Kansai Area
Look for the hidden beauty of Lake Biwa
In the area called “Okubiwako,” which is located in the northern part of Shiga Prefecture, there are beautiful things, just like hidden treasures, to be discovered in expansive, open nature. Go and discover the Karamon Gate in Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa, the statue of Eleven-faced Kannon, which is the National Treasure of Doganji Temple Kannondo (Kogenji Temple), and the beautiful scenery of the mountains and a row of dawn redwood (metasequoia) trees in Makino Town, and much more.
Observe the daily living in Kyoto at Kamogawa Delta
The delta-shaped area at the confluence of the Kamo River and Takano River is called Kamogawa Delta, where you can see many local people on sunny days, walking on stepping-stones and chatting at the river side. When I absently watch people enjoying themselves, while listening to the sound of the river, I derive happiness from a peaceful life.
Start your day with delicious bread and coffee in Kyoto
While Kyoto is well-known for being filled with the traditional culture of Japan, it has actually so many bakeries that it is said to have the largest consumption of bread in Japan. From the famous bakeries, such as “Shinshindo” and “Sizuya,”to smaller ones, you will be able to find a favorite while sightseeing in the city.
It is also recommended to enjoy your breakfast with bread and coffee at an old-style café, such as “INODA COFFEE.”
Visit a village with traditional thatched-roof houses
Located north of Kyoto City, Miyama Town in Nantan City has thatched-roof houses of 150 to 200 years old surrounded by the mountains. If you apply for a guided tour by a local guide, you can not only see the houses but also actually go into them as well as learn about the wisdom of living in the mountain village!
Watch deer lured by the sound of a horn at Nara Park
The deer at Nara Park are wild animals designated as a National Natural Treasure and have been respected as messengers from the deities of Kasugataisha Shrine since ancient days. In Tobihino grass field within the shrine precincts, a “shikayose” event is held: deer are lured by the sound of a horn from the back of the forest in morning in summer and winter every year. In time with the melody of the Pastoral Symphony by Beethoven, a number of deer gather together, which is a scene you will never see anywhere else.
Worship a hidden Buddha statue at Kinpusenji Temple in Yoshino
Located in Yoshino, which is famous for beautiful cherry blossoms, Kinpusenji Temple is the head temple of Kinpusen Shugen Honshu Sect (Shugendo). The main hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in Japan and enshrines “hibutsu,” one of the biggest hidden Buddha statues in Japan. Standing strongly, three Zao-gongen statues of seven meters of height represent the deity guiding people with the sprig of mercy and forgiveness (the statues are open to the public only during a special opening period).
Go on a tour of the Pacific Ocean at Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN
KAIYUKAN has one of the biggest indoor aquariums in the world. You can watch huge whale sharks swimming in the tank that recreates the Pacific Ocean, as you walk down the stairs. After 5 p.m., you can enjoy the “night aquarium” with different illumination and music from daytime.
Enjoy a great panoramic view of Osaka from the “HARUKAS 300” observatory
ABENO HARUKAS is a skyscraper complex building with a height of 300 meters, where you can enjoy spending all day at the observatory, department store, art museum, and others. The observatory HARUKAS 300 has “Sky Corridor,” whose floors, walls, and ceilings are made of glass. You can step on it and feel as if you are walking through the sky!
The best point of taking my kids with me is that there is a resting space in the sky garden on the 58th floor, where you can relax with your kids!
Get surrounded and healed by flowers and art at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park was opened at the venue used for JAPAN World Exposition, Osaka held in 1970. The park has two areas, the Natural and Cultural Gardens and the Japanese Garden. It is also famous as a great viewing spot for cherry blossoms in spring. The symbol of the park, “Tower of the Sun,” designed by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto, will look best in a photo taken from a spot just inside the Main Gate of the Natural and Cultural Gardens area.
画像提供：Osaka Prefectural Government
Walking around the retro-cute town in Nakazaki-cho
Located 15 minutes on foot from the entertainment district of Umeda in Osaka, Nakazaki-cho is a perfect spot for strolling with unique cafes and variety stores here and there in a retro-flavored streetscape with intricate webs of small back alleys. The area is so instagrammable that you cannot stop taking photos!
As it is also a residential area, please pay attention to your etiquette.
Feel the power of the mystical ground at Nachi Falls
With a drop of 133 meters, a depth of 10 meters at the basin, and a ton of water falling per second, this famous waterfall has long been worshipped as an object of nature worship. With people purifying themselves by sitting under the waterfall, it also used to be a place for Shugendo mountain asceticism training.
In 2004, this waterfall was registered as a World Heritage site along with Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails.
Meet pandas at Adventure World
Adventure World has as many as 1,400 animals of 140 species living in the zoo and aquarium. This place is famous for breeding research of pandas and there have been 17 pandas successfully bred. As of August 2023, you can enjoy watching four pandas relaxing in the zoo.
画像提供：アドベンチャーワールド
Climb Mount Rokko and Soak in Arima Onsen in Kobe
Mount Rokko with various levels of hiking routes is a great place for people who love outdoor activities. There is one route leading to the onsen area of Arima Onsen. Soaking in an onsen after hiking is really wonderful! It is also convenient that you can take a direct bus from Arima Onsen to major towns, such as Sannomiya and Umeda.
Experience the power of professional baseball at Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the opening in 2024, Hanshin Koshien Stadium is the oldest existing baseball stadium in Japan, and serves as the home ground for the professional baseball team “Hanshin Tigers.” You can not only enjoy the game but also the fanatic cheering of the Tigers fans. Each Tigers player has his own fight song. In Japan, it is common that fans sing the songs accompanied by trumpet calls. Let’s get excited!
Make a tour of seven public bathhouses at Kinosaki Onsen
With a history of over 1,300 years, Kinosaki Onsen features seven sotoyu (public bathhouses) with different atmospheres of the buildings and different temperatures of the water. So, one of the best things at Kinosaki Onsen is that it is really fun to go around public bathhouses wearing yukata. While strolling around the town, you can eat sweets and drop by a retro-looking game arcade in an onsen town full of character.
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