Nara Prefecture

Fruit Picking in Kansai

Jul 23, 2023 By Justin Hanus

Picking fresh fruit is a popular – and refreshing – pastime in Japan. In the Kansai region, there are many farms and orchards where you can roam around and pluck...[ Click to read more ]

Skate Parks in Kansai

Jun 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus

Japan is experiencing something of a skateboarding wave since it showcased the sport during the recent Tokyo Olympics. Many purpose-built skateboarding facilities have sprung up over the last few years,...[ Click to read more ]

Exploring the Sacred Mountains of Kansai

Apr 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus

Mountains are sacred places in many cultures for reasons ranging from the inspirational views from the summits and their impressive heights (which are said to reach the heavens) to the...[ Click to read more ]

Getting Away in Japan: Nara

Oct 24, 2022 By Bert Wishart

A trip to the capital doesn't have to mean Tokyo's bright lights and bustle. Nara, in south-central Japan, was established as the nation's first permanent capital in 710 CE and,...[ Click to read more ]

Skate and Scooter Parks in Kansai

Aug 31, 2022 By Justin Hanus

Skateboarding is one of Japan’s fastest-rising sporting activities, propelled by the country’s showing at the Tokyo Olympics, where it won medals, including gold for the likes of Yuto Horigome and...[ Click to read more ]

Great Bike Rides in Kansai

May 24, 2022 By Justin Hanus

Although it may have a reputation for cars, motorbikes, and speedy trains, Japan is also a cycle-loving nation whose residents use a bicycle as their primary mode of transport. You...[ Click to read more ]

Where to Learn About Japanese History in Kansai

Dec 27, 2021 By Justin Hanus

Japan is rich in history, with civilizations stretching back to prehistoric times and classical Japanese history beginning around the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced. The Kansai region has played...[ Click to read more ]

Road Trips in Kansai

Mar 15, 2021 By Justin Hanus

The Kansai region is a great part of Japan to discover by car. Beyond the big cities Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, many great destinations don’t take too long to get...[ Click to read more ]

The Sacred Route Between Japan’s Most Revered Shrines

Oct 29, 2020 By Admin

Intro: A path of enlightenment from the Kii-peninsula to Ise. The basis for Japan’s focus on nature in its indigenous Shinto religion goes back to the Heian Period when Shugendo...[ Click to read more ]

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Osaka

Top Cities to Visit in the Kansai Region

Feb 25, 2020 By Justin Hanus

You’ve undoubtedly heard of Osaka and Kyoto, but there’s so much more to see in the Kansai region of Japan. Some cities are vibrant and noisy, others are peaceful and...[ Click to read more ]