Things to do
Kyoto's lesser-known giant lantern float parade returns this weekend
The long-lost Awata Dai-Toro floats have been revived and are now a highlight of the annual Awata Festival in October
Travel
Travel tips and guides to Osaka's surroundings and beyond – your holiday starts here
Things to do
Kyoto to increase hotel tax by up to 900 percent, making it Japan’s highest
To tackle overtourism, Japan’s ancient city will impose an accommodation tax of up to ¥10,000 starting March 2026
Art
Your first look at teamLab’s stunning new Kyoto museum, its largest in Japan
The new teamLab Biovortex Kyoto features over 50 immersive digital art installations in the collective’s biggest space yet
Things to do
Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is lighting up with lanterns this October
The Arashiyama Bamboo Path night illumination is a community-driven tourism event that gives back to local residents
Things to do
9 best beaches in and near Osaka
From local shores to day trips in nearby Wakayama and Shiga, these are the region’s top beaches for swimming, surfing and relaxing
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Events in Kansai
Things to do
Kurama Fire Festival
Every year on October 22, the otherwise small and peaceful onsen town of Kurama, nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto, is engulfed in one of the region’s...
Things to do
Minato Hanabi: Kobe Port Fireworks Festival
One of the most scenic fireworks events in the Kansai region, Minato Hanabi in Kobe takes place every year at the port-side Meriken Park. Running for five days...
Things to do
Autumn Leaves Lightscape in Rokko
To celebrate the natural beauty of the area, the park has installed LED light installations that display over 10 million colours and depict the seasonal...
Art
Kobe Rokko Meets Art
Kobe Rokko Meets Art is a contemporary art festival held annually on Mt Rokko in Kobe. Now in its 16th year, the event is a diverse celebration of culture,...
Things to do
Awaji Island Fireworks Festival
Awaji, the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, plays host to this annual fireworks spectacle that always draws crowds from nearby Kobe and beyond. Taking...