Best around Kansai Spot List

The beloved boathouse of Ryoma Sakamoto

A Zen temple of the Rinzai School built in the scenic area of Arashimaya in Kyoto. It was built by Takauji Ashikaga in memory of the recently deceased Emperor Go-Daigo.

Japan’s largest lake, replete with noteworthy places and leisure opportunities

An ancient temple known as an exemplary viewing spot for autumn leaves since the Heian period.

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

A crimson tower glistening in the ocean and sky

Southern Osaka's hippest place, where the all the trendy young people go

A wide-open park offering great views of the harbor

The namesake for the area and one of Japan's ”Top 100 Waterfalls”

A spiritual area surrounding Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum

This imposing temple serves as a center for Shugendo asceticism

Displaying works by master artists

A temple founded in Higashiyama by Hideyoshi Toyotomi's wife, Nene, to mourn his passing and pray for his soul. The nighttime illuminations in spring, summer and fall are beautiful to see.

Surrounded by the old-growth forest of Tadasu-no-Mori, the shrine has records that date back before Christ. It is also renowned as a spiritual place believed to bring good luck in romance.

Twin Dragons created during the Heisei period watch over Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple

Make memories in Kobe’s picturesque herb garden, the largest in Japan

Drawing from two historic sources of water, this open air bath has a nostalgic atmosphere typical of traditional public baths

The main training center for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism with its iconic five-story pagoda, the key landmark of Kyoto's scenery. The temple is known as ”Daishi's temple.”

A classical red brick building

Refined, high-quality Japanese stationery and incense