Shrines, museums, parks, and the spots in between, with the access details worked out.
Head 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 · ShigaSumiyoshi Taisha has served maritime travelers for two millennia, enshrining three sea deities and Empress Jingū, who founded the shrine and is revered as a protective deity.
OsakaEigen-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple founded in 1361 that serves as head temple of the Eigen-ji branch, overseeing over 120 temples and housing the revered Yotsugi Kannon statue.
Higashiomi · ShigaLarge public park in Nara home to over 1,200 free-ranging sacred Sika deer, with historical temples and shrines for visitors to explore.
NaraAnime and video game theme park on Awaji Island with permanent attractions based on Naruto, Godzilla, and other franchises plus rotating exhibits.
Awaji · HyogoFounded in 2003, this museum houses 300,000 manga items from Edo-period prints to contemporary series, with permanent exhibitions and workshops on manga's cultural evolution.
KyotoA farm-themed Osaka park with seasonal flowers, animal encounters with goats and alpacas, hands-on workshops and a Sylvanian Families-themed area, plus local farm cuisine.
Sakai · OsakaFounded as a guardian shrine in 650 AD and rededicated in 949, Osaka Tenmangū honors the deified scholar Sugawara no Michizane, revered as a deity of academics and learning.
OsakaWithin Osaka's Nagai Botanical Garden, this teamLab art space becomes a luminous digital environment at night, with installations responding to wind, rain and visitor movement.
OsakaDating to the 6th century, this Kyoto shrine dedicated to Tamayori-hime and her father was worshipped as protection against misfortune and a guardian of the capital.
Kyoto
