Things to do
Kyoto’s highest hotel tax hike takes effect – all you need to know
The newly increased accommodation tax in Kyoto went into effect on March 1, making it the highest tourist tax in Japan
Travel
Travel tips and guides to Kansai destinations near Osaka, from Kyoto to Kobe. Your day trips from Osaka start here
Things to do
Muji is opening a boutique hotel in Kyoto near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
With only 18 rooms, the new Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu offers authentic experiences to enjoy Kyoto away from tourist crowds
Things to do
5 best day hikes in and around Osaka – ranked by difficulty
Escape the city with a day hike through Kansai’s natural beauty, from easy river walks to challenging mountain peaks
Travel
I ran into Godzilla and Hello Kitty on this laid-back island just outside Kobe
A visit to Awaji Island, where pop culture collides with nature, meditation and excellent food
Things to do
8 best art and cultural events to look forward to in Kyoto in 2026
Your guide to what’s on in Kyoto next year: immersive art in a plum garden, rare temple openings, exhibitions and more
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Events in Kansai
Things to do
Toji Japanese Garden Light-up
The organisers behind last October’s wildly popular Arashiyama bamboo forest illumination have brought their signature light-up to one of Kyoto’s...
Things to do
Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival at Jonangu Shrine, Kyoto
​​Jonangu features five separate gardens, and the one to its west, named ‘Haru no Yama’ (‘Spring Mountain’), is home to about 150...
Things to do
Japan Drum Stage in Kyoto: Miyabi
Led by renowned taiko and shinobue (bamboo flute) artist Yuki Yamanaka, Japanese Drums Entertainment EN has started staging regular performances at Hulic Hall...
Things to do
Light Cycles Kyoto
Held at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Light Cycles Kyoto is an immersive sensory experience that uses light and sound not only to reveal the relationships...
Things to do
Kyoto Night Market
The night market returns for its 11th edition on Sunday March 29, held at Ohigashi-san Plaza in front of the majestic Higashi Honganji Temple...