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
Yoshino and Asuka Area
Yoshino is a World Heritage site famous for its magnificent cherry trees. In spring, as many as 30,000 cherry trees bloom from the base to the summit of the mountain, delighting visitors for up to a month. Visitors also can savor local specialty Kaki-no-Ha-Zushi (sushi wrapped in persimm on leaves) and various fruits. You can have an immersive experience of history and nature just about one hour away from Osaka-Abenobashi Station.
Tourist spots in Yoshino and Asuka
Hanayagura Lookout
Yoshinoyama (lit. "Mt. Yoshino") is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. In particular, the Hanayagura Lookout provides a panoramic view of the entire Yoshinoyama area. Hiking around this area while enjoying immersing yourself in lush nature and visiting temples along the way is also recommended.
From Kintetsu Yoshino Station (F57), take the ropeway or bus to Yoshinoyama Station, and walk approx. 60 minutes.
Homa (sacred fire) ritual at Kinpusenji Temple and the temple town
Kinpusenji Temple, an important destination of Shugendo ascetic pilgrimage, is located in the Yoshino area, which is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and colored autumnal leaves. There, homa (sacred fire) rituals are performed every day, where you can have priests pray for you by making a reservation. How about dropping in at the surrounding temple town after visiting the temple?
From Kintetsu Yoshino Station (F57), take the ropeway or bus to Yoshinoyama Station, and walk approx. 10 minutes.
Hiking and cycling (terraced paddy fields in Asuka)
In Asuka, you can enjoy immersing yourself in the traditional scenery of satoyama (mountains and hills carefully used and preserved by the locals) in Japan. You will feel refreshed by cycling between terraced paddy fields, which are a notable feature of this area, or along the streets lined with temples and shrines.
There are bicyle rental spots around Asuka Station.
Take a Kintetsu train and get off at Kintetsu Asuka Station (F44).
Okadera Temple
Okadera Temple is known as Japan's first sacred place to which people made pilgrimages to expel bad luck. In its precincts, you can find historic buildings and Buddha statues. In addition, the temple is so famous for the beauty of its seasonal flowers, including shakunage (rhododendrons), dahlias, and hydrangeas, as well as colored autumnal leaves, that it is called the "temple of flowers."
From Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station (B42/F42), take the Nara Kotsu bus to Okadera-mae bus stop, and walk approx. 10 minutes.
Ceiling paintings at Ojoin Hall, Tachibanadera Temple
The ceilings of this historic temple are decorated with a total of 260 flower paintings, making the temple popular as a photogenic spot.
* Open to the public only during limited periods in spring and fall
From Kintetsu Asuka Station (F44), walk approx. 30 minutes.
Takamatsuzuka Tumulus
A centerpiece among the many ancient wonders in Asuka village, this mighty burial tomb dates back to the turn of the 7th-8th centuries. Discovered in the 1960s by a local famer, the tomb—believed to be a resting place for emperors or noblemen—housed brilliant fresco wall paintings which have been excavated and designated as National Treasures. Replicas of the tomb itself, its paintings and other relics can be admired at a gallery on the premises.
From Kintetsu Asuka Station (F44), walk approx. 10 minutes.
Specialty foods
Ever-evolving traditional Japanese cuisine
Why not add your original final touch to traditional ingredients to enjoy experiencing the ongoing evolution of the deliciousness and beauty of Japanese cuisine?
* Image is for reference only.
Hotels and inns
Chikurinin Gunpoen
This Japanese-style inn has a large garden with an area of about 33,000 m2. You can feel fully satisfied by staying at the inn, enjoying its natural surroundings, fine food, and hot spring.
From Kintetsu Yoshino Station (F57), take an approx. 10-minute courtesy bus ride.
Kotorian
This inn is dedicated to serving only one group of guests per day. With its sunken hearth and large hinoki cypress bathtub, this inn allows you to feel as if you are staying in a traditional Japanese house. There is also an observation deck from which you can see Kintetsu trains running.
From Kintetsu Asuka Station (F44), walk approx. 10 minutes.
Access
- About 3 hours by JR and Kintetsu limited express from Kansai International Airport
Make your travel from one place to another a more joyful experience by taking a special train ride!
Sightseeing Limited Express "Blue Symphony"
This limited express connects Osaka-Abenobashi Station in Tennoji, the third busiest downtown area in Osaka, and Yoshino.
Its classic-style train cars are equipped with wide deluxe seats, allowing you to enjoy high-quality travel suitable for mature adults.
At a lounge in the train, you can even sample various kinds of sake.
"Sakura Liner"
This limited express, connecting Osaka-Abenobashi Station and Yoshino, features a lovely appearance inspired by cherry blossoms in Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
This limited express is equipped with not only spacious seats that allow you to relax but also a space for enjoying a magnificent view of surrounding scenery, which will excite you.
Model Itineraries
4DAYS
Starting from Osaka ~The Golden Course~
A journey across Mie(Ise-Shima) and Nara from the convenient Osaka city
5DAYS
Osaka/Nara/Kyoto/Mie(Ise-Shima)/Nagoya ~Have a taste of Everything Course~
Osaka·Nara·Kyoto·Mie(Ise-Shima)·Nagoya
