Located in the west of Japan, Kansai is a fascinating land where tradition and modernity blend together in a subtle way. From ancient streets steeped in history, unique culture, to beautiful four-season nature and warm hospitality of the people, Kansai always creates an attraction for tourists to explore. Each locality in Kansai has its own identity, creating diversity from cuisine, art to typical festivals, promising to bring unforgettable experiences.
The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is currently being held in the Kansai region and will last until October 13, 2025, with the theme “Designing the Future Society for Our Lives”. The event has a vision for the future, bringing together the participation of many countries and territories around the world, including Vietnam, to introduce technology and culture from their own perspectives.
Kansai is a region that harmoniously combines modern urban life with natural beauty. The area has a convenient public transportation system such as trains and buses, allowing visitors to conveniently explore many different destinations on time-limited trips. With the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, why not choose Kansai as your summer vacation destination and enjoy the diverse beauty of each region here?
Kansai area location 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 areas in Japan.
The entire museum is built around the theme of “goldfish”, with creative exhibition spaces from contemporary artists combined with lighting and images that impress visitors. Every corner of the museum is uniquely designed and extremely “photogenic” – promising to be a check-in spot not to be missed.
Interior space of 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 magical fish tanks decorated with feng shui stones, while “JAPONE KOMICHI” recreates ancient Japanese scenery through decorative art using traditional Japanese umbrellas.
At the “JAPANESE AQUARIUM DISCO” area, vibrant music combined with the light from the mirror ball and the world’s first diamond-cut fish tank create a unique experience. “KINGYO MUSEUM” is where each space is created by a different artist, expressing a unique personality through each work. The museum displays about 2,000 goldfish of nearly 40 different breeds, from common to rare breeds, satisfying viewers with rich shapes and colors.
Located near historic attractions such as Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, the museum is conveniently located and can be easily integrated into a visitor’s itinerary. This is a destination suitable for a wide range of visitors, from families, couples to solo travelers. Come to Nara and enjoy a refreshing goldfish experience where tradition and modern art blend harmoniously.
Address: 4th Floor, Mi Nara Shopping Center. 1-3-1 Nijo-oji Minami, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (last admission at 17:30), open year round
Explore religion and nature at Kumano Kodo – Japan's World Heritage Site
Kumano Kodo is a historical pilgrimage route that has long been known as a spiritual path. “Kumano” is the general name for the area stretching from southern Wakayama Prefecture to southern Mie Prefecture. Southern Wakayama Prefecture has three major shrines called the “Kumano Sanzan” (Three Shrines of Kumano), and the Kumano Kodo is the route that leads pilgrims to these three shrines.
Journey to discover religion and nature at Kumano Kodo – Japan's World Heritage
In 2004, this route was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site under the name “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. To this day, many people still come here to feel the sacred harmony between nature and religion.
One of the ideal routes for beginners is the route starting from Daimon-zaka, which is about 2.7 km round trip and takes about 3 hours of walking and sightseeing. This route passes by Daimon-zaka Chaya, where visitors can rent Heian period costumes from about 1,200 years ago, then continues to visit one of the three major Kumano shrines, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple.
From behind Seiganto-ji Temple, visitors can admire the majestic sight of Nachi Falls - the tallest waterfall in Japan, along with the stunning view of the three-story pagoda. In particular, on July 14 every year, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine holds the traditional Nachi Fire Festival to express gratitude to fire, water and nature - the elements that nurture life. The brilliant and solemn scene of the festival will surely leave a deep impression on every visitor.
To end the journey, don't forget to spend time relaxing at Katsuura Onsen hot spring - the pride of Wakayama, as well as enjoy the typical local flavors. The traditional Mehari Sushi (rice ball wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves), fresh seafood dishes and especially tuna - the famous specialty of the region will definitely help you dispel all fatigue after the trip. History, nature, culture and cuisine - all blend together in the journey to explore Kumano Kodo will bring you a complete and memorable experience.
Access: From JR Osaka Station, take the train to JR Kii-Katsuura Station. From there, take the bus bound for Nachisan and get off at Daimon-zaka stop. Then walk about 500 meters to the entrance.
Relax with the wonderful scenery at “Kyoto by the Sea - Umi no Kyoto”
When mentioning Kyoto, many people will probably immediately think of the ancient beauty of the ancient capital and its temples. However, the North of Kyoto Prefecture is home to many beautiful seas and mountains, where you can enjoy the magnificent landscapes created by majestic nature. Located in Miyazu Bay, “Amanohashidate” stands out with its white sand and pine forest stretching about 3.6 km, and is one of the most famous scenic spots in Japan. This beautiful terrain, created by nature over thousands of years, has long been loved by the people and appeared in many works of Japanese poetry, paintings and novels.
Kasamatsu Park is one of the best places to see Amanohashidate in all its glory. It is easily accessible by funicular or chairlift. A unique way to see the view is by standing with your back turned and looking down between your legs. This reverses the view, making Amanohashidate look like a bridge across the sky.
This pose has been around for over a thousand years, 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 pine tree walks, cycling, swimming, yoga, and sea kayaking. In addition, the Miyazu Lantern and Fireworks Festival is held annually on August 16, where floating lanterns, dazzling fireworks, and traditional Bon dances add a colorful touch to the summer night.
To end the trip, enjoy a relaxing moment in the hot springs and savor local specialties such as “Barazushi” – vinegared rice beautifully decorated with mashed grilled mackerel and fried egg, “Asari-don” – clam rice, “Ika-don” – squid rice. These are all seasonal delicacies made from local seafood.
To end the journey, enjoy a relaxing moment in the hot springs and savor local specialties such as “Barazushi” – vinegared rice dish decorated with grilled mackerel and fried egg, “Asari-don” – clam rice, “Ika-don” – squid rice. These are all seasonal delicacies made from local seafood. Experience the beauty and depth of Japan through the majestic landscapes blessed by nature and unique cultural experiences – which can only be fully felt in “Kyoto by the Sea”.
