Destinations

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Shrine

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Fushimi-ku Fukakusa Yabunouchi cho 68

This shrine in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, is the head of all Inari Shrines in Japan, which total to around 30,000 shrines. The shrine is particularly famous for its vermillion lacquered Torii gate tunnels, as well as to parishioners visiting the god for business, harvest, and fortune. Many of the buildings on the grounds are also painted with brilliant vermillion lacquer including the front shrine, main shrine, and tower gate, which has been designated an Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The torii gate corridor, said to consist of several thousand to 10,000 torii gates, twists and turns making it quite the spectacle. Beyond that is the rear shrine as well as the entrance to Mt. Inari-san which is dotted with countless small burial mounds. It is one of the most famous spots in the Kansai region to visit for the annual New Year Shrine Visit and draws huge numbers of visitors every year.

Rokuon-ji Temple (Kinkaku-ji Temple)

Temple

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Kinkakujichou 1

This temple began when third generation shogun of the Muromachi shogunate Ashikaga Yoshimitsu inherited the Saionji family's mountain villa and called the villa “Kitayamadono.” After his death it was changed into a Zen temple named “Rokuonji.” The reliquary hall is a three-story building shining beautifully in gold and looks pretty reflected in the Kyokoike (mirror pond). This brilliant architecture was a symbol of Kitayama culture but burned down in a 1950 fire, then was rebuilt in 1955. In 1994 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dotonbori

Street

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Doutombori

Dotonbori’s famous Glico sign seems to be peering into the Dotonbori River; meanwhile, a giant crab sign moves in a perpetual dance. Crowded with restaurants and lined with giant signs, Dotonbori is a bustling entertainment district where visitors can truly experience Osaka—the city of kuidaore (extravagant eating). Have a bite at a shop selling kushiage (fried vegetable and meat skewers) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes filled with meat and vegetables), Osaka specialties. Or spend a day visiting the various takoyaki (octopus dumplings) or butaman (steamed pork bun) restaurants. Day and night, this lively thoroughfare is frequented by great numbers of tourists.

Osaka Castle

Historical Monument

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Osakajou 1-1

Tokyo Tower

Observation Tower

Tokyo Minato-ku Shibakouen 4-2-8

Nijojo Castle

Other Historic Site/Building

Kyoto City Kyoto City Nakagyo-ku Nijyotoru Horikawa Western Nishi Nijo Castle Town 541

Jisho-ji Temple (Ginkaku-ji Temple)

Temple

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Ginkakujichou 2

Robot Restaurant

Theater

Tokyo Shinjuku-ku Kabukichou 1-7-1 Shinjuku Robot Building B2

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Street

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Nippombashi 2-4-1

Kyoto Station Building

Complex Facility / Commercial Facility

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo-ku Karasumaru Saltwater Road Down Le Higashi Salokoji-machi 901

Imperial Palace East Garden

Park / Green Space

Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Chiyoda The Imperial Palace East Gardens

Ueno Zoo

Zoo

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 9-83