How much do you know about Kansai? Get to know Kansai before you Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan! – Nature Edition.

Established in 1936, Yoshino Kumano National Park covers areas of Mie, Nara and Wakayama Prefectures. Mt Yoshino in Nara is particularly famous for its stunning cherry blossom and the UNESCO World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountain Range. Places of interest include the Dorokyo Gorge, where you can board a hovercraft or pleasure boat to see the erosion formed sheer cliffs topped with thick forests, from the crystal-clear waters below. The Kushimoto Marine Park lies on the southern-most tip of the main island of Honshu and provides yet another change in landscape. The Kuroshio Current flowing around this area brings higher than average temperatures, and the park is noted for its reef-forming coral and tropical marine life. Glass bottomed boats and underwater observation platforms allow visitors to see this remarkable natural phenomena. Nearby Mt.Odaigahara is listed as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan, and the mystical Yamabushi, mountain ascetic warrior sect training grounds of Mt. Omine on the borders of Mie and Nara are designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves.

Running continuously along the Sea of Japan coast from Tottori to Kyotango, the Sanin Kaigan National Park is famed for its clear beaches, numerous inlets and fascinating rock formations, strange shaped islands and mysterious caves. Only a little larger than the Tokyo Metropolitan area, it contains various geological features and conditions such as volcanic landforms, rocks and sedimentary layers that show how Japan was connected to the Asian mainland over 25 million years ago.

Running continuously along the Sea of Japan coast from Tottori to Kyotango, the Sanin Kaigan National Park is famed for its clear beaches, numerous inlets and fascinating rock formations, strange shaped islands and mysterious caves. Only a little larger than the Tokyo Metropolitan area, it contains various geological features and conditions such as volcanic landforms, rocks and sedimentary layers that show how Japan was connected to the Asian mainland over 25 million years ago.

Japan’s first and largest national park, the Setonaikai, or Inland Sea National Park seascape, borders 10 prefectures and contains over 3,000 islands. Since ancient times the Setonaikai was an important trade and transportation route. The area’s mild climate and calm waters means there are a number of attractive resorts and beaches on offer. Another very popular natural phenomena, giant Naruto whirlpools formed by tidal action can be found in the narrow Naruto Strait between Tokushima and Awaji Islans in Kyogo Prefecture, and viewed from the great bridge, or up close from tourist boats.

The Ise-Shima National Park is known for its intricate, crinkly coastline of coves and bays filled with thousands of picturesque islands dotting the tranquil waters. It’s no wonder the ancient Japanese chose this area for their most sacred of shrines over 2,000 years ago. Besides the must-see Great Shrine of Ise, there is the iconic Meoto Iwa, or the Married Couple Rocks, two holy rocky outcrops linked by a heavy sacred rope just off the coast of Futami in Mie Prefecture.

The once volcanic Mt. Daisen range, part of the Daisen-Oki National Park, is said to have been the home of the gods. This is an ancient area where nature, history and culture collide with modern outdoor experiences such as hiking, trekking, cycling, cruising, even cultural and traditional experiences.
Meditate on Mt Mitoku, where the National Treasure designated Sanbutsu-ji Temple’s Nagaire-do Hall is precariously supported by wooden pillars built into a grotto high in the rugged cliff face. Visit one of western Japan’s best wild bird habitats and enjoy watching seasonal migratory birds at the Yonago Waterbirds Sanctury. The Daisen Oki National Park is also home to the Oki Islands, featuring over 180 various sized islands some 40 to 80km off the coast. The waves and winds of the Sea of Japan have sculpted these islands into magnificent scenes, and the waters surrounding the islands are among the most pristine. The islands offer a fine range of marine sports and land-based activities making it even more attractive.

Japan’s largest lake, and having formed around 4 million years ago, one of the world’s oldest freshwater lakes, Lake Biwa boasts a diverse ecosystem featuring over 1,000 species, including 46 native fish species, many endemic to Lake Biwa, molluscs, water birds and more live and breed among the reeds. Designated a UNESCO Ramsar Wetland in 1993, the lake and its surrounds are a relaxing and beautiful lake, fed by 118 small rivers draining from the surrounding mountains. The lake offers a range of year-round activities from cycling its shores to SUP, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and a host of leisure marine sports.

Some of Japan’s most pristine forests, imposing mountains and rugged yet breathtaking coasts can be found in and around the Kii Peninsula. The east side of the peninsula is Mie Prefecture, while Wakayama Prefecture takes up its western side. Running through the middle is the ancient pilgrimage route, the Kumano Kodo. This route takes you along a path used by the ancient emperors making the pilgrimage between Kyoto and the sacred Ise Shrine. This same route was later used by the samurai, merchants and commoners to visit Ise. Much of the route was painstakingly paved with stone, preventing erosion from the areas’ heavy rainfall, as well as reminding us today, just how important the route was to the people of old Japan.Along the southern end of the Kumano Kodo, near Wakayama Prefecture’s holy Nachi Kumano Taisha Shrine, is Japan’s highest single drop waterfall with a 13m wide, 133m shaft of water cascading over a sheer cliff. The Nachi Falls are surrounded by a broadleaf evergreen primeval forest, part of the ancient shrine’s sanctuary and therefore long protected.

Walk the ancient pilgrimage route the Kumano Kodo to the three main Kumano shrines for a true spiritual experience. Even doing parts of the route, such as the Iseji route, from the sacred Ise Shrine along the rustic stone paved path amongst towering trees and lush ferns will be a life-changing experience, where Japan’s nature, history and culture can be experienced.