Kansai
Osaka is a charming, relaxed city best known for its food, fun and nightlife—with some history and culture peeking through
Osaka is only a short shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo, but has a very different personality to Japan's capital city. Hop off the shinkansen into an area of exciting nightlife, delicious food and straight-talking, friendly locals. Along with plenty of shopping and modern attractions, Osaka also has a historical side, the highlight of which is Osaka Castle. The castle is a great place to discover more about Japanese history and to wander the beautiful grounds, especially during cherry blossom season in April when the sakura blooms and the weather is often at its best.
Sightseeing in and around Osaka
Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
Bright lights, big city, in vibrant Osaka style
Hospitable Osaka established its reputation for commerce and entertainment back in the Edo period.
Kyoto
Kyoto is the former capital city of Japan and world-famous for its refined culture, dining, and charm of rural Japan
Kyoto City attracts millions of local and international visitors each year looking for traditional Japanese culture.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle and the pleasant park grounds surrounding it make for a relaxing escape from the city's concrete sprawl. Ascend to the top of castle keep tower to look over the expansive castle grounds and neighboring skyscrapers.
Nara
Nara Prefecture has sacred mountain ranges, spiritual sites and early Japanese artifacts
The political and religious heart of ancient Japan is easily accessed from Osaka and Kyoto and has shrines and temples that are among Japan's oldest.
