Choose from 75 Fun Things to Do in Kansai
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 75 listings.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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