Best Visiting around Kansai Spot List

Artworks that blend in well with traditional Japanese houses are displayed

Legend has it that the temple buildings were built by Emperor Shomu. In addition to the exquisite Kamakura-Period-style Romon Gate (National Treasure) facing the old road, there is a Kamakura-Period-style thirteen-story pagoda (Important Cultural Property) towering at the center of the temple grounds. The temple is also famous for its cosmos flowers.

Meet the two famous cats that manage the station

Worshipped as the deity of good fortune, this is the head shrine of all the Ebisu-jinja shrines in Japan that enshrine Ebisu, the god of business success. During the period from January 9 to 11 called Toka Ebisu, the shrine bustles with as many as one million visitors every year. A particularly famous event at this time is the Shinto ritual called Fukuotoko Erabi (choosing a lucky man), which takes place early in the morning of January 10. It is also well known that Hanshin Tigers players come here in spring to pray for victory before the official professional baseball season begins. The 247-meter Oneribei, which was constructed in the Muromachi Period, and the Omote-Daimon gate, which was built in 1604 using funds donated by Hideyori Toyotomi, are both designated as national Important Cultural Properties.

The mecca of alpine board and ski competitions located 21Km (30minutes) from Youkahyonosen IC on the KitaKinki-Toyooka Expressway

This is the remains of the garden of Daijo-in Temple, which was a monzeki temple (a temple of high rank where members of the imperial family and nobility enter the priesthood) of Kofuku-ji Temple. After the restoration was completed in 2010, these remains were made open to the public. You can also see them from Daijo-in Temple Garden Culture Hall located in the south of the garden.

For absolute beginners there's an 'easy belt' lift and 'easy lessons' A family ski resort with close access from the city and car park next to the slopes.

Established by Emperor Shirakawa during the Heian Period, the temple's name derives from the ingo (posthumous Buddhist name) of Yoshiakira Ashikaga, the second shogun of the Muromachi bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun). While exploring the precinct, you'll find the graves of Yoshiakira and Masatsura Kusunoki, the busho (military commander) of Nancho (Southern Court) located next to each other. Masatsura was much respected by Yoshiakira even though he was an enemy general. During autumn, the maple leaves turn a striking red (visitors are not allowed to bring in a tripod stand or a unipod).

This observation deck lies at the southern tip of Shionomisaki. The seventh and eighth floors, which are 100 meters above sea level, are observation galleries, commanding a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. On a fine day, the vista even takes in the distant Mt. Nachi. On entering the deck, you'll receive a certificate for visiting the southernmost point of Japan's main island as proof of your visit to Shionomisaki. The grasslands at the tip of the cape, called “Boro no Shiba,” stretch out over 100,000 square meters. A restaurant there serves a variety of dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

A Fire Festival that Marks the End of Summer

As the Otani Bypass has been completed, it is more easily accessible from Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Very close, clean and good snow.

Enjoy the world of konamon foods by eating and learning about them

Pick up your items at the airport counter upon arrival in Japan.

Enjoy an ancient Nara ritual at the summit. The Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival is held every January

It is guaranteed that beginners and mid level skiers will be satisfied with the slopes. 80% of courses are gentle or mid-level slopes and wide.

One of Kobe's busiest areas

A seaside park with great views

A bathhouse exuding old-fashioned charm

Founded by Kobo-Daishi Kukai, this is a sacred place of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, boasting a history of 1,200 years. Scattered across the mountain at approximately 900 meters above sea level are 117 temples, including Kongobu-ji Temple, forming a large religious town. With Danjogaran and Okuno-in at its core, this sacred territory has been visited by large number of Kukai's followers. Since the town is surrounded by forests, Mt. Koya is a great place to enjoy some hiking while visiting the temples.

Flowers blossom throughout the seasons at this temple, also known as “The Flower Temple”