Choose from 75 Fun Things to Do in Kansai
ShowingFilter 61-75 of 75 listings.
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
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
Todai-ji Temple
Located in Deer Park (Nara Park) in Nara, about 35 minutes from Osaka by train, Todaiji Temple is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant Buddhist temples. Originally built in the year 752, the temple as it exists today dates back to 1709. The main hall, called Big Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), is the world’s largest wooden building, even though it’s a third smaller than the original hall from the 700s.
The greatest attraction in the Todaiji Temple complex is the enormous bronze Buddha statue (Japan’s largest) housed with the massive main hall. When the temple was first built, Emperor Shomu planned for Todaiji to serve as the headquarters of Buddhism throughout Japan, and he ordered the casting of the statue as part of that plan. The 50-foot-tall (15-meter-tall) statue required eight castings to complete.
According to local legend, anyone able to squeeze through the hole in the pillar located behind the Big Buddha achieves enlightenment.
Practical Info
Todaiji Temple is a 15-minute walk away from Kintetsu Nara Station, but it can also be reached by bus or taxi. Set aside about three hours to see Todaiji and the other temples and structures huddled together in Deer Park.
Address: 1 Zōshi-chō, Nara, Japan
Hours: November-February 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; March & October 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April-September 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission: 500 yen (museum only), 800 yen (museum and Daibutsuden Hall)
From $ 45
Tofuku-ji Temple
Few places on earth are more breathtakingly beautiful than Fall in Tofucku-ji Temple. During cool autumn months travelers and locals make the journey to this Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto that’s known for its incredible colors and brilliant Japanese maples. Visitors climb to the top of Tsutenkyo Bridge, which stretches across a colorful valley full of lush fall foliage in fiery reds and shocking oranges.
Visitors who make their way to Tofuku-ji other times of year can still wander beautiful temple grounds and explore places like the Hojo, where the head priest used to reside. Well-kept rock gardens provide the perfect spot for quiet contemplation and a stone path near the Kaisando is lined with brightly colored flowers and fresh greenery that’s almost as beautiful as the Japanese maples this temple is famous for.
Practical Info
A large part of the temple grounds are free to visit, although the bridge does require travelers to pay a small fee. Colors usually reach their peak in mid to late November. Travelers can expect to find bigger crowds and congestion on the Tsutenkyo Bridge, but most agree it’s still worth a visit.
Address: 15-778 Hommachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
From $ 54
Umeda Sky Building
Modern architecture goes space age and skywards at the cutting-edge Umeda Sky Building.
Two glass towers soar 173 meters (567 feet) into the air, connected by a futuristic observation platform that provides amazing 360-degree views. Located on the 40th floor, visitors can find the stunning "floating garden" and observatory, along with a restaurant and bar. The SkyWalk observation deck is also popular among visitors who want to feel the fresh air from the 40th floor and get 360-degree views of the city below.
For a change of pace and century, head to the base of the building to enter the old-fashioned Takimi Lane of Restaurants. Reproducing a Showa-era street, the precinct has a shrine, well, stone paving and enough restaurants and taverns to feed an army of visitors with delicious gourmet treats.
Practical Info
In central Osaka, the Umeda Sky Building is reached by an underground passage from Osaka and Umeda stations, within Shin Umeda City.
Address: 1-1-88 Oyodo-naka, Kita-ku, Osaka 531-0076, Japan
Hours: Open daily 10am - 10:30pm
Admission: Observation Deck - Adults: ¥ 700, Children: ¥ 100 - ¥ 500
From $ 15
Kamigamo Shrine
It's impossible to miss the larger-than-life red shrine gate at the entrance to Kamigamo, one of Japan's oldest shrines. Built in the year 678, it pre-dates Kyoto's reign as capitol of Japan by over a century. Its longevity lends a hand to Kamigamo's regard as one of the country's most sacred and divine shrines: it housed and played host to four Emperors between the 8th and 18th centuries. Kamigamo's esteemed history is celebrated every year during Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, when a large procession dressed in Imperial garb from the days of the Heian period marches to the shrine.
Kamigamo and its sister-shrine, Shimogamo, are situated in the ancient Tadasu no Mori, a preserved forest with trees over 600 years old. Visitors flock to two sand cones that rest in front of the shrine's main building. These structures are said to protect and purify the grounds. Of the shrine buildings, the worship hall is the most famous.
Kamigamo and its sister-shrine, Shimogamo, are situated in the ancient Tadasu no Mori, a preserved forest with trees over 600 years old. Visitors flock to two sand cones that rest in front of the shrine's main building. These structures are said to protect and purify the grounds. Of the shrine buildings, the worship hall is the most famous.
Practical Info
By train, the shrine can be reached in 30 minutes from Demachi-Yanagi Station or by a 15-mintue walk from Kitayama Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. By city bus, take #4 to the last stop, Kamigamojinja-mae. Kamigamo's main buildings are undergoing renovations until 2015 and are covered by scaffolding. The shrine is open year-round and there is no entrance fee.
Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
From $ 96
Tsutenkaku Tower
Vintage fun comes to Osaka in the shape of the Tsutenkaku, Osaka’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. Tsutenkaku, translated into "tower reaching heaven," reaches 338 feet (103 meters) high, making it one of the tallest buildings in Asia when it was built in 1912.
Beautifully illuminated and outlined in neon by night, the tower has a decidedly kitsch but cute 1950s futuristic look. Take the elevator to the observation deck on the summit’s fifth level to visit the popular good luck symbol, Billiken, the God of Happiness. A popular American doll in the early 1900s, Billiken was enshrined in the nearby Luna Park, but went missing when the park closed in 1923. To revive the tower and park, a replica was put in the tower and is considered a good luck symbol. Each year thousands of visitors place a coin in his donation box and rub the soles of his feet to make their wishes come true.
Tsutenkaku also boasts some other cool features. The neon lights at the top of the tower are also a weather vane and will predict the next day's forecast. And the clock located on the east side of the building is huge - 18 feet (5.5 meters) across and weighing about 55lbs (25kg). There is also a theater and a few toy museums located within!
Practical Info
Surrounded by pachinko parlors, theaters and raffish restaurants, the tower is in the south of Osaka in the retro entertainment district of Shinsekai.
The closest stations are Ebisucho and Dobutsuen-mae.
Address: 1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0002, Japan
Hours: Open daily 9am - 9pm
Admission: Adults: ¥ 600, Children: ¥ 300
From $ 65
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
Yasaka Shrine
Host to Japan’s most famous festival, Gion Matsuri, Yasaka Shrine is located in the heart of Kyoto. Yasaka Shrine dates back to the 7th century, when it was known as Gion Shrine for its location near the Gion district, famous for the geisha that live and work there. The shrine consists of several buildings. The main hall houses an inner sanctuary and a secondary hall. One of the most prominent features of the shrine is a large stage out front lined with hundreds of lanterns. One of the most popular times to visit the shrine is in the evening or at night, when the lanterns light the stage.
The annual Gion Matsuri festival began more than 1,100 years ago at Yasaka Shrine. In modern times, it takes place every July. Originally, the festival sought to expunge the city of illnesses. Today, the festival celebrates craftwork. Intricate fabrics, textiles, and sculptures adorn floats that men carry through town. Music, costumes, and street food contribute to the festive atmosphere. Yasaka Shrine is also a popular place to visit during the Japanese New Year and during cherry blossom season.
Practical Info
Yasaka Shrine can be reached by public bus in Kyoto. It is located near the Gion bus stop, which can be reached from Kyoto Station on city buses number 100 or 206. By train, the closest stop is Gion Shijo Station. The shrine can also be reached by a beautiful 25-minute walk from Kiyomizudera.
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
From $ 27
The Philosopher's Path
One of Japan’s heralded philosophers is said to have meditated daily as he walked on a stone route alongside a canal on his commute to Kyoto University. The scenic path, shaded by hundreds of cherry trees, quickly became known as The Philosopher’s Path (or The Path of Philosophy), and today hundreds of people traverse the two-kilometer trail every day searching for peace, insight, and a clear mind. Small temples and shrines peek out from the cherry trees, beckoning to thinkers and walkers in search of religious observance.
Originating near Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion temple, the trail extends to the Kyoto neighborhood of Nanzenji. Near the end of the trail, a large aqueduct greets visitors, a popular spot to stop and take photos. Restaurants and cafes dot the trail. In the Spring, The Philosopher’s Path is one of the best places in all of Kyoto to enjoy the vibrant cherry blossoms in bloom.
Originating near Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion temple, the trail extends to the Kyoto neighborhood of Nanzenji. Near the end of the trail, a large aqueduct greets visitors, a popular spot to stop and take photos. Restaurants and cafes dot the trail. In the Spring, The Philosopher’s Path is one of the best places in all of Kyoto to enjoy the vibrant cherry blossoms in bloom.
Practical Info
Reach The Philosopher’s Path by a 5-10 minute north of Nanzenji’s main temple buildings. The walk takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, but many visitors take longer to explore the temples and sights along the route.
Address: The Philosopher’s Walk, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
From $ 71
Yatai Kaikan Hall
Each autumn, the historic city of Takayama hosts Takayama Matsuri, ranked as one of Japan's top festivals. Throughout the remainder of the year, the Yatai Kaikan Hall displays several of the elaborate floats used during the festival. These colorful floats, of which four of 11 are on display at any given time, date back to as early as the seventeenth century and are adorned with intricate carvings, hanging Japanese lanterns and marionettes. Each float is mounted on wheels and requires a team of 20 people to maneuver them through the streets.
While a visit to the hall lacks the theatrics of the actual festival, it's the next best thing if you can't make it for the main event.
Practical Info
Yatai Kaikan Hall, located next to Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, is a 15-minute walk from Takayama Station. The entrance fee also gets you into Sakurayama Nikko Kan, another exhibition hall housing an impressive replica of Nikko's Toshogu shrine.
Address: 178 Sakuramachi, Takayama, Japan
Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (March to November); 9:00 to 16:30 (December to February)
Admission: 820 yen
From $ 861
Kusakabe Folk Museum
Housed in a former merchant's house from 1879, the Kusakabe Folk Museum in Takayama protects and displays a collection of Japanese folk art, and while the displays are certainly worth a visit, it's the architecture of the building itself that draws most visitors.
The original structure was once the home of the Kusakabe family, a successful merchant family during the Edo Period (1603-1868). After the original was destroyed by fire in 1875, Japanese architect Jisuke Kawashiri rebuilt it using the same style as its predecessor. The two-story building, constructed largely from Japanese Cypress, features exposed beams, a gently sloping roof, delicate latticework windows and a dark brown finish created by mixing soot into the paint. In 1966 the house was designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Practical Info
The Kusakabe Folk Museum is open to the public seven days a week and charges and admission fee. It's located within walking distance of JR Takayama Station.
Address: 〒506-0851 Gifu Prefecture, Takayama, Japan
Hours: Open seven days a week, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Admission: 500 yen
From $ 861
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
Togetsukyo Bridge
Once a destination for nobles, the Arashiyama district of Kyoto boasts small-town charm and beautiful mountainside views. Today, the popular neighborhood attracts tourists and nature lovers. The scenic neighborhood’s iconic landmark, Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River and provides panoramic views of lush mountainside foliage, gentle river swells, and local fisherman navigating the shoreline. The bridge’s history extends back 400 years and has been featured in many historical films.
Crossing Togetsukyo Bridge is a highlight of any visit to Arashiyama. From feeding carp fish over the railing to enjoying the splendor of cherry blossoms in the spring and fall foliage, the bridge is a gateway to a simple, stunningly scenic way of life. Another popular way to see the bridge is by a boat ride along the river.
Crossing Togetsukyo Bridge is a highlight of any visit to Arashiyama. From feeding carp fish over the railing to enjoying the splendor of cherry blossoms in the spring and fall foliage, the bridge is a gateway to a simple, stunningly scenic way of life. Another popular way to see the bridge is by a boat ride along the river.
Practical Info
The bridge is a one-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on Keifuku Railway. From Kyoto Station, Arashiyama is a 5-10 minute wealk from Saga-Arashiyama Station. Walking across the bridge is free. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall, when foliage is in bloom and colors on the mountainside are most vibrant.
Address: Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
From $ 94
Kiyotaki River
The crystal-clear waters of the Kiyotaki River make its banks one of the most scenic walking trails in the Kyoto area. Alighting from the bus at the Takao stop that heads west out of Kyoto and then on to Ninnaji Temple, it's just a short walk down to the banks of the Kiyotaki River.
The river's waters are impossibly clear, and within them lives the giant Japanese salamander. Measuring up to 1.5 meters long, the world's largest amphibian is sometimes referred to as the "living fossil" on account of the spices not altering much in 30 million years. The gentle walking trail along the river continues on to the village of Kiyotaki. From there, you can catch a bus to Arashiyama or else turn back and retrace your steps along the river.
Practical Info
Take the Kyoto City bus number 8 to the Takao bus stop. From there, it's around a 10-minute walk down to the Kiyotaki River.
Address: Kyoto, Japan
From $ 180