Here's a list of some cool stuff to see and do in the Kansai region of Japan. Kansai covers a large area so I narrowed it down to Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, and Nara. These cities have enough activities to keep you busy for a full two-week vacation in the country. Since there's a lot of other places to visit in Japan, most people will only be in Kansai for a week or less. So plan your days wisely.

It's fun to get lost and make accidental discoveries. But with limited time, a point in the right direction will help you see more and get lost less. That's why I included the train station names written in ALL CAPS. Hyperdia.com has an english function where you can type in any station's name and it will give you a detailed timetable with the best possible routes. Trains are never late in Japan. So you can screenshot your itinerary and have a good idea of which stations you need to transfer at and how long your trip will be.

Let's get started.

1. Arashiyama

Walking through one of the most impressive displays of bamboo in the world, it is easy to imagine what life was like in ancient Japan. Japanese visitors often wear kimonos and yukatas here to celebrate their culture in this pleasant town. Outside of the bamboo road, the river and mountain landscapes create a peaceful ambiance to make Arashiyama one of the highlights of Kansai.

You can get here from both sides of the river. But notice which train line shows up in the Hyperdia.com results because both stations are named ARASHIYAMA. Ryoanji and Kinkakuji are on the way from Kyoto so its very possible to see all of these in the same day. KATSURA is the transfer station if coming from Osaka.

2. Dotonburi

This is the most popular place to visit in Osaka. It is the epicenter of nightlife and entertainment. You’ve probably seen pictures of the famous illuminated Glico running man sign since it is one of the most photographed locations in all of Japan.

The side streets surrounding the bridge are vibrant and full of interesting people and establishments. Dotonburi offers many great dining options but the one thing you can’t leave without trying is Takoyaki.

Walk along the river and you will encounter several stands to try this delicious, molten hot cheese and octopus filled golf ball sized treat. Keep in mind that the Japanese have a much higher tolerance for high temperature foods. Many westerners have “Nekojita” or "Cat Tongue". So poke some holes in your Takoyaki with your Ohashi, watch the bonita flakes writher as the heat escapes, and then enjoy this popular Japanese snack.

To get here take the Midosuji line to either SHINSAIBASHI or NAMBA station then follow the covered arcade toward the river. There you will find the crowds of people and the bridge. Also check out Hozenji Yokocho if you have extra time. There you can see the moss covered Fudo Myoo statue at the end of the historic alley.

After you’ve had your fix of hanging out with the resident deer, then make your way to Todaiji temple. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk and it’s one of the biggest temples I’ve ever been to. Naturally it has the biggest Buddha statue in Japan inside.

Once you work up an appetite I strongly recommend that you make a visit to Parco. It is an Okonomiyaki restaurant in Nara that is extremely delicious. The owner and staff are very friendly and they also have an English menu for tourists. Kofukuji is the nearest temple and pagoda to Parco and is also on your way back toward the train stations.

4. Shinsekai

In the culinary city of Osaka, Shinsekai is the Wasabi. This part of southern Osaka has its own fascinating identity. Instead of seeing the usual salaryman downtown in Umeda, you’ll see a much more diverse group of Kansaijin in Shinsekai. Try a variety of Kushikatsu at one of the many restaurants. Then master your Okonomiyaki flip at another.

Most importantly, savor the moment because this place is unlike any other in this homogenous country. I found it easy to walk here from DOBUTSUEN-MAE station on the Midosuji line. Just look for the Tsutenkaku Tower and go from there.

5. Kiyomizudera

A visit to the “Pure Water Temple” is a great way to start off your trip to Kyoto. This massive temple showcases the impressive craftsmanship of Japan’s signature wooden architecture. The huge platform attached to the main hall provides an excellent bird’s-eye view of the city.

Continue to walk down the path once you exit the main temple and you will come across the Otowa waterfall. From there you can enjoy a hot cup of Matcha while gazing up at the complex stilt configuration that supports this historic landmark.

To get here take the train to KIYOMIZU-GOJO and walk up the hill. Don’t take the same way back. But instead walk down the other road toward Gion to take in more sights and smells. The bus station outside of Kyoto Station has all of the popular destinations and routes clearly marked. Although a day pass is only 500 yen, some of the bus rides can take quite a long time. It’s something to remember if you are trying to fit a lot in one day. A couple of cabs here and there might save you a lot of time.

6. Fushimi Inari Taisha

This is another one of those truly special places in Japan. If you get here early enough in the morning you should be able to take excellent photos of the vermillion torii gates without much foot traffic. Since this is such a popular destination it will get crowded.

However, don’t let that take away from you appreciating this incredible place. You can get here from both INARI or FUSHIMI INARI stations depending on which line is more convenient for you. It doesn’t close either so if you’re tight on time, maybe go to that temple that closes earlier in the day then save this for your last stop.

7. Hanshin Tigers Game

Attending a Hanshin Tigers game is a MUST do if you are lucky enough to be in town during a home game. Tigers fans are passionate. They have one of the strongest fan bases in all of Japan. The atmosphere inside of Koshien is energizing and contagious. At times it feels more like you’re attending a soccer match instead of a baseball game.

Don’t forget to buy your balloons outside the stadium prior to the game and have them inflated before the 7th inning stretch. Chances are a neighboring fan will give you one regardless, but it’s better to be prepared. Once the Tigers secure the third out in the top of the 7th, the entire stadium releases the colorful balloons all at the same time. It’s quite a spectacle.

After the game most of the trains heading to Osaka from KOSHIEN station are jam-packed with Tigers fans. I recommend taking the train in the opposite direction toward Kobe to the very next station KUSUGAWA. Then take the next train to Osaka from there in order to beat the crowds.

8. Sake Crawl through Nada

If you find yourself in the Nada district of Kobe then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amount of Sake breweries that still exist in the historic area. Some of them have museums to inform you about the dense history of the drink and of the city. Most of the breweries offer free samples and bottles for purchase.

From OISHI Station, walk about 10-15 minutes toward the bay to start your crawl at Sawa-no-Tsuru Museum. Then plan your route through the Brewery filled neighborhood, grab a bottle or cup to go, and start your sake saunter. Kanpai!

9. Minoh

Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Osaka, the charming town of Minoh is a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city life. Right when you exit MINOO station, start waking straight up the road that takes you on a scenic nature walk to Minoh waterfall.

This is an very popular place to visit during Autumn. Just like the cherry blossom season, the Japanese truly appreciate watching the leaves change color in the fall. That’s why it can get really crowded on the weekends that time of year. Keep an eye out for the Momiji tempura (Fried Maple leaf). It’s a crunchy, sweet little snack to enjoy while walking the clean streets of Minoh.

Minoh is also home to the best craft brewery in Japan. I found Minoh Beer pretty early on during my year of living in Osaka. I think that’s the main reason why I spent so many of my days off there. This place is something special. Masaji “The Great” Ohshita was the original founder but unfortunately passed away just a few years ago. Nonetheless you can feel the passion of this family run business.

With each visit I noticed the momentous buzz of their growing operation. They were constantly filling vans with orders of kegs and cases all the while catering to my broken Japanese. I anxiously wait to see how far their beer will be distributed in the future. The closest station too Minoh Beer is MAKIOCHI. If you don't make it to Minoh, they also have a couple tap rooms in downtown Osaka named Beer Belly.

10. Arima Onsen

Whether you’re starting to feel burnt out from your long workdays or just need to take a little break from your overloaded vacation itinerary, a trip to a traditional onsen may be the perfect remedy. Arima happens to be one of the most visited onsens in all of Japan. This small town north of Mt. Rokko and Kobe has a long history and several different baths to choose from.

It’s narrow streets and cozy vibe makes you feel like you’re in a cool little ski town. Just be ready to get naked because there’s no clothing allowed in the baths. And if you have any tattoos be ready to cover them with tape, bandage, or whatever works for you and get ready to relax. To get here take the train to ARIMAONSEN station.

11. Ikeda

One Saturday night after work I noticed a crowd of people in the town square in front of the Ikeda train station. Since it was the beginning of my weekend, I decided to check out the scene to see what was going on.

After having a couple beers and some Karaage, I walked around to see exactly which festival was taking place. As I turned the corner at the intersection I looked up, and to my amazement, the mountain side was on fire! It was a large controlled flame in the shape of the Kanji symbol “Dai”大. I had stumbled upon the Gangara Fire Festival that takes place every August. I had only been living in Japan for three months at the time and it was the greatest Japanese moment I had ever experienced!

Ikeda is a great little city. Most people know it because it was the home of Momofuku Ando, the creator of the Instant Ramen noodles. So it is a popular destination for tourists who want to visit the Instant Ramen Museum which the city built in his honor. Coincidentally Ikeda has some delicious Ramen restaurants. Mt. Satsukiyama is a popular lookout point at night but if you’re walking, it’s easier to navigate the short hiking trail during the day.

The Ikeda Castle grounds are also worth a visit while you’re in the city. Everything is within walking distance from IKEDA Station.

12. Yamazaki Distillery

Since 1923 the Yamazaki Distillery has been making it’s whiskey on the southwestern border of Kyoto prefecture. The location was chosen because of the high quality water that flows through the humid mountains surrounding it.

These days the Yamazaki Distillery offers a free tour that thoroughly shows you the entire process involved in making their excellent whiskey. At the end of the tour you can try samples at the tasting counter and compare whiskeys from all over the world. You can walk here from both OYAMAZAKI or JR YAMAZAKI. Arigato gozaimas Masataka Taketsuru!

13. Suma Beach

Soon after exiting the JR SUMA station and looking over Suma beach for the first time, I immediately knew that it was the place to be. It’s a great way to spend a day relaxing in the sun with friends. And it’s a fun place to practice your Japanese and meet new friends. There’s a convenience store just outside the train station so you can just walk up the stairs and buy a cold beverage and walk back down to the party. No cooler neccessary.

On the way home you can stop by SHINNAGATTA station and walk across the street to find the Tetsujin 28 Gigantor statue, which is a tribute to Japan's resiliency after The Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995.

Or make your way up to SHINKOBE station and walk up the path to the pure Nunobiki waterfall. There you can sit at the open air restaurant and enjoy a beer and some incredible yakisoba from the very kind owners while you admire the waterfall and surrounding nature.

If you keep heading west toward Himeji, you can see Akashi Kaikyo, the longest suspension bridge in the world.

14. Kinkakuji

The Golden Pavillion is a very busy temple, but for good reason because it’s simply a really neat place. With its natural setting and pristine location, it’s no wonder that it was a residence for a 14th century shogun. The bus is probably your best bet since it’s a direct shot from Kyoto station. But the two closest train stations to Kinkakuji are KITAOJI or EMMACHI. If you’re planning to see the famous rock garden at Ryoanji, it’s only a quick cab ride or a 20 minute walk away.

15. Kichi Kichi (キチキチ)

Hidden in the tinniest of alleys along the Kamogawa river is a restaurant unlike any other. It’s name is Kichi Kichi, and it is delicious! Looking around you get the sense that they put a lot of energy to make this place unique. I’m talking about the kind of attention to detail that the Japanese are known for when they absolutely dedicate themselves to something. “Omurice Onegaishimasu” I ordered. Then the presentation began.

The chef added all of the ingredients into a frying pan and quickly tossed together a fried rice mixture of vegetables, chicken and herbs. He whisked a few eggs and began to cook them with the most peculiar technique. Using just chop sticks and a quick jerk of the wrist, he meticulously formed the eggs into a soft oval shape. He carefully placed the soft omelet on top of the already plated fried rice. Then he took his knife and slowly sliced down the middle of the eggs. They slowly rolled open to cover the fried rice on both sides, revealing their gently cooked interior. Finally he took a scoop of a thickened beef broth based sauce and covered the rice and eggs. With one last sprinkle of parsley, the best plate of Omurice was presented to me.

Kichi Kichi is an high class experience that I recommend for anyone passing through Kyoto. It is located just across the bridge from SANJO station. Finding it is the fun part. Enjoy.

Omurice at Kichi Kichi in Kyoto.

16. Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan. It provides drinking water for a lot of Kansai. Since "Biwa-ko" is so enormous, a good way to get a glimpse of the entire lake is to take a boat cruise around it. One of the most popular boat tours leaves from Otsu city. For a more cultural experience, time your visit at the end of May to see the Higashi-Omi Giant Kite Festival. There are also a series of hiking trails that offer a different vantage point of the lake. The hike up Mt. Horai is a great option.

17. Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle is a well known destination to put on your Kansai checklist. It's conveniently located downtown and is very easy to get to. Plus the park surrounding the castle is equally as impressive. With hundreds of cherry trees blossoming in the spring, this is an ideal place in Osaka to have your “Hanami” party. Throughout the year the park always has some kind of event or activity taking place. If you want to see live music or a different view of the city, Osaka Castle should definitely be put in your Kansai itinerary. OSAKAJOKOEN or MORINOMIYA station will get you very close depending on which side of the park you want to enter from.

18. Umeda Sky Building

The Sky Building is one of the coolest examples of architecture in Osaka. It’s actually two separate 40 story towers connected at the top by a futuristic design resembling the International Space Station. The observation deck provides a great 360 degree view of the city. One of the basement floors has been dedicated to resemble a street during the Showa Period before World War II.

Craft Beer Base is only a couple blocks away. They have many different beers from all of the craft breweries in Japan. They also have the widest selection of craft beers from around the world. From OSAKA station you can walk toward Umeda Sky building and then take the long pedestrian tunnel beneath the road.

19. Osaka Aquarium

Also known as “Kaiyukan” the Osaka Aquarium is definitely worth a visit if you will be in Osaka for an extended stay. They have done an exceptional job of displaying a wide variety of aquatic life ranging from the common clione to the whale shark. The aquarium is a close walk from OSAKAKO station, which is also next to Universal Studios Japan. The bus is an easy option to get back to downtown Umeda.

20. Sumo

This list wouldn’t be complete without at least mentioning the historic Japanese sport of Sumo. There are six grand tournaments every year. Only one of them is held in Kansai. It takes place in March in downtown Osaka.

Buy your tickets far in advance because they will sell out. Don’t procrastinate. This happened to me so I had no choice but to attend a smaller outdoor tournament in Kadoma-shi. It was still a worthwhile and fun experience but it wasn’t in the famous Sumo arena.

Please know that Kansai offers so much more than what is included in this short list. These places stuck out to me as unique and worth visiting. Among other places, I recommend staying in a Capsule Hotel for a night and going to a Kabuki play. I hear they finished restorations at Himeji Castle as well.

Wakayama, Mie, Shiga and Hyogo have some great places to visit in Kansai. Like the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, the list goes on and on. So many things to do with such little time. Thanks for reading.

Arigato Gozaimas.