The Tokyo Metropolitan area is a mega-city, home to some 35 million people and the driving force of Japan's economy and rapidly shifting cultural trends. However, less
than 90 minutes away you will find Mount Takao, a peaceful retreat for walking and quiet reflection with views of the distant urban landscapes.
To the southeast in Chiba Prefecture lie hidden beaches, whilst to the north in Nikko you will discover the spectacularly ornate temples and shrines of Toshogu, the resting
place of the first Tokugawa shogun; the man who began the transformation of Tokyo into the city you will find today.
Shiga Prefecture is home to the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa, and Hikone Castle, one of the twelve original castles in Japan.
Kansai | Shiga Prefecture
Hikone
Hikone is known for the famous Hikone Castle, one of the twelve original castles in Japan.
Kansai | Shiga Prefecture
Omi Hachiman
Omi Hachiman, that sits at the foot of Mt. Hachiman-yama in the center of Shiga, is a castle town of Hachiman-yama-jo.
Kansai | Shiga Prefecture
Otsu
Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa-ko, Otsu is the main city of Shiga.
Kansai | Shiga Prefecture
Koka
Koka is located in the southern part of Shiga Prefecture and is the homeland of ninja.
Kansai | Shiga Prefecture
Shigaraki
Shigaraki is a ceramic town of Koga City situated in the southern part of Shiga, and known as the home of Shigaraki ware.
Mie Prefecture is located in the center of Honshu and is home to the famous Ise Shrine, which is said to enshrine to the Sun Goddess.
Kansai | Mie Prefecture
Nagashima Onsen
The town of Nagashima is located in the northeastern part of Mie in a delta area created by the Kiso-gawa, Nagara-gawa, and Ibi-gawa rivers.
Kansai | Mie Prefecture
Yunoyama Onsen
Yunoyama-onsen is a hot spring resort dotted with inns located at an altitude of 318 meters on the slope of a mountain along the Mitaki-gawa River in northern Mie.
Kansai | Mie Prefecture
Iga Ueno
Iga Ueno is famous for the Iga ninja and birthplace of Matsuo Basho, a renowned Japanese poet from the Edo Period.
Kansai | Mie Prefecture
Ise
Ise, located in the northwestern part of the Shima-hanto Peninsula in Mie, prospered as the shrine town of Ise-jingu.
Kansai | Mie Prefecture
Toba
Toba, located at the northeastern end of the Shima-hanto Peninsula in Mie, flourished as the castle town of the Kuki family who ruled this region from the 16th century.
Kansai | Mie Prefecture
Kumano
Kumano is located in the Kii Peninsula and spans into the Wakayama and Mie Prefectures. The Hongu, Nachi and Hayatama Taisha are the three famed shrines of the area.
Kyoto Prefecture is a cultural and traditional center in Japan and is home to many important sites.
Kansai | Kyoto Prefecture
Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate is a sand bar on the Miyazu Bay and is one of the three scenic views of Japan.
Kansai | Kyoto Prefecture
Mt Hiei
Mt. Hieizan is said to be home to the deities of Shinto lore, but it is better known for the Buddhist monks of Enryakuji.
Kansai | Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto City
Kyoto was the former capital of Japan and is an important cultural and traditional center in the nation.
Kansai | Kyoto Prefecture
Uji
Uji is the birthplace of matcha (powdered green tea) and is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region.
Kansai | Osaka Prefecture
Osaka City
Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region.
Hyogo Prefecture is located in western part of the Kansai region and is famous for Himeji Castle, one of most beautiful castles in Japan.
Kansai | Hyogo Prefecture
Kinosaki Onsen
One of the many famous hot springs in Japan, located in north Hyogo Prefecture.
Kansai | Hyogo Prefecture
Asago
Asago city is located near the center of the Hyogo Prefecture, an important center of traffic which links Tajima and San-In district.
Kansai | Hyogo Prefecture
Takarazuka
Takarazuka is a city located in the southeastern part of Hyogo Prefecture and most famous for the Takarazuka Revue.
Kansai | Hyogo Prefecture
Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is located in Kobe and is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan.
Kansai | Hyogo Prefecture
Kobe
Kobe is the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture and was an important port city during the Edo Period.
Kansai | Hyogo Prefecture
Himeji
Himeji is located in the southwestern part of Hyogo Prefecture and is known for Himeji Castle.
Kansai | Hyogo Prefecture
Awaji Island
Awaji-shima is an island largest in the Seto Inland Sea and the third largest in Japan.
Awaji Island
Awaji Island is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, and popular for several buildings designed by famed architect Tadao Ando, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and proximity to the Naruto Whirlpools.
Nara Prefecture is considered the origin of Japan, from the year 710 to 784 it was also the capital of Japan Heijo-kyo.
Kansai | Nara Prefecture
Nara City
Nara is well known for all the wild deer roaming around the city, along with the deep cultural and religious background of Japan.
Kansai | Nara Prefecture
Yoshino
Yoshino is a small town located in the center of Nara Prefecture, which is well known for its rich cultural history and scenic views.
Kansai | Nara Prefecture
Hasedera Temple
Hase-dera Temple lies along the Hatsuse-gawa River in the eastern part of Sakurai City in central Nara Prefecture.
Kansai | Nara Prefecture
Asuka
Asuka is located in present day Nara Prefecture, which was also the Imperial capital of Japan during 538-710 AD also known as the Asuka period.
Kansai | Nara Prefecture
Tenkawa
The village of Tenkawa is about a one-hour bus ride into the bosom of Mt. Yoshino-yama in the center of Nara.
Wakayama Prefecture is located on the Kii Peninsula and is well known for its hot springs, temples, and scenic natural views.
Kansai | Wakayama Prefecture
Wakayama City
Wakayama City is the prefectural center of politics, economy and culture, located on the Wakayama Plain at the mouth of Kino-kawa River.
Kansai | Wakayama Prefecture
Mt Koya (Koyasan)
Koyasan is the center for an important Buddhist sect known as Shingon Buddhism. It is located on the forest covered mountain top of Mount Koya.
Kansai | Wakayama Prefecture
Dorokyo Valley
The Doro-kyo Valley is situated in the eastern Wakayama at the border with Nara and Mie.
Kansai | Wakayama Prefecture
Katsuura
Nachi-Katsuura-machi Town located in the southeast of Wakayama faces the Katsuura Bay on the southern coast of the Kii-hanto Peninsula.
Kansai | Wakayama Prefecture
Nanki Shirahama
Shirahama is a place where flowers bloom earlier than anywhere, with sun shining brightly all year round.