Shrines, museums, parks, and the spots in between, with the access details worked out.
Tendai Buddhist temple with National Treasures and a designated scenic garden, featuring ancient Asuka-period Buddhist paintings discovered on interior pillars in 2020.
Kora · ShigaAgricultural park in Shiga offering flower gardens, hands-on farming activities, farm animal interactions, seasonal events, and a dog park for family visitors.
Hino · ShigaVast shrine complex of 125 shrines dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami and Toyo'uke-no-Omikami, conducting over 1,500 annual rituals for imperial prosperity and peace.
Ise · MieThis Kyoto shrine devoted to Inari features thousands of torii gates donated by devotees seeking good fortune and prosperity in business and agriculture.
KyotoSaikyo-ji, the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect, was founded by Prince Shotoku and reorganized in 1486 as the sect's central training site.
Otsu · ShigaEstablished in 1940, Ōmi Jingu enshrines Emperor Tenji and stands adjacent to the traditional site of the Ōmi Ōtsu Palace, which he founded in 667.
Otsu · ShigaThis Osaka amusement park has operated since 1910, blending classic charm with modern attractions and over 50 rides and activities for all ages.
OsakaThis seventh-century Buddhist temple features some of the world's oldest wooden structures and several national treasures, including a five-story pagoda.
Ikaruga · NaraThis Osaka hot spring park features natural spring water baths in a Muromachi and Edo-period setting, complete with a 3,000-square-meter rooftop garden.
OsakaHead temple of the Tendai Jimon sect, Miidera was founded in the seventh century and has survived repeated destruction, earning the name Phoenix Temple.
Otsu · ShigaA golden Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto built in the 14th century as a shogun's retirement villa and now one of Japan's most iconic landmarks.
KyotoA major shrine with over 3,000 affiliated shrines nationwide, maintained through a tradition of structural renewal held every 20 years.
NaraA museum preserving the tradition of Tango Futamata Paper, a handmade Japanese washi used in temple and shrine restoration.
Fukuchiyama · KyotoA wildlife park in Shirahama featuring diverse animal experiences, though its longtime giant pandas departed in June 2025.
Shirahama · WakayamaA highly-ranked Shinto shrine in Kyoto built in 1895 to commemorate the city's 1100th anniversary and dedicated to Emperor Kanmu.
KyotoAn ancient burial mound from the late 4th century and the oldest known tumulus in the Ōmi region, now a public archaeological park.
Otsu · ShigaDragon Quest Island offers a dynamic outdoor RPG experience where participants assemble parties and select character classes to adventure through the enchanting Dragon Quest universe.
Awaji · HyogoLake Biwa Museum explores the relationship between Japan's largest and oldest lake and human society, featuring a tunnel aquarium displaying rare freshwater fish species.
Kusatsu · Shiga
