The ultimate Kansai travel guide. Find Kansai's location on the map, discover iconic places to visit and must-do experiences, and book hotels.

A Complete Travel Guide To Kansai, Japan 2026: Location & Best Places to Visit - Travel Guides Traveloka

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Dotonbori in the Namba district is a lively entertainment area that is popular among tourists and locals alike. Stretching along the Dotonbori canal, the area is known as a food destination that offers local dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki at reasonable prices. Dotonbori is best visited at night, when it is lit up with colorful neon signs including the iconic Glico Man and the gigantic mechanical crab in front of Kani Doraku restaurant.

Dotonbori

For any visit to Kyōto, a stop at Nishiki Market is a must. The over 400-year-old market with its 126 stalls is a foodie haven. All sorts of scents and flavours, from the sweet savouriness of tamagoyaki (the Japanese rolled omelette) to the fried treats, to the acidic tanginess of tsukemono (pickled goods), fill the thriving narrow shopping street. Besides the delicacies, the market is also famous for kitchen paraphernalia and tools, such as the acclaimed hand-crafted knives of Aritsugu. 

Fun fact: almost all edibles sold here are served on sticks.


Nishiki Market

Kiyomizudera was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. It's a Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kiyomizudera Temple

The complex of Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most remarkable sights in southern Kyōto. The impressive complex was dedicated to a Shinto god (Shinto gods are known as 'kami') by the Hata family in the 8th century, and encompasses five shrines. Curiously, the deity the entire complex is dedicated to – Inari Ōkami – is one of the principle Shinto kami, whose circle of influence includes foxes, rice, sake, agriculture and industry, and even general success and prosperity. 

The spotlight here goes to the 5,000 of vermilion gates (known as Senbon torii), that lead up to the summit of 233m Mt. Inari-san. The Romon Gate at the shrine’s entrance was donated in 1589 by the samurai warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Stone foxes also play an important role here, as they are considered to be messengers of Inari.


Fushimi Inari Shrine

This landmark was formerly built as Honganji Temple on 1496. Despite being burned back in 1580, the temple was rebuilt with its original design. With its authentic structure, Osaka Castle is modernized on the inside as it is a museum with dioramas and artifacts about its history. On top of that, visitors can also see a panoramic view from the top of Osaka Castle, enjoying spring hanami at Nishinomaru park, or board the Gozabune tour ship.

Osaka Castle (Osakajo)

In the Arashiyama district, you will find the mesmerising and seemingly endless Arashiyama bamboo grove, showcased in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". The walkway starts from the Tenryu-ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and ends at the sublime Okochi-Sanso Villa, wrapped by tranquil emerald green gardens. The grove itself is a world unto its own, and strolling amidst the towering bamboo stalks is a must-experience in Kyoto.


Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Kyoto Tower is an observation tower located in Kyoto, Japan. The steel tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto with its observation deck at 100 metres and its spire at 131 metres. The 800-ton tower stands atop a 9-story building, which houses a 3-star hotel and several stores.

Kyoto Tower

Shinsaibashi has been a shopping district for 380 years since the Edo period. Stretching 580 meters from Dotonbori to Nagahori Dori, this covered market has grown rapidly to include at least 180 shops, making it one of the most popular shopping streets for both tourists and locals living in Osaka. Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade is packed with an array of shops selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to Japanese food and cosmetics.

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade 

As Kyōto's most iconic landmark, Kinkaku-Ji (literally the "Temple of the Golden Pavillion"), is undoubtedly astonishing. Built in 1397, the complex was the retirement villa of the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Soon after his death in 1408, the structure was converted into a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect by his son. Engulfed in flames several times throughout the ages, the current complex was rebuilt true to the original in 1955 (except for the top two floors that were both covered in gold leaf). 

Thousands of sightseers pack the site to glance at the breathtaking Gold Temple, its reflection shimmering in the serene pond in a picturesque setting. It's best to go early in the morning or just before closing to avoid queuing in notoriously slow-moving lines.


Kinkaku-Ji

Completed in 1993, Umeda Sky Building consists of two futuristic towers containing offices and a food street inspired by the 1920s Showa period. The twin towers are connected by a "floating garden" observatory that offers 360-degree views of Osaka from 173 meters above ground. Designed by Hiroshi Hara, architect of the Kyoto Station, the building also features a glass-enclosed elevator and escalator that takes visitors to the top while enjoying unparalleled views of the city.

Umeda Sky Building 

Tōfuku-ji Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Zen temples in Kyōto for its wonderful and extensive gardens. The original buildings were burnt down but rebuilt faithfully to the original in the 15th century. In 1881, a blazing fire destroyed the Buddha hall, which was never again rebuilt. The complex' main gate is the oldest sanmon in Japan and a National Treasure. 

Today, the temple welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the year; to make their experience even more unforgettable, it offers regular Zen meditation sessions for beginners (only in Japanese). 

Note that the temple is overcrowded during autumn as a favourite haunt to witness kōyō (the falling of colourful leaves).


Tofuku-Ji Temple

The park is currently home to about 680 cherry blossom trees. The central weeping cherry blossom trees are particularly famous. They are 87 years old (2nd generation cherry blossoms). With illumination lighting up the cherry blossoms at night during their blooming season, this park is also famous as a beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot.

Maruyama Park

Founded in the 10th century, Osaka Tenmangu is an important Shinto shrine dedicated to the Heian-period scholar, Sugawara Michizane. The shrine was destroyed by fire several times, but now it stands majestically as the venue of the Tenjin Matsuri festival held every July. The shrine's location, in the middle of office buildings and near the Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street, makes it a great place to quickly get away from Osaka's hustle and bustle.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine 

In downtown Kyōto, Ippōdō Tea is an old-style tea shop that has been providing the finest matcha in Kyōto since 1717. There is also an adjoining teahouse where guests can directly brew their tea. The English-speaking staff will help you choose your favourite matcha flavour.

Ippodo Tea

Kyoto Handicraft Centre, occupying four floors, is a great spot to pick up a gift or souvenir for the folks back home. Colourful yukata (the summer kimono), pottery, jewellery, clay dolls, umbrellas, spinning tops, tea... it lives up to all expectations.

Kyoto Handicraft Centre

Between Teramachi Kurabu and Nijo-dōri, on the east side of Teramachi, is Kyōto Antiques Centre, a mini department mall comprising 17 stores, set up in 1996. Ceramics, calligraphic paintings, vintage kimonos, lacquerware and many more oddities and treasures are displayed under one roof.

Kyoto Antiques Centre

Morita Washi is known in the whole neighbourhood for its signature 'washi' (Japanese handmade paper made using fibres from the inner bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, or the paper mulberry bush). It provides a large variety of washi, from rough country style paper to intricately patterned paper perfect for framing.

Morita Washi

At the foot of Kyōto's eastern mountains, Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavillion) was completed in 1490 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, and, much like its sibling Kinkaku-ji, it belongs to the Rinzai Zen sect. Despite still being known as the Silver Temple, the Shogun's goal of covering the building in leaf silver was never accomplished. Today, the wooden building is considered a prime example of the Japanese concept of 'wabi-sabi' (embracing imperfection).


Ginkaku-Ji

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Kansai is located in Japan. Let us guide you to explore Kansai and uncover its beauty. Find inspirations about popular tourist attractions, travel tips, to the best accommodation in  here. Plan your next adventure at Traveloka!

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Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Top Sights in Kansai

Dotonbori

Nishiki Market

Kiyomizudera Temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Osaka Castle (Osakajo)

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Kyoto Tower

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Kinkaku-Ji

Umeda Sky Building

Tofuku-Ji Temple

Maruyama Park

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Ippodo Tea

Kyoto Handicraft Centre

Kyoto Antiques Centre

Morita Washi

Ginkaku-Ji

Inspiring Reads on Kansai

Getting from Osaka to Tokyo: Best Transportation to Choose, Route, and Fares

Unlocking The Best Areas in Kyoto for a Stay

Capsule Hotel Osaka: 2024 Unique Accommodation Experience!

The Best 10 Things To Do in Osaka During Spring

Travelling from Osaka to Nara: All The Things You Need to Know

10 Must-Buy Osaka Souvenirs: From Teapot to Pottery, with Prices

Top Hotels Near Kiyomizu-dera: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Stays in Kyoto

More Destination Near Kansai

Aomori-shi

Aomori

Akita

Akita-shi

Hakodate

Miyagi

Sendai-shi

Yamagata

Yamagata-shi

Sapporo