Things to do in Kashihara

Ishibutai Tumulus

The Ishibutai Tumulus can be considered Asuka's landmark, being one of Japan's largest square-shaped ancient tombs. Completely devoid of covering soil, the tomb blends seamlessly with the surrounding rocks, resembling a massive stone stage—hence its name. It's believed this site may be the burial place of Soga no Umako, a powerful statesman from the Asuka period. Here, a passageway leads to the burial chamber, though it has long been empty—looted during the Kamakura period. What makes this ancient tomb remarkable is its massive ceiling stone weighing approximately 77 tons, far beyond human capability alone. This engineering feat vividly showcases the advanced civil and transport technologies of the early 7th century.

Isonokami Jingu Shrine

It is said to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It is also the place where the Japanese national treasure "Seven Swords" is kept.

Asuka Ji

No. 7 of Activities in Japan

Local Markets in Osaka

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Nara City

Mount Wakakusa

Mount Wakakusa is located near Tōdai-ji and Kasugataisha Shrine. Visitors can climb it from spring to fall, and from halfway up, you can enjoy views of Nara. The summit features the Uguisuzuka Kofun, a keyhole-shaped burial mound, and you can also stand at the summit at night to enjoy the beautiful night view of Nara. A very famous event at Mount Wakakusais the Mount Wakakusa Festival, a traditional event held every January that features fireworks and the burning of the mountain.

Hōryū-ji

Horyuji Temple, also known as Ikaruga-dera Temple, is located in Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It is said to have been founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, a highly acclaimed figure in Japanese history. It is a designated one of Japan's earliest World Cultural Heritage sites. The temple's Saiin Garan is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world. The temple also houses numerous paintings, sculptures, and Buddhist statues dating back to the Asuka period, which are designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Horyuji Temple covers approximately 19 hectares and is divided into two courtyards, east and west, both filled with towering trees. The east courtyard Garan houses buildings such as the Yumedono, while the west courtyard features wooden structures such as the Kondo Hall, a five-story pagoda, the Sanmon Gate, and a corridor. A long, tree-lined approach leads to the main entrance of Horyuji Temple. After arriving at the South Gate, you'll enter Horyuji Temple and continue walking until you reach the Central Gate. The Central Gate was the original entrance to the West Courtyard. To its left and right stand statues of Kongo Rikishi, dating from the Nara period, some of Japan's oldest. To protect the ruins, entry and exit are prohibited. You'll need to go around the southwest corner of the corridor to enter the West Courtyard. To the east of the West Courtyard, you'll see the Golden Hall, and to the west, the Five-Storied Pagoda.

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower

We offer a variety of baths and saunas, including an open-air hot spring bath with flowing source water, a garden-view bath overlooking the vast garden, carbonated springs, and rotating baths, as well as body scrubbing. A place to heal your daily fatigue and recharge your energy for tomorrow, Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower. Step back in time to the Azuchi-Momoyama period! This unique space blends traditional Japanese charm with modern elegance, offering an unprecedented experience. Enjoy natural open-air hot springs, foot baths, stone saunas, relaxation areas, Japanese cuisine, wagashi sweets, and a rooftop Japanese garden—all while wearing yukata robes to immerse yourself in the ambiance of ancient times for a truly special moment. Hot spring Soraniwa Onsen boasts garden-view baths overlooking a vast Japanese garden, along with nine types of baths including open-air baths fed by natural hot springs (hypotonic, weakly alkaline, and high-temperature) drawn from 1,000 meters underground. These baths are expected to help with neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, bruises, sprains, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, fatigue recovery, and overall health improvement. Private open-air bath We offer 10 completely private rooms with open-air hot spring baths fed by flowing source water and small gardens. There are 2 special rooms recommended for 4-6 guests, 7 private rooms for up to 4 guests, and 1 private room with a tent sauna. Enjoy the natural hot spring "beauty skin water" with flowing source water in your private space. Ganbanyoku (stone spa) The seven types of stone baths at Nekkaze Yokocho warm your body from the core with far-infrared rays, promoting health, beauty, and relaxation through deep sweating effects. Meal Enjoy a variety of food, from seasonal delicacies to photogenic sweets! Enjoy a colorful menu featuring festival-style food stalls, dining spots that delight both the eyes and the palate, and tea houses proud of their Instagram-worthy sweets. Access About 10 minutes by train from Osaka Station (Umeda Station)! JR/Osaka Metro Bentencho Station is right there. , Route from JR Bentencho Stationhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/GoFE3G4CNT4?rel=0&autoplay=1&mute=1 Route from Osaka Metro Bentencho Stationhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/3VB--bjnJfI?rel=0&autoplay=1&mute=1

Umeda

Located in the north of Osaka, Umeda is one of the city's major commercial and business districts. With Osaka Station at its center, the area gradually developed into shopping region with department stores and restaurants surrounded by skyscrapers. Attractions such as the Umeda Sky Building and various five star hotels are also in the vicinity.

No. 20 of Best Things to Do in Osaka

teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

At "teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka," a place that is a botanical garden during the day transforms into an artwork space at night. This interactive space changes in response to natural elements like wind and rain, as well as the behavior of birds and visitors, immersing people as part of the artwork and the passage of time. As a result, the boundaries between artwork, people, and nature—as well as between self and others, past, present, and future—blur into a continuous flow. The space evolves interactively through natural phenomena and human presence, creating an art environment where past, present, and future intersect. 20,000 Cosmos Flowers Shine Across a Botanical Garden on Autumn Nights On View from November 7 to 28 * The exhibition period is subject to change depending on the blooming conditions. Please check the official website for the latest updates before your visit. △When pushed by a person, blown by the wind, or hit by rain, the ovoid (egg-shaped object) shines its light more intensely, emits a sound, and stands up on its own. △The lamps floating on the large pond are each autonomous and drifting. △A continuous single-stroke "sky writing" drawn in the forest. The "sky writing" overlaps in multiple layers, intersects, and rotates within the forest, eventually fading away.

Abe Monju-in

Speaking of this, I mentioned Abe Nakamaro, a famous envoy to the Tang Dynasty. In the 8th century, as a Japanese envoy to the Tang Dynasty, Abe overcame many dangers at sea and came to China to learn advanced cultural knowledge in the Tang Dynasty, which was reused by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. During his 54 years of studying abroad, he has made great contributions to the cultural exchanges between China and Japan, and together with Monk Jianzhen, he is called the "Shuangbi". In the courtyard, there is such a statue of Abe Nakamaro, where I make a good wish for a successful study.