Kansai

Sumiyoshi Taisha | Beautiful architecture and the strongest power spot in Osaka

Shinto shrine “Sumiyoshi Taisha” was founded in 211, making it one of the oldest shrines in all of Japan. It is worth visiting for its picturesque bridge and interesting architecture.
Umeda Sky Building, Osaka | Fusion of architectural beauty and cutting-edge technology

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.
Kumano Kodo | Walkable and beautiful world heritage

The Kumano Kodo is an impressive pilgrimage route in the Kii Mountains with a total length of around 1000km. The routes radiate centering around the Kumano Three Shrines; Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi.
Kobe: Where International Elegance Meets Natural Majesty

Experience Kobe, Japan’s sophisticated port city blending international heritage with natural beauty. Discover world-famous Kobe beef, spectacular night views from Mount Rokko, historic Kitano district, and coastal charm in this complete travel guide.
Horyuji Temple, Nara | The oldest wooden building in the world

The Horyuji temple in Nara was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku and has the oldest wooden buildings in the world.
Todaiji Temple in Nara – Home of the Great Buddha

The Todaiji Temple is located in the famous Nara Park and is the world’s largest wooden structure. Discover more about its long history!
Byodoin Temple with its shining golden phoenix

The Byodoin temple is the most famous landmark in a part of Kyoto that is especially known for its green tea production, Uji. The image of the temple is very well-known throughout Japan.
Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto | Beautiful landscape gardens and decorations

Kodaiji Temple is located in Higashiyama. It was founded in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro as a memorial to her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was one of the most important men of his time.
Heian Jingu, Kyoto | Travel back in time to the Heian Period

The Heian Jingu shrine was instituted in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100-year anniversary of the return of the capital to Heian, which is today’s Kyoto. Its architecture is impressive.
Sanjusangendo, Kyoto | Thousand golden-colored statues of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

The Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto was established by the powerful warrior-politician Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1164, and it is especially famous for its 1001 statues.
Gion | Travel back in time to the Edo period

Gion is the place where the famous geisha, the cultural symbol of Japan, are still doing their work every night. Geisha literally means ‘artist’, although in Kyoto they are called ‘geiko’ which means ‘woman of art’.
Chionin Temple, Kyoto | The largest wooden gate in Japan

The Chion-in temple in Kyoto is a Buddhist temple and is the home of Jo-do Buddhism. It was founded in the 12th century, and besides its historical significance, there are a few other reasons why this is an interesting temple to visit!
Beautiful Nishiki Market supports Kyoto’s food culture

The best way to learn about everyday Japanese life and what people like to cook at home is to visit one of its many food markets. Nishiki Market is in the center of Kyoto, and a popular market to visit for tourists.
Ryoanji Temple,Kyoto | Beautiful stone garden and a temple where a dragon sleeps

Ryoan-ji is a Zen temple located in Kyoto which was built by a minister of the Ashikaga Shogunate in 1450. The temple is especially famous for its stone landscape garden.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto | The most beautiful thousand torii gates in the world

Known worldwide for its more than 10,000 torii gates in a row, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine attracts around 3 million visitors the first three days of the year alone and is one of the most famous attractions of Kyoto.
Toji Temple, Kyoto | Five-story pagoda and beautiful scenery

Toji means Eastern Temple, and this temple in Kyoto has a very long history. The religious foundations of Kyoto were laid here, and Buddha has protected the city from where Kukai founded the temple since 796.
Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto | Beautiful gardens and rustic beauty

Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) was constructed by a shogun from the 15th century. You can still see his quest for beauty in the Ginkakuji, even after 500 years.
Kyoto City, Kyoto | A city full of beautiful nature and Japanese history

Kyoto is often called “the heart of Japan” and it is said that it would be impossible to get to know the country without visiting this wonderful city.