21 Top Spots Outside Japan's 'Golden Route'
Many tourists concentrate on the so-called 'Golden Route' connecting Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. But what do you do if you want to get off the principal tourist highway and see the best of the rest? Here are Japan's 21 best off-the-Golden-Route spots!
4 Purrfect Kansai Cat Cafés
Tired of running around, trying to see all the beautiful temples and castles in the Kansai area? Recharge your batteries at a cozy cat café!
5 Tasty 'Omiyage' Worth Lining Up For
Orderly lines outside everything from chic coffee shops to blue-collar ramen shops are a common sight in Japan, and food-based specialty 'omiyage' (souvenir) stores are no different. But are these snacks really worth lining up for?
Top 5 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Hyogo
When viewing the cherry blossoms in the Kansai region, it would be easy to get lost in the beauty of Kyoto and Osaka and forget Hyogo Prefecture. But these sites are well worth traveling to as well. Check out our Top 5 picks!
4 Beautiful Castles Home to Terrible Ghosts
Ancient buildings almost always seem to come with a ghost story, and Japanese castles are no exception.
10 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Japan
Ranging from historical to natural to cultural, these 10 incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan will make you want to travel there now!
List: Japan's 12 Original-Construction Castles
While Japan is home to over 300 castles, there are only 12 that still retain their original castle keep. These 12 so-called 'original construction' castles are the cream of the crop.
Top 5 Secret Beaches of Kansai
Find some of the best hidden beaches in the Kansai region with this guide.
Check Out this Cute Hello Kitty Café in Himeji
Who would have known Hello Kitty would be nestled so nicely in this cute café, ready to greet you on your way to Himeji Castle!
Regional Station Souvenirs You Can't Miss!
Don't let these yummy station souvenirs pass you by on your next Shinkansen ride!
University Finds New Uses for Tuna Skin
Kindai University is working with businesses to find new uses for the skin of its farmed tuna.
10 Best Day Trips From Kobe
Sandwiched between the blue sea and the verdant Rokko Mountains, the bustling city of Kobe is a must-visit destination in Japan. Find our list of best day trips from Kobe, Japan, below.
Top 30 Spots Across Japan Ranked by Tourists
Travel website TripAdvisor has just listed this year's hot spots in Japan as selected by overseas visitors and we can't wait to see what's at number one!
Top 5 Theme Parks in Kansai
Check out some of the best theme parks the Kansai region has to offer.
The City of Himeji: More than Just a Castle
Himeji is a major destination for many visitors to Japan thanks to its spectacular castle, but there is far more to experience in this compact city, filled with history, regional foods, and friendly locals!
5 Fruit Markets for Budget Shoppers in Kansai
Finding the freshest fruits on a budget in Kansai just got even easier with our handy guide.
Top 5 Kansai Souvenirs for a Sweet Tooth
Find the sweetest confectionery souvenir options right in the heart of western Japan.
Things to Do in Golden Week in Kansai
Looking for something exciting to do during your Golden Week vacation? Here are five great ways to spend your time off in Kansai.
Himeji Castle Reborn
In March 2015, Himeji Castle completed its first major renovation in 50 years, leading it to be reborn in resplendent white befitting of the "White Heron Castle."
