Crafts, Canals, and Charming Cities: Destination Ideas in West Japan

Go beyond the Golden Route to discover Japan's treasures.

When visiting West Japan, Osaka and Kyoto are the two obvious destinations that leap to mind. However, this region has so much more than the “Golden Route” cities to offer adventurous tourists. Places like Shiga, Okayama, and Tottori may be less famous than their glamorous urban cousins, but they’re no less full of beauty and charm. There are far fewer crowds to contend with too!

Most West Japan travelers tend to stay in Osaka as a base, using the city as a jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding regions. As it’s well-connected by train, you’re never more than an hour or three away from fascinating, off-the-beaten-path attractions. This guide highlights must-see landmarks in Osaka, Shiga, Okayama, and Tottori.

Read on for inspiration on the hidden gems of West Japan, and recommendations for Muslim-friendly facilities and dining options.

Minoo Park (Minoo City, Osaka Prefecture)

Autumn is an excellent time to visit Minoo Waterfalls. Photo Credit: Axel / PIXTA

If you have limited holiday time and want to make the most of your travels in Japan, Minoo Park should be on your visit list! Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Umeda, this forested valley is the nearest nature park from the city center. It’s one of the Kansai region’s most beloved autumn color spots, but it is lush and verdant all year — ideal for a quick escape from the busy city.

Various shops, temples, and cafes are located along the trail to Minoo Waterfalls. Photo Credit: ©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

The main hiking trail in Minoo Park is a three-kilometer walk along the Minoo River. Inclines along the trail are relatively gentle, making this a suitable walk for most travelers, including young children and older visitors. Highlights en route include the impressive Minoo Waterfalls, as well as Ryuanji Temple, whose history dates back to around 650. Fun fact: This temple is said to be the birthplace of Japan’s first-ever lottery.

Know before you go:

There are no halal or Muslim-friendly restaurants in the vicinity of Minoo Park, so this is best done as a day trip from downtown Osaka. For food, consider Yakiniku Zerohachi Namba, which offers all-you-can-eat halal yakiniku (grilled beef) at reasonable prices. If you’ve ever wanted to sample Kobe beef, this is the ideal place. There’s a prayer room on the premises, and the food is available for takeout.

Minoo Park (Website)

Minoo-koen, Minoo City, Osaka Prefecture 562-0002

How to get there: Take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line from Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station to Ishibashi handai-mae Station and transfer to the Hankyu Minoh Line. Alight at Minoh Station. The journey takes 25 minutes. Alternatively, ride the Midosuji Line for 16 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Minoh-Kayano Station. Take the bus on the Saito Line 21 or 36 towards Hankyu Minoh Station. Alight at Hankyu Minoh Station.
※Any vehicles, including taxis, are not permitted inside the park.

Yakiniku Zerohachi Namba (Website)

5-F OCAT Mall, 1-4-1 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka Prefecture 556-0017

How to get there: 1-minute walk from JR Namba Station

Omi-Hachiman, Shiga Prefecture

In spring, parts of Hachimanbori Canal see canola blossoms (nanohana) and cherry trees in full bloom.

Omi-Hachiman is an excellent destination for visitors who want a taste of old Japan on their travels. With its willow-lined canals and beautifully preserved Edo period architecture, this former merchant town on the shores of Lake Biwa is full of historic charm.

For centuries, Omi-Hachiman thrived as a merchant town along the Nakasendo Way, one of Japan’s five major highways linking Tokyo and Kyoto. The wealth of its merchant residents is still evident today in their former residences in the Shinmachi-dori area. Enjoy the town’s atmosphere by strolling around or cruising along the Hachiman-bori Canal. More active travellers can consider renting bicycles to explore the town, as well as the area near Lake Nishi and Lake Biwa.

Downtown Omi-Hachiman retains its traditional Edo period architecture; There are pine trees rising above the roofs from within private gardens.

Check out these Muslim-friendly spots:

RAJU is a Muslim-owned Indian restaurant in Kusatsu City, a short train ride from Omi-Hachiman. At this halal-certified restaurant, the staff use only halal ingredients in their cuisine and can accommodate vegetarians. The dishes are North Indian in their focus, and chicken, lamb, beef, and seafood curries are available. They also have branches in downtown Kyoto and other locations in Shiga Prefecture.

Omi-Hachiman (Website)

Omi-Hachiman Station North Exit Tourist Information Center, Takakaicho, Omi-Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture 523-0891

How to get there: Take the Special Rapid Train towards Maibara on the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Osaka Station to Omihachiman Station, an approximately 1-hour journey.

RAJU (Website)

7 -19-5-105  Noji, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture 525-0059

How to get there: From Omi-Hachiman Station, take the Special Rapid train bound for Himeji on the JR Tokaido-San’yo Line to Minami-Kusatsu Station. RAJU is a 13-minute walk from the station; alternatively, it is a 5- to 7-minute taxi ride.

Kojima (Kurashiki City), Okayama Prefecture

 Even before you can see the signboard for Jeans Street, the sight of jeans hanging in between telephone poles, flapping in the wind, will let you know where you are. Photo Credit: ©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

Japanese denim is highly sought after worldwide, and little wonder. It’s some of the finest around, thanks to a strong culture of craftsmanship among denim-makers. To experience the quality of ‘Japan blue’ for themselves, visitors who appreciate a well-made pair of jeans should consider visiting the birthplace of Japanese denim – the Kojima district in Kurashiki City.

One of the main reasons to visit is the iconic Kojima Jeans Street, home to over 30 shops selling premium denim products. It’s not just a place to find the perfect pair of hand-crafted jeans, however; you can visit the Jeans Museum, or even have a go at customizing your own pair of jeans with buttons and rivets at Betty Smith. In between all the designer denim are little shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries. History aficionados may also wish to stop by the Former Nozaki Family Residence to learn about the merchant who made his fortune in salt production several centuries ago.

Throughout Jeans Street are little denim-themed decorations and details – like this one on a manhole.  Photo Credit: ©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

Know before you go:

The Kojima district does not have Muslim-friendly food options; instead, consider dropping by Milenga between changing trains at Okayama Station to Kojima. Located within walking distance from Okayama Station, this halal-verified neighborhood Indian restaurant has a prayer room and wudu facilities, as well as takeout options for food. They serve a wide variety of dishes from across India; South Indian specialties like idli and vada are particularly recommended.

Kojima Jeans Street, Kojima District (Website)

2-2 Kojima-ajino, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0913

How to get there: A 44-minute bullet train ride from Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama Station; followed by a 25-minute train ride from JR Okayama Station to Kojima Station on the JR Seto-Ohashi Line.

Milenga (Website)

1-3-3 Nodayacho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-0815

How to get there: 7-minute walk from JR Okayama Station.

Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori Prefecture

The Tottori Sand Dunes stretches 2.4km from north to south, and 16km from east to west. Photo Credit: ©Tottori Prefecture

Did you know Japan has its very own dunes? Welcome to the Tottori Sand Dunes, a 30-square-kilometer golden landscape located right next to the Sea of Japan. Tottori is one of the most underrated prefectures in the country, and the dunes are a great place to begin exploring this prefecture.

The spectacular ocean views from atop the dunes alone are worth the journey. With the right timing, visitors during winter might be rewarded with the unusual sight of snow, sand, and sea in one place. During warmer times of the year, the dunes are a great place for outdoor activities like camel-riding, paragliding, sandboarding, and even yoga – perfect for families and active travelers alike. For a more leisurely visit, drop by the nearby Tottori Sand Museum that features sculptures created entirely from sand; these change annually. 

The Tottori Sand Museum is reputably the world’s first permanent indoor exhibition space dedicated to sand art. Photo Credit: ©Tottori Prefecture

Check out this Muslim-friendly spot:

Cafe Dining Oribio is a cozy vegetarian restaurant that doesn’t use alcohol or ingredients containing alcohol — a real boon, as Japanese cuisine usually contains sake and mirin. Standout dishes include the jewel-like vegetable sushi (ordering in advance is recommended) and the “tonkatsu” that’s made with yuba (soymilk skin) from Kyoto.

Tottori Sand Dunes (Website)

Fukubecho Yuyama, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture 689-0105

How to get there: The Tottori Sand Dunes (Tottori Sakyuu) is a 20- to 25-minute bus ride on the Nikko or Hinomaru bus from JR Tottori Station.

Cafe Dining Oribio (Website)

1-743 Koyamacho-nishi, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture 680-0947

How to get there: A 15-minute taxi ride from Tottori Sand Dunes. Or from JR Tottori Station, take a San-in line Tottori Daigaku-mae Station, and walk for 10 minutes.

Are you ready to expand your horizons and check out what these prefectures offer? We hope this article gives you some idea of the variety of destinations and activities waiting outside the usual spots in West Japan. You might just find your new favorite area in Japan on your next holiday here!