If you're booking a flight to Osaka or planning a new trip to Japan, let me tell you, Osaka alone isn't enough! The Kansai region is full of exciting places. The food is amazing, the views are stunning, and the temples are impressive. Here, you can experience a mix of classic, traditional Japanese culture and nature that truly stands out! The best part is, it’s easy to get around, and you can even visit these places in a day. If you want to explore Osaka to the fullest, fly comfortably with Japan Airlines on the Bangkok – Osaka route. Booking is easy through Traveloka, and you’ll be ready to explore 7 must-visit spots around Kansai near Osaka that are definitely worth adding to your list! I guarantee you’ll have a great time, take beautiful photos, and feel amazing!

Hello everyone~ If we’re talking about exciting news for 2025, don’t miss out on one of the biggest events of the year for travelers, futurists, or anyone who loves something new! Mark your calendars for the Kansai World Expo 2025 (Osaka Expo 2025), which will be held from April 13 – October 13, 2025. This is the World Expo, and it's only held every five years! Japan is hosting it again, yay~! The event will take place on Yumeshima Island, right in the heart of Osaka—a city known for its delicious food, vibrant streets, and stunning views.

For those who aren’t really into the term “World Expo,” listen up! This is a world-class event that brings together groundbreaking ideas, cutting-edge innovations, and cultures from all around the world, all in one place. It's like a theme park + an exhibition + a future world, all combined into one! In 2025, Japan will host the event with the theme “Designing the Future, for Our Lives,” which, to put it simply, means "Designing a future where we can live well with our own hands!" This concept is meant to encourage people worldwide to come together and create innovations, technologies, and ideas that will improve our lives, whether it's related to health, energy, the environment, or the future way of life.

The starting point of the Kansai Expo 2025 (EXPO 2025), which you definitely shouldn't miss, is the "Theme Pavilion"! This year's Kansai Expo 2025 (EXPO 2025) comes with an advanced concept: "Blueprint for a Future Society that Makes Life Shine." It’s packed with “Signature 8 Theme Pavilions” that feature eight Japanese experts from various fields, sharing their perspectives on life, society, and the future world. Each pavilion offers unique ideas that challenge thinking about living together and creating a sustainable future. If you're into trends and interested in the future of the world, you can’t miss this!

1. Future Life Zone: The Zone for the Future of Life
2. West Gate Zone: The West Gate Zone
3. Forest of Tranquility Zone: The Zone of Peaceful Forests
4. Signature Zone: The Signature Zone
5. East Gate Zone: The East Gate Zone
6. Connecting Lives Zone: The Zone for Connecting Lives
7. Empowering Lives Zone: The Zone for Empowering Lives
8. Save Lives Zone: The Zone for Saving Lives

A Pavilion is a venue for exhibitions, and at the Expo, you’ll find futuristic buildings, amazing exhibitions, and exciting activities that will let you experience the history and culture of each participating country and company, as well as see the latest technologies that will make you feel like you're in the future. So, what are the highlights in each pavilion? Let’s take a look!

This is one of the must-see highlights of the event! In the international pavilions, you’ll get to explore groundbreaking innovations from over 100 countries.

This zone showcases the "futuristic Japan"! It's not just about sushi and anime; the Japanese pavilion will introduce you to cutting-edge technologies, methods to improve quality of life, and eco-friendly agricultural innovations.

Finally, don't miss the Signature Pavilions, which are considered the "heart" of the Expo. These pavilions will feature presentations by 8 Japanese producers from various fields who will share innovative ideas for creating a sustainable future. It's like bringing everything in the world together, whether it’s clean energy, health technologies, or innovations for balanced and creative living!

For those planning to attend the Expo, it’s important to know that Yumeshima Island does not have parking facilities, so the best way to get there is by public transportation. It’s the most convenient, cost-effective option, and you won’t have to worry about parking.

Planning a trip to Japan and want to visit the Kansai World Expo 2025 (Osaka Expo)? Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! Booking your flight for this event is easier than you think and super convenient. But if you want something extra special, I recommend booking through Traveloka.

So, enjoy your trip, have fun at the Osaka Expo, and who can resist getting a freebie when booking a flight?

Fushimi Inari is the most famous shrine in Japan. It’s the shrine where you walk through hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of red Torii gates! It’s so beautiful that it feels unreal, like stepping into a Japanese fantasy world. The path lined with the red Torii gates stretches for about 4 kilometers. As you walk, you’ll feel like the main character in a Japanese fairytale. The atmosphere is so classic and full of authentic Japanese culture. Along the way, you’ll encounter Inari, the deity people pray to for good fortune in business and prosperity. Another highlight is the photo opportunities! If you love photography, you’ll be in heaven because every angle of the shrine blends nature and culture perfectly. Whether you stand and pose in front of the Torii gates or capture the view from the top of Fushimi Mountain, it’s all so beautiful you’ll be rushing to post on Instagram. For those wanting an even better experience, you can hike all the way to the top of Fushimi Mountain, where you’ll find breathtaking views and a sense of peace that the Japanese deeply respect.

If you’re in Kyoto and want to experience a feel like stepping into a traditional Japanese fairytale, this is the place to be! The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove will make you feel like you've entered another world. The towering bamboo stalks are perfectly aligned, and when the wind blows, you hear a soothing rustling sound that brings peace to your heart. It’s the perfect place to walk and take photos – anyone can feel like the heroine of a Japanese drama here! Not only the bamboo grove, but there’s also Arashiyama Park beside it, with rivers, mountains, and breathtaking natural views! You can stroll, ride a bike, or even take a rickshaw for a nostalgic experience. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and recharge amidst beautiful nature and a peaceful atmosphere, this is the place for you. Arashiyama is the essence of tranquility, and every angle is perfect for photos.

If you’re in Nara and don’t visit Todaiji Temple, you’re seriously missing out! This legendary temple houses the largest Buddha statue in Japan – and it’s massive! The main hall is Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), the largest wooden building in the world! (Yes, in the world, not just Japan!). When you enter, you’ll encounter a gigantic Buddha statue in a meditative posture, and it’s so big you have to tilt your head back to capture the whole thing in a photo. What’s adorable is that outside the temple, you’ll find little deer roaming freely. They’re so cute, they’ll melt your heart! Want to feel like a Disney princess? Just buy some deer crackers (shika senbei) and the little ones will surround you! But be careful – some of them are pretty hungry and might come charging at you for treats. Overall, it’s a place where history buffs will be in awe, nature lovers will enjoy the beauty, the deer are adorable, and you can also pray for good fortune at the same time.

If you love deer, this is heaven on Earth for you! Nara Park is where deer roam freely throughout the park with no restrictions. As you walk, the deer may come up to greet you, as if saying, “Hey, do you have any snacks?” But the park isn’t just about the deer; the atmosphere is amazing! The park stretches as far as the eye can see, filled with lush trees, cherry blossoms in spring, and stunning autumn foliage. You can also enjoy a relaxing picnic here. Plus, it's close to other attractions like Todaiji Temple, so you can visit the temple right after your stroll in the park. For photographers, there are plenty of great photo opportunities, nature lovers can enjoy the peaceful vibe, and animal lovers will absolutely love it!

If you’re visiting Kobe and don’t stop by Kobe Port Tower, then you’ve truly missed out! This iconic red, spiral-shaped tower is one of Kobe’s main landmarks, standing tall by Kobe Bay and visible from a distance – you can’t miss it! The highlight isn’t just the unique design but the breathtaking view from the top. Once you get up there, you’ll be able to see the whole city of Kobe, the sea, and the mountains in a 360-degree panorama. During the day, the view is bright and vibrant, but come evening, the atmosphere turns romantic with the city lights and water reflections – it’s so beautiful, it might just make you want to propose! Around the tower, there’s a museum, beautiful boats, restaurants, and cute cafes. You’ll have endless photo opportunities and can walk around all day without getting bored. Whether you love city views, are an Instagram content creator, or just want a relaxed date spot, this is the place to be.

Himeji Castle is considered the most beautiful castle in Japan – no exaggeration! Located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, it’s one of the best-preserved castles in Japan, having never been destroyed by war or disaster. Because of its white appearance, it's also known as the White Heron Castle, resembling a white heron soaring in the sky. The castle is famous for its grandeur and stunning design, featuring tall walls, curved paths, and lush green fields around it, making it perfect for walks and endless photo opportunities. Inside the castle, you’ll find plenty of historical significance, including rooms once used by nobles and military officers to protect the castle from enemies. If you love castles or Japanese history, Himeji Castle is a must-visit. Plus, the views from the castle are spectacular in every season, with spring and autumn offering particularly stunning scenery.

Tottori in Tottori Prefecture is home to the largest desert in Japan! When you first see the vast, expansive sand dunes, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene. Whether you walk through the desert or ride a camel to take in the views, it’ll give you the feeling of being in an Egyptian desert. The highlight here is the Tottori Sand Dunes Conan, where you can walk across the sand to enjoy magnificent views, or head to the sand dune viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of both the desert and the Sea of Japan. The view is absolutely spectacular!

Visiting Osaka is already great, but if you have a bit of extra time, take a trip around the Kansai area, and you’ll fall in love and won’t want to leave. Whether you're into nature, culture, or food, Kansai has it all! The best part is that it’s easy to travel from Osaka – just an hour or so by train. If you’re planning a trip to Japan next time, make sure to add these 10 places near Osaka to your list. I promise they’re all worth visiting! And if you love Japan, enjoy unique experiences, or just want something truly different in life, the Kansai World Expo 2025 (Osaka Expo 2025) is the “trip of the year” you absolutely shouldn’t miss!

Reference
Thematic Project Expo 2025. (2025). Retrieved April 4, 2025, available from https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/project/