Explore West
Japan

Destinations
Travel West Japan by train!
With numerous stations in every area, we can guide you to every corner of West Japan. Find regional highlights and decide on a destination for your next train trip!
Kansai Area
Centered around Osaka and Kyoto, the Kansai area is a storehouse of richly preserved Japanese culture and history.
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Osaka
A lively commercial city known for its unique food culture, Osaka’s charm lies in the warmth and kindness of the people who live there.
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Kyoto
A beautiful city where shrines, temples, and traditional culture thrive, Kyoto long prospered as the old capital of Japan. You will encounter many aspects of traditional culture here.
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Hyogo
Hyogo Prefecture features the port city of Kobe, with its sparkling nightscapes and stylish urban scenery, and Himeji, home to a beautiful white castle that is often likened to a white heron.
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Shiga
An area rich in nature with extensive waterfront landscapes, centered on Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. Shiga also offers a deep sense of history, with many notable locations associated with Buddhism as well as ninja.
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Nara
The ancient capital of Japan and home to numerous historic Buddhist temples. Many deer can be found freely roaming the vast expanses of Nara Park.
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Wakayama
A beautiful peninsula known for its white-sand beaches and its several World Heritage sites including historical and religious spots such as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
Hokuriku Area
Boasting views of the sea to the north, the Hokuriku area is rich in both nature and history, offering visitors a taste of fresh seafood and beautiful snowy landscapes.
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Toyama
Enjoy magnificent natural landscapes and beautiful mountain chains, and tour villages lined with Japanese houses of old.
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Ishikawa
Home to Kanazawa, a city with a long and storied history as a castle town, Ishikawa offers the enjoyment of renowned gardens and historical streetscapes.
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Fukui
Renowned as a site for excavating dinosaur fossils, Fukui Prefecture features large-scale dinosaur-focused artworks in a range of locations, as well as some famous Zen temples and picturesque cliffs.
San’in Area
With a name meaning “The north side of the mountains” in Japanese, this serene area faces the sea and has deep connections to old Japanese myths and fables.
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Tottori
With huge sand dunes looking out over the coast and an abundance of mountains, the Tottori region offers visitors the chance to enjoy sublime natural scenery to their heart’s content.
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Shimane
Steeped in history and the bounty of nature, Shimane is home to the ancient Izumo Grand Shrine, 400-year-old Matsue Castle, and Lake Shinji, a gathering spot for many waterfowl.
Setouchi Area
Nestled between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, the scenic Setouchi area boasts a mild climate and a plethora of islands dotting its waters.
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Okayama
Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Okayama has many storied historical locations and is a region rich in tradition and food culture. It has a castle and one of Japan’s three great gardens located there.
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Hiroshima
Hiroshima is home to a variety of facilities that symbolize and express its wish for peace. There are many islands, and on the island of Miyajima you can enjoy the sight of its famed Torii gate standing in the sea.
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Yamaguchi
Blessed by beautiful natural scenery and bountiful marine resources, Yamaguchi is also home to many hot springs and is a perfect location for leisurely travel.
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Fukuoka
Home to a famed historical shrine, the lively city of Fukuoka is a large city in Kyushu that offers a rich food culture with many local specialities.

Gold-Guide is a matching platform that matches tour guides with travelers visiting Japan from other countries. It offers introductions to tours over a wide area, including regions like Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, and Hiroshima.

Things to do
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Look for an ideal location using various categories such as culture and the arts, the outdoors, or food and drink, to find the perfect location for your interests.
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Plan a route after choosing a destination
Once you have decided on a destination, check how to get there. Use the Route Map and Timetable pages to check departure times and the best means of transport to prepare for a smooth journey.

Travel West Japan for less!
Check information on passes and tickets to help you enjoy your journey at a great price. Save money on your trip using convenient tickets with special offers and discounts.