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 Kansai Pass
https://www.travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-kansai-1-week-free-pass/en
Have Fun in Okayama Pass
https://travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-okayama-1-week-free-pass/en
Osaka Station
The Umeda area of Osaka is undergoing large-scale redevelopment, with new attractions continuously opening on the west side of Osaka Station.
①Inogate Osaka “Barchica03”
Features 50 long-established as well as hidden gem eateries in Osaka, including cafes and take-out options, perfect for casual drinks and bar hopping. Plus, it stays open until 11PM, which is a nice perk.
https://barchica03.com/
②JP TOWER Osaka KITTE OSAKA “Feel JAPAN Journey” (2nd floor)
This section features 15 “antenna shops”showcasing attractions from across Japan. Don’t miss the giant shimenawa rope and the torii gate! Explore and find your favorite souvenirs while immersing yourself in a travel atmosphere.
https://osaka.jp-kitte.jp/shop/floor.jsp?fid=2f
③JP TOWER Osaka KITTE OSAKA “@JP Cafe”(2nd floor)
This space serves as an information hub for all of Japan, featuring limited time pop-up events and a cafe where you can enjoy food with local ingredients. The window seats offer a great view of passing trains at the same level, making it a nice spot to relax and unwind.
https://osaka.jp-kitte.jp/shop/index.jsp?bf=1&fmt=6&shopid=120000
④JP TOWER Osaka “THE OSAKA STATION HOTEL, Autograph Collection” (1st, 7th, 29th-38th floors)
Opened in July 2024, this hotel offers guest rooms exclusively on the 30thfloor and above, providing stunning views of Osaka. Guests can discover railway motifs throughout the interior, reflecting the site’s history as the original Osaka Station. Enjoy Osaka’s culture and history in a luxurious setting.
https://osakastation-hotel.jp/
⑤GRAND GREEN OSAKA “Umekita Park”
This urban park, directly connected to a terminal station, is one of the largest in the world. It partially opened in September 2024 and offers a surprising abundance of nature for the bustling city of Umeda. With expansive lawns and water features, it serves as a true oasis for visitors to relax and unwind.
https://umekita.com/
Kansai
The Kansai region, located in the heart of western Japan, offers a blend of rich history and tradition alongside the latest in culture and entertainment.
Facilities marked with ★ icon in this article are included in the “Have Fun in Kansai Pass.”
▼Find detailed information about the “Have Fun in Kansai Pass”▼
https://www.travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-kansai-1-week-free-pass/en
①ABENO HARUKAS ★
A skyscraper complex featuring a variety of establishments, including a department store, a hotel, an art museum, and an observation deck. From the top floor, “ABENO HARUKASOBSERVATORY”, you can enjoy panoramic views at a height of 300meters above ground.
https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/en/
Right by JR Tennoji Sta.
③Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory ★
A 173-meter-tall landmark in Umeda. From the rooftop“Kuchu Teien Observatory,”you can enjoy 360-degreeviews of Osaka. In the evening, it lights up, creating a magical atmosphere.
https://www.skybldg.co.jp/en/
JR Osaka Sta. →7 min walk
④Sagano Romantic Train
This sightseeing train connects the popular Arashiyama area with Kameoka City beyond the mountains. Running along the Hozu River Gorge, it offers stunning seasonal views—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and occasional snowy scenes in winter—all enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
Right by JR Saga-Arashiyama Sta.
⑤Toei Kyoto Studio Park ★
An immersive theme park located in Uzumasa, Kyoto, where you can experience the worlds of movies and anime. Spanning 53,000 sq. meters, it recreates an Edo-period (1603–1868) city used for filming period dramas. Various attractions, including ninja experiences, can be enjoyed here.
⑥KYOTO STATION BUILDING
A large station building beloved as the gateway to Kyoto, featuring a department store and a theater. Various events are held here, and the grand staircase at the building is illuminated with LED lights in the evening, with themes that change with the seasons.
https://www.kyoto-station-building.co.jp/lp/english/
Right by JR Kyoto Sta.
⑦Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site completed in 1609, has preserved its original appearance for over 400years. Its striking white plaster walls have earned it the nickname“Shirasagi Castle,” or “White Egret Castle,” as its silhouette resembles a heron spreading its wings. The view of the castle with cherry blossoms in spring is also breathtaking.
https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/castle/
JR Himeji Sta.→20 min walk
⑧Akashi Sushi
Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Akashi is known for its fresh and high-quality seafood. For those who seek authentic sushi, a trip to Akashi, which is conveniently close to Osaka, comes highly recommended.
https://www.yokoso-akashi.jp/eat/sushi
Akashi Sushi Coupon「技の逸品」
Select your favorite restaurant and menu from 10 establishments around Akashi Station, then enjoy Akashi sushi in exchange for a coupon. It’s a fantastic way to savor the techniques and flavors of high end sushi at a more accessible price.
Available in three options: ¥2,000 / ¥3,000 / ¥5,000.
Sales locations: Akashi Information Center (Piole Akashi West Building)/ Akashi Tourism Association Office (Aspia Akashi North Building 7th floor)
https://www.yokoso-akashi.jp/sushi_coupon
⑨Kobe NunobikiHerb Gardens& Ropeway ★
Located on a hill accessible by cable car from downtown Kobe, this is one of Japan’s largest herb gardens. Around75,000 flowers and herbs from about200 species bloom across 12 themed gardens. Enjoy the fragrance of the herbs and the beautiful scenery.
⑩Nagahama ★
Nagahama, a historic post town that flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868), features the popular “Kurokabe Square,” lined with shops specializing in glass art and restaurants offering local cuisine. Visitors can also explore attractions like Japan’s oldest preserved train station and Nagahama Castle.
⑪MichiganCruise –Lake Biwa
The “Michigan” cruise ship departs from Otsu Port and takes you on a scenic tour of the southern part of Lake Biwa. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Biwa and Mt. Hiei from the panoramic sky deck.
https://www.biwakokisen.co.jp/en/
JR Otsu Sta.→15 min walk
⑫Omihachiman
Omihachiman is a historical town featuring remnants of castle ruins and merchant residences. One of the highlights is the “Hachimanbori Cruise,”where you can enjoy viewing the charming streetscapes from a traditional boat along the Hachimanbori waterway.
https://www.omi8.com/
Okayama
Okayama Prefecture, just a 50-minute trip from Osaka, offers excellent access from the Kansai region. It is home to numerous attractions, including historic castles, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. As it is blessed with a mild climate, visitors can also enjoy seasonal fruits.
Facilities marked with ★ icon in this article are included in the “Have Fun in Okayama Pass.”
▼Find detailed information about the “Have Fun in Okayama Pass”▼
https://travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-okayama-1-week-free-pass/en
Price: ¥2,800
Participating Facilities: 13 locations
Savings: Up to ¥2,200
①Okayama Castle ★
Known as “Ujo” (Crow Castle) for its stunning black-painted keep, this castle offers breathtaking views from the top floor of the Asahi River, the longest river in Okayama, and the famous Okayama Korakuen Garden. The cafe on the first floor of the keep serves a delightful fruit parfait made with local Okayama specialties.
②Bizen-yaki Pottery Studio
At Ujo Park, home to Okayama Castle, there’s a workshop where you can try your hand at making Bizen pottery. Choose from items like plates, chopstick rests, or teacups, and create your own original Bizen ware.
③Okayama Korakuen Garden
This renowned large daimyo garden, created around 300years ago as a retreat for the domain’s ruler, features a strolling garden surrounding a central pond, with expansive lawns all around. Visitors can enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons, and they can also glimpse Okayama Castle’s main keep, making this place unique.
https://okayama-korakuen.jp/section/english/
④Ikurado Cave ★
A massive limestone cave formed over many years by rainwater erosion, stretching 1,200 meters in length with a height difference of 90 meters. It boasts numerous viewing spots, showcasing the artistic and mysterious creations of nature. There are also impressive light displays throughout the cave.
⑤Yumeji Art Museum ★
Takehisa Yumeji, a renowned painter representative of the Taisho Romanticism era, developed his own unique artistic vision while drawing inspiration from Europe. This museum showcases over 100 of his works on permanent display. In addition to the main museum in Okayama City, you can also visit the Yumeji Birthplace Memorial Museum and Shonen Sanso in Setouchi City.
⑥Hotel Granvia Okayama ★
A hotel directly connected to Okayama Station. In the lobby lounge, you can indulge in parfaits made with loca lfruits from Okayama, popularly known as the “Fruit Kingdom.” The hotel also offers a popular morning yoga activity, available to all guests staying at the hotel.
https://www.granvia-oka.co.jp/en/
⑦Okaden Chuggington Museum ★
This museum is located on the grounds of a train depot and maintenance facility. It features exhibits of streetcar models and Plarail (railway toys) displays, as well as a mini-theater showing the globally popular anime series Chuggington, offering fun for the whole family.
https://okayama-kido.co.jp/okadenmuseum/
⑧Ohara Museum of Art
This is the first private museum in Japan focusing on Western art, located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. It houses about 3,000 works, featuring renowned Western artists like El Greco, Monet, and Gauguin, as well as pieces related to modern Japanese art and the Mingei folkcraft movement.
https://www.ohara.or.jp/
画像提供：公益財団法人大原芸術財団 大原美術館
⑨Kurashiki BikanHistoricalQuarter ★
There are traditional white-walled warehouse residences from the Edo period (1603–1868) and charming retro Western-style buildings that still stand today. Many have been renovated into stylish shops and cafes, creating an attractive blend of “history”and “now.” The beautiful rows of willow trees along the Kurashiki River are also a popular feature.
⑩Washuzan Sunset Viewing
Mt. Washuzan is a renowned sunset viewing spot, selected as one of the “Japan Sunsets Best 100.” A sightseeing bus takes visitors to two viewpoints: Sanbyakuyama and the Washuzan Observatory. The dynamic combination of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the sunset offers a breathtaking view.
https://shimoden.net/rosen/kikaku/yuukei.html
⑪Betty Smith Jeans Museum & Village ★
Kojima in Kurashiki City is the birthplace of Japanese-made jeans. The jeans manufacturer Betty Smith, home to Japan’s oldest jeans factory, also has a museum and an interactive shop. One of the most popular experiences is creating custom-made jeans. There’s also an outlet event held on weekends and holidays.
https://betty.co.jp/village/
⑫Setouchi Triennale 2025
An international art festival featuring contemporary art, held across the islands and coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea. Taking place every three years, the next festival is scheduled for 2025. Visitors can experience the unique charms of each island while engaging with the art.
Spring: April 18 – May 25 / Summer: August 1 – 31 / Autumn: October 3 – November 9
https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/
Heather B.Swann + Nonda Katsalidis
Place for sea dreamers
Photo Keizo Kioku
Writer
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.
