{"id":15267,"date":"2021-05-14T09:24:54","date_gmt":"2021-05-14T07:24:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?page_id=15267"},"modified":"2021-09-10T08:32:23","modified_gmt":"2021-09-10T06:32:23","slug":"kansai","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kansai","title":{"rendered":"Kansai Region: Japan travel guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Kansai region, <strong>also known as the <\/strong><strong>Kinki <\/strong><strong>region<\/strong>, covers a vast area of central Honshu, the largest island of Japan, and includes the major cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.<\/p>\n<p>The area, which <strong>stretches from Lake Biwa across the Osaka plain and along the Seto Inland Sea to Kobe and Himeji<\/strong>, is well-known for its large range of historic castles, ancient shrines, stunning natural landscapes and modern city nightlife.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Below you can find a complete <strong>guide to the major destinations and attractions<\/strong> in the area, and how to get around with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a> or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\">Kansai regional pass<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Kansai_prefectures\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Kansai prefectures<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Top_destinations_in_Kansai\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Top destinations in Kansai<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Best_things_to_do_in_Kansai\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Best things to do in Kansai<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Main_train_lines_and_transportation\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Main train lines and transportation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Other_regions_of_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Other regions of Japan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Kansai_prefectures\">Kansai prefectures<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although the prefectures of \u00a0Fukui, Tokushima, and Tottori are sometimes included in the area, the Kansai region officially <strong>consists of 7 prefectures<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Hyogo<\/strong> &#8211; A mountainous prefecture which continous some of Kanai\u2019s best hot spring resorts and historic attractions such as Himeji castle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kyoto <\/strong>&#8211; Home to the cities of Kyoto and Uji, as wella s the scenic Amanohashidate Sandbar and the historic town of Miyama.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shiga<\/strong> &#8211; This prefecture contains a range of charming historic towns such as Hikone, Koka, and Omi Hachiman.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Osaka<\/strong> &#8211; Home to the city of the same name and its historic castle, as well as an exciting nightlife and entertainment scene.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nara<\/strong> &#8211; A prefecture that is home to Japan&#8217;s first permanent capital city, as well as one of the best cherry blossom viewing areas, Yoshino.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wakayama <\/strong>&#8211; Offers some of Kansai\u2019s finest natural landscapes, including Mount Koma and the Kumano pilgrimage route.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mie<\/strong> &#8211; Contains the coastal town of Ise Shima, site of Japan&#8217;s most sacred Shinto shrines, as well as the castle town of Iga Ueno.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Top_destinations_in_Kansai\">Top destinations in Kansai<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kansai covers a total area of 33 square kilometers and includes <strong>the second-most populated metropolitan area in Japan<\/strong> after the Greater Tokyo Area, the Keihanshin region (made up of\u00a0Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto).<\/p>\n<p>Some of the most <strong>popular cities in Kansai<\/strong>, many of which were former capitals of Japan, include:<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2152\"\n            class=\"post-2152 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Kyoto                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"cherry blossoms in kyoto\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cherry-blossoms-kyoto-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Kyoto, located in the central part of the island of Honshu, is considered by many as <strong>Japan\u2019s most beautiful city<\/strong>. Kyoto was the Japanese capital until the government was moved to Tokyo in 1868.<\/p>\n<p>However, Kyoto is still Japan\u2019s religious center with over 1000 Buddhist temples. Kyoto is home to some of <strong>Japan\u2019s most iconic landmarks<\/strong>, with some of the most exquisite gardens, temples, and masterpieces you will ever see.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2160\"\n            class=\"post-2160 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Osaka                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka_dotonbori.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Osaka Dotonbori\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka_dotonbori.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka_dotonbori-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/osaka_dotonbori-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Osaka is located on the main island of Honshu, roughly in the center of Japan. With a population of over 2.5 million people, it is <strong>Japan\u2019s third-largest city<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Osaka was the country\u2019s first capital, and to this day it is considered a vital economic center in Japan. It is home to the largest seaport in Japan and many leading Japanese manufacturers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-1457\"\n            class=\"post-1457 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Nara                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/nara-nandaimon-todaiji-e1501768626287.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Nandaimon gate\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/nara-nandaimon-todaiji-e1501768626287.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/nara-nandaimon-todaiji-e1501768626287-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Nara is an ancient city located in the Kansai region of Japan\u2019s main island of Honshu. It was the <strong>first \u201creal\u201d capital of Japan<\/strong>, remaining such for less than a century. This historic location is home to a nearly unmatched eight <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/a>, including numerous Buddhist temples. The city was founded in the year 710 C.E. and originally known as Heijo.<\/p>\n<p>Among its attractions are the oldest and largest wooden buildings in the world, the Nara Deer Park whose tame deer delight in entertaining visitors, fantastic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom<\/a> viewing spots, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/koka-ninja-village\">ninjas<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-1361\"\n            class=\"post-1361 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Kobe                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"502\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe_maritime_museum2-by-Tomomarusan-wikimedia-e1513075887374.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Kobe maritime museum\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe_maritime_museum2-by-Tomomarusan-wikimedia-e1513075887374.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe_maritime_museum2-by-Tomomarusan-wikimedia-e1513075887374-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe_maritime_museum2-by-Tomomarusan-wikimedia-e1513075887374-768x482.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Kobe is a coastal city of the Kansai region of western Japan, located on the main island of Honshu bordering Osaka Bay. It is one of Japan\u2019s ten largest cities. Enclosed by the sea on one side and a majestic mountain range on the other, it is also considered one of Japan\u2019s most beautiful big cities.<\/p>\n<p>Kobe is rich in history as the first port in Japan to open to foreign trade. This is evident in the western style architecture of some neighborhoods. Recent history is displayed at the Kobe City Museum and the Earthquake Museum.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2177\"\n            class=\"post-2177 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/uji-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Uji                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/uji-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/uji-byodo-in.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Byodo-in temple in Uji\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/uji-byodo-in.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/uji-byodo-in-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/uji-byodo-in-768x516.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/kyoto\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Kyoto                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p><strong>Situated between Kyoto and Nara<\/strong>, Uji is famous for being the home of a Japanese staple, green tea, which was first cultivated in the region in the 12th Century.<\/p>\n<p>The town also offers <strong>a range of historic architecture<\/strong> to explore, including a number of rustic temples and the <strong>oldest Japanese shrine<\/strong> still in existence.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/uji-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2293\"\n            class=\"post-2293 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hikone-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Hikone                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hikone-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/japan-826594_1280-e1506680691657.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Hikone Castle\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/kyoto\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Kyoto                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Scenic lakes and historic castles \u2013 that is the setting of the small Japanese town of Hikone. Situated on the shores of the nation\u2019s largest lake, Lake Biwa, in the Shiga Prefecture, Hikone is steeped in natural beauty as well as historical relevance.<\/p>\n<p>Hikone is famous for its remarkably well-preserved castle, which goes by the same name as its host city. <strong>Hikone Castle is, in fact, one of the five Japanese castles designated as national treasures<\/strong>. This honor \u2013 \u201cthe highest designation for cultural properties in Japan\u201d - is due to its unique combination of architectural styles.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hikone-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Best_things_to_do_in_Kansai\"><strong>Best things to do in Kansai<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kansai is home to<strong> a wide range of both historic and modern points of interest, <\/strong>scattered across both its major cities and more rural areas.<\/p>\n<p>From temples and shrines to castles and theme parks, some of the best attractions in the region include:<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-1093\"\n            class=\"post-1093 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Himeji Castle                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Himeji-castle-Ben-Kubota-Flickr-e1489142203959.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Himeji Castle\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Himeji-castle-Ben-Kubota-Flickr-e1489142203959.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Himeji-castle-Ben-Kubota-Flickr-e1489142203959-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/travel-guides\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Travel Guides                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Built in 1609, <strong>Himeji castle is one of the most highly regarded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">castles in Japan<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0This is because of its immense size and the fact it is very well-preserved, having survived centuries of natural disasters and wars.<\/p>\n<p>Construction began on the castle grounds during the 1400s, and the 80 structures grew in size as the centuries passed. The primary castle structure was <strong>built in 1609<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Also <strong>known as \u2018White Heron Castle\u2019 because of its distinctive pale facade<\/strong>, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> is located close to the city of the same name.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-10391\"\n            class=\"post-10391 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-park\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Nara Park                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-park\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/nara-park.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"sika deer, nara park\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/nara-park.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/nara-park-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/nara-park-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>The <strong>location of many of the most appealing attractions in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a><\/strong>, including the National Museum, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Todaiji Temple, the city\u2019s deer park was founded in 1880 and is one of the oldest in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Visitors to the park can also buy special crackers on-site to feed some of the hundreds of tame animals that roam the grounds, and enjoy the spectacular cherry blossom in the spring. Nara can be <strong>easily reached by train from either Osaka or Kyoto<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-park\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-13740\"\n            class=\"post-13740 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ise-shrine-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Ise Shrine                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ise-shrine-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/ise-shrine.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"ise shrine\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/ise-shrine.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/ise-shrine-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/ise-shrine-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Japan is well known for its rich culture and preservation of history. Shrines and temples are located all over Japan\u2019s islands, large and small. The most sacred shrines of the Shinto religion are located on the Shima Peninsula. These shrines, the Ise Shrines, are nestled in the heart of a popular leisure and resort destination.<\/p>\n<p>Its area holds something for every traveler, from religious pilgrimages to exciting theme parks. In fact, the entire peninsula is regarded as a national park, with stunning vistas and peaceful forests.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ise-shrine-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-511\"\n            class=\"post-511 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-koya\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Mount Koya                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-koya\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-monks.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Monjes budistas del Koyasan\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-monks.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-monks-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-monks-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/itineraries\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Itineraries                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p><strong>Located in the heavily forested Wakayama mountains<\/strong>, Mount Koyasan is an <strong>important religious destination<\/strong> in Kansai, as well as a popular tourist attraction.<\/p>\n<p>The cradle of Shingon Buddhism, it offers <strong>over 100 temples and pagodas<\/strong> to explore, as well as the mysterious Okunoin cemetery, where spirits are said to roam. Perfect for a day trip, visitors also have the option to stay overnight in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shukubo-in-japan\">temple lodging<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-koya\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-11261\"\n            class=\"post-11261 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Osaka Castle                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Osaka castle\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/osaka\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Osaka                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>One of the most famous historical sites in all of Japan, Osaka castle is <strong>situated right in the heart of the city<\/strong> of the same name and distinctive for its unique roof shape and stately white walls with gold leaf accents.<\/p>\n<p>Surrounded by thick rock walls, moats and the stunning <strong>Nishinomaru Garden<\/strong>, the castle is particularly popular among tourists during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">Sakura cherry blossom<\/a> in the spring.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-7777\"\n            class=\"post-7777 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kiyomizu-dera-temple\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Kiyomizu-dera                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kiyomizu-dera-temple\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kiyomidu-dera-temple-kyoto.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kiyomidu-dera-temple-kyoto.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kiyomidu-dera-temple-kyoto-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kiyomidu-dera-temple-kyoto-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/kyoto\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Kyoto                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Kyoto\u2019s Kyomizu-dera Temple is <strong>one of the most celebrated of Japan\u2019s numerous temples and shrines<\/strong>. The meaning of its name is literally translated \u201c<em>Pure Water Temple<\/em>\u201d. This name is derived from the pristine waters of the <strong>Otowa Waterfall<\/strong>, on which site the temple was built. It is also famous for its large <strong>wooden terrace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The Kyomizu-dera was <strong>founded in 780<\/strong>. Its present structures were erected in 1633. It was originally associated with one of the oldest schools of <strong>Japanese Buddhism<\/strong>, the Hosso sect. Since 1965, it has hosted its own Kita Hosso sect.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kiyomizu-dera-temple\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-6335\"\n            class=\"post-6335 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Fushimi Inari                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/senbon-torri-thounsand-torii-fushimi-inari.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Senbon Torii, thousand torii gates\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/senbon-torri-thounsand-torii-fushimi-inari.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/senbon-torri-thounsand-torii-fushimi-inari-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/senbon-torri-thounsand-torii-fushimi-inari-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/kyoto\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Kyoto                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>To your left and to your right are massive red beams with blackened footings. Above you, too, are red beams with sparklings of sunlight filtering through in between. The color, called <i>shuiro<\/i> in Japanese, is said to represent the sun. The <strong>torii gates<\/strong> tower above you, but lessen in number as you ascend the mountain.<\/p>\n<p>When you reach the <strong>Yotsutsuji intersection<\/strong>, halfway up the mountain, all of <strong>Kyoto sprawls before you in a breathtaking panorama<\/strong>. This is what a trek on the hiking trails of <strong>Kyoto\u2019s Fushimi Inari shrine<\/strong> is like.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-9660\"\n            class=\"post-9660 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nijo-castle-kyoto\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Nijo Castle                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nijo-castle-kyoto\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nijo-castle.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Nijo Castle, Kyoto\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nijo-castle.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nijo-castle-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nijo-castle-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/kyoto\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Kyoto                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Another fantastic location at which to view the sakura blossom, this <strong>elegant wooden castle<\/strong> is one of the best-preserved from Japan\u2019s Edo Period.<\/p>\n<p>Surrounded by stone fortifications and moats, the central structure, Ninomaru Palace, was also historically well-protected from intruders by secret features such as booby-trapped floors. Can be reached in <strong>under 20 minutes from central Kyoto<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nijo-castle-kyoto\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-8150\"\n            class=\"post-8150 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kinkaku-ji-golden-pavilion\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        The Golden Pavillion                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kinkaku-ji-golden-pavilion\">\n                        <img width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/kinkaku-ji-kyoto.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"kinkaku-ji-kyoto\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/kinkaku-ji-kyoto.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/kinkaku-ji-kyoto-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/kinkaku-ji-kyoto-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/kinkaku-ji-kyoto-800x533.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\/kyoto\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Kyoto                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Situated in <strong>northwestern Kyoto<\/strong>, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO Heritage Site<\/a> has a long and turbulent history dating back to 1397 and has been rebuilt numerous times, most recently in 1955.<\/p>\n<p>Widely considered the most famous temple in Japan and visited by a large number of both Japanese and international tourists year-round, it is <strong>easy to access and just a 40-minute bus ride from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto station<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kinkaku-ji-golden-pavilion\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-9383\"\n            class=\"post-9383 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/byodoin-temple\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Byodoin Temple                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/byodoin-temple\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/byodoin-temple-uji-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Byodoin temple, Uji\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/byodoin-temple-uji-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/byodoin-temple-uji-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/byodoin-temple-uji-1-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/travel-guides\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Travel Guides                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p><strong>Byodoin is a stunning Buddhist temple located in the small city of Uji<\/strong>. There is an incredible amount to see at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage<\/a> site which has drawn visitors for over 1000 years.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s such an <strong>iconic landmark in Japan<\/strong> that it appears on the 10 yen coin.<br \/>\nAlong with its garden, the temple represents the \u201c<em>Pure Land Paradise<\/em>\u201d and its design was highly influential on subsequent temple construction.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/byodoin-temple\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Main_train_lines_and_transportation\">Main train lines and transportation<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A number of <strong>train and Shinkansen lines <\/strong>operate within the Kansai region. Some of the lines you can expect to use when visiting attractions in the area include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Kansai Main line<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Sagano line<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Kobe line<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Kyoto line<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Hanwa line<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Yamatoji line<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Loop line<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/haruka-express-kansai-airport\">Haruka Express<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kansai-international-airport-to-osaka\">Kansai airport line<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Osaka International Airport (ITM)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Kansai International Airport (KIX)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Other_regions_of_Japan\">Other regions of Japan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Japan<\/strong><strong> is traditionally divided into 8<\/strong> <strong>regions<\/strong>, most of which contain several of the country\u2019s 47 prefectures. However, the northern island prefecture of Hokkaido forms its own region, and the Okinawa Prefecture is sometimes regarded as a 9th prefecture, although it is often included within Kyushu.<\/p>\n<p>Other than Kansai, the <strong>regions in Japan<\/strong> are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/chubu\"><strong><strong>Chubu<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Hokkaido<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Shikoku<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu\"><strong>Kyushu<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kanto\"><strong>Kanto<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/tohoku\"><strong>Tohoku<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/chugoku\"><strong>Chugoku<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kansai region, also known as the Kinki region, covers a vast area of central Honshu, the largest island of Japan, and includes the major cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. The area, which stretches from Lake Biwa across the Osaka plain and along the Seto Inland Sea to Kobe and Himeji, is well-known for its large range of historic castles, ancient shrines, stunning natural landscapes and modern city nightlife.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":87,"parent":1909,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"acf":{"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","shortcodes":[{"post_id":"destinations","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":2152,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-09-19 17:33:22","post_date_gmt":"2017-09-19 15:33:22","post_content":"Kyoto, located in the central part of the island of Honshu, is considered by many as <strong>Japan\u2019s most beautiful city<\/strong>. Kyoto was the Japanese capital until the government was moved to Tokyo in 1868.\r\n\r\nHowever, Kyoto is still Japan\u2019s religious center with over 1000 Buddhist temples. Kyoto is home to some of <strong>Japan\u2019s most iconic landmarks<\/strong>, with some of the most exquisite gardens, temples, and masterpieces you will ever see.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<strong>Discover Kyoto<\/strong> with the help of our guides. From getting around the city, where to eat, and what to see and do, our guides tell you everything you need to know.\r\n<h2>Top attractions in Kyoto<\/h2>\r\nAs one of Japan\u2019s largest cities and a <strong>top tourist destination<\/strong>, there is plenty to see and do in Kyoto.\r\n\r\nTo help you decide what to visit during your time in Kyoto, have a look at our detailed guides to some of the city\u2019s <strong>best attractions<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Arashiyama bamboo grove, Nijo Castle, and the thousand red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine are just some of the highlights.\r\n<h2>Getting around Kyoto<\/h2>\r\nKyoto has an <strong>excellent public transport system<\/strong>: the city has efficient rail and bus networks. Getting around Kyoto and the surrounding areas is easy with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\nYou\u2019ll usually be able to choose from several options to get you from A to B in Kyoto. To save time once you arrive in the city, it\u2019s a <strong>good idea to plan transport<\/strong> in advance.\r\n\r\nOur guides to trains, buses and other modes of transport will help you prepare for your visit.\r\n<h2>Main train stations in Kyoto<\/h2>\r\nKyoto Station is a main transportation hub in western Japan. It houses 2 separate stations: <strong>JR Kyoto Station<\/strong> and <strong>Kintetsu Kyoto Station<\/strong>. The impressive glass and steel building was designed by an award-winning architect and is home to many shops and restaurants.\r\n\r\nThere are other stations that you may wish to use during your stay. Check out our guides to find out more about train stations in Kyoto and help you plan your journeys.\r\n<h2>Itineraries and nearby attractions<\/h2>\r\nTo get the most out of your stay in Kyoto, it\u2019s important to <strong>have an itinerary<\/strong>. We\u2019ve put together several options depending on how long you will stay in the city and which attractions you\u2019re interested in seeing.\r\n\r\nUsing our itineraries, you can <strong>make the most of every minute<\/strong> of your time in Kyoto. Don\u2019t miss out on any of the best sites, and enjoy some of the finest cuisine the city has to offer.\r\n<h2>Day trips and nearby destinations<\/h2>\r\nWhile there\u2019s lots to see and do in Kyoto city center, you might also want to <strong>explore the surrounding areas<\/strong>. There are many interesting nearby towns that you can visit on a day trip to Kyoto.\r\n\r\nHere you\u2019ll find guides to some of the <strong>most popular places close to Kyoto<\/strong> and how to get there. If you\u2019re spending a few days in the city, these are great options to see a bit more of Japan during your vacation.","post_title":"Kyoto travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kyoto-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-24 09:52:54","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-24 08:52:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":2011,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?page_id=2152","menu_order":0,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2160,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-09-19 17:49:32","post_date_gmt":"2017-09-19 15:49:32","post_content":"Osaka is located on the main island of Honshu, roughly in the center of Japan. With a population of over 2.5 million people, it is <strong>Japan\u2019s third-largest city<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nOsaka was the country\u2019s first capital, and to this day it is considered a vital economic center in Japan. It is home to the largest seaport in Japan and many leading Japanese manufacturers.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nOsaka is deemed a<strong> culinary paradise<\/strong>: its nickname <em>Tenka no Daidokoro <\/em>means the nation\u2019s kitchen. Lose yourself in Umeda and Dotonbori areas, Osaka\u2019s <strong>main entertainment districts<\/strong>, to enjoy some of the best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping the city has to offer.\r\n\r\nOur guides will help you get around Osaka and take you to the best attractions.\r\n\r\n[toc]\r\n<h2>Top attractions in Osaka<\/h2>\r\nAs one of Japan\u2019s largest cities, there are many great attractions for tourists. The whole family will enjoy<strong> Universal Studios Japan<\/strong>, the first Universal theme park built in Asia and still one of the best.\r\n\r\nAnother family favorite is<strong> Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan<\/strong>, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Shinsekai district and Osaka castle are also well-worth visiting.\r\n\r\nTake a look at our guides to the top attractions in Osaka for more information.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"attractions\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"Osaka Castle\" post_title_2=\"Dotonbori\" post_title_3=\"Shinsekai district\" post_title_4=\"Umeda Sky Building\" post_title_5=\"Universal Studios Japan\"]\r\n<h2>Getting around Osaka<\/h2>\r\nDespite being a vast city, <strong>getting around Osaka is easy<\/strong>. The subway offers a quick and convenient way to get from A to B in Osaka city center.\r\n\r\nYou can use your Japan Rail Pass on the <strong>JR Osaka Loop Line<\/strong> to reach top attractions such as Osaka Castle.\r\n\r\nYour JR Pass will also get you to other areas of the Osaka Prefecture. Check out your options using our guides to transport in Osaka.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"getting-around\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"Osaka JR Loop Line\"]\r\n<h2>Main train stations in Osaka<\/h2>\r\nOsaka Station City is a large transportation hub. It houses Osaka Station and 5 other railway stations. Read our <strong>complete guide to Osaka Station City<\/strong> so everything is clear before your trip.\r\n\r\nShinkansen bullet trains operate from nearby <strong>Shin Osaka station,<\/strong> which is just a 3-minute train ride away.\r\n\r\nYou can use your JR Pass to tour the Namba area, find out about the 4 different train stations in our Namba guide.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"stations\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"JR Osaka Station\" post_title_2=\"Shin-Osaka Station\" post_title_3=\"JR Namba Station\" post_title_4=\"JR Tennoji Station\"]\r\n<h2>Suggested itineraries in Osaka<\/h2>\r\nTo get the most out of your stay in Osaka, it\u2019s a good idea to have a travel itinerary prepared.\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve created a <strong>selection of Osaka itineraries<\/strong> to make planning your stay easier. They include visits to the top attractions in Osaka and also explain how to get around the city.\r\n\r\nYou can use our itineraries as they are, or adapt them to your needs. Have a look and choose the one that works for you.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"itineraries\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"Osaka 3 days: Best things to do\"]\r\n<h2>Day trips and nearby destinations<\/h2>\r\nIf you\u2019re staying a little longer in Osaka, you might want to visit nearby areas. Fortunately, there are <strong>many interesting places to visit <\/strong>close to Osaka, and most are easily accessible by train.\r\n\r\nSome of the best day trips from Osaka include <strong>Kobe, Kyoto, <\/strong>and <strong>Koyosan<\/strong>. For further information on how to get there and what to see, consult our Osaka guides to nearby destinations.\r\n\r\n[post_objects post_id=\"day-trips\" length=500 allow_tags=true continue_reading_text=\"Read more...\" max_posts_number=15 image_size=2 post_title_1=\"Kobe\" post_title_2=\"Nara\" post_title_3=\"Mount Koyasan\" post_title_4=\"Kyoto\" post_title_5=\"Naoshima\" post_title_6=\"Okayama\" post_title_7=\"Himeji\"]","post_title":"Osaka travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"osaka-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-02-04 11:25:40","post_modified_gmt":"2022-02-04 10:25:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":2011,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?page_id=2160","menu_order":0,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1457,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-08-02 10:00:41","post_date_gmt":"2019-08-02 08:00:41","post_content":"Nara is an ancient city located in the Kansai region of Japan\u2019s main island of Honshu. It was the <strong>first \u201creal\u201d capital of Japan<\/strong>, remaining such for less than a century. This historic location is home to a nearly unmatched eight <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/a>, including numerous Buddhist temples. The city was founded in the year 710 C.E. and originally known as Heijo.\r\n\r\nAmong its attractions are the oldest and largest wooden buildings in the world, the Nara Deer Park whose tame deer delight in entertaining visitors, fantastic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom<\/a> viewing spots, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/koka-ninja-village\">ninjas<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nYou can <strong>easily reach Nara<\/strong> from most of Japan\u2019s primary tourist destinations. Read on to discover how to arrive at this fascinating city from Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo.\r\n<h2>Nara\u2019s train\u00a0lines and stations<\/h2>\r\n<strong>The JR Nara Station is serviced by the JR Nara line and Kansai Lines<\/strong>, as well as non-JR local lines. The non-JR lines of Kintetsu Railways utilize the <strong>Kintetsu Nara Station<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nHowever, the Kintetsu lines are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The two stations are located at a distance of about 1 kilometer from one another and within walking distance of many city attractions.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Kyoto to Nara<\/h2>\r\nThere are two rail lines which connect <strong>Kyoto to Nara<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>JR Nara line<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kintetsu Nara line<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d209593.88396042594!2d135.62511609832413!3d34.833492746719344!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto%20Station%2C%20Higashishiok%C5%8Dji%20Kamadonoch%C5%8D%2C%20Shimogyo%20Ward%2C%20Kyoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!4m5!1s0x60013a2e385f520f%3A0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara%20Station%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.680812599999996!2d135.81895219999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1758094051063!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThe Kintetsu line offers a limited express line that takes just <strong>35 minutes<\/strong>. A one-way ticket costs 1,280 yen and it isn\u2019t covered by the JR Pass.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, the Kintetsu also offers a 45-min express service that costs 760 yen.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>JR Nara line takes 45 minutes<\/strong> by express train or 70 minutes if you catch a local train <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">from Kyoto Station<\/a>. It\u2019s <strong>covered by the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\"><strong>JR Pass<\/strong><\/a> but the price is 720 yen if you don\u2019t have one. This is the best way to get from Kyoto to Nara if you have the Japan Rail Pass.\r\n<h2>Osaka to Nara<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Yamatoji rapid trains run every hour between Osaka and Nara from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">JR Osaka Station<\/a><\/strong>. The one-way trip takes <strong>50 minutes<\/strong> and is <strong>covered by the JR Pass<\/strong> (it costs 800 yen without one). Passengers also have the option of getting off at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tennoji-station\">Osaka Tennoji Station<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d105046.06328123208!2d135.56161406306646!3d34.63728663362325!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x6000e68d95e3a70b%3A0x1baec822e859c84a!2sOsaka%20Station%2C%203%20Chome-1%20Umeda%2C%20Kita%20Ward%2C%20Osaka%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7024854!2d135.4959506!4m5!1s0x60013a2e385f520f%3A0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara%20Station%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.680812599999996!2d135.81895219999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1758094214366!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>There is also the option of catching the Kintetsu Railways limited-express train from Osaka-Namba Station. It only takes 35 minutes (making it the quickest way) and costs 680 yen. The JR Pass is not valid on Kintetsu Railways.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1223\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1223 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/jr-train-kyoto-e1501768803439.jpg\" alt=\"JR train in Kyoto Station\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/> The JR Nara line train takes 45 minutes between Kyoto and Nara[\/caption]\r\n<h2>From Tokyo to Nara<\/h2>\r\nThe <strong>quickest way of getting from Tokyo to Nara<\/strong> is by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen bullet train<\/a>. The journey time from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-to-kyoto-and-osaka\">Tokyo to Kyoto<\/a> is around 3.5 hours along the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> line. It takes 45 minutes from Kyoto to Nara.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1669743.14050784!2d136.44106979301813!3d35.17614187706755!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60188bfbd89f700b%3A0x277c49ba34ed38!2sTokyo%20Station%2C%201%20Chome-9%20Marunouchi%2C%20Chiyoda%20City%2C%20Tokyo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d35.681299599999996!2d139.76706579999998!4m5!1s0x60013a2e385f520f%3A0xb7582b14784ae674!2sNara%20Station%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.680812599999996!2d135.81895219999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1758094366839!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThe fastest type of Shinkansen is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nozomi-shinkansen\">Nozomi<\/a>, these trains are covered by the JR Pass if you pay a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/nozomi-mizuho-shinkansen\">supplemental charge<\/a>.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, <strong>Hikari Shinkansen <\/strong>(covered by the JR Pass) only take slightly longer to cover the distance. The frequency is fairly regular so it is worth waiting for the next departing Hikari train.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n\r\nYou can also take a highway <strong>bus from Tokyo to Nara<\/strong>. These take about 8 hours, and start from as little as 4000 yen. However, if you want to travel on a more comfortable bus tickets can go for over 8000 yen.\r\n<h2>Things to do in Nara<\/h2>\r\nNara is full of unique experiences that <strong>bring Japan\u2019s ancient heritage to life<\/strong>. It\u2019s a much smaller city than other popular tourist destinations in Japan, so it\u2019s a nice change of pace. Read on to discover some of the many attractions you can enjoy, including the famous Nara Park with free-roaming deer.\r\n\r\nConveniently, Most of Nara\u2019s primary attractions are within walking distance of each other and the train stations. Extensive bus lines are available as well. Day passes may be purchased to cover bus fairs, and most major <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\">IC cards<\/a> are accepted.\r\n<h3>Visit the Todai-ji temple<\/h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1417\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1417 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/nara-great-buddha-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"The Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> The Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara[\/caption]\r\n\r\nNara\u2019s landscape is dappled with historic buildings and landmarks. <strong><em>Todai-ji<\/em><\/strong>, meaning \u201cGreat Eastern Temple,\u201d is the largest of Nara\u2019s numerous temple structures. In fact, the <strong><em>Daibutsuden<\/em><\/strong><strong>, or Big Buddha Hall, is the largest wooden building currently in existence<\/strong>, and home to a huge, bronze Great Buddha statue 15 meters in height. Built in 752 C.E., Todai-ji was among the reasons that Japan\u2019s capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 \u2013 the government leaders of that time feared that the temple had gained too much influence in their politics.\r\n\r\nYou can reach this temple in about 30 minutes on foot from Nara Station, or about 15 minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station.\r\n<h3>Greet the deer at Nara Deer Park<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Next to the temple is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-park\">Nara Park<\/a>, or <em>Nara Koen<\/em>, where over 1,000 deer roam freely for park guests to enjoy.<\/strong> It is not uncommon to see the deer just outside the gates of the temple. The animals often approach visitors, hoping to be treated with special crackers called <em>shika senbei<\/em>. These treats for the dear are sold in the park for around \u00a5150. Some deer have even learned to \u201cbow\u201d in order to beg for crackers.\r\n\r\nNara Park is just a few minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, and about 20 minutes on foot from Nara Station.\r\n<h3>Attend centennial festivals at Mount Wakakusayama<\/h3>\r\nDuring specific times of the year, Nara has additional interests to pursue. For example, on the fourth Saturday of each January, <strong>fires are lit on nearby Mount Wakakusayama in a festival known as <em>Wakakusa Yamayaki<\/em><\/strong>. While this burning of the mountain involves local temples and has taken place for hundreds of years, its exact origins are unknown. It is thought that it may have begun in boundary conflicts between the temples or as a way to drive away dangerous wild boars. Fireworks and days of festivities accompany the bonfire.\r\n\r\nThe mountain is just 30 minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, or 40 minutes from Nara Station.\r\n<h3>Enjoy the sakura at Mount Yoshino<\/h3>\r\n<strong>In late March and early April, the <em>sakura<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cherry-blossom-travel-tips\">cherry trees blossom<\/a> profusely throughout Japan.<\/strong> One of the most famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom viewing locations<\/a> is Mount Yoshino, also known as <em>Yoshinoyama.<\/em> The first cherry trees seem to have been planted on the mountain over 1,300 years ago. Today, more than 30,000 cherry trees reside there, providing a breathtaking spring display.\r\n\r\nTo reach Mount Yoshino from JR Nara Station, travel 45 to 60 minutes to Yoshino-guchi Station using the JR Pass.\r\n\r\n<strong>No matter the time of year, there is plenty to do in the intriguing ancient city of Nara.<\/strong> You will not regret adding this excursion through the Kansai region to your next itinerary.","post_title":"Visiting Nara: How to get there","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"nara-jr-pass","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-09-17 09:47:20","post_modified_gmt":"2025-09-17 07:47:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1457","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1361,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-05-12 14:09:45","post_date_gmt":"2017-05-12 12:09:45","post_content":"Kobe is a coastal city of the Kansai region of western Japan, located on the main island of Honshu bordering Osaka Bay. It is one of Japan\u2019s ten largest cities. Enclosed by the sea on one side and a majestic mountain range on the other, it is also considered one of Japan\u2019s most beautiful big cities.\r\n\r\nKobe is rich in history as the first port in Japan to open to foreign trade. This is evident in the western style architecture of some neighborhoods. Recent history is displayed at the Kobe City Museum and the Earthquake Museum.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nKobe is also rich in culturally based activities \u2013 a famous Chinatown district, gourmet foods, sake breweries, traditional landscape gardens, and relaxing hot spring spas, to name just a few.\r\n\r\nIf you are considering a stop in Kobe during your next vacation in Japan, the first question you may ask is: <strong>How do you get there?<\/strong> Doing so is easy using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>! Kobe is but a short Shinkansen ride away from several of Japan\u2019s other major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2><strong>Tokyo to Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWhen traveling from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo,<\/a>\u00a0use your Japan Rail Pass to board the Hikari trains on the <strong>JR <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#TokaidoShinkansen\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> \/ Sanyo Shinkansen Line<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nTraveling <strong>from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Shin-Kobe Station<\/strong> by Hikari Shinkansen takes approximately <strong>3 hours and 15 minutes<\/strong>, with stops in Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka.\r\n<h2><strong>Osaka to Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nYou have two options when traveling from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> to Kobe using the JR Pass<\/strong>. You may take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains#SanyoShinkansen\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> <strong>from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station.<\/strong> This trip lasts approximately <strong>15 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you may take a <strong>JR Special Rapid Train from Osaka Station<\/strong> to the Kobe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sannomiya-station-kobe\">Sannomiya Station<\/a>, with a trip duration of around <strong>20 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n<h2><strong>Kyoto to Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nTwo options are also available from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-train-stations\">JR stations<\/a> involving train travel from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> to Kobe. You may take the <strong>direct Hikari Shinkansen from Kyoto Station<\/strong> to Shin-Kobe Station. One Hikari train departs each hour, and the<strong> trip lasts approximately 30 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nOr, you may take a <strong>JR Special Rapid Train<\/strong> on the JR Tokaido Line from Kyoto Station to Sannomiya Station. To avoid confusion, <strong>keep in mind that this line is sometimes called the Kobe Line or Kyoto Line<\/strong>. This trip lasts around 5<strong>0 minutes<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nSo you\u2019ve used your JR Pass to get to Kobe; you can use your pass to travel around the city as well. <strong>Kobe is home to three JR Stations \u2013 Shin-Kobe Station, Kobe Station, and Sannomiya Station.<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Shin-Kobe Station<\/h2>\r\n<strong>If traveling to Kobe via Shinkansen bullet train, you will arrive at Shin-Kobe Station.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis station is located north of the city center, some distance from most attractions.\r\n\r\nThe station is served by:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kobe Municipal Subway (Seishin-Yamate Line)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hokushin Kyuko Electric Railway (Hokushin Line)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIf you need to transfer to other stations from Shin-Kobe, you will need to take the Seishin-Yamate Line to Sannomiya Station.\r\n<h2>Kobe Sannomiya Station<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Sannomiya Station is the main railway terminal of Kobe, conveniently located in the heart of Kobe.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFrom Sannomiya, you can access not only JR lines such as the Tokaido Line to Osaka Station and Kyoto Station, but also local lines (Hankyu, Kobe Municipal Subway) to nearby attractions.\r\n\r\nTo connect to the Sanyo Shinkansen line, you must travel to Shin-Kobe station.\r\n<h2>Kobe Station<\/h2>\r\nThis one is the end of the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, being a smaller one and usually less convenient than Sannomiya station.\r\n\r\nFrom here, you can travel to Osaka and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">Himeji<\/a>\u00a0as well as other, smaller cities in the Kansai region.\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do in Kobe<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nAre you wondering <strong>what to do in Kobe<\/strong> during your next Japanese vacation? From Sannomiya Station, you can take the private Hanshin Line to <strong>Koshien Stadium to see the Hanshin Tigers play baseball<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAfter taking in a game, <strong>a taste of Kobe beef is an experience not to be missed<\/strong>. Kobe beef is a world-famous delicacy, delicately marbled steak that comes from specially bred <em>wagyu<\/em> cattle raised and prepared in the Hyogo Prefecture. It is often prepared in the style of <strong><em>shabu-shabu <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 thinly sliced and boiled in broth \u2013 or <strong><em>sukiyaki<\/em><\/strong>, simmered in a hot pot.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_399\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wp-image-399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Kobe-animal-kingdom-Merec0-wikimedia-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe Animal Kingdom\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" \/> Kobe Animal Kingdom is a bird and flower park not to be missed.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter a long day of travels, perhaps you\u2019d like to unwind in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/all-about-onsens-the-japanese-hot-springs\"><em>onsen<\/em><\/a>, or natural therapeutic hot spring. The Arima Onsen at the base of Mount Rokko is within the Kobe city limits, making it an excellent day trip. From either Shin-Kobe Station or Sannomiya Station, take a subway to Tanigami Station. From there, travel to the Arima Onsen Station. The trip takes less than an hour.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kobe is at times overlooked by international travelers,<\/strong> veiled by the shadows of larger cities and better-known tourist attractions. Your days in Kobe, however, will not be regretted. <strong>This unique city will be a memorable part of your next vacation.<\/strong>","post_title":"Kobe travel guide: Access and attractions","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kobe-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-09-15 15:44:42","post_modified_gmt":"2020-09-15 13:44:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1361","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2177,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-09-22 12:47:21","post_date_gmt":"2017-09-22 10:47:21","post_content":"<strong>Situated between Kyoto and Nara<\/strong>, Uji is famous for being the home of a Japanese staple, green tea, which was first cultivated in the region in the 12th Century.\r\n\r\nThe town also offers <strong>a range of historic architecture<\/strong> to explore, including a number of rustic temples and the <strong>oldest Japanese shrine<\/strong> still in existence.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nConnect with the past and Japan\u2019s unique culture on your next visit to Uji. This guide will show you how.\r\n<h2><strong>How to get\u00a0to Uji<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> makes traveling simple and affordable.<\/strong> Using your pass, you can reach Uji from the following major cities by making a short stop in Kyoto Station.\r\n<h3>From Kyoto to Uji<\/h3>\r\n<strong>From Kyoto Station, take either the rapid or local train on the JR Nara Line to Uji Station.<\/strong> The stations are located close to one another, and the trip lasts only 20 to 30 minutes, making Uji a great option for a day trip from Kyoto.\r\n<h3>From Osaka to Uji<\/h3>\r\n<strong>From either Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto Station<\/strong>, then transfer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass#Naras_trainlines_and_stations\">JR Nara Line<\/a> to Uji Station.\r\n<h3>From Tokyo to Uji<\/h3>\r\n<strong>From Tokyo\u2019s Shinagawa Station, take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> line to Kyoto Station.<\/strong> In Kyoto, transfer to the Nara Line to Uji Station. Your journey will last around three hours. You may also wish to see a few of the sights in Kyoto while there. Due to the proximity of the two cities, you may wish to return to Kyoto after exploring Uji.\r\n\r\n<strong>Alternatively, you may depart from either the Kyobashi or Yodoyabashi Stations.<\/strong> Take the Keihan line to Uji Station, a trip of about 1 hour. Because this line also connects Osaka and Kyoto, consider spending time in Uji when traveling between these cities. This route, however, is not covered by the JR Pass.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Getting around Uji<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nBecause of the close proximity of most of its sites of interest, Uji is a good city to tour on foot.<strong> Uji Station, for example, is a mere ten minute walk from the Byodoin Temple.<\/strong> The more distant temples are located about a 30 minute walk from the city center. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/how-to-use-the-local-bus\">Local buses<\/a> are also available, with routes that include both the attractions and the train station.\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do in Uji<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<h3>Byodo-in Temple<\/h3>\r\n<strong>The Byodo-in Temple is the most popular attraction in Uji.<\/strong> It is constructed in <em>Jodo<\/em>, or \u201cBuddhist pure land architecture,\u201d thus representing paradise. The temple is ancient, having been built as a private residence for a politician in the year 998; it was converted in to a temple by the founder\u2019s son. Byodoin features a garden, treasure house museum, and the <em>Hoodo<\/em>, or <strong>Phoenix Hall<\/strong>, which appears on the back of the ten yen coin. <strong>This hall is one of the few completely original temple structures<\/strong>, never having been destroyed by fire as other buildings were.\r\n<h3>Other temples and attractions<\/h3>\r\nA number of other temples are located in Uji as well. The <strong>Koshoji Temple<\/strong> was built in Kyoto in 1233, and moved to Uji in 1648. It is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-places-autumn-leaves-japan\">site of <em>koyo<\/em>, or autumn leaf viewing<\/a>. The <strong>Mimurotoji, or \u201cflower temple,\u201d<\/strong> is located in the hills north of the city. It was constructed around 1,200 years ago. Finally, the <strong>Ujigamai Shrine<\/strong>, a \u201cguardian shrine,\u201d is thought to be the oldest extant shrine in Japan, having been built around 1060. This shrine was declared a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> in 1994.\r\n\r\n<strong>Uji is split in two by the Ujigawa River, allowing for unique recreational opportunities.<\/strong> During the summer months, travelers can experience <em>Ukai<\/em>, or cormorant fishing. This skill has been practiced in Japan for more than 1300 years and involves using a trained bird called a cormorant to catch fish. River cruises are also available.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bookworms will enjoy the city\u2019s relationship to the Tale of Genji, a fictional work from the eleventh century.<\/strong> Often called the world\u2019s first novel, the book describes royal life at that time. It is celebrated at the Tale of Genji Museum. Many locations around Uji are mentioned in the book, and these are marked by monuments. One such location is the <strong>Uji Bridge, originally built in 646<\/strong>.\r\n<h3>Uji green tea<\/h3>\r\n<strong>A trip to Uji could not be complete without sampling its famous <em>matcha<\/em>, Japanese green tea.<\/strong> Taihoan is a public tea house in which guests can experience a traditional tea ceremony. The nearby Fukujuen Ujicha Kobo workshop features hands-on tea grinding classes, followed by a tasting of the tea just produced<strong>. Tea and souvenirs can be purchased at the Omotesando<\/strong>, the shop-lined approach to Byodoin Temple.\r\n\r\nYou are certain to be charmed by historic Uji on your next Japanese vacation. Make sure to take this opportunity and don't miss other interesting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-kyoto\">day trips from Kyoto<\/a>.","post_title":"Uji travel guide: Access and what to see","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"uji-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-05-14 09:32:43","post_modified_gmt":"2021-05-14 07:32:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2177","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2293,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-10-02 07:00:38","post_date_gmt":"2017-10-02 05:00:38","post_content":"Scenic lakes and historic castles \u2013 that is the setting of the small Japanese town of Hikone. Situated on the shores of the nation\u2019s largest lake, Lake Biwa, in the Shiga Prefecture, Hikone is steeped in natural beauty as well as historical relevance.\r\n\r\nHikone is famous for its remarkably well-preserved castle, which goes by the same name as its host city. <strong>Hikone Castle is, in fact, one of the five Japanese castles designated as national treasures<\/strong>. This honor \u2013 \u201cthe highest designation for cultural properties in Japan\u201d - is due to its unique combination of architectural styles.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nWhat does this mystic destination hold in store for you? Take a step back in time as you consider this helpful Hikone travel guide, and start planning your next Japanese vacation today.\r\n<h2>How to get to Hikone with JR Pass<\/h2>\r\nHikone makes a great <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-kyoto\">side trip from Kyoto<\/a> and other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\">Japan\u2019s major cities<\/a>, whether your itinerary will allow you to spend an afternoon or an entire day in the small town. It is also a good stop over on the extended trip between Kyoto and Tokyo. Access to this pleasant location is easy and affordable when you use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h3>From Tokyo to Hikone<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Hikone Station is located on the Tokaido line<\/strong>\u00a0and can be reached in one of two ways. From Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, you may take the JR Tokaido Main Line directly to Hikone. Near Hikone, this line is often known as the Biwako Line, named for the nearby lake.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you may take the Shinkansen on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line<\/a> to Maibara Station. At Maibara, you will transfer to the Tokaido Main Line and take a four-minute train ride to Hikone Station.\u00a0 <strong>This is the fastest way: the trip lasts about two hours and it's\u00a0<\/strong><strong>fully covered by the JR Pass.<\/strong>\r\n<blockquote><strong>Check how to travel from Tokyo to Hikone with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/hokuriku-arch-pass\">Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/strong><\/blockquote>\r\n<h3>From Kyoto to Hikone<\/h3>\r\nFrom Kyoto Station,<strong> take the Tokaido line eastbound to Hikone Station.<\/strong>\u00a0The route is direct, and the trip lasts only 45 minutes. If traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo, or viceversa, you will be passing through Hikone, making this town an excellent day trip on your journey.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" style=\"background-color: #f43755; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-area-pass\">Order your Kansai Area Pass<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>From Osaka to Hikone<\/h3>\r\n<strong>From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Tokaido line <\/strong>to Hikone Station. Depending on the train, your journey will last between 40 and 80 minutes.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" style=\"background-color: #f43755; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-wide-area-pass\">Order your Kansai Wide Area Pass<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>Getting around Hikone<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Hikone is well suited to walking.<\/strong> <strong>Hikone Castle is located a mere 15 to 20-minute walk from Hikone Station.<\/strong> Most of Hikone\u2019s other points of interest, including the Castle Road, Genkyuen Garden, and museum are within walking distance of the castle. Taxis are also available from Hikone Station to assist you in your travels.\r\n<h3>Hikone map<\/h3>\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=18fwLLewq61HD_n7hJX5QprZ5rGc&amp;hl=en_US\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2><strong>Hikone Castle<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Hikone\u2019s most popular attraction is its namesake castle.<\/strong> Known as <em>Hikonejo<\/em> in Japanese, construction of the castle was completed in 1622. It served as a governmental seat for the <em>li daimyo<\/em> feudal lords until 1868. <strong>Unlike many Japanese castles, Hikone Castle is in its original state<\/strong>; it never suffered damage at the hands of war or natural disaster as many castles have. Therefore, only the upkeep of the structures has necessitated minor reconstruction.\r\n\r\nThe castle is unique in a number of original elements that can be viewed on the grounds, including the main castle keep of three stories, the inner moats, protective walls, guard houses, stable, storehouse, and gates.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Hikone Castle Museum not only exhibits artifacts from the castle grounds, but features reconstructions of its interior as well.<\/strong> These reconstructions are based on archeological excavations of the site, and include gardens, tatami rooms, and corridors.\r\n<h2>Other points of interest<\/h2>\r\nBeyond the castle\u2019s moat is the Genkyeun Garden. <strong>This landscape garden, based on a Chinese palace garden, was built in 1677<\/strong> by one of the castle\u2019s feudal lords, for the purpose of entertaining guests and family. It features a <strong>central pond<\/strong>, four islands connected by footbridges, tea houses, and a walking trail. Rakurakuen Palace can be seen from the garden. This complex housed the feudal lord and his family. Palace tours will resume when renovations on the wooden buildings are completed in 2025.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Edo Period atmosphere continues down the Yume Kyobashi Castle Road<\/strong>. The architecture of this modern shopping street has been designed to resemble historic structures, with white walls, black roofs, and black lattice doors similar to those of the castle itself. On the Castle Street, you will find souvenir vendors, boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.\r\n\r\nA stopover in Hikone is well worth the time. When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-to-kyoto-and-osaka\">traveling between Tokyo and Osaka or Kyoto<\/a>, consider adding this rich historical site to your itinerary.","post_title":"Hikone Castle and city travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"hikone-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-11 13:21:52","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-11 11:21:52","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"attractions","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":1093,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-03-11 10:00:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-03-11 08:00:28","post_content":"Built in 1609, <strong>Himeji castle is one of the most highly regarded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">castles in Japan<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0This is because of its immense size and the fact it is very well-preserved, having survived centuries of natural disasters and wars.\r\n\r\nConstruction began on the castle grounds during the 1400s, and the 80 structures grew in size as the centuries passed. The primary castle structure was <strong>built in 1609<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlso <strong>known as \u2018White Heron Castle\u2019 because of its distinctive pale facade<\/strong>, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> is located close to the city of the same name.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>How to get to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nHimeji is <strong>easy to reach by Shinkansen<\/strong> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\">Kobe<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> with a JR Pass or one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\">JR Regional Passes<\/a>. Depending on your starting point, you may take the Tokaido and Sanyo bullet train lines.\r\n<h2>Tokyo to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nIf you're traveling from <strong>Tokyo to Himeji<\/strong>, you may use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> bullet train lines. The direct Hikari trains span the distance in approximately 3 and a half hours.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1669908.1819413714!2d135.91017582627794!3d35.1681034147251!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e6!4m5!1s0x60188bfbd89f700b%3A0x277c49ba34ed38!2stokyo%20station!3m2!1d35.6812362!2d139.7671248!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734117335239!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Kyoto to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nTo get to <strong>Himeji from Kyoto<\/strong>, you can use your Japan Rail Pass as well as several regional passes on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line\u2019s Kodama, Sakura, or Hikari trains. A direct trip from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-kyoto\">Kyoto station<\/a> takes around 55 minutes.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d419321.02293393033!2d134.8952702933522!3d34.80731318681874!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto%20Station%2C%20Higashishiok%C5%8Dji%20Kamadonoch%C5%8D%2C%20Shimogyo%20Ward%2C%20Kyoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734117439323!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Kobe to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nIf you travel from <strong>Kobe to Himeji<\/strong>, your trip can start either at Kobe-Sannomiya station or Shin-Kobe station to reach Himeji station.\r\n\r\nFrom Sannomiya station you can take the Tokaido-Sanyo line and reach Himeji station in 40 minutes with a Rapid Train. If you depart from Shin-Kobe station, you can take the Sanyo Shinkansen line and reach your destination in 15 minutes.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d209859.74240272347!2d134.77559378302072!3d34.728920405262265!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60008ec34f49fb8b%3A0x790b10d9f54938fb!2sShin-Kobe%20Station%2C%201%20Chome-3%20Kan%C5%8Dch%C5%8D%2C%20Chuo%20Ward%2C%20Kobe%2C%20Hyogo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7062884!2d135.1954675!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734118105234!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Osaka to Himeji<\/h2>\r\nYou have several travel options to get from <strong>Osaka to Himeji<\/strong>. You may take the direct access Hikari train from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\"><strong>Shin-Osaka station<\/strong><\/a> to Himeji station. This trip takes between 30 and 45 minutes.\r\n\r\nOther shinkansen trains, such as the Kodama, are also available from Shin-Osaka, but the trip will be slower as the trains stop at several stations along the way. From the <strong>JR Osaka station<\/strong>, you may take the JR Special Rapid Train for a direct trip of just over 1 hour.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d209859.74240272347!2d134.92331008302074!3d34.728920405262265!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x6000e4396c12ce49%3A0x3bd7c4e0bf1076cf!2sShin-Osaka%20Station%2C%205%20Chome-16%20Nishinakajima%2C%20Yodogawa%20Ward%2C%20Osaka%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.7334658!2d135.5002547!4m5!1s0x3554e012b2ee3f1d%3A0x37c7f3d803653755!2shimeji%20station!3m2!1d34.826796699999996!2d134.69053259999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1734118356830!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2><strong>Visiting Himeji Castle<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nUpon <strong>entering the castle through the Otemon Gate<\/strong>, visitors can tour the area known as the Sannomaru admission-free. This area is popular for viewing and photographing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossoms<\/a> in the spring. Note that during the crowded sakura season and during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/golden-week-travel-tips\">Golden Week<\/a>, there may be long wait times to enter the castle.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-1095 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/himeji-castle-sakura-e1489142774509-800x514.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji castle and river during the cherry blossom season\" width=\"800\" height=\"514\" \/>\r\n\r\nAt the far side of the Sannomaru is the <strong>ticket booth at the Hishi Gate<\/strong>, where you pay the admission fee to enter the rest of the castle.\r\n\r\nBeyond the Hishi Gate are winding, maze-like paths and additional gates leading to the main keep \u2013 a strategy used in earlier times to slow attacking forces. <strong>The castle is 6 stories high<\/strong>, and you climb to the upper floors using narrow staircases.\r\n\r\nOn each level, signs in various languages discuss architectural features and renovation efforts. <strong>The top level of the castle contains a small shrine<\/strong>. Multiple windows allow for a breathtaking view of the castle grounds and surrounding city.\r\n<h2>How to get to Himeji Castle<\/h2>\r\nWhen you arrive at Himeji Station, exit via the Central Ticket Gate and <strong>take the North Exit<\/strong>. You will be able to see Himeji Castle in the distance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1094\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1094 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/himeji-castle-cherry-blossom-e1489142437462-800x509.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season\" width=\"800\" height=\"509\" \/> Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe castle is a <strong>20-minute walk down Otemaedori Street<\/strong>. If the weather is bad, you can walk inside the nearby Miyukidori and Honmachi Shotengai shopping arcades. The exit to the arcade is just one block from the castle gate.\r\n\r\nYou can also <strong>take a bus<\/strong> from the North Exit of the station to the castle, it\u2019s just a 5-minute ride and costs 190 yen. Look for the Himeji Castle Loop Bus and get off at the Himeji Castle Otemon-mae stop. You could also take a taxi (around 750 yen).\r\n<h2>Himeji Castle admission fees and opening hours<\/h2>\r\nThe admission fee <strong>to the castle only is 1000 yen<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nHowever, if you\u2019re a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> holder, you <strong>get a 20% discount<\/strong> on the admission price. This also applies to holders of JR West regional passes, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-area-pass\">Kansai Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-wide-area-pass\">Kansai Wide Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-hiroshima-pass\">Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-hokuriku-area-pass\">Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/sanyo-sanin-area-pass\">Sanyo-San'in Area Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/sanyo-sanin-northern-kyushu-pass\">Sanyo-San\u2019in Northern Kyushu Pass<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nNote that <strong>from spring 2026 the admission fees are due to rise<\/strong> for non-residents of the area, in order to help pay for the castle\u2019s maintenance costs.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the local government is thinking of introducing a <strong>premium ticket package aimed at international visitors<\/strong> that would include the admission fee alongside discounts at local eateries and a service for storing bags.\r\n\r\nThe castle is <strong>open for tours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily<\/strong>. In August, the opening hours extend to 6.00 PM. You can enter the castle up to one hour before closing.\r\n<h2>Other things to do in Himeji<\/h2>\r\nOn the west of the grounds of the castle is the <strong>Nishinomaru garden<\/strong>, which at one time housed a princess. This provides an alternate perspective of the castle keep, and you can tour a building and rooms along the walled exterior.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you could tour the <strong>Kokoen Garden<\/strong>, which features nine walled gardens in various Edo Period formations. Here, you can enjoy a taste of green tea in the ceremonial teahouse and tea garden.\r\n\r\nAdmission to Kokoen Garden is 310 yen, or it <strong>may be added to your Himeji Castle admission<\/strong> for only 50 yen.\r\n\r\nOutside of the castle grounds, you could take a bus to nearby <strong>Mount Shosha<\/strong> to enjoy its walking paths, temples, and the Shoshasan Ropeway.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s also plenty of opportunities to do some shopping while in Himeji at the <strong>Honmachi Shotengai and Miyukidori shopping arcades<\/strong>.","post_title":"Himeji Castle and city travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"himeji-castle-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-12-13 20:43:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-12-13 19:43:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1093","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10391,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-09-27 07:00:17","post_date_gmt":"2019-09-27 05:00:17","post_content":"The <strong>location of many of the most appealing attractions in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a><\/strong>, including the National Museum, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Todaiji Temple, the city\u2019s deer park was founded in 1880 and is one of the oldest in Japan.\r\n\r\nVisitors to the park can also buy special crackers on-site to feed some of the hundreds of tame animals that roam the grounds, and enjoy the spectacular cherry blossom in the spring. Nara can be <strong>easily reached by train from either Osaka or Kyoto<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>How to get to Nara Park<\/h2>\r\nThe Nara Deer Park can be reached easily from most major cities using your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>The trip from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> is covered by the JR Pass<\/strong>. Take the <strong>Yamatoji Line<\/strong> from either <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\">JR Namba Station<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tennoji-station\">Tennoji Station<\/a> to <strong>JR Nara Station<\/strong>. The trip takes <strong>30 to 45 minutes<\/strong> one-way, depending on the departing station. This trip is <strong>also covered by some JR Regional Passes<\/strong> as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/hokuriku-arch-pass\">Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-area-pass\">Kansai Area Pass<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-wide-area-pass\">Kansai Wide Area Pass<\/a>.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" style=\"background-color: #f43755; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\/kansai-area-pass\">Order your Kansai Area Pass<\/a><\/p>\r\nThe Kintetsu Nara Line also runs from Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station, but is not covered by the JR Pass.\r\n\r\n<strong>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a><\/strong>, take the <strong>JR Nara Line<\/strong> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a> to <strong>JR Nara Station<\/strong>. Miyakoji rapid trains depart every 30 minutes, and the trip takes <strong>about 45 minutes<\/strong> one-way. It is<strong> covered by the JR Pass<\/strong>. Local trains are also available, but take an hour and fifteen minutes one-way.\r\n\r\n<strong>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo<\/a><\/strong>, take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> Line <strong>to Kyoto Station<\/strong>. From there, take the JR Nara Line to JR Nara Station, as described above. The trip is covered by the JR Pass.\r\n<blockquote>Also read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara travel guide: How to get to Nara and main attractions<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d6561.7658074543315!2d135.82709407723976!3d34.682904694242254!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e2!4m5!1s0x60013a2e49db1e7f%3A0xaacf6c3d8078bb8c!2sJR%20Nara%20Sta.%20(East%20Gate)%2C%201%20Sanj%C5%8Dhonmachi%2C%20Nara%2C%20630-8122%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.6813!2d135.8202!4m5!1s0x60013996bd8c6061%3A0xf96cacf357447456!2sNara%20Park%2C%20Nara%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d34.685047!2d135.843012!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1569509585496!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<strong>Nara Park is a twenty-minute walk from Nara Station<\/strong>. Buses are also available, and multiple bus stops are located around the park.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Opening hours and entrance fee<\/h2>\r\nThe <strong>Nara Deer Park is open 24 hours a day<\/strong>. Admission is <strong>free<\/strong>, but you will most likely wish to purchase deer crackers during your visit. A pack of ten crackers costs 150 yen.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Todaiji Temple<\/strong> is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm during the months of April through October, and 8 am to 4:30 pm from November through March. Admission is <strong>500 yen<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nOther temples, shrines, and museums in the park have similar opening hours and entrance fees.\r\n<h2>Things to do at Nara Park and the surrounding area<\/h2>\r\nWhether your interest is in nature, history, or dining, there is plenty to do in and around the Nara Deer Park. Hang out with the local wildlife, visit a museum, temple, or shrine, and refresh yourself at a local tea house.\r\n<h3>Deer Park<\/h3>\r\nIn the Shinto religion, deer are esteemed as the <strong>messengers of the gods<\/strong>. The <strong>1,200 deer<\/strong> that call Nara home have therefore become a symbol of the city and are considered a \u201cnatural treasure.\u201d\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10404\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-10404 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/nara-deer-1-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Shika deer in Nara Park\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Shika deer in Nara Park - Photo by coniferconifer under CC[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Deer crackers<\/strong>, special rice crackers called shika-senbei, are sold at various locations around the park for visitors who would like to <strong>feed the deer<\/strong>. Some of the animals have learned to imitate a <strong>bow to ask to be fed<\/strong>. Some also know that when you wave \u201cgoodbye,\u201d it is time for them to depart. Others have learned to wait at traffic crossing signals. Petting the deer is also possible.\r\n\r\nWhile the deer are surprisingly tame, caution is in order, as hungry deer can become aggressive or competitive when desiring to be fed. <strong>Pay attention to safety signs<\/strong> posted around the park in both Japanese and English.\r\n\r\n<strong>What kind of deer inhabit Nara?<\/strong> They are <em>sika deer<\/em>, called <em>shika<\/em> in Japanese. The sika is unique in that it does not lose its spots as it reaches adulthood. Male sika deer may sport large antlers.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h3>Todaiji Temple<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Todaiji Temple<\/strong> is famous for being the <strong>largest wooden building in the world<\/strong>. It houses a large statue of Buddha, measuring 15 meters (50 feet) tall. It is known as the <strong>Great Buddha or Daibutsu<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10394\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-10394\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/todaiji-temple-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Todaiji Temple, Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Todaiji Temple, Nara - Photo by Daniel Ramirez under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\">CC<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nOther attractions on the temple grounds include the <strong>Nandaimon Gate<\/strong> and the <strong>pillar with a hole in the middle<\/strong> at the back of the temple. Children who can squeeze through the hole are thought to be future recipients of enlightenment.\r\n\r\nThe Nara Deer Park is a worthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-kyoto\">day trip from Kyoto<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-from-osaka\">Osaka<\/a>. Grab your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a> and start planning your next adventure today.","post_title":"Nara Park: How to get there and what to see","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"nara-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 10:07:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 08:07:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=10391","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13740,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2020-09-04 13:04:15","post_date_gmt":"2020-09-04 11:04:15","post_content":"Japan is well known for its rich culture and preservation of history. Shrines and temples are located all over Japan\u2019s islands, large and small. The most sacred shrines of the Shinto religion are located on the Shima Peninsula. These shrines, the Ise Shrines, are nestled in the heart of a popular leisure and resort destination.\r\n\r\nIts area holds something for every traveler, from religious pilgrimages to exciting theme parks. In fact, the entire peninsula is regarded as a national park, with stunning vistas and peaceful forests.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2><strong>How to get to Ise Shrine<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong><em>From Tokyo to Ise Shima.<\/em><\/strong> From Tokyo, take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">JR Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> Line to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagoya-travel-guide\">Nagoya<\/a>, using either the Hikari or Kodama trains. The trip will last 110 minutes to three hours, respectively. From Nagoya, take the rapid train to Iseshi Station as described below.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n<strong><em>From Kyoto to Ise Shima.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0From Kyoto Station, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya. The duration of the trip ranges from 35 to 55 minutes, and several trains depart per hour. From Nagoya, take the rapid train to Iseshi Station as described below.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n<strong><em>From Osaka to Ise Shima. <\/em><\/strong>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Shin-Osaka Station<\/a>, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya. The trip will last between 50 and 70 minutes, and several trains depart each hour. From Nagoya, take the rapid train to Iseshi Station as described below.<em>\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h3>How to go from Nagoya to Ise Shrine<\/h3>\r\n<strong>From Nagoya Station, take the Mie rapid train to Iseshi Station.<\/strong> One train departs per hour, and <strong>the journey takes about 90 minutes<\/strong>. Because the train uses some non-JR tracks, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> holders may be asked to pay a supplemental fee.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2><strong>Getting around Ise and the surrounding area<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>When traveling with your JR pass, you will arrive at Iseshi Station.<\/strong> The Outer Shrine is located only five to ten minutes from the station on foot.<strong> For JR Pass holders, the JR Sangu Line covers a portion of the peninsula<\/strong>, providing access to Toba and its aquatic attractions. The Kintetsu Railway serves the central and southern areas.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buses and rental cars are available to reach the shrines and other locations<\/strong>, but some walking is still required. For instance, in order to reach the Inner Shrine, visitors must cross the Uji footbridge. Both shrines contain gravel footpaths.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h3>Ise Shrine map<\/h3>\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d969853.3697428391!2d136.40160139049271!3d34.72847163320209!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x600450ebdf9f37f3%3A0xf009663753f60ca7!2sSantuario+de+Ise!5e0!3m2!1ses!2sus!4v1503059272359\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2><strong>What to see in Ise<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Many visitors to Ise City wish to experience the spiritual history of the area.<\/strong> Several sites are therefore a must-see. The traditional path of approach to the Inner Shrine is called <em>Oharaimachi<\/em>. The road is lined with shops and restaurants housed in traditional style buildings. One area, the <em>Okage Yokocho<\/em>, recreates an entire townscape.\r\n<h3>Inner Shrine<\/h3>\r\nThe wooden Inner Shrine, called <em>Naiku <\/em>or <em>Kotai Jinju<\/em> in Japanese, was established more than 2,000 years ago, but <strong>its buildings are rebuilt every 20 years as per an ancient tradition to ritually celebrate renewal<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong>It is Japan\u2019s most sacred location <\/strong>and\u00a0shrine to the sun goddess <em>Amaterasu Omikami<\/em>. Granaries, shrines to wind deities, and other buildings are also located on the premises.\r\n<h3>Outer Shrine<\/h3>\r\n<strong>The Outer Shrine, or <em>Geku<\/em>, is located several kilometers from the Inner Shrine.<\/strong> It is devoted to <em>Toyouke<\/em>, the goddess of necessities such as shelter, clothing, and food. This shrine is around 1,500 years old. The Sengukan Museum is located on the shrine grounds.\r\n<h3>Other points of interest<\/h3>\r\nHundreds of smaller shrines dot the area, but some are of special interest. The <strong><em>Meoto Iwa<\/em>, or Wedded Rocks<\/strong>, is one such location. The larger of the two ocean-bound rocks represents the husband; the smaller, the wife. Three times each year, the <em>shimenawa<\/em> rope connecting the rocks is replaced ceremonially. During the summer, the sun can be seen rising between the rocks in the morning, and when visibility is especially good, one can glimpse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-fuji\">Mt. Fuji<\/a> in the distance.\r\n\r\n<strong>Another nearby museum is the <em>Hinjitsukan<\/em>, formerly a guesthouse<\/strong> used by important visitors to the shrines. Other attractions include the Toba Aquarium, housing fish, sea lions, reptiles, and other animals. From the aquarium, the Mikimoto Pearl Island can be reached via a bridge. The island contains a museum dedicated to the cultivation of pearls, and hourly performances are held by the \u201csea women,\u201d or pearl divers.\r\n\r\n<strong>Children in your travel group will enjoy the Spain Mura or Shima Spain Village<\/strong>, a Spanish themed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/theme-parks-japan\">amusement park<\/a> featuring roller coasters and other rides. The Edo Wonderland Ise is another amusement park themed as a historic Japanese castle town, complete with ninjas, geishas, and samurais.\r\n\r\nWhat will you choose to explore when you visit the Shima Peninsula? Whether you are seeking enlightenment, enjoyment of the natural world, or amusement park thrill rides, <strong>Shima and Ise hold something for every traveler.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<em>Cover picture: Japanbook.net.<\/em>","post_title":"Ise Shrine Travel Guide: Access & What to See","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"ise-shrine-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-05-21 11:09:38","post_modified_gmt":"2021-05-21 09:09:38","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=13740","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":511,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2016-10-24 10:56:44","post_date_gmt":"2016-10-24 08:56:44","post_content":"<strong>Located in the heavily forested Wakayama mountains<\/strong>, Mount Koyasan is an <strong>important religious destination<\/strong> in Kansai, as well as a popular tourist attraction.\r\n\r\nThe cradle of Shingon Buddhism, it offers <strong>over 100 temples and pagodas<\/strong> to explore, as well as the mysterious Okunoin cemetery, where spirits are said to roam. Perfect for a day trip, visitors also have the option to stay overnight in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shukubo-in-japan\">temple lodging<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>Location and religious significance<\/h2>\r\nMt. Koya (<em>Koya-san,<\/em> in Japanese) is located in the Wakayama prefecture in the Kansai region - south of Osaka. This is the very center of <strong>Shingon Buddhism<\/strong> - one of the leading Buddhist sects in Japan. Founder and a leader of this teaching was the great <strong>Kobo Daishi<\/strong> (774-835), who is believed to have seen the Great Buddha, after coming out of his meditation.\r\n\r\nHis <strong>mausoleum<\/strong> is an absolute must for all visitors - foreign and locals, as this is also considered <strong>one of the most sacred places in all of Japan<\/strong>. It is said that Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon Buddhism, is not dead but in eternal meditation while awaiting Miroku Nyorai - the Buddha of the Future. During his time in meditation, people say that Kobo Daishi helps those who ask for salvation and relief.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_517\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"600\"]<img class=\"wp-image-517\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-danjogaran-temple.jpg\" alt=\"Koyasan Danjogaran temple\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/> Koyasan Danjogaran temple by 663 highland @ Wikimedia[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn relation to this, the Shingon school teaches of thirteen Buddhas who assist people during their life on earth and continue helping them after death to find the<strong> path to enlightenment<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>What to see in Mount Koya<\/h2>\r\nDo not miss out on learning more about the <b>Pilgrimage Trails of Mount Koya<\/b> that take close to two months to complete on foot. People say that after making only one journey of this kind, it will change your views on life completely.\r\n\r\nWhat is more, this is the perfect place for a night in a <b>temple lodging<\/b>. One of the best ways to experience the traditional, spiritual and humble life of the Buddhist monks for a night.\r\n\r\nTraveling to the area\u00a0will take you through its dense forests and traditional architecture, consisting of <strong>over a hundred Buddhist temples<\/strong>. The temples are spread around two distinctive areas: temples and pagodas (3 or 5-story structure, with Indian origins) to the west of Mount Koya. <b>Okunoin<\/b>, the largest and most mysterious cemetery in all of Japan is in the east area. The Japanese believe there are no dead in Okunoin - just awaiting spirits.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, tourists and pilgrims can also stay at a <strong>temple lodging<\/strong>, accustomed to foreign guests, which allow experiencing the simple and long-established lifestyle of the Buddhist monks. You can do so through <a href=\"http:\/\/japaneseguesthouses.com\/ryokan-search-results\/?area=Mt+Koya\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Japanese Guest Houses <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/eng-shukubo.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Koyasan Shukubo Association<\/a> websites.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_518\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"600\"]<img class=\"wp-image-518\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/mount-koya-streetlights.jpg\" alt=\"Okunion cemetary streetlights\" width=\"600\" height=\"401\" \/> Okunion cemetary by Jordy Meow @ Wikimedia[\/caption]\r\n<h2>How to get to Mount Koya with the JR Pass<\/h2>\r\nIt is possible to reach Mount Koya using your Japan Rail Pass. However, it will be slightly slower in comparison with the journey, described below.\r\n\r\nTake the <b>JR Kuroshio train from Shin-Osaka <\/b>to reach Wakayama station. The train ride will take close to an hour.\r\n\r\n<b>Note:<\/b> Shin-Osaka is not the central station in Osaka, but the hub for shinkansen bullet trains. However, if you have come from Tokyo, this would have been your final station.\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Once at <b>Wakayama Station, take the JR Wakayama line<\/b> for 19 stops, until you reach<b> Hashimoto station<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Reaching Hashimoto from Wakayama will also take about an hour.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>From Hashimoto station take the <b>Nankai-Koya line<\/b> and ride for 9 stops, until <b>Gokurakubashi station<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>From there, take the Nankai Koyasan Cable car for a short 5-minute ride. Get off at <b>Koyasan station<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Reaching Mount Koya without JR Pass<\/h2>\r\nFollowing is a detailed guide on how to reach Mount Koya <strong>from Osaka<\/strong>.\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Take the <b>Nankai line from Osaka\u2019s stations - Nanka or Shin-Imamiya<\/b>. Take the Nankai line from any of these two stations and ride to <b>Gokurakubashi station<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Once at Gokurakubashi, take the <strong>Nankai Koyasan Cable car<\/strong>. It will take you up to Koyasan Station for 390 yen. The journey takes no longer than 5 minutes.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>From there you will have to walk about 2.3 km (1.42 miles) until you reach your final destination. It takes approximately 40 minutes to get to the Buddhist area from Koyasan station.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nAn alternative would be to make a short bus ride for just 10 minutes, costing you 290 yen to <b>Senjuinbashi <\/b>- this is city center where all the tourist information and offices are located.\r\n\r\nYou can also save money by purchasing the <strong>Koyasan World Heritage Ticket<\/strong>, a combined ticket that includes train, cable car and buses.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_519\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"600\"]<img class=\"wp-image-519\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/koyasan-station-platform.jpg\" alt=\"Koyasan cable car at the station platform\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/> Koyasan cable car at the station platform by Rsa @ Wikimedia[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Getting around\u00a0the Koyasan area<\/h2>\r\nOnce there you can move around easily. However, three\u00a0<strong>local bus lines<\/strong> commute to some of the main temples and tourist attractions. These buses can be very helpful in case the weather doesn\u2019t allow long walks in the forest.\r\n\r\nFor further information about routes and timetables, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nankai.co.jp\/en_railway\/traffic\/station\/koyasan.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nankai Koyasan station guide<\/a>\u00a0and our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/maps\">map of the Kansai area<\/a>\u00a0trains.\r\n\r\n<em>Cover picture:\u00a0Koyasan monks by Crystallineradical @ Flickr<\/em>","post_title":"Mount Koya day trip, temple stay and itineraries","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"mount-koya","to_ping":"","pinged":"\nhttp:\/\/japaneseguesthouses.com\/ryokan-search-results\/?area=Mt+Koya","post_modified":"2025-11-25 17:52:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-11-25 16:52:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=511","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":11261,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-11-29 07:00:04","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-29 06:00:04","post_content":"One of the most famous historical sites in all of Japan, Osaka castle is <strong>situated right in the heart of the city<\/strong> of the same name and distinctive for its unique roof shape and stately white walls with gold leaf accents.\r\n\r\nSurrounded by thick rock walls, moats and the stunning <strong>Nishinomaru Garden<\/strong>, the castle is particularly popular among tourists during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">Sakura cherry blossom<\/a> in the spring.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>How to get to Osaka Castle<\/h2>\r\nOsaka Castle is <strong>easily accessible from the JR Osakajokoen Station<\/strong>. Use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> to access the station.\r\n\r\nFor example, you can travel <strong>from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-namba-station\">Namba<\/a> to Osakajokoen Station on the JR West <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Loop Line<\/a><\/strong>. Exit the station to the west and cross into the Osaka Castle Park. From there, you can meander lovely trails to reach the castle proper.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d13122.829642376413!2d135.5259555!3d34.6873333!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0xf01d07d5ca11e41!2sOsaka%20Castle!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1574929495258!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>[banner-en]\r\n<h2>History<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Osaka Castle stands on the former site of the Ishiyama Hoganji Temple<\/strong>. In 1583, during the Sengoku period, warrior and feudal lord <strong>Toyotomi Hideyoshi<\/strong> desired to build a castle that both mirrored and exceeded that of fellow lord Oda Nobunaga. It would <strong>serve as the ruling epicenter of a recently unified Japan<\/strong>. The castle, <strong>the largest of its time<\/strong>, was completed in 1597, and Toyotomi died the following year.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11267\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-11267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/hideyoshi-castle-ancient-osaka-castle-800x620.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"620\" \/> Reproduction of Hideyoshi's castle - Image by Kansai Odyssey[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the year 1600, a 200,000-man army came up against the castle. Though outnumbered two to one, the Toyotomi forces routed the army thanks to the castle\u2019s unique defenses. <strong>By 1620, however, the Tokugawa clan overtook the castle and its buildings burned<\/strong>. The castle and its walls were then rebuilt. Over the years, conflict, accident, and natural disasters inflicted damage to the castle buildings. Much of it burned during civil conflicts in 1868, and the grounds became an arsenal that manufactured guns and ammunition for the Japanese army.\r\n\r\n<strong>In 1931, the current castle structure was rebuilt<\/strong>. But, as the castle was a major military armory, it was <strong>bombed during World War II<\/strong>. Finally, in 1995, the government of Osaka embarked on a project to restore the castle to its former glory. Work was <strong>completed in 1997<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>Castle grounds<\/h2>\r\nThe castle grounds are approximately <strong>15 acres<\/strong>, or two square kilometers, in size. <strong>Thirteen structures have been designated as \u201ccultural assets.\u201d<\/strong> These include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The Ote-mon Gate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Three sections of castle walls located around this gate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sakura-mon Gate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ichiban-yagura Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Inui-yagura Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Rokuban-yagura Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sengan Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tamon Turret<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kinmeisui Well<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Kinzo Storehouse<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Enshogura Gunpowder Magazine<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe castle is <strong>surrounded by moats and steep rock walls<\/strong>. The <strong>main tower has five visible stories and eight total stories<\/strong>. The exterior of the building is a reproduction of the original. The interior functions as a <strong>museum on the history of Osaka castle and the surrounding city<\/strong>. At night, the castle grounds are illuminated by sodium lamps.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11272\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-11272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-castle-grounds-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka castle grounds\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> View of Osaka Castle grpunds - Phot by 663highland under CC[\/caption]\r\n\r\nOsaka castle is <strong>especially popular during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossom season<\/a><\/strong> when the sakura trees are in full bloom. The grounds are also home to the <strong>Osakajo Hall<\/strong> multi-purpose arena, sports facilities including a baseball diamond, and a shrine to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.\r\n<h2>Nishinomaru Garden - The Osaka Castle Park<\/h2>\r\n<strong>The Nishinomaru Garden resides in the castle\u2019s former western citadel.<\/strong> The lawn garden features around <strong>600 cherry trees<\/strong> and a tea house. The garden offers <strong>stunning views of the castle<\/strong>. In the spring of each year, many families have hanami beneath the cherry trees. Many also visit for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">koyo viewing in autumn<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11277\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-11277\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-castle-park-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Nishinomaru garden - Osaka Castle Park\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Nishinomaru Garden with Osaka castle in the background.[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Opening Hours and Admission Fees<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Most of the castle grounds do not require an entrance fee<\/strong>, with the exception of the castle tower and the garden.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>castle tower<\/strong> is open daily<strong> from 9 am to 5 pm<\/strong>. Hours may be extended during special events or on holidays. The tower is <strong>closed between December 28 and January 1<\/strong> each year. Admission is <strong>600 yen<\/strong> for adults, and free to youths aged 15 and under. Group discounts are available.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Nishinomaru Garden<\/strong> is open from <strong>9 am to 4:30 or 5 pm<\/strong>. Hours are extended to 9 pm during the cherry blossom season. The garden is <strong>closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays<\/strong>. Admission is <strong>200 yen<\/strong> most of the year and <strong>350 yen during the cherry blossom season<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Things to do near Osaka Castle<\/h2>\r\nThe city of Osaka affords no shortage of things to do. <strong>After spending a half day at the castle<\/strong>, you might consider a trip to<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\">Dotonbori<\/a>, near Namba station<\/strong>. This popular entertainment, dining, and shopping district is lit by hundreds of glowing signs, including the famous <em>Kani Doraku crab<\/em> and the historic <em>Glico Running Man sign<\/em>.","post_title":"Visiting Osaka Castle and Nishinomaru Garden","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"osaka-castle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-05-14 09:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2021-05-14 07:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=11261","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7777,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-05-03 07:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2019-05-03 05:00:03","post_content":"Kyoto\u2019s Kyomizu-dera Temple is <strong>one of the most celebrated of Japan\u2019s numerous temples and shrines<\/strong>. The meaning of its name is literally translated \u201c<em>Pure Water Temple<\/em>\u201d. This name is derived from the pristine waters of the <strong>Otowa Waterfall<\/strong>, on which site the temple was built. It is also famous for its large <strong>wooden terrace<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Kyomizu-dera was <strong>founded in 780<\/strong>. Its present structures were erected in 1633. It was originally associated with one of the oldest schools of <strong>Japanese Buddhism<\/strong>, the Hosso sect. Since 1965, it has hosted its own Kita Hosso sect.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nSince 1994, the Kiyomizu-dera has been included on the list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/a>. Wondering what to see on your visit to Kiyomizu-dera? Use this travel guide to map out your adventure, and you\u2019ll discover some interesting facts along the way.\r\n<h2>How to Get to Kiyomizu-dera<\/h2>\r\nThe best way to get to <strong>Kiyomizu-dera from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a><\/strong> is taking the number <strong>100 or 206 Bus at Kyoto Ekimae Bus Stop<\/strong>, just in the north exit of Tokyo Station. The bus ride is about 15 minutes (4 stops, 230 yen) to <strong>Goyo-zaka Bus Stop<\/strong>. From there, it is a <strong>10 minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera<\/strong> temple.\r\n\r\nUse your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> to travel to <strong>Kyoto Station <\/strong>if you want to visit Kiyomizu-dera from Osaka.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" title=\"How to get to Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d7774.4566216658095!2d135.76589125825558!3d34.98776721458519!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x600108ae918b02ef%3A0xb61a446e74a21c08!2sKyoto+Station%2C+Higashishiokoji+Kamadonocho%2C+Shimogyo+Ward%2C+Kioto%2C+Prefectura+de+Kioto%2C+Jap%C3%B3n!3m2!1d34.985849!2d135.7587667!4m5!1s0x600108d385dcfb07%3A0x62af658650c434ba!2sKiyomizu-dera%2C+1-ch%C5%8Dme-294+Tatsumicho%2C+Higashiyama-ku%2C+Kyoto%2C+605-0862%2C+Jap%C3%B3n!3m2!1d34.9948561!2d135.7850463!5e0!3m2!1ses!2ses!4v1556194972519!5m2!1ses!2ses\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Opening Hours and Entrance Fee<\/h2>\r\nThe Kiyomizu-dera Temple is <strong>open daily from 6 am to 6 pm<\/strong>; closing time is extended to 6:30 pm on certain days during the summer, and until 9 pm during the night illumination.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>admission fee is 400 yen<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>What to see in Kiyomizu-dera temple<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Hagashiyama district<\/h3>\r\nAs you approach the Kiyomizu-dera, you will traverse the streets of the <strong>Higashiyama District<\/strong>, whose shops have served temple pilgrims for centuries. You\u2019ll find local delicacies, souvenirs, and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7790\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-7790 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/hagashiyama-district-kyoto.jpg\" alt=\"Hagashiyama district street, Yasaka Pagoda in the backgorund\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Hagashiyama district street, Yasaka Pagoda in the backgorund[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Kannon statue<\/h3>\r\nWithin the main hall, you will find this temple\u2019s primary object of worship: a <strong>statue Kannon<\/strong>, the goddess of mercy and compassion, bearing <strong>eleven faces and a forty-two arms<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7794\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-7794\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kannon-satue-kiyomizu-dera.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Kannon statue, Kiyomidu-dera Temple - Image \u00a9 Kiyomizu-dera Temple[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Wooden terrace<\/h3>\r\nA <strong>wooden stage or terrace<\/strong> is connected to the main hall. At <strong>13 meters (43 feet) above the hillside<\/strong>, the terrace offers a view of Kyoto and the surrounding terrain. During the Edo period, it was believed that if you survived a jump from the terrace, your wishes would be granted. Interestingly, both the main hall and the terrace were built without the use of nails.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7802\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-7802 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kiyomizu-dera-wooden-terrace.jpg\" alt=\"Kiyomizu-dera's wooden terrace\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Kiyomizu-dera's wooden terrace[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Otowa waterfall<\/h3>\r\nAt the base of the main hall is the <strong>Otowa Waterfall<\/strong>, whose waters are divided into three streams. Each is said to bring a benefit to those who drink from it - long life, success at school, and success in love, respectively. Visitors can use cups with long handles to capture the water of their choice, but <strong>drinking from all three is considered greedy<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7806\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-7806\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/otowa-waterfall-kiyomizu-dera.jpg\" alt=\"Otowa waterfall, Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto)\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Otowa waterfall, Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto) - Image by big-ashb @Flickr[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Jishu Shrine<\/h3>\r\nBehind the main hall is the <strong>Jishu Shrine<\/strong>, which is dedicated to a deity of love and matchmaking. Two \u201clove stones\u201d stand at the front of the shrine; it is said that if you are able to traverse the <strong>18 meters (60 feet) from one stone to the other with your eyes closed, you will have luck in finding love<\/strong>. If someone must guide you, you will need a matchmaker or intermediary to help.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7810\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-7810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/jishu-shrine-kyoto.jpg\" alt=\"Jishu Temple in the Kiyomizu-dera grounds\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Jishu Temple in the Kiyomizu-dera grounds, Kyoto - Image by KENPEI @Wikimedia[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Okunoin Hall<\/h3>\r\nAlso on the grounds are the smaller <strong>Okunoin Hall<\/strong>, halls dedicated to the historical Shaka and the Amida Buddha, a three-storied pagoda called <strong>Koyasu Pagoda<\/strong> that is said to bring about safe childbirth, and a small hall dedicated to Jizo, said to be the protector of both children and travelers. This hall holds <strong>over 200 small statues<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nJust outside of the temple grounds are other historic structures to explore. One of these is the <strong>Zuigudo hall<\/strong>, dedicated to the mother of Buddha. It has a dark basement meant to symbolize a mother\u2019s womb.\r\n\r\nDuring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/new-year-in-japan\">New Year\u2019s celebrations<\/a> and the summer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/obon-festival-in-japan\">obon<\/a>, booths fill the temple grounds, selling souvenirs and traditional holiday foods.\r\n<p class=\"note\">It should be noted that the Kiyomizu-dera has been <strong>under renovation since February 2017<\/strong>. Until renovations to the roof are <strong>completed in March 2020<\/strong>, the main hall will be covered with scaffolding. However, visitors will still be permitted inside the main hall during renovations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Spring and Fall Illumination<\/h2>\r\nVisitors to the Kiyomizu-dera delight in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry trees<\/a> that blossom each spring and the blazing foliage of maple trees in the fall. If you visit the temple after dark, however, the <strong>twice-yearly night illumination<\/strong> will paint yet another perspective.\r\n\r\nAlong with other nearby shrines and temples, the <strong>Kiyomizu-dera is illuminated during the Hanatoro event held each year in mid-March<\/strong>. The temple is also illuminated in the <strong>second half of November, during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">koyo autumn leaf viewing season<\/a><\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7798\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-7798 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/kiyomizu-dera-illumination.jpg\" alt=\"Kiyomidu-dera illuminated during the Fall\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Kiyomidu-dera illuminated during the Fall[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Seiryu-e Dragon Festival<\/h2>\r\nWhat is the Seiryu-e dragon festival? Seiryu-e is <strong>one of the newest festivals on the Japanese calendar<\/strong>. It has only been celebrated since 2000 but that doesn\u2019t make any less fun and fascinating.\r\n\r\nThe festival is <strong>held every spring and autumn<\/strong> to honor Seiryu, a <strong>blue dragon who is one of the four divine god-beasts<\/strong> and an incarnation of Kannon. Seiryu is said to <strong>protect Kyoto<\/strong>\u2019s east borders against potential disasters and bad luck and the city now honors him.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10148\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-10148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/seiryue-e-dragon-kiyomizu-dera-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Seiryu-e Dragon drinking from the waterfall during the festival\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Seiryu-e Dragon drinking from the waterfall during the festival - Photo courtesy of \u00a9 Kiyomizu-dera Temple[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe <strong>18m-long dragon appears with three armoured men<\/strong> and they dance through the city along with a procession. The celebrations are visually spectacular and include music.\r\n\r\n<strong>Where is the festival?<\/strong> The dragon apppears from Kiyomizu-dera and continues through Okunoin hall and temple grounds.\r\n\r\n<strong>When is the festival?<\/strong> There are two a year, one in the spring and one in autumn. The schedule starts at 2 pm and ends at 3:30 pm. There is no entrance fee.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Spring dates<\/strong>: March 14-15 and April 3.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Autumn dates<\/strong>: September 14-15.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe Kiyomizu-dera Temple is among <strong>Kyoto\u2019s top attractions<\/strong>. With your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a> in hand, you are ready to explore this and all that Japan has to offer.","post_title":"Visiting Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kiyomizu-dera-temple","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-05 15:38:04","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-05 13:38:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=7777","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":6335,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-01-18 09:00:08","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-18 08:00:08","post_content":"To your left and to your right are massive red beams with blackened footings. Above you, too, are red beams with sparklings of sunlight filtering through in between. The color, called <i>shuiro<\/i> in Japanese, is said to represent the sun. The <strong>torii gates<\/strong> tower above you, but lessen in number as you ascend the mountain.\r\n\r\nWhen you reach the <strong>Yotsutsuji intersection<\/strong>, halfway up the mountain, all of <strong>Kyoto sprawls before you in a breathtaking panorama<\/strong>. This is what a trek on the hiking trails of <strong>Kyoto\u2019s Fushimi Inari shrine<\/strong> is like.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThe Fushimi Inari Shrine is considered <strong>one of the top attractions for foreign visitors to Japan<\/strong>. Why? It captures quintessential elements of Japanese culture, <strong>religious, architectural, environmental, and culinary<\/strong>. It has also been featured in popular films including <i>Memoirs of a Geisha,<\/i> and it is one of the area\u2019s best <strong>free attractions<\/strong>. It is the perfect complement to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\nFushimi Inari is one of several thousand Japanese shrines devoted to <strong>Inari, the Shinto god of rice, grain, abundant crops, success in business, and fortune<\/strong>. It is also the most important of these shrines. Fushimi Inari is an ancient shrine. It predates the move of the Japanese capital to Kyoto in the year 794. It was founded in 717 and moved to its current location in 816.\r\n<h2>How to get to Fushimi Inari<\/h2>\r\nFushimi Inari is located in <strong>southern <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a>, just outside the JR Inari Station<\/strong>. From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a>, take the <strong>JR Nara Line<\/strong>. Inari Station is the second station along this line, and the trip takes <strong>about five minutes<\/strong>. The fee is <strong>completely covered by the JR Pass<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, it can also be reached from the <strong>Fushimi-Inari station on the Keihan main line<\/strong>, but it is slightly farther from the entrance to Fushimi-Inari Shrine and is not covered by the JR Pass.\r\n<h3>Osaka to Fushimi Inari<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to visit Fushimi Inari from Osaka, You can go <strong>from Osaka to Fushimi Inari<\/strong> by going up a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen<\/a> in Shin-Osaka to Kyoto Station on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen line<\/a> and, from there, go by the JR Nara Line to the Inari station. All the trip is covered by the JR Pass.\r\n<h3><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a> to Fushimi Inari<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAs <strong>the JR Inari station is on JR Nara Line<\/strong>, you can reach Fushimi Inari from the JR Nara Station.\r\n\r\nThis is a <strong>direct trip<\/strong> that will take you a little less than 1 hour, passing by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/uji-travel-guide\">Uji<\/a> Station.\r\n<h2>Hours and fees<\/h2>\r\nThe shrine is <strong>always open<\/strong>, even on weekends and holidays. It is staffed between 9 am and 5 pm. <strong>Admission is free<\/strong>. Having no entrance fee is a unique feature among Kyoto\u2019s shrines.\r\n\r\n<strong>To avoid the crowds<\/strong>, we recommend visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine early in the morning, between 7 and 8 am or during the night.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" style=\"background-color: #f43755; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/prices\">Book your Japan Rail Pass now<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Visiting Fushimi Inari: the highligths<\/h2>\r\nWhen you arrive at Fushimi Inari, you will walk beneath a <strong>giant torii gate at the shrine\u2019s entrance<\/strong>. Next, you will see the <strong>Romon Gate<\/strong>, which in the year 1589 was donated to the shrine by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous general of that time. Shrine buildings with unique architecture lie beyond. Visitors are expected to <strong>pay respect to the deity<\/strong> by making a small offering at the shrine\u2019s main hall, or <strong>Honden<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6339\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-6339 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/romon-gate-fushimi-inari.jpg\" alt=\"Romon Gate at Fushimini Inari \" width=\"800\" height=\"400\"> Romon Gate, Fushimi Inari - By Yanajin33 under CC[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn addition to the majestic <strong>torii gates<\/strong> - over 32,000 in number - you may notice a number of <strong>fox statues<\/strong> when you visit Fushimi Inari. Foxes, called <i>kitsune,<\/i> are thought to be the <strong>messengers of the god Inari<\/strong>, so they are also honored at his shrine.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6342\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-6342\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/kitsune-fox-statue-fushimi-inari.jpg\" alt=\"Kitsune Fox Statue, Fushimi Inari\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"> Kitsune Fox Statue, Fushimi Inari - by S\u00e9bastien Bertrand under CC BY 2.0[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Fushimi Inari map<\/h3>\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1wEDGn8tqi8-qhpGref-MHoVwNtaOSef2\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Senbon Torii: The hiking trail of torii gates<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Thousands of torii gates straddle the trails that connect the main buildings of the Fushimi Inari Shrine<\/strong>. The trails also diverge into the nearby forest at the base of the sacred Mount Inari. The entrance to the hiking trail is located at the back of the shrine\u2019s main grounds.\r\n\r\nThe beginning of the parallel trails is covered by densely packed rows of torii gates called <strong>the Senbon Torii<\/strong>, meaning \u201c<em>thousands of torii gates<\/em>\". Many of the gates were donated by individuals or companies, the names and dates of which are inscribed on the back side of each gate.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1394\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1394 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/fushimi-inari-shrine-e1494925870759.jpg\" alt=\"Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Senbon Torii\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\"> Senbon Torii, the Thousand Torii gates[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Hiking to the summit of Mount Inari takes two to three hours round trip<\/strong>. Trails are well marked, but you can view the map above. <strong>Along the trail are many smaller shrines<\/strong>; many of these include miniature torii gates donated by visitors. Several restaurants are also located along the trail, featuring Inari and fox themed dishes. Many of these include <i>aburaage<\/i>, or fried tofu, thought to be a favorite treat for foxes.\r\n\r\nWould you like to leave your mark on the Senbon Torii? The cost of donating a torii gate starts at around \u00a5400,000 (just over $3,500 USD). The largest gates require a donation of over one million yen (almost $9,000 USD). The miniature gates left at shrines along the path can be purchased for \u00a52,500, or about $22 USD.\r\n<h3>Fushimi Inari hiking by night<\/h3>\r\nSince the shrine does not close, <strong>you can hike the trails at night<\/strong>. Be sure to bring a flashlight, and dress warmly during fall, winter, and spring. Many people feel that the solitude of a nighttime hike makes <strong>this an ideal time to visit the shrine<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<em>Cover Photo: Senbon Torii, Fushimi Inari, by M338 under CC BY - SA 3.0<\/em>","post_title":"Fushimi Inari-Taisha: The Shrine of the Thousand Torii Gates","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-04-02 17:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2019-04-02 15:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=6335","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9660,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-08-23 07:00:24","post_date_gmt":"2019-08-23 05:00:24","post_content":"Another fantastic location at which to view the sakura blossom, this <strong>elegant wooden castle<\/strong> is one of the best-preserved from Japan\u2019s Edo Period.\r\n\r\nSurrounded by stone fortifications and moats, the central structure, Ninomaru Palace, was also historically well-protected from intruders by secret features such as booby-trapped floors. Can be reached in <strong>under 20 minutes from central Kyoto<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>A brief history of Nijo Castle<\/h2>\r\nNijo Castle, called <em>Nijojo<\/em> in Japanese, was <strong>built in 1603<\/strong>. It served as <strong>Tokugawa Ieyasu\u2019s residence<\/strong> in Kyoto. Ieyasu was the Edo Period\u2019s first shogun, or ruler of the country.\r\n\r\nIt took <strong>23 years for construction<\/strong> of the castle to be completed. The shogun\u2019s grandson finally added a <strong>five-story castle keep<\/strong>, or tower. The keep is a prominent structure and one of the most defensible.\r\n\r\nBeginning in 1867, the castle became an <strong>imperial palace<\/strong>. It was later donated to the city of Kyoto and opened to the public as a historic site. As one of the most well-preserved castles of its era, Nijo Castle was named a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> in 1994.\r\n<h2>How to get to Nijo Castle<\/h2>\r\nDeparting from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a>, travel to <strong>Karasuma-Oike Station on the Karasuma Subway Line<\/strong>. From there, transfer to the <strong>Tozai Line<\/strong>, headed for <strong>Nijojo-mae Station<\/strong>. Keep in mind <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/maps\">Kyoto subway lines<\/a> are not covered by Japan Rail Pass. Additional fees may be incurred above what is covered by your Japan Rail Pass. The castle is a short walk away.\r\n\r\nIf you have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>, you can take <strong>JR Sanin line from Kyoto Station to Nijo Station<\/strong>, a 6 minutes train trip, and then, walk to Nijo Castle entrance, under 15-minutes walk.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you can take <strong>Kyoto City Bus numbers 9, 50, or 101 from Kyoto Station<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3267.6891149333333!2d135.74902259596394!3d35.01448662410461!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x600107d40a2b9b0b%3A0x106b8759906a2f2f!2sCastillo+Nij%C5%8D!5e0!3m2!1ses!2ses!4v1565949673148!5m2!1ses!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Hours and entrance fees<\/h2>\r\nNiji Castle is <strong>open daily from 8:45 am to 5 pm<\/strong>. The castle is <strong>closed each Tuesday in January, July, August, and December<\/strong>. If a national holiday falls on Tuesday during these months, the castle will also be closed on the following Wednesday. It is <strong>closed from December 29 to 31 each year<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nAdmission is <strong>600 yen, and an additional 400 yen is charged for admission to Ninomaru Palace<\/strong>. Self-guided audio tours in English are available at a kiosk inside the main gate. These audio guides are rented for 500 yen.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Highlights of Nijo Castle<\/h2>\r\nNijo castle can be divided into three distinct portions. First, the grounds of the castle are entirely surrounded by moats and stone walls. <strong>You will enter the castle through a large gate on the eastern wall<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nNext, you will enter the <strong>Ninomaru through the Chinese-style Karamon Gate<\/strong>. The Ninomaru is the <strong>secondary circle of defense<\/strong>, and home to the castle\u2019s main attraction, the <strong>Ninomaru Palace<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9671\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-9671\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nijo-castle-ninomaru-palace-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Ninomaru palace in Nijo Castle, Kyoto\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Nijo Castle, Ninomaru Palace. Kyoto - Photo by Tatters under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\">CC<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThis palace consists of <strong>separate buildings that are connected to one another via corridors<\/strong>. The tour route includes inner rooms that were once accessible to only the most prominent guests or the shogun himself. Many of the rooms contain <strong>visible or concealed doors where the shogun\u2019s bodyguards would hide<\/strong>. Beyond the palace lies <strong>Ninomaru Garden<\/strong>, which includes a pond and pine trees manicured in the traditional landscape garden style.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Honmaru, or main circle of defense<\/strong>, is the innermost portion of the castle. <strong>The Honmaru includes a second palace as well as the castle keep<\/strong>. While the gardens of the Honmaru are always accessible, the palace itself is opened to the public only on special occasions.\r\n\r\nA green space surrounds both the Honmaru and Ninomaru. This space features hundreds of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-places-plum-blossoms\">plum<\/a> and cherry trees of different varieties. Due to late-blooming types, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">sakura season<\/a> at Nijo Castle typically extends <strong>from late March through late April<\/strong>. Brilliant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">autumn colors<\/a> can be seen in late November, due to red maple and yellow ginkgo trees.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9661\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-9661\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nijo-castle-aereal-view-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Nijo Castle's aerial view\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Nijo Castle's aerial view - Photo by Saki Fujimaki[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe most recent addition to the castle is the <strong>Seiryu-en Garden<\/strong>, constructed in 1965. This cultural event venue features two tea houses and <strong>over 1,000 stones that have been precisely arranged<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>The nightingale floors<\/h2>\r\nAs mentioned earlier, the buildings of Ninomaru Palace are connected to one another using corridors. Each of these corridors was equipped with <strong>special security measures to keep the shogun safe<\/strong>. The flooring, know as \u201cnightingale floors,\u201d were <strong>designed to squeak when walked on<\/strong>. This would alert residents to any intruders.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-9676\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nightingale-floors-nijo-castle-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Nigthingale floors, Nijo CAstle\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Why the name \u201cnightingale floors\u201d?<\/strong> The nightingale is a type of bird called <em>uguisu<\/em> in Japanese. <strong>The squeaking of the floors could be compared to the chirp of this bird<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<em>Cover image by \u00a9JNTO<\/em>","post_title":"Exploring Nijo Castle: Kyoto travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"nijo-castle-kyoto","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-05-14 09:56:31","post_modified_gmt":"2021-05-14 07:56:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=9660","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":8150,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-05-17 07:00:18","post_date_gmt":"2019-05-17 05:00:18","post_content":"Situated in <strong>northwestern Kyoto<\/strong>, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO Heritage Site<\/a> has a long and turbulent history dating back to 1397 and has been rebuilt numerous times, most recently in 1955.\r\n\r\nWidely considered the most famous temple in Japan and visited by a large number of both Japanese and international tourists year-round, it is <strong>easy to access and just a 40-minute bus ride from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto station<\/a><\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>The Golden Pavilion<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Kinkaku-ji is known as \u201cthe Golden Pavilion\u201d<\/strong> for a very special reason - its top two stories are actually <strong>covered in gold leaf<\/strong>. Its shining surface reflects into the <em>kyoko-chi<\/em>, or <strong>Mirror Pond<\/strong>. Stationed at the foot of Kinugasa Hill, the temple grounds are wooded and present <strong>a lovely place for strolling and meditation<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9208\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-9208 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/kinkaku-ji-kyoto-closeup-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Detail of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Detail of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe temple grounds are esteemed for their <strong>beauty year-round<\/strong>. Chinese motifs are apparent in the garden, and the grounds are especially stunning when decked in red <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">autumn foliage<\/a> or blanketed with winter snows.\r\n\r\nWhen visiting Kinkaku-ji, you will enter through the <strong>Chumon Gate<\/strong>, strolling a path shaded by pine and maple trees. The temple building displays both <strong>Heian Period shinden architecture and bukke samurai style architecture<\/strong>, as well as that of a<strong> Chinese Zen Hall<\/strong>. <strong>Statues of Buddha, Yoshimitsu (the temple\u2019s founder), and other Buddhist icons<\/strong> can be seen inside, and a <strong>bronze phoenix statue<\/strong> perches on the roof.\r\n\r\nIn the <strong>Upper Garden<\/strong> near the rear gate, you will find a small temple dedicated to the Buddhist deity Fudo Myo-o. Also on the grounds are a pond that is said to never dry out, and statues at which people throw coins for good luck.\r\n\r\nYou can also enjoy the <strong>Sekkatei Teahouse<\/strong>, an Edo Period addition to the temple complex. Beyond the temple grounds exit are souvenir shops and a tea garden.\r\n<h2>History of Kinkaku-ji<\/h2>\r\nThe original structure of Kinkaku-ji was <strong>erected in 1397.<\/strong> It adheres to the Shoku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen, founded by Muso Soseki during the Muromachi Period. The building itself was first a <strong>villa owned by court noble<\/strong>. Later, it was used as a retirement home by a well-known shogun. Finally, at his request his son converted the structure into a Zen temple, naming it Rokuonji. This temple was <strong>destroyed several times<\/strong> by the fires of wartime. A similar temple, the <strong>Ginkaku-ji or Silver Pavilion<\/strong>, was built by the shogun\u2019s grandson on the other side of Kyoto a few decades later.\r\n\r\n<strong>In 1950, Kinkaku-ji was burned to the ground<\/strong> by a disgruntled young Buddhist monk. This event and the temple itself served as the setting for Yukio Mishima\u2019s 1956 novel, <em>The Temple of the Golden Pavilion<\/em>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kinkaku-ji was rebuilt in 1955, and additional gold leaf was added in 1987<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>How to get to Kinkaku-ji<\/h2>\r\nFrom <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\"><strong>Kyoto Station<\/strong><\/a>, take <strong>Kyoto city buses #101<\/strong> (departing from Stand B2) or <strong>#205<\/strong> (departing from Stand B3). Be careful, there is another service called Rapid #205 that don't reach Kinkaku-ji. You can also cacth <strong>Raku Buses #101 or #102<\/strong>. Each of these buses stops at Kinkaku-ji (<strong>Kinkakuji-Michi Bus Stop<\/strong>), a trip of about <strong>40 minutes and 230 yens<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nKinkaku-ji is a <strong>short walk north from the Hirano and Waratenjin Shrines<\/strong>. Bicycling is recommended if you would like to tour <strong>Ryoanji, and Ninnaji Temples<\/strong> in addition to Kinkaku-ji.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, if you want to seize the day and <strong>also visit the Nijo Castle<\/strong>, which is halfway from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji, you could go <strong>from Kyoto Station to Nijo Station via the JR Sanin line <\/strong>(covered by your JR Pass)\u00a0and after visiting the Nijo Castle, take the JR Sanin again <strong>to Emmachi Station<\/strong>, the next stop.\r\n\r\nWalking less than 5 minutes from Emmachi Station, you can <strong>get on bus #205 at the Nishinokyo Enmachi bus stop that will take you to the Kinkaku-ji<\/strong> bus stop.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1AAczG1XWIuEjnAUTH2n7PD0_QDCqi_RR&amp;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Opening hours and entrance fees<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Kinkaku-ji is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is \u00a5400 for adults and \u00a5300 for children<\/strong>. Access to the inside of the temple is not permitted, but you may enjoy the gardens and views of the temple from the outside.\r\n<h2>Attractions near Kinkaku-ji<\/h2>\r\nNumerous other temples, shrines, and historic sites are located within walking distance of Kinkaku-ji. These include <strong>Ryoanji Temple, Tojiin Temple, and Ninnaji Temple<\/strong>. Walk to the south and you will find <strong>Hirano Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9214\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-9214 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/ryoan-ji-kyoto-800x638.jpg\" alt=\"ryoanji temple zen garden\" width=\"800\" height=\"638\" \/> Zen garden at the Ryoan-ji temple[\/caption]\r\n\r\nTo the east of Nishioji Station, accessed via the JR Kyoto Line, is a bicycle rental shop. You will also find Japanese and European style restaurants as well as a public bath.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Kyoto Museum for World Peace<\/strong> and the <strong>Domoto Museum of Fine Art<\/strong> are also located a short distance away. From the JR Kintetsu Kyoto Station, take city bus #50 to the Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae bus stop. The museums are located two blocks south of the bus stop.\r\n\r\nIf your travels are taking you to Kyoto, <strong>start planning your visit to Kinkaku-ji today<\/strong>. You\u2019ll be able to travel quickly and easily using your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.","post_title":"Kinkaku-Ji: The temple of the Golden Pavilion","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kinkaku-ji-golden-pavilion","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-30 09:49:09","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-30 08:49:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=8150","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9383,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-08-02 07:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-08-02 05:00:23","post_content":"<strong>Byodoin is a stunning Buddhist temple located in the small city of Uji<\/strong>. There is an incredible amount to see at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage<\/a> site which has drawn visitors for over 1000 years.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s such an <strong>iconic landmark in Japan<\/strong> that it appears on the 10 yen coin.\r\nAlong with its garden, the temple represents the \u201c<em>Pure Land Paradise<\/em>\u201d and its design was highly influential on subsequent temple construction.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>Byodoin temple in Uji, Kyoto<\/h2>\r\nThe site of the Byodoin temple was originally built in 998 as a countryside retreat for Fujiwara no Michinaga (a powerful politician). <strong>The temple was constructed during the Heian Period in 1053<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Phoenix Hall<\/strong> is the most famous building in the temple. It was originally called <em>Hoodoo<\/em> but quickly took on the nickname \u201cPhoenix Hall\u201d as <strong>two phoenix statues are displayed on the roof<\/strong>. Inside you can see the impressive <strong>Amida Buddha Statue<\/strong>. The hall symbolizes the temple and has <strong>appeared on coins since 1951<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_9384\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-large wp-image-9384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/byodoin-temple-10-yen-coin-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Byodoin temple in a 10 yens coin\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Byodoin temple in a 10 yens coin - Photo by Kanchi1979 under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\">CC<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n<h2>How to get to Byodoin temple<\/h2>\r\n<em>How to get there?<\/em> There are two stations which are both a 15-minute walk from Byodoin: <strong>JR Uji Station<\/strong> and <strong>Keihan Uji Station<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> are nearest big cities which visitors often travel to Byodoin.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3272.6835955854776!2d135.8054896155495!3d34.88929078038666!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6001110ce0da2bab%3A0x608414938ffa07a4!2zQnnFjWTFjS1pbg!5e0!3m2!1ses!2ses!4v1564473954807!5m2!1ses!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h3>Getting to Byodoin temple from Kyoto<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Kyoto and JR Uji Station are connected by the JR Nara line<\/strong>, the same line where are located the JR stations to get to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\">Fushimi Inari<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a>. Frequent trains run and the journey only takes <strong>around 20 minutes (by rapid train)<\/strong> or 30 minutes (by local train). the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a> covers the trip<\/strong>, those without one need to pay 240 yen one way.\r\n<h3>Getting to Byodoin temple from Osaka<\/h3>\r\nJapan Rail Pass holders can take the rapid train along the JR Kyoto line <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-to-kyoto\">from Osaka to Kyoto<\/a> (in under 30 minutes) and then take the JR Nara line from Kyoto to Uji (as above).\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Keihan line also connects Osaka and Uji<\/strong>. From Osaka (Yodoyabashi and Kyobashi stations), the one-way trip takes <strong>about an hour and costs around 400 yen<\/strong>. This option is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Opening hours and entrance fee<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Opening hours<\/strong>: Byodoin Temple is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm. The <strong>entrance fee<\/strong> is 600 yen (for adults) although concessions are available for students, children, and groups.\r\n<h2>What to see there<\/h2>\r\nVisitors can see a range of <strong>national treasures in the Hashokan Museum<\/strong>. It displays a mixture of the temple\u2019s most prized artifacts as well as multilingual displays on the site\u2019s construction and history.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>temple garden<\/strong> (called \u201c<em>Jodo-shiki<\/em>\u201d) is another highlight. It is located just in front on the Phoenix Hall and has been <strong>classified as a national \u2018historic site and place of scenic beauty\u2019<\/strong>. Nearby visitors can enjoy Uji green tea in the Byodoin Tea Salon Toka.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Yorin-an Shoin Residence<\/strong> includes some intriguing interior wall paintings by artists who belonged to <strong>Sansetsu Kano\u2019s studio<\/strong>, the structure is also a sub-temple. The <strong>Kannon-do Hall<\/strong> is currently under renovation and not open to the public.\r\n\r\nAside from the Byodoin Temple, there are a <strong>number of other attractions to see in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/uji-travel-guide\">Uji<\/a><\/strong>. The small city is <strong>famous for its high-quality green tea<\/strong> and there are numerous tea shops you can visit. From Byodoin Temple you can quickly get to the <strong>Ujigami Shrine<\/strong>, the <strong>Uji River<\/strong>, and the <strong>Koshoji Temple<\/strong>. All of which are worth visiting.\r\n\r\nThe popular <strong>Mampukuji and Mimurotoji Temples<\/strong> are harder to reach. From the river they are about a 40-minute walk away. You can also catch a bus from the train station which is covered by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<em>Cover photo: Byodoin temple, Uji - Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/en.japantravel.com\/profile\/masayoshi-hirose\/3427\" rel=\"nofollow\">Masayoshi Hirose<\/a><\/em>","post_title":"Byodoin Temple: The Pure Land Paradise","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"byodoin-temple","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-10 09:11:03","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-10 07:11:03","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=9383","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Kansai Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover a complete guide to the Japan\u2019s Kansai region in central Honshu, which contains the bustling city of Osaka and the scenic Kyoto.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15267\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Kansai Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover a complete guide to the Japan\u2019s Kansai region in central Honshu, which contains the bustling city of Osaka and the scenic Kyoto.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kansai\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-09-10T06:32:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/arashiyama-bamboo-grove-kyoto-e1466611768221.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"801\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"534\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kansai\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kansai\",\"name\":\"Kansai Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2021-05-14T07:24:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-09-10T06:32:23+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover a complete guide to the Japan\u2019s Kansai region in central Honshu, which contains the bustling city of Osaka and the scenic Kyoto.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kansai#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kansai\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kansai#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Japan Travel Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Regions of Japan\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Kansai Region: Japan travel guide\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\",\"description\":\"Discover Japan by train with the Japan Rail Pass\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Japan Rail Pass S.L. - 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