Super Sightseeing in West Japan
Dive into the delights of Kobe, Shikoku and Osaka!
Dreaming of something different for your summer getaway? Head over to west Japan and discover a diverse range of delightful experiences in Kobe City, Awaji Island, Tokushima and Kagawa prefectures, and Osaka City! From shopping arcades and shrines to indigo-dyeing and udon-making workshops, this itinerary packs a real punch with its plethora of sights and experiences.
In just five days, you’ll get to know some of Kobe’s most iconic sights (including Japan’s oldest mosque), taste fantastic finely marbled wagyu beef (which can be halal!), make your very own noodles, experience the non-stop energy of Osaka’s nightlife, shop until you drop, and more. After this summer holiday, you’ll never see west Japan in the same way again.
DAY 1: Kobe
©️kazamidorinoyakata
Colourful Kobe
Flanked by lush mountains and glittering sea, Kobe City is a thoroughly underrated destination for travellers to Japan. The city is relaxed, pedestrian-friendly, and wonderful to explore on foot. On arrival at Kansai International Airport, begin your summer adventure in west Japan by hopping on the Kobe Bay Shuttle, a high-speed boat that zips you straight to Kobe in just 30 minutes—meaning zero train transfers and zero hassle. With frequent departures throughout the day, getting to this charming port city has never been easier.
Before a stroll around town, consider visiting Haikara-san Kobe to rent a stylish outfit for the day—“haikara,” Japanese slang derived from the English phrase “high collar” and dating back to the turn of the 20th century, is used to describe someone stylish and fashionable. Naturally, you can rent kimonos, but also hakama (wide split skirts worn over kimono) and cool summer yukata!
Once you’re decked out in fine fashion, it’s time to explore the surrounding Kitano-cho neighbourhood, also known as Kobe Kitano Ijinkan. As the former residential district for many foreign merchants and diplomats during the second half of the 19th century, it’s a pleasant area for strolling around, with many architecturally intriguing buildings, shops that sell sweets, restaurants, and boutiques to enjoy.
©Ijinkan Uroko Group
A few of the must-visits in this area are the Uroko House, Uroko Museum, and the Weathercock House. So named for its resemblance to fish scales, the Uroko House’s distinctively decorated slate-tiled exterior makes it a popular destination with architecture lovers; while the Weathercock House is a fine and charming example of Western-style residences during the late Meiji era.
Another must-visit spot in Kobe is the Kobe Masjid, Japan’s oldest mosque, located within a short 7-minute walk from Haikara-san Kobe. Built in the traditional Indo-Islamic style, this elegant mosque survived the air raids of 1945 as well as the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995.
Halal, is it beef you’re looking for?
Call it excellent branding, but when everyone outside of Japan thinks “wagyu beef,” the first place that comes to mind is Kobe. And for good reason—the beef here really is sublime!
©️Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA
Visitors to Kobe are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to wagyu specialists, and it’s difficult to go wrong. One restaurant to consider is Kobe Beef Steak Sakura, which incorporates A5 wagyu in its teppanyaki, but also serves it as steak and yaki-shabu. Most importantly, they also serve halal-certified Kobe beef, which makes this the ideal dining destination for all beef lovers, Muslim or not!
An observatory that rocks
©️Rokko Garden Terrace
If you have the energy and inclination after that fabulous dinner, make the most of your evening and head up to the Rokko Shidare Observatory. While splendid during the day, there’s also a themed light artwork illuminating the sky above Mt. Rokko. There aren’t many better ways to end your first night in Japan, especially with a sea of glittering city lights spread before you! As a bonus, it’s super romantic if you’re travelling with that special someone.
DAY 2: Kobe – Tokushima
Cooling cruises and intriguing indigo
©️Joyport Awajishima Inc.
Today is a more relaxed but no less exciting day. You’ll head down to Awaji Island—an easy bus ride away from central Kobe—and hop on the Uzu-shio Cruise, which takes you around the Naruto Strait to witness the dramatic Naruto whirlpools, which are part of the Setonaikai National Park.
After the cruise, head over to Fukura Marche, located on the southern tip of Awaji Island, for a spot of lunch and shopping. Afterwards, you can spend some time exploring the area around Onaruto Bridge on the Tokushima Prefecture side, like visiting the Otsuka Museum of Art or stopping by Ryozenji Temple, the first stop on the 88-temple pilgrimage around Shikoku.
But for something different, you can try an activity that’s a little more hands-on, like attending an indigo-dyeing workshop! A number of places offer these workshops by reservation, such as Aizome Ruafu.
This area of Japan is well-known for its gorgeous indigo crafts, often using locally grown and processed indigo plants. You can choose to dye a new item at the workshop, or bring a favourite piece of clothing and give it new life with vivid shades of blue and white. You might end up with blue hands for a day or two, but the experience is so much fun and satisfying that you’re unlikely to mind at all! If you don't like your hands turning blue, Aizome Ruafu also provides gloves.
DAY 3: Tokushima – Takamatsu – Osaka
Udon Taxi
© KOTOHIRA BUS CO.LTD.
Getting around in Kagawa Prefecture can be a little tricky without a car. Fortunately, you don't have to rent one. Consider hiring an Udon Taxi for the day as your primary mode of transport! Your driver takes you around the area, and as the name suggests, they can tell you lots about udon, a local Shikoku specialty.
While the Udon Taxi does require planning ahead and pre-booking, it's well worth the effort. They operate within the areas of Kotohira and Takamatsu City — ideal for the suggested activities below — and this way, you won't have to worry about waiting for public transportation or driving in an unfamiliar place. You can hire them in 90- or 120-minute blocks, depending on your requirements.
Of shrines and udon noodle schools
Today, you’ll journey to Konpira-san, where your first stop is the stunning Kotohira-gu Shrine, which is dedicated to Omononushi-no-mikoto, the deity of the sea. Located in the town of Kotohira, one of the central features of this historic shrine is the 1368-step staircase you’ll have to climb to visit the inner shrine! (Don’t worry—the main building is halfway up at 785 steps.) The gorgeous view is well worth a little exercise.
The image is for illustration purposes only. ©Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to have a square meal. You can’t leave Shikoku without a taste of their famous Sanuki udon, the signature noodles of this region. Think thick, super slurpable wheat noodles with an incredibly chewy bite! Many Japanese people adore the texture, and it’s easy to see why.
While you can try one of the many excellent udon restaurants around the region, why not take the experience one step further and learn how to make your own? The Nakano Udon School offers fun, foreigner-friendly workshops where you’ll discover the secrets to making these toothsome noodles—and yes, Muslim-friendly workshops are even available on request.
Downtown is the beating heart of Osaka
For the final leg of your journey, make your way to Osaka City, one of West Japan’s major urban centres. There’s a saying associated with the city: “kuidaore,” or “eat until you fall over.” That’s a real testament to the many delicious dishes Osaka is famous for.
An iconic sight and popular photo spot in downtown Osaka is the Glico board above Ebisubashi Bridge, featuring the famous running man. The surrounding area is packed to the gills with restaurants, shops, bars, cafes, and everything in between. It really comes alive at night! You’ll explore even more of the city tomorrow but do take some time for an evening stroll.
Start Planning!
©Hoshino Resorts Inc.
Naturally, you’ll want to stay somewhere convenient in such a buzzy area. For the next two nights, consider staying at OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts, a stylish, fun and vibrant city hotel by renowned Japanese hotel management company Hoshino Resorts located between the Namba and Shinsekai areas. Rooms are equipped with all the essentials, and the service—as befits this hotel operator—is excellent. Breakfast here is especially comprehensive, which is a must when you’re fueling up for a full day of exploring. Best of all, the hotel operates a shuttle bus service to Universal Studios Japan. How’s that for convenience? The hotel also offers local guided tour activities around Osaka that are conducted in English.
DAY 4: Osaka
All play… and more play
If you’re looking for an action-packed summer’s day, Osaka has you covered! Theme park lovers should start (and even end, if you’re so inclined) their day at Universal Studios Japan, home to thrilling themed areas like the newly launched Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. From the exhilarating 3D Forbidden Journey ride to the augmented reality ride Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, even the most cynical visitors are sure to find themselves having an absolute blast.
DAY 5: Osaka
Pray for good luck at Namba Yasaka Shrine
©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
If you have to visit just one shrine in Osaka for your dose of good fortune, make it Namba Yasaka Shrine. Located a short walk away from Namba Station down a quiet street, this shrine is most famous for its lion-head-shaped stage, which never fails to impress visitors. With its huge, gaping mouth, this lion will reportedly swallow any evil spirits plaguing you — all you’re left with is residual good luck for your studies or business ventures. Either way, it makes an impressive photo!
Shop until you drop
For your final day in west Japan, downtown Osaka has plenty to keep you occupied. A visit to the Don Quijote Dotonbori store is unmissable — this multi-story shop is full of all the things you didn’t know you needed or wanted, and the vibrant chaos inside alone makes it worth a stop. Serious shopaholics should spend a few hours in the Umeda area further north of Namba, where you’ll find several major department stores like Daimaru, but also the vibrant Hankyu Higashidori Shopping Street.
Eat until you fall over
©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
Another place you can’t miss is Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s main entertainment areas and also its most famous tourist destination. Take a wander down this colourful, glitzy street and try all the dishes Osakans love, including kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers dipped in a tangy sauce), takoyaki (a hot, tasty octopus snack), and okonomiyaki.
©️KANIDORAKU
You might consider a meal at the iconic crab restaurant Kani Douraku, easily spotted by the giant crab animatronic above the restaurant, but make sure you book ahead as queues can run up to several hours long!
Next-level nightlife
©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
How best should you spend your evenings in Osaka? For a fantastic panoramic night view of Osaka, there are few better options than the Kuchu Teien Observation Deck in the Umeda Sky Building, located in the Shin-Umeda district near Osaka Station.
Alternatively, keep the energy flowing and head over to Shinsekai, one of Osaka’s most colourful and unique neighbourhoods. With the Eiffel-inspired Tsutenkaku Tower at the centre of this area, it’s a great place to see the lively, down-to-earth side of the city, even as it continues to transform and change with time. Plus, there are few better ways to stay up late than by eating kushikatsu well into the wee hours of the night. You might even make a few friends over dinner. Either way, it’s a great way to cap the last few days of travel.
We hope this itinerary inspires you to visit West Japan! You can also watch the video below to see how this 5-day itinerary comes to life.
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