The region consists of the prefectures of Wakayama, Nara, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo.

What Is the Philosopher’s Path? The Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi) is a scenic 2-kilometer walkway that runs alongside a cherry tree-lined canal in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Named after the famous Kyoto University philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used the path for daily meditation walks, it offers a calm and contemplative escape from the city bustle.…

Discover Osaka Castle, the golden symbol of Osaka’s history. Complete visitor guide to the castle museum, seasonal gardens, historical significance, and practical tips for your visit.

The Umeda Sky Building in Osaka is located near Osaka station and well-worth a short visit. The view from the observation deck is amazing, and the building itself is an architectural masterpiece.

Fushimi is an area in the south of Kyoto with many sake breweries. Learn which breweries welcome visitors, and which other attractions there are in the area!

Not far from the famous Golden Pavillion is Ninna-ji temple. If you come during cherry blossom or maple leave season you can’t skip this temple, but also outside these seasons it’s worth a visit.

Are you coming to Kyoto with kids between 6 and 16 years old? See which 9 family-friendly activities you can add to your Kyoto trip to add some fun for the whole family to the itinerary!

Mount Yoshino is not only a sacred site with pilgrim routes passing through, it is also one of the most beautiful spots in the whole country to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.

Universal Studio Japan (USJ) in Osaka is one of Japan’s biggest and best theme parks. Read this article to get some tips and tricks on how to best enjoy a visit to USJ!

Shirahama in Wakayama is a popular beach resort with hot springs nearby. You can enjoy a white sandy beach, beautiful viewing spots, a zoo with pandas, and more.

How to experience green tea town Uji on your Japan tour? Let us share with you our favorite places in this beautiful little town near Kyoto!

If you are into artisanal goods or textiles, be sure to visit the Nishijin district if you are in Kyoto. You will love the traditional houses, small workshops, and the Nishijin Textile Center.

The ideal spot for some quiet thinking and to enjoy the 4 seasons of Japan, the Philosopher’s Path is beloved by tourists and locals alike. Find out how you can enjoy this wonderful little corner in Kyoto!

Kyoto station is not just a place to catch the train, as there is plenty to see and do besides arriving and departing. Find out what makes Kyoto station worth visiting during your Japan tour!

Kibune is a riverside area in the northern part of Kyoto. You can visit the famous Kifune Shrine, hike to Kurama Temple over the mountain, or enjoy lunch at one of the riverside open restaurants.

Nachi-Katsuura is a small town in Wakayama that is famous for its early-morning tuna auction and nice hot springs. The city itself is very attractive and also a starting point of the popular Kumano Kodo route.

Would you like to get some ideas for your perfect Kyoto itinerary? We listed our 5 favorite Kyoto highlights along with 5 lesser-known spots in Kyoto that really make you able to taste the local atmosphere in this beautiful city.

One of my favorite Zen temples is the Tofukuji temple located in the east of Kyoto city. What makes this temple very special are its magnificent landscapes of maple trees and cherry blossoms.

If you are interested in Japanese architecture, Tadao Ando might ring a bell for you. He designed the Church of the Light in Osaka, an interesting work of contemporary architecture in Japan.

There is a Zen temple in Kyoto called Koshoji, located near Kuramaguchi Station, which is not a typical tourist sightseeing spot. Even though tourists are discouraged from going in, it is an interesting place to visit.

Various kinds of flowers blooming throughout the year on Hasedera’s grounds, the temple has been nicknamed ‘Flower temple’ since ancient times. I especially love to visit the Hasedera to view the hydrangea in the early summer season.