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Located in western Japan, Kansai is a captivating region where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. From historic streets steeped in history and unique culture to stunning seasonal landscapes and warm hospitality, Kansai offers an irresistible allure for visitors. Each region boasts its own distinct character, creating a diverse culinary scene, art scene, and unique festivals, promising unforgettable experiences.
The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is currently being held in the Kansai region and will run until October 13, 2025, with the theme "Designing the Future Society for Our Lives". This forward-looking event brings together participants from many countries and territories around the world, including Vietnam, to showcase technology and culture from unique perspectives.
Kansai is a region that harmoniously blends modern urban life with natural beauty. The area boasts a convenient public transportation system, including trains and buses, allowing visitors to easily explore various destinations even on time-constrained trips. With the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai World Expo in full swing, why not choose Kansai as your summer vacation destination and enjoy the diverse beauty of each region?
Location of the Kansai region and tourist attractions in Kansai
Step into the magical world of goldfish at the Nara Goldfish Museum.
Located in Nara City, the Nara Goldfish Museum is one of the largest goldfish art spaces in Japan, notable for its impressive scale and unique layout. It is also known as one of the leading goldfish breeding regions in Japan.
The entire museum is built around the theme of "goldfish," with creative exhibition spaces featuring contemporary artists combined with lighting and imagery that impress visitors. Every corner of the museum is uniquely designed and extremely photogenic – promising to be an unmissable check-in spot.
The interior of the Nara Goldfish Museum
This is one of the largest goldfish museums in Japan.
The museum's interior is divided into several areas, each with its own theme, showcasing the diverse beauty of goldfish. For example, the "AQUA OASIS" area impresses with its mystical aquariums decorated with feng shui stones, while "JAPONE KOMICHI" recreates ancient Japanese scenes through decorative art using traditional Japanese umbrellas.
At the "JAPANESE AQUARIUM DISCO" area, vibrant music combined with light from a mirrored sphere and the world's first diamond-cut fish tank creates a unique experience. "KINGYO MUSEUM," on the other hand, is a place where each space is created by a different artist, showcasing their distinct personality through their works. The museum displays approximately 2,000 goldfish belonging to nearly 40 different breeds, from common to rare species, delighting viewers with their diverse shapes and colors.
Located near historic attractions such as Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, the museum boasts a convenient location, easily integrated into any sightseeing itinerary. It's a suitable destination for a wide range of visitors, from families and couples to solo travelers. Come to Nara and enjoy a novel experience with goldfish, where tradition and modern art blend harmoniously.
Address: 4th Floor, Mi Nara Shopping Center, No. 1-3-1 Nijo-oji Minami, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM), open year-round.
Discover the beliefs and nature at Kumano Kodo – a World Heritage Site of Japan.
Kumano Kodo is a historical pilgrimage route, long known as a path deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs. "Kumano" is the general name for the area stretching from southern Wakayama Prefecture to southern Mie Prefecture. In southern Wakayama Prefecture are three major shrines known as "Kumano Sanzan" (Three Kumano Shrines), and Kumano Kodo is the route that leads pilgrims to these three shrines.
A journey of discovery through the beliefs and nature of Kumano Kodo – a World Heritage Site of Japan.
In 2004, this route was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site under the name "Holy Site and Pilgrimage Route of Mount Kii". To this day, many people still come here to experience the sacred blend of nature and faith.
One ideal itinerary for beginners is the route starting from Daimon-zaka, which is approximately 2.7 km round trip and takes about 3 hours of walking and sightseeing. This route passes through Daimon-zaka Chaya, where visitors can rent Heian-era costumes from about 1,200 years ago, and then continues to visit one of the three major Kumano shrines: Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji Temple.
From behind Seiganto-ji Temple, visitors can admire the majestic Nachi Falls – Japan's tallest waterfall – along with the stunning scenery of the three-tiered pagoda. Especially on July 14th each year, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine holds the traditional Nachi Fire Festival to express gratitude to fire, water, and nature – the elements that nourish life. The vibrant and solemn atmosphere of the festival is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.
To conclude your journey, don't forget to relax at Katsuura Onsen – the pride of Wakayama – and enjoy the unique local flavors. Traditional Mehari Sushi (rice balls wrapped in pickled mustard greens), fresh seafood, and especially tuna – the region's renowned specialty – will surely help you shake off any fatigue after your trip. History, nature, culture, and cuisine – all blended together in the Kumano Kodo exploration will provide you with a complete and memorable experience.
Directions: From JR Osaka Station, take the train to JR Kii-Katsuura Station. From there, take the bus line to Nachisan and get off at the Daimon-zaka stop. Then walk about 500 meters to the entrance.
Relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery at "Kyoto by the Sea - Umi no Kyoto"
When Kyoto is mentioned, many people probably immediately think of the ancient beauty of the former capital and its temples and shrines. However, the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture boasts many stunning beaches and mountains, where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes created by majestic nature. Located in Miyazu Bay, "Amanohashidate" stands out with its white sand and pine forest stretching approximately 3.6 km, making it one of Japan's most iconic scenic spots. This beautiful landscape, created by nature over thousands of years, has long been cherished by the people and featured in numerous works of Japanese poetry, painting, and novels.
Kasamatsu Park is one of the ideal viewpoints to admire the full beauty of Amanohashidate. It's easily accessible by mountain railway or cable car. A unique way to view the scenery here is "mata-nozoki" – standing with your back to the view and looking down between your legs. This inverts the view, making Amanohashidate appear like a bridge spanning the sky.
This pose originated over a thousand years ago, and many people still recreate it today as a way to immerse themselves in local customs and fully enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the bay. Visitors can also participate in a variety of activities around the Amanohashidate area, such as strolling under pine trees, cycling, swimming, practicing yoga, or kayaking. Additionally, the Miyazu Lantern Festival and Fireworks Display, held annually on August 16th, features floating lanterns, dazzling fireworks, and traditional Bon dances, all adding a vibrant touch to the summer night.
To conclude your journey, enjoy a relaxing moment in the hot springs and savor local specialties such as "Barazushi"—a visually appealing vinegared rice dish topped with minced grilled mackerel and fried egg, "Asari-don"—clam rice, and "Ika-don"—squid rice. These are all delicious seasonal dishes made with local seafood.
To conclude your journey, enjoy a relaxing moment in a hot spring and savor local specialties such as “Barazushi”—a visually appealing vinegared rice dish topped with minced grilled mackerel and fried egg, “Asari-don”—clam rice, and “Ika-don”—squid rice. These are all delicious seasonal dishes made with local seafood. Experience the beauty and depth of Japan through its majestic natural landscapes and unique cultural experiences—something only fully appreciated in “Kyoto on the Seashore.”
