Kansai boasts a wealth of popular tourist destinations, from historic landmarks to trending hot spots. With so many incredible places to explore, narrowing down where to go can be a challenge. In this feature, we highlight some of the best places in Osaka and Kyoto, offering a mix of sightseeing, delicious cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and shopping experiences. Additionally, we’ll introduce the convenient contactless payment system for public transportation, allowing you to travel cash-free, along with a guide on how to use it directly from the airport.
Relax and Recharge in the Airport Lounge Upon Arrival
Touch down in Japan and treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in an airport lounge before diving into your adventure! Did you know some airport lounges in Japan cater not only to those jetting off, but to arriving passengers too*? Enjoy a variety of perks, like complimentary beverages and more. Plus, if you’re a JCB Gold member or higher, you can access these lounges for free - just show your same-day boarding pass stub and JCB card upon entry. Start your vacation refreshed and ready to explore after a long and tiring flight!
*At some airports, lounges are only available for departures.
JCB Member Special Offers
Click here for details：https://www.global.jcb/en/consumers/platinum/airport-lounge/index.html#ancLounge
Must-See Tourist Attractions in Osaka and How to Reach Them from the Airport
【Osaka】 Dotonbori: Gourmet Food and Live Entertainment
Osaka's vibrant downtown, Dotonbori, is a bustling hub of neon lights, towering 3D sculpture signboards featuring crabs and dragons, and a never-ending parade of culinary delights. Here, you'll find Osaka’s iconic dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, along with an array of other mouthwatering options, including crab specialties, yakiniku, ramen, sushi, tecchiri, and more.
But Dotonbori isn't just about food - it's also packed with exciting attractions! Hop on a river cruise to see the lively streets from the water, catch a comedy show at local entertainment spots, or explore historic temples. With so much to “eat”, “play”, and “see”, Dotonbori offers the perfect mix of sightseeing fun and authentic Osaka experiences.
【Recommended Route from the Airport】How to Travel Using Contactless Payment
■From Kansai International Airport:
Kansai International Airport ➡ (Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t) ➡Nankai Namba Station/Namba Station
*JCB contactless payment is all that's needed to board the airport express train. Additionally, by purchasing a Web Express ticket, passengers may board the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t without the need to exchange tickets at the airport.
■From Osaka International Airport
Osaka International Airport ➡ (Osaka Monorail) ➡ Hotarugaike Station ➡ (Hankyu Takarazuka Line) ➡ Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station/Umeda Station ➡ (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line) ➡ Namba Station
【Osaka】Abeno Harukas: Breathtaking Views from 300 Meters Above Ground
Abeno Harukas is a multifaceted commercial complex that combines department stores, an observatory, hotels, museums, and offices. The Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store offers a wide array of Osaka specialties, Japanese and Western sweets from across Japan, cosmetics, and other goods, making it the perfect place to pick out souvenirs.
The observation deck 'Harukas 300', located about 300 meters above ground, is a favorite spot for tourists. Its all-glass indoor corridor provides an incredible panoramic view of Osaka, creating the sensation of walking in mid-air. For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try 'Edge the Harukas' - an exhilarating experience where visitors walk along the 300-meter-high outer deck, securely fastened to a safety harness! Additional attractions include a beautiful 'Sky Garden', and the 'Lover's Sanctuary' - a romantic photo spot where visitors can pledge their love with a heart-shaped padlock and take memorable photos.
JCB Member Special Offers
JCB ×Kintetsu Department Store Main Store Abeno Harukas Campaign
Click here for details：https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/kintetsu/56847/
【Recommended Route from the Airport】How to Travel Using Contactless Payment
■From Kansai International Airport
Kansai International Airport ➡ (Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t) ➡ Nankai Namba Station/Namba Station ➡ (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line) ➡ Tennoji Station
*JCB contactless payment is all that's needed to board the airport express train. Additionally, by purchasing a Web Express ticket, passengers may board the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t without the need to exchange tickets at the airport.
■From Osaka International Airport
Osaka International Airport ➡ (Osaka Monorail) ➡ Hotarugaike Station ➡ (Hankyu Takarazuka Line) ➡ Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station/Umeda Station ➡ (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line) ➡ Tennoji Station
Must-See Tourist Attractions in Kyoto and How to Reach Them from the Airport
Kyoto is just a short journey from Osaka, making it an ideal destination to visit after exploring Osaka's sights! Read on to discover some of the most iconic attractions in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto's top tourist spots.
【Kyoto】Togetsukyo Bridge: The Iconic Landmark of Arashiyama
Togetsukyo Bridge, a symbol of Arashiyama, spans the Katsura River and offers breathtaking views that blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature. The mountains in the background transform with the seasons - blushing with cherry blossoms in spring, lush and green in summer, vibrant with autumn leaves in fall, and blanketed in snow during winter. In summer, visitors can also experience the ancient tradition of cormorant fishing, a practice that dates back to the Heian period (794 - 1185).
【Kyoto】Bamboo Forest Path: An Enchanting Atmosphere
The Bamboo Forest Path is one of Arashiyama's most iconic sights. Tall bamboo trees line both sides of the path, arching above to create a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Early morning is the best time to visit, when the rustling of bamboo leaves, the gentle wind through the grove, and the fresh scent of bamboo combine to create a truly unforgettable experience.
The Arashiyama area is home to a diverse range of attractions, including plenty of historic shrines and temples. There are also many restaurants where diners can savor Kyoto’s local specialties, including ‘yudofu’ (hot tofu), ‘yuba’ (tofu skin), and ‘fu’ (wheat gluten), along with seasonal dishes. Arashiyama combines the best of sightseeing and gourmet experiences, making it a must-visit destination.
【Recommended Route from the Airport】How to Travel Using Contactless Payment
Kansai International Airport ➡ (Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t) ➡ Tengachaya Station ➡ (Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line) ➡ Awaji Station ➡ (Hankyu Kyoto Line) ➡ Arashiyama Station
*JCB contactless payment is all that's needed to board the airport express train. Additionally, by purchasing a Web Express ticket, passengers may board the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t without the need to exchange tickets at the airport.
Travel by train using your JCB Contactless card. Available for visitors to Japan.
The JCB Contactless card can now be used not only at convenience stores and shops, but also on trains, buses, and other modes of transportation. Simply hold your JCB contactless-enabled credit card or smartphone wallet over the reader at the train ticket gate or bus contactless payment reader to easily pass through and board. This removes the need to purchase tickets in advance at a machine or top up an IC card, making travel smoother and eliminating the stress of having to carry cash for tickets.
How to Guide
1. Have a card with a contactless payment symbol or a smartphone with the card set up ready.
2. When boarding or alighting from a train, simply hold your card over the contactless terminals installed at each public transportation facility.
3. Boarding and alighting history can be easily checked from your computer or smartphone.
*Q-move is a service operated by QUADRAC Corporation. Please contact QUADRAC Corporation for operating instructions.
URL: https://www.q-move.jp/Plum/login?lang=en
Please refer to the following contactless payment transportation map for available transportation options that support contactless payment.
Click here for other special offers for JCB members
- Gain Access to JCB Exclusive Lane and Get Discount Tickets!
For more information：https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/ktic/75916/ - OSAKA - Comfortable Tourist Base in NAMBA, Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka
For more information：https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/frnankai/70710/ - KYOTO - Luxury Hotel Special Offers by FAUCHON L'Hotel Kyoto
For more information：https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/wbc/68419/
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