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[State of Emergency Declared] Japanese Government Announcements About COVID-19
Announcement from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

20 Fun Things to Do in Osaka: Embrace These Activities On Your First Trip!

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Sightseeing

With so many things to do in Osaka, first-time visitors may find it a daunting task to plan a trip covering as many places of interest as possible. Here's a list of 20 of Osaka's most popular must-see attractions that we think will be helpful for your trip! Main image: tkunited / Shutterstock.com

Guide to tax-free shopping and list of tax-free shops in Osaka

Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi Discount Stores
Nanzenji Temple Guide: Visual Walk Through One of Japan's Most Incredible Temples

Ginkakuji Temple, Nanzenji Temple Shrines
All-you-can-eat Restaurants in Osaka: Top 3 Spots for Great Dinner Deals! (Under $25)

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Shabu Shabu
Value for Money Hotels Near Nara's Best Sakura Sightseeing Spots

Nara, Ikoma, Tenri Hotels
5 Best Souvenir Shops Near Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi, Uji Gift Shops
10 Japanese Goods to Beat Hay Fever in 2021 - Carefully Selected by LOFT Umeda Staff!

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Household Goods Stores

Gateway to Kobe: Enjoy hands-on fun at Koto-no-Hako Kobe!

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano Theme Parks

Koto no Hako Kobe is a renewal of the Shin-Kobe Oriental Avenue. As part of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kobe complex, it is directly connected to Shin-Kobe Station. Based on the concept of “Destination & Experience,” the facility aims to be a collection of shops that are “only here” by focussing on experiences that can only be had on-site and “the consumption of things; not things.” The shops are dedicated to Featuring shops entertainment and tourism, beauty, and health. Let's take a brief look at some points of interest, including new stores that opened after the reopening.

Abeno Harukas in Osaka: Best View in Japan?!

Shinsekai, Tennouji, Tsuruhashi Landmarks
First Class Backpackers Inn Awaji: Enjoy a beach BBQ at Awaji’s stylish campsite!

Awaji Island, Maiko Food Entertainment
It's Official: Super Nintendo World Osaka Will Open March 18 at Universal Studios Japan!

USJ, Nanko Port Theme Parks
Evangelion Kyoto Base: Ride a Real EVA in Kyoto Studio Park!

Arashiyama, Uzumasa Theme Parks

Things to Do in Hyogo: Sights and Foods for your First Trip to Kobe!

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano Downtown

As one of western Japan's largest prefectures, there are so many things to do in Hyogo! It has many sights, of particular note being the exotic port city of Kobe. Being home to the world-renowned Kobe Beef and having some of the best night scenery in Japan, Hyogo is a great day trip destination when visiting western Japan. This is a quick guide for those taking their first trip into Hyogo Prefecture – read on to get a handle on Hyogo sights, famous products, and characteristics.

Rokko Garden Terrace: Magnificent Mount Rokko Night Views

Arima Onsen, Mt. Rokko Landmarks
Japanese Foodies Recommend: Top Restaurants Near Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle, Tenmabashi, Kyobashi Izakaya
Kyoto Guide: 5 Best Popular Spots for Sightseeing Near Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace Other Sightseeing
Top 10 Foods You Can Buy in an Osaka Supermarket: Take Home Dishes Loved by Locals as a Souvenir!

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Grocery Stores
Ultimate Kiyomizudera Temple Guide: Visiting Kyoto's Most Famous Sightseeing Spot!

Gion, Kawaramachi, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Shrines
Osaka Portable WiFi: 3 Wi-Fi Rental Shops Near Osaka Station and Usage Guide

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Wi-Fi Rental Shops

Top 3 Cafes in Nanki-Shirahama With Incredible Ocean Views

Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Other Cafes and Sweets

Nanki Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture is a tourist area noted for its superb scenery. Domestically, Shirahama is dubbed as ‘Japan's Waikiki,’ as Shirahama beaches are noted for their gorgeous white sand, but there are many other beautiful sightseeing spots in the area. Here we will introduce some cafés that are perfect spots for taking a break while sightseeing in Shirahama!

Things to Do in Nagahama: Yanmar Museum - Fantastic Hands-On Fun for Kids & Adults!

Hikone, Nagahama Theme Parks
3 Legendary Zenzai Shops in Osaka: Enjoy Traditional Japanese Red Bean Soup with Mochi!

Osaka Suburbs Other Japanese Food
Ayabe Gunze Square: Here Is The Must-See Spot On a Kyoto Trek!

kyoto Suburbs Clothing Stores
Hozugawa Kudari: Scenic Kyoto River Cruise Down One of the Area's Most Picturesque Valleys!

kyoto Suburbs Outdoor Activities
Arima Onsen Day Trip: Japan's Oldest Hot Spring Town is Just Like Stepping Into an Anime

Arima Onsen, Mt. Rokko Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)
Kumano Sanzan: Visit the Land of Gods on a Journey to Wakayama Prefecture

Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Shrines

Inside Sanjusangen-do Temple, Kyoto's Spectacular Temple of a 1,000 Gold Statues

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple Temples

Inside the dimly lit Main Hall, 1000 shining gold statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon goddess stand in orderly rows. The mystical atmosphere makes this temple a popular hit among international visitors. The temple is full of highlights, housing many national treasures such as the Main Hall and seated and standing statues of Thousand-Armed Kannon. It is also exceptionally easy to get to, just a 10-minute bus ride from Kyoto Station, or a mere 15 minutes on foot. This article will introduce the best features of Sanjusangen-do Temple along with attractions in the surrounding area.