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This is a preview of the full content of our Japan’s Best app.

Please consider downloading this app to support small independent publishing and because:

  • All content is designed for mobile devices and works best there.
  • Detailed in-app maps will help you find sites using your device’s GPS.
  • The app works offline (one time upgrade required on Android versions).

The app will also allow you to:

  • Add custom locations to the app map (your hotel…).
  • Create your own list of favourites as you browse.
  • Search the entire contents using a fast and simple text-search tool.
  • Make one-click phone calls (on phones).
iOS App Store Google Play

Kansai 関西

Osaka, Japan

Chances are you’re planning to visit the huge Kansai metropolis that includes the cities of Osaka, Kyōto, Kōbe and Nara - this is Japan’s second largest urban area with a population of 20 to 25 million, depending on what you include.

Kyōto is so popular with both domestic and international visitors that we’ve given it its own region in this app.

Keep in mind that its possible to base yourself in any of Osaka, Kyōto, Kōbe and Nara and visit any or all of the others on day trips.

Further afield, my favourites spots in Kansai are the atmospheric northern hot springs town of Kinosaki Onsen, the mountaintop monastery complex at Kōya-san and the Yamanobe-no-michi ramble through the Nara countryside.

Read the full content in the app
iOS App Store Google Play

Amanohashidate 天橋立

One of the Nihon Sankei, ‘Three Great Views’

Himeji 姫路

Japan’s top feudal-era castle

Ise Grand Shrine 伊勢神宮

Japan’s most sacred Shintō shrine

Kinosaki Onsen 城崎温泉

Delightful hot springs town on northern coast

Kishiwada Danjiri 岸和田だんじり祭

Japan’s Largest Danjiri Festival in Osaka (16-18 Sept)

Kōbe 神戸

Attractive cosmopolitan city

Kumano Kodō 熊野古道

Anciet pilgrimage trails on Kii Peninsula

Kōya-san 高野山

Monastery complex

Nara 奈良 (city)

Japan’s largest Buddha & lots of deer

Osaka 大阪

Kuidaore - ‘eat until you drop’

Yamanobe-no-michi Trail 山辺の道

Fascinating ramble through rural Nara

Yoshino 吉野

Cherry blossoms & pilgrims

Text © Craig McLachlan

Image by Pedro Szekely