Visitors can make their way up to a balcony on the gate, which affords an incredible view of Kyoto and beyond. Trees line both sides of the pathway through the complex, and mountains dot the distant horizon. One of the popular spots on the premises is a zen rock garden, with formations many believe look like tigers swimming through the water.
Practical Info
The closest subway station to Nanzenji Temple is Keage Station on the Tozai Line. From Kyoto Station the trip takes about 20 minutes. One unique way to access the temple is by walking the Philosopher’s Path first; the temple is located at the southern end.
Address: 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8435, Japan
From $ 34
Sannomachi St (Kami Sannomachi)
Take a walk down Sannomachi St (Kami Sannomachi) in Takayama’s old town, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the Edo Period (1600-1868). This well-preserved portion of the historic city features traditional homes, merchant houses, sake breweries, shops and cafes — some of them have been operating for centuries.
Sake has long been an area specialty, and many of Takayama’s oldest sake breweries are congregated along Sannomachi St. Recognizable by the large globes of cedar branches (called sugidama) hung above the doors, these traditional breweries often welcome visitors to step in and sample the iconic Japanese beverage. Other points of interest along the street include the Hida Archeology Museum (Hida Minzoku Kokokan) and the Fujii Art Gallery, where visitors can browse exhibits showcasing folk art objects and household items from the Edo Period.
Practical Info
Sannomachi St is located about 10 minutes on foot from Takayama Station on the JR Takayama Line.
Address: Sannomachi St, Takayama, Japan
From $ 45
Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine
Osaka’s most famous shrine, Sumiyoshi-taisha, protects travelers of all sorts, including fisherman and sailors. The shrine is named both for the Sumiyoshi gods – the gods of the sea – and for a distinctive style of purely Japanese architecture known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri. To this day, it remains a pilgrimage destination for seafarers and travelers from around Japan, and the world, to pray for safe passage and good fortune. Adding to its superlatives, the shrine was founded in the 3rd century, making it one of Japan’s oldest shrines. For these reasons, Japan designated the Sumiyoshi-taisha shrine as a National Treasure.
The most recognizable image of Sumiyoshi-taisha is its symbol, the Taiko-bashi Bridge. The red arched Bridge provides a picturesque walkway across a pond flanked with verdant foliage that leads to the shrine. The shrine itself features traditional straight roofs and a red gate. It attracts visitors year round but bustles with activity on New Year’s Day, as Japanese families come to pay homage to a new year.
Practical Info
Located in the southern part of Osaka city, Sumiyoshi-taisha can be reached on both the Hankai Line and the Nankai Railway by the station bearing its name. The Hankai Line Sumiyoshikoen Station exits at the shrine, and the Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Railway is a three-minute walk from the shrine. The shrine is open from sunrise until about 5:00pm daily. There is no admission fee.
Address: 2 Chome Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka 9-89, Japan
Hours: Daily: Sunrise-5:00pm
From $ 36
Nakanoshima
A 1.8-mile island along the Yodo River, Nakanoshima is the nucleus of Osaka’s business district and home to some of the city’s most historic buildings, including the City Hall, the Nakanoshima Festival Tower and the first branch of the Bank of Japan.
The main highlight of Nakanoshima is its eponymous park, a verdant oasis that stretches along the eastern half of the island and offers a welcome change of scenery from the looming office blocks and financial headquarters. Along with its tranquil waterfront walkways and tree-lined picnic areas, the 11-hectare park also boasts a magnificent rose garden, which blooms with more than 310 colorful rose varieties during the summer months. The small island is also home to a number of significant museums, including the Science museum, the Museum of Oriental Ceramics and the National Museum of Art.
Practical Info
Nakanoshima Island is located in the Central Business District in northern Osaka.
Address: Osaka, Japan
From $ 88
World Trade Center Cosmo Tower
Osaka’s World Trade Center Cosmo Tower, center of trade information linked with 282 cities around the world, soars at 256 meters (840 feet), and the observatory provides wonderful views of Osaka and the port. With 3 stories below ground, and another 55 above ground, it's the highest tower in Western Japan.
The ride to the top is in a glass-walled elevator, taking just 80 seconds to soar to the 52nd floor.The views are specially magical and twinkling at dusk and night when you can watch the sun set over Osaka. You can even see planes taking off and landing at Kansai Airport!
There are several restaurants and bars, jazz music, and cozy seats designed for two that provide a comfortable vantage point to sit back and take in the views from the top of the world.
Practical Info
The World Trade Center is by the port in the west of Osaka. To get here, take the train to Trade Center-Mae station.
Address: 1-14-16 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0034, Japan
Hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 10pm, weekends and holidays: 11am - 10pm
Admission: Observation Deck - Adults: ¥ 500, Children: ¥ 200, Seniors: ¥ 400
From $ 88
Tenryu-ji Temple
Ranked number one of Kyoto's five great temples, Tenryu-ji celebrates a history dating back to 1339 and stands in dedication and memory to an ancient emperor. Many of the temple buildings have been destroyed over the centuries, but the temple's landscape garden remains much the same today as it did in the 14th century.
The garden boasts a clever and unique design that marries imperial taste with zen aesthetics. Lush foliage lines a shimmering pond, and as visitors walk from one end of the pond to the other, it appears as though the seasons change in front of their eyes. Intricate stonework on one hill represents a mountain stream cascading into the pond, while in another area stones appear to be carp fish. Visitors seek out the garden to be transported to another time.
The garden boasts a clever and unique design that marries imperial taste with zen aesthetics. Lush foliage lines a shimmering pond, and as visitors walk from one end of the pond to the other, it appears as though the seasons change in front of their eyes. Intricate stonework on one hill represents a mountain stream cascading into the pond, while in another area stones appear to be carp fish. Visitors seek out the garden to be transported to another time.
Practical Info
The small Keifuku train line connects Kyoto with the city's Arashiyama district, and visitors should exit at the Keifuku Arashiyama Station for access to the temple. On the JR line from Kyoto Station, get off at the Saga-Arashiyama Station, and Tenryu-ji is a 5-10 minute walk. Entrance costs 500 yen ($5USD) and an additional 100 yen for access to the temple buildings ($1USD). The temple is open year from from 8:30am-5:30pm April through October and until 5pm from late October until late March. The temple's main buildings are undergoing renovations under March 2014, but the temple's garden is still open to the public.
Address: Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: 600¥
From $ 81
Sagano
Often mistaken for the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Sagano expands north of the Togetsukyo Bridge in Kyoto. The tranquil area encompasses some of Kyoto’s most stunning landscapes. With rural residential areas, mountains dotting the horizon, fields ablaze with color and a famous bamboo forest, Sagano may just be one of Japan’s prettiest (and lesser known) spots.
By far, Sagano is best known for its bamboo groves. Walking trails wind through the forest, with thin, tall bamboos lining either side. Sun light filters through the narrow trunks, casting shadows along the path. Beyond the grove, one of the best ways to experience Sagano is on bicycle. In addition to the bamboo groves, there are numerous temples to explore, as well as the river and the well-traveled bridge. This idyllic nook on the outskirts of Kyoto should not be missed.
Practical Info
Located in the western part of Kyoto City, Sagano is best reached by train. The fastest way is on the JR Sagano Line. Get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station. You can easily spend a full day exploring the area. One of the most popular times to visit is during the cherry blossom season, when the mountains look like multi-colored cauliflowers.
Address: Sagano, Ukyo-ku,, Kyoto, Japan
From $ 94
Takayama's Morning Market
Each morning the historic city of Takayama hosts two morning markets. The smaller of the two takes place in front of Takayama Jinya and the larger — one of the best morning markets in Japan — takes place on the east bank of the Miya-gawa River in Old Town.
The morning market tradition dates back to the Edo Period, and modern day shoppers will find vendors selling fresh produce, local folk art, souvenirs, sweets, fresh milk and other traditional Japanese cooking ingredients, like miso. And while both markets remain open until around noon each day, they’re best visited around 6 am when they first open, as there’s an added energy in the air as vendors begin setting up their stalls and preparing their wares for the local early shoppers.
Practical Info
Both markets are located within a 10-minute walk of JR Takayama Station.
Address: Takayama, Japan
From $ 308
Ryoan-ji
No matter from where visitors view Japan's most famous rock garden, at least one rock is always hidden from sight. That's one of the reasons that Ryoan-ji, a temple with an accompanying zen rock garden, attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Originally a residence for aristocrats, the site was converted to a Buddhist temple in 1450. The temple features traditional Japanese paintings on sliding doors, a refurbished zen kitchen, and tatami, or straw mat, floors.
The temple's main attraction has always been the rock garden, as much for its meditative qualities as a desire to find meaning in its minimalistic attributes. The garden is a rectangular plot of pebbles with 15 larger stones on moss swaths interspersed seemingly arbitrarily. Some have said the garden represents infinity; others see it in an endless sea. Ryoan-ji is nestled down a wooded path that crosses over a beautiful pond with several walking trails. The luscious setting is as attractive as the temple itself.
The temple's main attraction has always been the rock garden, as much for its meditative qualities as a desire to find meaning in its minimalistic attributes. The garden is a rectangular plot of pebbles with 15 larger stones on moss swaths interspersed seemingly arbitrarily. Some have said the garden represents infinity; others see it in an endless sea. Ryoan-ji is nestled down a wooded path that crosses over a beautiful pond with several walking trails. The luscious setting is as attractive as the temple itself.
Practical Info
Take a JR bus from Kyoto Station directly to Ryoan-ji. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes, and buses run every 15-30 minutes. Another option is to take a bus ride of a 20 minute walk from Kinkaku-ji Temple. By train, take the Keifuku Kitano line, get off at Ryoanji-michi Station, and walk approximately 5-10 minutes to the temple. The entrance fee is 500 yen ($5USD), and the temple is open year-round from 8:00m-5:00pm March through November and 8:30am-4:30pm December through February.
Address: Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Hours: 8am - 5pm March - November and 8:30am - 4:30pm December - February.
Admission: 500¥
From $ 60
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto holy site on Miyajima Island in the Seto Island Sea near Hiroshima, has a history dating back to the sixth century, when the first shrines were likely erected on the island, believed to be the above of gods. The iconic red torii, or shrine gate, that appears to float on the surface of the water just of the shores, guards the UNESCO-listed shrine. At the time the shrine was built, commoners weren’t allowed to step foot on the island due to its holy status, so the gate and temple were constructed in the water to allow visitors to approach by boat.
The entire Itsukushima complex, which in its present form dates back to the twelfth century, comprises several buildings connected by boardwalks, including a prayer hall and a performance stage.
Practical Info
For the best views of the shrine and its torii, plan to visit Miyajima Island during high tide when they’re both surrounded by water instead of mud.
Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan
From $ 41
Maiko Marine Promenade
At the north end of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the Maiko Marine Promenade takes visitors below one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. The observation hallway, located 154 feet (47 meters) above the sea, extends beneath the roadway with a floor partly covered by glass, allowing for views straight down to the water and an excellent viewpoint of the surrounding Akashi Straight.
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge opened in 1998 as the longest suspension bridge in the world, but it carried only auto traffic. While it’s still impossible to cross the entire bridge on foot, the Maiko Marine Promenade gives you a close-up look at Kobe’s engineering marvel.
Practical Info
The Maiko Marine Promenade is closed every second Monday of the month. Access to the promenade is located 5 minutes’ walk from JR Maiko Station and Maiko-Koen Station.
Address: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Japan
Hours: The Maiko Marine Promenade is closed every second Monday of the month.
From $ 154
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street
Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and also one of the best for shopping. With that said, some of the most distinctive souvenirs can be found in a rather unexpected place called Sennichimae Doguyasuji. The 525-foot-long (160-meter-long) covered shopping arcade specializes in wholesale kitchen equipment and utensils and serves as the spot where Osaka’s chefs come to shop.
Anyone who has spent time in Japan will recognize the plastic models of popular food items placed in many Japanese restaurant window displays. Sennichimae Doguyasuji is the place to find these pieces, which make very unique gifts to take back home. With its hugely discounted prices, this shopping street is also a good place to buy chopsticks, cooking knives and other Japanese-style dishware.
Practical Info
Sennichimae Doguyasuji is located just a couple minutes’ walk from the Namba subway station. It is also within walking distance of America Mura and the restaurants of Dotonbori.
Address: Nambasennichimae, Chuo-ku Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
From $ 130
Kamogawa River
Strolling along the Kamo River (also referred to as Kamogawa River) at night is a quintessential Kyoto experience. The fourth longest river in Kyoto spans from the northeastern most parts of the city southwest to the Katsuragawa River. The most popular section of the river runs through the famous geisha district of Gion. In warmer months, the river becomes a popular spot for picnics, walks, and people watching.
A walking path along the river’s edge gives way to stretches of parkland, perfect for enjoying an afternoon or evening. Restaurants situated above the river light up at night, illuminating the river below. There are five bridges that span the Kamo River. More adventurous travelers may enjoy finding each of them. Along with the Seine in Paris or the Tiber River in Italy, the Kamo River is a favorite spot among locals.
Practical Info
The most frequented spot on the Kamogawa River is in the Gion district of Tokyo. Shimbashi neighborhood is on the east bank, and Pontocho neighborhood is on the west bank. The most popular time to visit is at sunset.
Address: Kyoto, Japan
From $ 63
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
Travelers hoping for a glimpse of a more traditional Kyoto will feel like they’re stepping back in time upon first stepping into the Imperial-era shopping district of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. This pair of gently sloping, pedestrian-only roads, considered among the most attractive streets in the city, are lined with traditional shops, restaurants and tea houses occupying traditional wooden houses.
Shoppers will find chopsticks, fans and handmade crafts, while foodies can sample mochi balls, green tea ice cream or matcha cakes. Whether you come to shop, eat or simply soak up the atmosphere, take care not to stumble. According to local legend, slipping on either street will lead to bad luck (or even death) in two or three years respectively.
Practical Info
While the neighborhood is particularly scenic during cherry blossom season in spring, it’s also at its most crowded. If you’re planning a visit for this time of year, opt for an evening visit to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Address: Kyoto, Japan
From $ 100
Minami
Minami is a well-known shopping, dining, and entertainment district in Osaka. With retail and nightlife stretching from Semba to Namba Station, Minami is popular with visitors and tourists alike. Lit by dazzling neon signs, including the famous Kani Doraku crab sign, Dotonbori is the most lively and famous part of the Minami area, especially at night. It runs parallel to the canal, and never truly closes, with some restaurants open until morning. For the culture vultures, there are a number of museums, theaters, temples, and shrines to explore among the neon lights and towering shopping malls.
Join a walking tour that covers this part of the city or take an evening food and drink stroll in Shinsaibashi and Namba to take advantage of the local nightlife.
Practical Info
The Minami area is centered around Namba Station, which is actually a collection of multiple stations, including Nankai Namba Station, JR Namba Station, and Kintetsu's Osaka Namba Station. The area is also served by a highway bus terminal.
Did You Know? The Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum in this area is the only museum in the world to have a permanent exhibition of Kamigata Ukiyoe; these are woodblock prints from the Kyoto/Osaka region that typically feature portraits of kabuki actors.
Address: Minami, Osaka, Japan
From $ 48
Hozenji Yokocho
Traveling to Osaka often feels like visiting the future with all its colorful neon lights and pulsing sounds, but strolling down Hozenji Yokocho — a narrow alley just south of bustling Dotombori, feels like stepping into the past. Excellent restaurants, izakayas and boutiques line this stone-paved street, lit at night in the soft glow of paper lanterns.
The alley’s most famous attraction is a small temple where devotees come to splash water over moss-covered statue of the Buddha. The temple was built in the seventeenth century in honor of Fudo Myoo, one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas.
Practical Info
Come hungry, as the restaurants located along Hozenji Yokocho enjoy an excellent reputation in Osaka.
Address: 1-2-16 Nanba, Osaka, Japan
From $ 32
Jojakko-ji Temple
Jojakko-ji Temple is not an ordinary temple; it was built on the side of a mountain in the thick of a famous bamboo grove. Finding it feels like an adventure, and climbing to the top feels like a workout. The view of Kyoto from the top of Jojakko-ji Temple rewards the effort mightily.
Located in the idyllic Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Jojakko-ji Temple was built in the 1500s, and the journey to it is all uphill from its gate. Its steep staircase leads to multiple buildings, including a main hall and a pagoda that houses a Buddha. The sites along the way offer respites from the climb, and one of the most popular of these resting points is a mossy area with the bamboos directly overhead. The top of the pagoda offers an incredible view over the city, and this hidden gem of a temple is undoubtedly worth the train ride out to Arashiyama.
Practical Info
Admission to Jojakko-ji Temple is 400 yen ($4 USD). The temple can be reached by a 15-minute walk from the JR Kyoto Station on the JR Sagano Line. The best time to visit is in the autumn, when the foliage around the temple is at its peak color.
Address: 3 Saga Ogurayamaoguracho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Admission: 400 yen ($4 USD)
From $ 81
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan—Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park—is second only to the Tokyo Disney Resort as Japan’s most visited amusement park. Beloved characters like Shrek, Hello Kitty, and Spiderman are in attendance, and a spectacular variety of rides, movie simulators, and parades keep all ages entertained.
The Basics
To visit Universal Studios Japan, choose between a 1- or 2-day pass, both of which offer full access to the park’s eight zones—Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Minion Park, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you’re coming from Tokyo, you can ensure a hassle-free experience by combining a Universal Studios ticket with round-trip transfers by bullet train from Tokyo and overnight accommodations in Osaka.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Universal Studios Japan is a fantastic attraction for families who want to give the kids a break from the temples and museums.
- Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to do lots of walking.
- If you have a 1-day pass, plan your schedule carefully to ensure you don’t miss the shows, parades, and rides that most interest you.
- Express passes, Single Rider lines, and a Child Switch system are all available and can save hours of time waiting to go on rides.
- Universal Studios is wheelchair accessible, and many rides offer priority access to wheelchair users.
- On-site facilities include ATMs, coin lockers, and various restaurants, cafés, and gift shops.
How to Get There
Universal Studios Japan is located in west Osaka and is easy to reach by public transportation. The closest subway station is Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line, from where it’s a fewer than a 5-minute walk to the entrance gate. Trains from Osaka Station run either direct to Universal City Station or with a change at Nishikujo Station. The closest international airport is Kansai Airport, which has direct links with Nishikujo Station.
When to Get There
Universal Studios Japan is open all year, and most attractions, shows, and parades remain open even in low season. The busiest times are the summer and Christmas holidays, when it can get unbearably crowded and lines can be up to three hours for popular rides. To avoid the crowds, choose a weekday visit outside of holiday periods and get there when the park opens.
Must-Do Experiences at Universal Studios Japan
Some of Universal Studios Japan’s most popular rides include the Flying Dinosaur, one of the world’s longest flying roller coasters; the award-winning Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience, the park’s newest attraction; and classics like the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman – The Ride 4K3D and Jurassic Park – The Ride. For younger kids, the Shrek 4-D and Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic are unmissable, while nostalgic adults will want to peek into Snoopy Studios. And Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue offers plenty of selfie-worthy moments for lovers of the Japanese icon. Keep a lookout for the upcoming Super Nintendo World too, expected to open in 2020.
Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0031, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 72