When it comes to West Japan, Kyoto and Osaka are always popular, but there’s so much more to explore! Just a short trip from these cities, you’ll find stunning natural landscapes, charming traditional towns, exciting amusement parks, and an abundance of delicious cuisine waiting for you. With a well-connected rail network, including the Shinkansen, it’s easy to get around—and the JR-WEST RAIL PASS makes traveling even more convenient and affordable.
▼Check here for detailed information about the ‘Have Fun Pass’ mentioned in this article▼
Have Fun in Wakayama Pass
https://www.travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-wakayama-1-week-free-pass/en
Have Fun in Tottori Pass
https://travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-tottori-1-week-free-pass/en
Wakayama
Wakayama’s coastal area, facing the Pacific Ocean, is a warm resort destination, while the inland region is dotted with historic sites such as Koyasan and the Kumano Kodo. These are part of a World Heritage designation and have long been revered as places of worship.
Facilities marked with ★ icon in this article are included in the “Have Fun in Wakayama Pass.”
▼Find detailed information about the “Have Fun in Wakayama Pass”▼
https://www.travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-wakayama-1-week-free-pass/en
Price: ¥2,800
Participating Facilities: 14 locations
Savings: Up to ¥1,700
①Kimiidera ★
Founded in 770, Kimiidera Temple is a popular spot for early-blooming cherry blossoms in the Kansai region, attracting many visitors. Climbing the 231 stepson the temple grounds rewards you with an impressive panoramic view of Wakanoura, known as the “Sacred Place of Waka Poetry.”
②Adventure World ★
This expansive theme park features a zoo, aquarium, and more, with around 1,600 animals from120 species thriving in their habitats. The park is also highly regarded worldwide for its panda care, and as of October 2024, it is home to four pandas.
https://www.aws-s.com/en/
③Shirarahama
One of the most beautiful beaches in Kansai, this spot features a 620-meter stretch of white sandy shores and emerald-green waters. In addition to swimming, visitors can enjoy various events, including fireworks, beach yoga, and triathlons.
④Wakayama Ramen ★
Wakayama’s beloved local ramen has a rich history, featuring two main types of broth: a pork bone soy sauce base and a soy sauce base. This ramen is especially popular in and around Wakayama City.
https://www.wakayamakanko.com/gourmet/gourmet1.html
⑤Kumano Kodo: Heian Period Costume Experience ★
The Kumano Kodo has been preserved as a cultural landscape of prayer, faith, and pilgrimages since ancient times and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the Heian period (794–1185), many pilgrims visited Kumano, a phenomenon known as “Ants’ Kumano Pilgrimage.” Near Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, visitors can experience wearing Heian period costumes.
https://nachikan.jp/en/
North Kansai
This area along the Sea of Japan within the Kansai region offers picturesque views of the sea and mountains, delightful hot springs perfect for city strolls, and the chance to savor natural delights such as seafood from the Sea of Japan and Tajima Beef.
①Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen boasts a history of around1,300 years. What sets Kinosaki apart is not only the baths within the ryokan but also the experience of visiting seven public bathhouses, known as “soto-yu,” throughout the town. Enjoy strolling along the riverside in a yukata while exploring the unique soto-yu.
https://kinosaki-spa.gr.jp/
②Yumura Onsen
Yumura Onsen, believed to have been founded around 1,200 years ago, features hot spring water at a temperature of 98 degrees Celsius. Known for its health benefits, the high-temperature, mineral-rich water can also be used to boil vegetables and eggs. Visitors can enjoy foot baths along the river that flows through the hot spring town.
http://www.yumura.gr.jp/
③Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate is a unique sandbar about 3.6 km long, lined with approximately 6,700 pine trees. Renowned as a scenic spot since ancient times, itis considered one of the “Three Great Views of Japan.” Visitors can enjoy magnificent vistas from the observation deck and a charming cycling path through the pines.
④Ine
Ine Bay, facing the Sea of Japan, features unique scenery of a coastal area lined with “funaya” (boathouses) that were once used by fishermen for boat storage. Some of these funaya now operate as cafes and accommodations. Popular sightseeing boats also offer scenic views of the funaya from the water.
https://www.ine-kankou.jp/
Tottori
Facing the Sea of Japan, Tottori Prefecture offers magnificent natural attractions like the Tottori Sand Dunes and Mt. Daisen. The area also has numerous anime spots associated with manga artists from Tottori, adding to its unique appeal.
Facilities marked with ★ icon in this article are included in the “Have Fun in Tottori Pass.”
▼For more info about the “Have Fun in Tottori Pass”▼
https://travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-tottori-1-week-free-pass/en
Price
3-Facility Pass: ¥2,100
5-Facility Pass: ¥3,000
Participating Facilities: 11 locations
Savings: Up to ¥1,000 with the 3-Facility Pass
①Tottori Sand Dunes
Spanning 16 km from east to west and 2.4 km from north to south, this is one of the largest coastal sand dunes in Japan. _ e towering sand wall, which symbolizes its impressive scale, reaches a height of about 47 meters, creating a highly dynamic sight from below! Additionally, a variety of activities, including paragliding experiences, are available to enjoy.
https://www.tottori-guide.jp/sakyu/
②The Sand Museum ★
This is the world’s first museum dedicated to sculptures made solely from sand and water, with creations based on a different theme each year. Among the impressive exhibits is a sand sculpture that exceeds 20 meters in width, creating a stunning space filled with these extraordinary works.
https://www.sand-museum.jp/en/
③Uradome Coast Cruising
The Uradome Coast located near the Tottori Sand Dunes is known for its scenic shoreline. Sightseeing cruises here offer up close views of rugged cliffs and a variety of islands dotting the Sea of Japan. (Operates from March to November)
https://www.iwamikanko.org/sightseeing/3606/
④Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato is known as one of Japan’s leading _ shing ports. The area is also home to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, exhibiting the works of Mizuki Shigeru, the manga artist from Sakaiminato who created GeGeGe no Kitaro. Nearby, Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with bronze statues of yokai (Spiritual monster), attracts many visitors.
https://sakaiminato.net/
⑤Kitaro and Detective Conan Featured on the Train!
In Tottori Prefecture, trains featuring manga characters can be seen running along the tracks. On the JR Sakai Line between Yonago and Sakaiminato, you’ll see the Kitaro Train, decorated with characters from “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” available in six different designs. Additionally, the JR San’in Line boasts the Detective Conan Train, inspired by the famous manga artist Aoyama Gosho, who hails from Tottori Prefecture.
https://www.pref.tottori.lg.jp/299412.htm
To the west of Tottori, Shimane Prefecture is a place rich in traditional Japanese culture. It features several historic towns and sites that appear in Japanese mythology, including the renowned Izumo Oyashiro Shrine.
①Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle, towering in the center of Matsue City, features a keep built in 1611 that still stands today and is designated as a National Treasure. Visitors can also enjoy a popular experience of viewing Matsue Castle from sightseeing boats operating on the surrounding moats.
https://www.visit-matsue.com/discover/city_centre/north_side
②Dojosukui
“Dojosukui” is a traditional dance in Japan, accompanied by a song known as “Yasugibushi.” At the Yasugibushi Performing Arts Center, visitors can enjoy live performances of the dojosukui dance on weekends, and participate in dance experiences (capacity limited).
③Lake Shinji
Located west of Matsue City, Lake Shinji is famous for its fine sunsets. A sunset cruise on a sightseeing boat is also highly recommended.
https://www.visit-matsue.com/discover/city_centre/lake_shinji
⑤Izumo Oyashiro
This shrine is famous for enshrining the deity of connections and relationships. It is said that each year, in the 10th month of the lunar calendar, deities from across Japan gather in Izumo for a meeting on bonds and relationships. Within the shrine grounds, visitors can feel a sense of grandeur, especially with the Honden main hall and the impressive Kagura Hall, featuring an enormous shimenawa (sacred rope).
https://izumooyashiro.or.jp/en/
⑤AMETUCHI
This sightseeing train runs in the San’in region mainly between Tottori Station and Izumoshi Station. Passengers can relax in spacious seats and enjoy views of attractions like Mt. Daisen and Lake Shinji at a leisurely pace. Onboard, you can also purchase local snacks and sake unique to the San’in area.
https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/kankoutrain/ametuchi/
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att.JAPAN編集部
att.JAPAN consists of members in their 20s and 30s, and we are all travel lovers. In addition to information about sightseeing and great dishes all over Japan, we offer a wide range of information about various subjects/topics, such as onsen (hot spring) and ryokan hotels. We introduce lots of information only att.JAPAN can offer, including information about famous sightseeing spots, the latest news about new facilities all over Japan and rare less-known areas in Tokyo, one-day model walking courses, and anime pilgrimages. We also offer contents to introduce Japan from the view of writers from abroad.
