Website introducing must-visit areas recommended by a Japanese railway company
Tourist Spots in the Kansai Region Ideal for EXPO 2025 Visitors
What is Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan?
It is a World Expo to be held on Yumeshima, Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
Envisioning its theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," this event will feature the pavilions of various countries around the world, as well as a variety of events and stage performances, to provide visitors with an immersive experience of next-generation technology and future lifestyles. Many people and goods will come together here from all over the world.
The Kansai Region, where the host city of the Expo is located, is a wonderful combination of lush nature with history, tradition, and culture connecting back to the origin of Japan.
If you are planning to visit the Expo, why not add a tour of various alluring attractions in the Kansai Region to your itinerary?
This website introduces tourist spots that are ideal for a one-day or overnight trip from the Expo venue, recommended by a Japanese railway company.
Details
Osaka Kansai Expo Official Mascot
MYAKU-MYAKU
About the Kansai Region
The Kansai Region, in which Osaka, the host city of the Expo, is included, is famous for its many areas in which long-established historical and cultural features are deeply rooted, including Kyoto and Nara, as well as Ise-Shima, where the highest-ranking shrine in Japan is located, and Yoshino and Asuka, scenic sites surrounded by lush nature.
Nara Park and Mt. Ikoma Area
In Nara, which was the Imperial capital in ancient times, you can enjoy visiting various sites of historic heritage and seeing and touching wild deer at Nara Park.
On Mt. Ikoma, rising between Nara and Osaka, you can find a nostalgic landscape including an amusement park with a long history and other olden-day facilities.
This area is about 40 minutes by train from Osaka-Namba Station, so it is a recommendable one-day trip destination.
Ise-Shima Area
This resort features beautiful landscapes and abundant blessings of the sea.
You can enjoy it in various ways, such as bathing at a hot spring, trying your luck at extracting pearls from oysters, and participating in sea activities.
This area is about two hours by train from Osaka-Namba Station. Spending a couple of days staying there is recommended.
Yoshino and Asuka Area
In Yoshino, an area included in a World Heritage site, you can enjoy seeing superb cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in fall.
Another feature of this area is local dishes long-nurtured by local people, as well as specialty fruits.
You can have an immersive feeling of long-ago history just about one hour away from Osaka-Abenobashi Station.
Area introduction
Ise-Shima Area
Ise-Shima, located in Mie Prefecture, is an area that features breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and abundant blessings of the sea.
In this area, one of the most famous resorts in Japan, you can enjoy various activities, such as bathing at a hot spring, having hands-on experience of extracting pearls from oysters, and kayaking.
Ise-Shima is about two hours by train from Osaka-Namba Station, so you can visit the area on a one-day trip. However, it is recommendable that you spend a couple of days staying there.
Tourist spots in Ise-Shima Area
Ise Jingu (Naiku / Geku)
Ise Jingu, officially called "Jingu," comprises 125 shrines, including Kotai Jingu (Naiku) and Toyouke Daijingu (Geku), which are dedicated to the deities Amaterasu-Omikami and Toyouke-no-Omikami, respectively. Its entire area is almost equivalent to that of the central part of Paris. At Ise Jingu, as many as 1,500 rituals are performed annually to pray for the prosperity of the Imperial family, world peace, and abundant crops.
Purportedly home to the Sacred Mirror, one of the Three Imperial Regalia, Ise Jingu is considered to be one of the most sacred shrines in Japan.
©the Jingushicho
Naiku: From Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station (M74) or Isuzugawa Station (M75), take the Mie Kotsu bus to the Naiku-mae bus stop.
Geku: From Kintetsu Iseshi Station (M73), walk approx. 5 minutes.
Oharai machi / Okage Yokocho
Before Ise Jingu's Naiku lies the flourishing town of Oharai-machi. Within it, you'll find the district known as Okage Yokocho, where you can enjoy historical Iseji Route streetscapes featuring Edo and Meiji period architecture. With nearly fifty charming shops, Okage Yokocho is a great place to savor Mie's many culinary delights, as well as traditional Ise culture, including taiko drum and picture-card play performances.
From Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station (M74) or Isuzugawa Station (M75), take the Mie Kotsu bus to the Jingu Kaikan-mae bus stop, and walk approx. 1 minute.
Toba Aquarium
Inhabited by over 1,200 species and 30,000 creatures, this vast aquarium is the only one in Japan where you can see a dugong.
Aside from observing the wondrous marine life in the tanks, you can also watch the shows by sealions and walruses, or mealtime of sea otters.
From Kintetsu Toba Station (M78), walk approx. 10 minutes.
Mikimoto Pearl Island
Visitors can enjoy seeing women skin divers, known as "ama," work their pearl-diving magic that is a proud tradition of Mie Prefecture!
Here too are various facilities, including Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall, where you can learn about Kokichi Mikimoto, the man who created the first cultured pearls, and the Pearl Museum, which reveals how pearls are formed.
Don't forget to stop by the pearl gift shop on your way out.
From Kintetsu Toba Station (M78), walk approx. 5 minutes.
Sea activities (Shima Nature School)
Both adults and children can enjoy a wide variety of sea activities, including kayaking between islands and islets in the calm waters of Ise-Shima and floating on the sea while inside a transparent vinyl ball!
* Water ball activities are not provided from July to September.
From Kintetsu Ugata Station (M91), take a 20-minute taxi ride.
Pearl-extracting experience (Pearl Miki)
On a raft floating on the sea, select one from a basket of freshly harvested oysters, extract a pearl (or pearls, possibly) from it for yourself, and make your own original accessory. No natural pearls look the same as each other. The pearl accessory of your own making will surely be a wonderful memento of your trip.
From Kintetsu Ugata Station (M91), take a 30-minute taxi ride.
Yokoyama Observatory
The Yokoyama Observatory located in Ise-Shima National Park affords a stunning view of beautiful Ago Bay, which is itself famous for pearl cultivation. You'll be sure to see rafts dotting the bay, each one weaving through the coastline made up of 60 islands and peninsulas.
From Kintetsu Ugata Station (M91), take a 10-minute taxi ride or walk approx. 40 minutes.
Kashikojima Hojoen
Natural onsen (hot spring) water from Kashikojima is said to be effective in skin care, caressing your whole body with gentle warmth.
In particular, this inn's open-air baths allow you to bathe with a feeling of spaciousness while enjoying the view of Ago Bay, where pearls are produced, immediately in front of you.
This inn welcomes day visitors as well.
Shuttle bus available from Kintetsu Kashikojima Station (M93). (approx. 3 minutes)
Specialty foods
Local specialty foods
Ise-Shima, a treasure trove of blessings of the sea, is highly-reputed for its enduring tradition of fishing by women skin-divers, called "ama." At ama huts, you can savor fresh seafood grilled by them right in front of you. There are also many restaurants that serve excellent foods deeply rooted in the culture of the local community, such as tekone-zushi (lit. "hand-mixed sushi"), which originated from a traditional fishermen's meal, and Ise Lobster, a representative luxury food in Japan.
* Image is for reference only.
Specialty foods and beverages you can enjoy while strolling around
Japan has a deep-rooted tradition of 'Oise-mairi' pilgrimage to Ise Jingu.
Okage-yokocho near Ise Jingu is home to many specialty food shops selling snacks and refreshments that you can savor at your leisure while strolling around the street! Why not enjoy touring those food shops while making a pilgrimage to Ise Jingu?
* Image is for reference only.
Hotels and inns
SHIMA KANKO HOTEL
This European-style hotel matches the mild climate of Ise-Shima.
It is famous for its location facing the sea and the seafood dishes it serves.
Shuttle bus available from Kintetsu Kashikojima Station (M93). (approx. 3 minutes)
Miyako Resort Shima Bayside Terrace
This Spanish-style hotel is well-suited to the gentle climate of Ise-Shima. Every guest room has a terrace overlooking the shining sea.
Shuttle bus available from Kintetsu Kashikojima Station (M93). (approx. 7 minutes)
Kashikojima Hojoen
This Japanese-style inn also features hot-spring baths. In addition, you can enjoy kaiseki, traditional Japanese multi-course meals incorporating seasonal ingredients.
Shuttle bus available from Kintetsu Kashikojima Station (M93). (approx. 3 minutes)
Access
- About 4 hours by Nankai limited express and Kintetsu limited express from Kansai International Airport
- About 3 hours by Meitetsu limited express and Kintetsu limited express from Chubu Centrair International Airport
- We recommend that you use affordable and convenient Kintetsu trains to travel in the Kansai Region.
Make your travel from one place to another a more joyful experience by taking a special train ride!
Sightseeing Limited Express "Shimakaze"
This sightseeing limited express connects Osaka-Namba Station and Kashikojima Station in about two and a half hours. With premium seats featuring various relaxation functions and Japanese-style or Western-style compartment seats recommendable to group tourists, this limited express allows you to enjoy comfortable, luxury travel. It also has a café car, where must-have specialty dishes made with Ise-Shima-produced ingredients are served.
"Ise-Shima Liner"
This limited express has box seats for four passengers with a large table and baggage space, allowing you to travel in relaxed style according to your purpose. It is recommended especially to family tourists. Panorama decks at both ends of the train offer enjoyable views of quickly changing surrounding scenery.
Model Itineraries
4DAYS
Starting from Osaka ~The Golden Course~
A journey across Mie(Ise-Shima) and Nara from the convenient Osaka city
5DAYS
From Nagoya To Mie(Ise-Shima) ~Amusement Course~
Starting from Nagoya, make the most of Mie(Ise-Shima)
5DAYS
Osaka/Mie(Ise-Shima)/Nagoya ~Take-your-time Course~
Appreciate the best of Osaka, Mie(Ise-Shima) and Nagoya
5DAYS
Experience the Best of Areas Around Osaka Course
Hands-on Japanese culture: Kimono, Japanese Sake and tea
