Spent about three weeks going around Kansai chasing matsuris and drinking beer!
I come from a tropical country so I didn’t find the heat too bad but also because I spent most of my days in mountains and coastal areas. I’ve also been to Japan a couple of times so I no longer went to the touristy spots
Highlights of my trip
Koyasan – about 1-2 hours out of Osaka. I spent most of my stay exploring the Okunoin cemetery. I highly recommend doing an overnight because I found it was most beautiful at night and in the early mornings when the sunlight shines through the cedar trees. You MUST do the night walk at Okunoin – I did this solo and without a guide and I had a blast (I don’t think you really need a guide for this). I did not do a shukubo stay because of the curfew. I am happy to recommend Koyasan guesthouse Kokuu.
Naoshima – about 5 hours from Osaka. It was fun biking around the island with a view of the ocean (do get an ebike because a LOT of uphills). Do not miss out on Chichu Museum and Minamidera. I stayed at Seaside Park Stay Tsutsujiso so I was able to to take breaks by the beach in between museum hopping. I also got a cute trailer and it is only a few minutes from Benesse House and the Benesse bus also makes a stop just right out front. I capped an amazing day at the I Love Yu onsen, a very unique and artsy onsen and they allow tattoos!
Kii-Katsuura – about 5 hours of travel time and you must plan your train schedule wisely because the shinkansen servicing the area comes only every 2 hours or so! This also goes for the bus schedule in Kii-Katsuura. My goodness, the bus route going to Kumano Hongu Taisha is straight out of a fairy tale with the rivers bending and revealing a stronghold of mountains! I also had the best tuna here (mochi tuna) and it didn’t even break the bank!!! I got about 2 sets of sashimi for about 2,000 yen! There’s also a tuna auction which was interesting to watch. Plenty of onsens overlooking the ocean, sadly they don’t allow people with tattoos so I can only do the public foot bath by the pier.
My favorite summer festivals are the Motomiya-sai at the Fushimi Inari and Mitarashi-sai in Shimogamo and Kitano Tenmangu shrines. Fushimi Inari with the red lanterns at night was certainly a sight to behold! And dipping my feet around Shimogamo:Kitano while eating festival food was a great break from a busy day at the city.
It was also cool witnessing Gozan no Okuribi from the Togetsukyo bridge. I watched it alongside the floating lanterns.
I was able to see the bigger festivals Gion Matsuri, Tenjin Matsuri and Awa Odori in Tokushima. A bit bummed because there were no yoiyama nights in the “latter” Gion Matsuri (21-24), but the procession was an interesting experience! If you can, find a spot where the parade turns. I also enjoyed Tenjin Matsuri, while there were a lot of people it didn’t feel overcrowded. Awa Odori was a blast especially after the parade when you get to the dance in the streets with other people and even the performers!!! The ride from Osaka to Tokushima was also beautiful!
If you are in Kyoto on 21st or 25th of the month, I HIGHLY recommend going to the flea markets: 21 at the Toji temple and 25 at the Kitano Tenmangu temple. Lots of unique and quirky items up for grabs. I even scored a set of yukata and obi for only 2,000 yen. If I weren’t so worried about my luggage space, I would have gone ham with my purchase.
If at all possible, find an accommodation near Kamo River in Kyoto. I loved my morning and night walks along the river and it was fun to eat by the river. It’s also a nice break if you find yourself worn out from the crowds. Oh, you also get to visit the usual crowdy areas like Ninenzaka at night/early morning.
Omihachiman – about 1 hour out of Kyoto. I rented a bike to go around town and to La Collina which is a lovely patisserie! The place is lovely and so are their products. I easily spent 3 hours here just sitting around, admiring the architecture and eating pastries. I also had a tasty and tender Omihachiman beef in Kubotaya in town. While I recommend that you rent a bike to go around town vs taking the bus, it is not advisable in the summer. I enjoyed the bike ride because I’m used to heat and humidity and was also windy. However, it may not be windy enough if you’re not used to hot weather and you will be miserable.
I’m not big on a food but I do love to drink. I liked Masaemon in Ninenzaka and I loved the vibe and beer at Kyoto Beer Lab. In Osaka, I ate mostly at random restaurants in Namba and was always ended happily full.
I did the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery tour and it’s something I will do again! While the price bump was a bummer, it was still a good intro to the world of whiskey!
I loved my summer experience in Japan! However, it’s definitely not for first timers who will be out and about all day in crowded spots.
by oldanetimes