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
Nara Park and Mt. Ikoma Area
The historic city of Nara was the Imperial capital approximately 1,300 years ago.
It is home to numerous sites of important historic heritage, including Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasugataisha Shrine.
Amid the lush greenery of Nara Park, you can see and even touch wild deer, which are traditionally believed to be the messengers of a deity. On Mt. Ikoma, rising between Nara and Osaka, you can find an essentially Japanese kind of nostalgic landscape, with an amusement park with a long history, a temple, etc.
This area is about 40 minutes by train from Osaka-Namba Station, so it is an ideal destination for a one-day trip from Osaka.
Tourist spots in the Nara Park and Mt. Ikoma Area
Deer (Nara Park and Mt. Wakakusa)
Located in Nara City, Nara Park is a must-see tourist spot and takes pride in its many historical and cultural national treasures. The deer are said to be the gods' messengers and roam freely around the city. This remarkable and charming sight awaits you.
From Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station (A28), walk approx. 5 minutes.
Great Buddha and Nigatsudo (Todaiji Temple)
One of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples, Todaiji houses the majestic Great Buddha, said to be one of the world's largest gilt bronze Buddha statues, along with a host of other National Treasures from mighty gates to striking guardian statues. Explore the temple's vast grounds and transport yourself back to the days when Nara was Japan's ancient capital.
From Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station (A28), take the Nara Kotsu bus to the Todaiji Daibutsuden/Kasugataisha-mae bus stop and walk approx. 5 minutes. Alternatively, walk approx. 20 minutes from Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station (A28).
Kasugataisha Shrine
A World Heritage site, this venerable shrine will enchant visitors with its striking vermilion columns and stone lanterns set amidst a primeval forest as old as time. Thanks to a traditional rebuilding ceremony that takes place every twenty years, the buildings are in pristine condition over a millenia after the shrine's inception.
From Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station (A28), take the Nara Kotsu bus to the Kasugataisha-honden bus stop. Alternatively, walk approx. 25 minutes from Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station (A28).
Naramachi and Shika Saru Kitsune Building
Naramachi is an old downtown area in Nara City. On your trip, you will surely be fascinated by the streets dotted with carefully preserved machiya (traditional townhouses) with charming tiled roofs. Among the buildings there, the Shika Saru Kitsune Building is a facility complex where you can watch and buy craftworks and enjoy meals. Here you can enjoy Nara in greater depth.
From Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station (A28), walk approx. 10 minutes.
Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park
Set atop Mount Ikoma with sweeping views of the Nara Basin and Osaka Plain, this amusement park is home to a host of rides and games sure to please small children.
Get off at Kintetsu Ikoma Station (A17), take the Ikoma Cable Car from Toriimae Station (Y17) to Ikomasanjo Station (Y21).
Hozanji Temple and the approach to it
This temple is dedicated to a Buddhist deity of commerce. Located halfway up Mt. Ikoma, it has many unique buildings.
The retro-looking stone-paved approach to the temple is lined with various shops, including restaurants offering a breathtaking view.
Get off at Kintetsu Ikoma Station (A17), take the Ikoma Cable Car from Toriimae Station (Y17) to Hozanji Station (Y18), and walk approx. 10 minutes.
Ishikiri Tsurugiya-jinja Shrine and Ishikiri Sando Shopping Street
This shrine is famous for its purported power to cure swellings and diseases. The nearest railway station is connected to the shrine by a shopping street lined with many restaurants and souvenir shops, providing a pleasant location for strolling around.
From Kintetsu Ishikiri Station (A16), walk approx. 20 minutes. From Kintetsu Shin-Ishikiri Station (C26), walk approx. 10 minutes.
Evening view from the Kintetsu Nara Line
Mt. Ikoma is located between Osaka and Nara.
The train ride up Mt. Ikoma provides a truly inspiring, romantic view of an evening glow.
Between Kintetsu Ishikiri Station (A16) and Kintetsu Hyotan-yama Station (A13)
Specialty foods
Japanese cuisine and confectionery that embody excellent traditional skills
In Nara, which was the Imperial capital in ancient times, you can find many long-established Japanese cuisine restaurants and confectioneries.
* Image is for reference only.
Shaved ice of the "city of ice"
Nara is home to many shops serving shaved ice because it has a Shinto shrine related to ice, which was valuable in olden times. Why not select your favorite companion to ice from among a wide choice of toppings and sauces?
* Image is for reference only.
Fashionable cafés in the Hozanji Temple area
How about having a meal or taking a rest at a photogenic, fashionable café with a cozy atmosphere while in this area?
* Image is for reference only.
Hotels and inns
Nara Tsukihi-Tei Ryokan
This Japanese-style inn is located in Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a component of a World Heritage site.
You can enjoy a relaxing time in your room surrounded by beautiful trees.
From Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station (A28), take a 10-minute taxi ride.
Henn na Hotel Nara
Henn na Hotel features application of the most advanced technologies, such as a hologram of a receptionist.
Staying at this hotel may enable you to have extraordinary experiences unique to Japan.
From Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station (A28), walk approx. 2 minutes.
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara
This hotel is a renovation of the Nara Prefecture governor's official residence built in 1922.
Strolling around the garden attached to the hotel is also recommended.
From Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station (A28), walk approx. 15 minutes.
Osaka Ishikiri Onsen Hotel Seiryu
This spa hotel is located on Mt. Ikoma, between Osaka and Nara. Its terrace offers a wonderful panoramic view of the metropolis of Osaka.
From Kintetsu Ishikiri Station (A16), walk approx. 5 minutes.
SEKAI HOTEL
This hotel involves the entire shopping street of Fuse, a neighborhood located between Osaka and Nara, in serving its guests. Staying at this hotel, you can have unique experiences of local restaurants, cafés, bars, public bath facilities, etc.
From Kintetsu Fuse Station (A06/D06), walk approx. 5 minutes.
Access
- Approx. 90 min. from Kansai International Airport by Nankai limited express and Kintetsu train
Make your travel from one place to another a more joyful experience by taking a special train ride!
Sightseeing Limited Express "AONIYOSHI"
This sightseeing limited express connects Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, all of which are former Imperial capitals. Why not enjoy a relaxed trip in a special train car with various elements borrowed from traditional Japanese architecture and patterns? Another appealing feature of the train is a counter where sweets made using ingredients from Nara Prefecture are served.
Ikoma Cable
This cable car serves the route between Toriimae Station near Kintetsu Ikoma Station and Ikomasanjo Station on top of Mt. Ikoma. Its lovable-looking cars, including those named Buru and Mike, shaped like a dog and a cat, respectively, will surely excite you! This is a perfect means of travel to Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park or Hozanji Temple. Don't miss the unique view of surrounding scenery from the cable car ascending a steep slope.
Model Itineraries
1DAY
Nara's History and Culture ~Beginners Course~
Experience the rich history and traditional culture of Nara through this 1 day course!
2DAYS
Osaka/Nara/Kyoto ~Historical Course~
Tour around the lively Osaka and historical Nara/Kyoto
5DAYS
Experience the Best of Areas Around Osaka Course
Hands-on Japanese culture: Kimono, Japanese Sake and tea
