Jun 22, 2021
Great Places to See a Sunset in Kansai
Watching the sunset on the horizon is a fantastic way to cap off the day, make lasting memories, and take some great pictures to show off to friends. The Kansai region is full of varied locations offering breath-taking natural scenery and a chance to watch the sun disappear into the ocean or behind a mountain. Here are some of the best.
Mount Maya, Kobe
Mount Maya sits in the spectacular Rokko mountain range and its peak – at close to 700 meters high – is one of the best viewpoints in Kobe. You can take in the sights of Osaka Bay that look beautiful in the golden sunset hues and when illuminated by the city lights after dark. This mountain is popular with both tourists and locals all year round. To reach the summit, you can walk or take the ropeway cable car that operates until 8:50 p.m. most days.
Website: https://www.mayasan.jp/ (Japanese)
Shogunzuka viewpoint, Kyoto
Another great mountain summit viewpoint, Shogunzuka, sits among the Higashiyama mountains and overlooks Maruyama-Koen park. From here, you can watch the sun descend across Kyoto city. So popular is this spot with sunset enthusiasts all across Japan that a small wooden viewing platform was installed in 2015. You can also find a small garden and a Buddhist prayer space nearby. The best way to experience this is as part of the Shogunzuka and Seiryuden hike. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train to Keage station.
Website: http://www.shogunzuka.com/english/
Seven slopes of Tennoji, Osaka
This slightly hidden area close to Osaka Castle is a nice little historic walk that takes in numerous ancient temples and shrines and the glorious Tamade Casecade waterfall. Although Osaka is quite a flat city, the Uemachi Plateau, where these slopes are situated in the city’s most elevated part. The walk starts with the Shingon-zaka slope north of the Ikutama shrine and finishes with the Osaka city slope on national route 25. If you time this walk right, you can do it bathed in the setting evening sun and see Osaka at dusk.
Website: https://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/contents/wdu020/tennoji/english/spot/shitennouji.html
Ise-Shima Park, Mie
Situated in the coastal city of Shima in Mie prefecture is one of Japan’s great national parks. The Ise-Shima park encompasses stretches of coastline, forests, and many heritage sites. There is plenty to do, including kayaking, fishing, and hiking. For amazing sunsets, head to the Fuseda Fureai area of the park, where you can experience the feeling that the sun is close to the earth as it sets, especially around the autumn equinox.
Website: http://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/iseshima/
Yuhigaura Kaigan beach, Kyoto
An ideal setting for a romantic stroll in any season, this Kyoto beach has a path popular with lovers called “Sunset Road” (Yuhi no Michi). Whether in summer when the setting sun casts silhouettes on the beach rocks or in winter and early spring when it sinks below the western mountains, you will find many couples sitting on the benches and marveling at the beauty.
Website: https://www.yuukan.com/ (Japanese)
Umeda Sky Building, Osaka
If you fancy a sunset in more of a modern setting, head to Osaka’s 40-story and 173-meter tall skyscraper. Near the top is a hanging garden and observatory where, for around 1,000 yen, you can watch the sun setting against a backdrop of high-rise architecture. The building is about a 10-minute walk from Osaka station and stays open until 10:00 p.m.
Justin Hanus editor
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