Tourism


Kansai has long flourished as a center of history and culture. Surrounded by rich nature and its traditions still running deep to this day, it is the perfect area to experience Japanese traditional culture, delicious local cuisines and lush nature. Take a break from the games and explore the uniqueness of Kansai.


The very best of Kansai!
We offer a packed program for participants to enjoy Kansai to its fullest, including not only temples and shrines but also traditional culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities. Including periods before, after and between the games, enjoy this experience program exclusive to this region in 2021!


Introducing participating citiesThe Competition Period:
May 14, 2021 (Fri) to May 30, 2021 (Sun)


Relish the cityscapes full of history and culture
and the blessings of the brave Sea of Japan.
Fukui Prefecture is a treasure trove of food, blessed with an abundance of food from its mountains, sea, and fields, including its brand of rice known as Ichihomare, ranked A+ for its flavor for two consecutive years, and high-grade brand of Japanese pufferfish, the king of pufferfish, known as Wakasafugu.
Furthermore, it has numerous places where you can experience ageless historical and cultural attractions, including the world’s largest dinosaur museum and Eihei-ji Temple, one of the main temples of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism.
We encourage you to visit Fukui Prefecture and enjoy everything it has to offer.
- ●Joyama Park Square [Sunday at the end of May]
Click here for Fukui Prefecture tourism information


The Japanese pufferfish from Wakasa Port are eaten under the brand name Wakasafugu and are characterized by a tender texture caused by temperature differences and rough waves in the Sea of Japan causing them to expand and tighten often.
There are beach cafes along Wakasa Wada Beach that serve delicious Wakasafugu Tempura and Carpaccio even in summer with that same texture.
- Where can you eat them?
- Café & Rum Bar FAMILIAR
Fukui, Oi District, Takahama, Wada, 110-26-3
TEL.0770-72-6630
Competition List
City/Town | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Takahama Town | Lifesaving | Wakasa Wada Beach |


It has gained popularity as a photo spot due to how the trees change from season to season.

As the head temple of the Tendai sect, while of course, you can visit the temple itself, you can also enjoy a nature walk around the temple.
A breather amongst rich nature and ageless history
Shiga / Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa, brimming with water. Surrounded by a deep green mountain range. A quiet appearance of a historical heritage built by its predecessors. Shiga Prefecture has long cultivated rich, aesthetic sentiments and created profound cultures.
History, culture, nature, food… Experience the deep charms Shiga’s predecessors cultivated and handed down with Lake Biwa at the center.
- We will inform you as soon as it is decided.
Click here for Shiga Prefecture tourism information


Omi beef is one of Japan’s best three kinds of Japanese beef. With its fine, soft fleshiness and high degree of marbling, you will never forget the melting deliciousness once you put it in your mouth.
- Where can you eat them?
- Can be found in Japanese pubs, restaurants, and hotels in all regions in the prefecture
Competition List
City/Town | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Otsu City | Canoe (Dragon Boat) |
Biwako Motor Boat Racing Course |
Rowing | Biwako Rowing Center | |
Hikone City | Athletics (10km Road Race) |
World Masters Games 10km Special Course |
Nagahama City | Hockey | Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology Dome |
Kusatsu City | Softball | Kusatsu Green Stadium |
Yabase Kihan Island Park | ||
Moriyama City | Baseball (Rubber Baseball) |
Moriyama Municipal Sports Park Baseball Field |
Softball | Moriyama Municipal Sports Park | |
Maibara City | Hockey | OSP Hockey Stadium (Ibuki Sports Ground) |
Maibara City 1st Ground | ||
Higashiomi City | Baseball (Rubber Baseball) |
Higashiomi Koto Stadium |
Higashiomi Okunono Sports Park | ||
Nagayama Park | ||
Softball | Nunobiki Green Stadium | |
Nagayama Park |


There are also many hot springs in the area where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
“Sea” “Forests” “Tea”
Kyoto, overflowing with beautiful nature
Kyoto, one of Japan’s ancient capitals, has kept alive its history and traditions.
Throw yourself into beautiful nature and good old-fashioned culture,
and feel the true spirit of Japan.
- ●Tango Tenshu Festival (Kyotango)
- ●Kyoga Misaki Lighthouse Festival (Kyotango)
- ●Uji River Boat Tea Ceremony (Uji)
- ●Kuromame Rock Festival (Kyotamba)
- ●Appare Tanbo [Paddy field art & rice-planting event] (Kyotamba)
- ●TOJ [Tour of Japan] (Kyotanabe)
- *All of the above are plans. They will be updated as soon as they are confirmed.
Click here for Kyoto Prefecture tourism information


Tango Barazushi, a unique local cuisine only available in Kyoto’s Tango region, is characterized by its topping of salty-sweet, boiled minced mackerel.
It comes served in a shallow wooden box and is truly a work of art among barazushi as it is as nice to look at as it is delicious.
- Where can you eat them?
- Available at Michi no Eki (roadside stations), grocery stores, restaurants, Japanese inns, etc. in Kyotango
●Tango Barazushi eating tour map●
http://www.uminokyoto.jp.e.adn.hp.transer.com/feature/detail.php?spid=18
Competition List
City/Town | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Fukuchiyama City | Soft Tennis | Sandanike Park Tennis Court |
Kyotanabe City | Handball | Tanabe Central Gymnasium |
Kyotango City | Canoe (Marathon) |
Kumihama Bay Canoe Stadium |
Nantan City | Triathlon (Duathlon) |
Nantan City Oigawa Park |
Wazuka Town | Cycling (Mountain Bike) |
Yubune MTB LAND |
Kyotamba Town | Gateball | Kyoto Tamba Park |
Uji City | Flying Disc (Ultimate) |
Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro Sports Park |
Handball | Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro Sports ark Gymnasium |



Not just for fun.
This is the real Osaka.
It’s time to experience everything Osaka has to offer!
Osaka is the economic center of western Japan and a domestic and international gateway with Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport and the Port of Osaka.
Known as the “water capital” due to its surrounding rivers, Osaka’s economy and culture developed thanks to its waterways. Osaka is also known as an epicurean city, its okonomiyaki, takoyaki, deep-fried skewers, and udon noodles are highly recommended.
- ●Higashiosaka Taikan Machihaku [Date TBA]
- ●Higashiosaka Rugby Bar [Date TBA]
- ●David Austin English Rose Garden Spring Rose Festival (At Hanazaki Farm Agricultural Park in Sennan)
[Date unconfirmed. Usually from mid-May for one month] - *All of the above are plans.
Click here for Osaka Prefecture tourism information


Shrimp, fish fillet and rice seasoned with vinegar is placed into a wooden box, pressed, then taken out and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Where can you eat them?
- ■The Nation’s Kitchen[OSAKA-INFO]
https://osaka-info.jp/en/page/gastronomy-top
■TASTE OSAKA(A search engine for restaurants with foreign language menus.)
https://taste-osaka.com/index.php?lang=en
Competition List
City/Town | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Kishiwada City | Cycling (BMX) |
Cyclepia Kishiwada BMX Course |
Higashiosaka City | Rugby | Higashiosaka City Hanazono Rugby Stadium |
Sennan City | Swimming (Open Water) |
Tarui Southern Beach |



It provides a superb view of the Kitan Channel from its keep.
Hyogo Prefecture, the province of great castles.
A tour of 22 castles designated as national historic sites, the most of any Japanese prefecture.
Facing the Sea of Japan in the north and the Seto Inland Sea in the south, Hyogo Prefecture is a region that has everything. From cityscapes to beautiful nature, it is sometimes referred to as “miniature Japan.” Hyogo Prefecture is comprised of the five former nations of Settsu, Harima, Tajima, Tamba, and Awaji, and boasts wonderful local cultures and natural features native to these five regions, including nature, industry, art, culture, history, human figures, specialty products, and food.
Most famous for its World Heritage Site designated Himeji Castle, we urge you to enjoy the uniqueness of Hyogo Prefecture’s 1,000+ castle ruins and 22 castles designated as national historic sites.
- [Events held within Hyogo Prefecture in May]
- ●Awaji Hanahaku 20th Anniversary Hanamidori Fair
- ●Kobe Festival
- ●Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge Walk
- ●Himeji Castle Festival
- ●Aioi Dragon Boat Festival
- ●Kushaku-fuji Festival
- ●TAJIMADOME Festival
- *All of the above are plans.
Click here for Hyogo Prefecture tourism information


Hyogo Prefecture has nine sake brewers' associations in each of its regions and approximately 70 sake breweries and boasts the highest sake production in Japan. Due to the different climates in each region, each of the regions and breweries offer a variety of sake flavors.
- Where can you drink them?
- Available at sake breweries, Japanese pubs, etc. in every region of the prefecture
Competition List
City/Town | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Kobe City | Swimming (Diving) |
Kobe Port Island Sports Center |
Himeji City | Taekwondo | WINK Budoukan |
Amagasaki City | Swimming (Water Polo) |
Amagasaki Sports Forest |
Swimming (Artistic Swimming) |
||
Miki City | Tennis | Bourbon Beans Dome |
Kasai City | Tennis | Aono Sports Park Aono Tennis Club |
Yabu City | Orienteering (Forest) |
Hachi Highland / Higashi Hachi-buse Highland |
Sugigasawa Highland | ||
Minami Awaji City | Volleyball (Beach Volleyball) |
Keinomatsubara Beach Volley Court |
Kamikawa Town | Orienteering (Forest) |
Mineyama Kogen Highland |
Kami Town | Orienteering (Forest) |
Hachikita Highland |
Uwano Highland | ||
Shiso City | Canoe (Polo) |
Lake Onzui Canoe Course |
(Okayama City, Okayama Pref.) | Shooting (Clay) |
Okayama Clay Target Shooting Range |


A moment of soothing in the ancient capital of Nara.
Experience Japan’s beginnings as a country in the ancient capital of Nara, a city that boasts roughly 1,300 years of history.
Nara Prefecture has three World Heritage Sites, including “Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area,” the first recorded World Heritage Site in Japan, “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara,” which includes Todai-ji and Yakushi-ji, and “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” which spans the prefectures of Nara, Mie, and Wakayama. Many national treasures, important cultural properties and traditional events have been passed down through the generations and continued since ancient times.
Nara Prefecture is overflowing with a variety of attractions, with landscapes brimming with lush nature, historical ruins that feel like ancient Rome, and townscapes that harmonize modern and old.
Welcome to Nara, the origin of Japan, the perfect place to relax and soothe your body and soul.
- ●Heijo Tempyo Spring Festival [Early May]
- ●Taima-dera Temple Nerikuyo Eshiki [May 14th]
- ●Takigi Noh [Third Fri & Sat of May]
- ●Toshodaiji Uchiwa-maki (Fan Throwing Ceremony) [May 19th]
Click here for Nara Prefecture tourism information

![Nara’s Local Brew [Japanese Sake]](/tourism/img/wmg_nara_gourmet.jpg)
Said to have the perfect land for brewing Japanese sake, people of Nara have been brewing sake at shrines and temples since long ago.
One of the most well-known of Nara’s sake was called “Soboshu” and was brewed in vast quantities using rice grown in lords’ manors. Even today, there are numerous sake breweries and you can enjoy a wide range of Japanese sake.
- Where can you drink them?
- Available in all regions of the prefecture
Competition List
City/Town | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Katsuragi City | Tug of War | Shinjo Kenmin Athletic Field 1 |
Kashiba City | Kashiba City General Gymnasium | |
Yoshino Town | Canoe (Sprint) |
Tsuburo Lake Canoe Stadium |



Visit Wakayama
~The Spiritual Heart of Japan~
Wakayama faces the Pacific Ocean and occupies a large slice of the Kii peninsula. The prefecture is part of the Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. The prefectural capital is Wakayama City and is just one hour from Osaka by train, and 45 minutes from Kansai International Airport (KIX). Inland Wakayama is dominated by the Kii mountains, home to World Heritage ancient pilgrimage routes, sacred shrines, and mountaintop temples. Along the 600-kilometre coastline, there are world-class beaches, hot spring resorts, and fantastic ocean views.
- ●Princess Chujo-hime Festival in Tokusho-ji temple【May 14th】
Click here for Wakayama Prefecture tourism information


Wakayama is bursting with fruit farms, and many offer fruitpicking experiences. Pick fruit that is fresh and seasonal, including mikan mandarin oranges, peaches, grapes, strawberries and melons.
【Flavors of Wakayama】
https://visitwakayama.jp/themes/flavors-of-wakayama/
Competition List
City/Town | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Wakayama City | Dance Sports | Martial Arts/Wakayama Big Wave |
Sailing (Sailing) |
Wakayama Sailing Center | |
Sailing (Windsurfing) |
||
Volleyball (Volleyball) |
Wakayama Big-Whale | |
Martial Arts/Wakayama Big Wave | ||
Wakayama Prefectural Gymnasium | ||
Wakayama Municipal Kanan Gymnasium | ||
Kainan City | Shooting (Rifle) |
Wakayama Rifle Shooting Range |
Tanabe City | Athletics (EKIDEN) |
Tanabe Sports Park |
Kamitonda Town | Athletics (Half Marathon) |
Kishu Kuchikumano Marathon Course |



From vast dunes and great mountains to healing hot springs
Introducing the charms of Tottori.
Tottori Prefecture offers a variety of attractions such as the Global Geopark certified Sand Dunes, Kurayoshi White Wall Warehouses, and a fishing port famous in Japan as a sacred place for yokai. You can also enjoy spa luxury at Tottori’s famous onsen (hot springs), including Kaike Onsen, Hawai Onsen, Togo Onsen, and Misasa Onsen. It is also the perfect place for stargazing. If you go to the outskirts, you can see the Milky Way and shooting stars to your heart’s content.
Its cuisine is yet another reason to appreciate Tottori, with crab from its rich sea and pear and watermelon from its rich mountains.
We encourage you to visit Tottori and enjoy everything it has to offer.
- ●Strawberry Picking [May]
- ●Kurayoshi Spring Festival [Until mid-May]
- ●Bara Matsuri (Rose Festival) at Tottori Flower Park [From mid-May]
- ●Trekking along Abandoned Kurayoshi Line Train Tracks [Fixed Date in May]
- ●Scallion Harvesting Experience [From late May]
- *All of the above are plans.
Click here for Tottori Prefecture tourism information


While we recommend trying boiled crab, fried crab and crab hotpot, crab gratin and deep-fried crab claw meat are also very tasty ways to enjoy this crab.
- Where can you eat them?
- Available at Japanese pubs and restaurants throughout the prefecture
Competition List
City/Town | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Tottori City | Archery (Outdoor Archery) |
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Sports Park Track and Field Stadium |
Archery (Indoor Archery) |
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Sports Park Tottori Prefectural Gymnasium | |
Yonago City | Judo | Tottori Prefectural Budokan |
Kurayoshi City | Cycling (Track) |
Kurayoshi Cycling Track |
Cycling (Road Race) |
Kurayoshi・Hokuei Roadrace Course | |
Yurihama Town | Ground Golf | The Home of Ground Golf "Shiokaze no Oka Tomari" |



Enormous seas and mountains brimming with life
Try out exciting experiences of Japan’s proud traditional cultures
Tokushima Prefecture is full of attractions, beginning with one of the world's three natural whirlpools: the Naruto Whirlpools. The western region of the prefecture is dubbed Nishi Awa, which contains the "Steep Slope Land Agricultural System," a farming technique that was designated as the first Japanese Important Agricultural Heritage System. In addition, one may enjoy marine sports and fresh seafood on the beautiful ocean of the so-called "Shikoku no Migishita," or the southeastern region of Shikoku.
Tokushima also boasts Awa indigo, which was chosen as the logo color for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition, Tokushima is known throughout the country for its traditional "Awa Odori" dance festival. The delicious sudachi citrus fruit that you can find in any kitchen in the Kansai area hails from Tokushima and is quite popular.
If you get the chance to visit, please don't miss a thing when enojoying all that Tokushima has to offer.
- ●Strawberry Picking [May]
- ●Machi★Asobi [May or October]
- ●Spring Rose Festival [May]
- ●Awa Open Garden [May]
- ●Mugi Awabi Festival [Early May]
- ●Takegashima Shrine Festival [Mid-May]
- *All of the above are plans.
Click here for Tokushima Prefecture tourism information


Pork rib meat cooked in a salty-sweet pork bone soy sauce base soup and topped with raw egg. This one is brown, but there are also white and yellow ones. Mixing this thick ramen with white rice is the winning combination.
- Where can you eat them?
- Available in all regions of the prefecture
Competition List
City/Town | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Tokushima City | Tenpin Bowling | Suehiro Bowl |
Golf | Tokushima Country Club | |
Naruto City | Golf | Grandee Naruto Golf Club 36 |
Naruto Country Club | ||
Weightlifting | Amino-Value Hall | |
Awa City | Golf | J Classic Golf Club |
Ishii Town | Tenpin Bowling | Pop Joy Ishii |
Kamiyama Town | Golf | Takagawa Higashi-tokushima Golf Club |
Naka Town | Canoe (Slalom) |
Naka River Wajiki Line |
Minami Town | Triathlon (Triathlon) |
Hiwasa Umigame Triathlon Course |
Triathlon (Aquathlon) |


It all begins in Kyoto.
The touring of the game’s venues also begins in Kyoto!
Kyoto City is located in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture. The lifestyle cultures in this city have been nurtured for over 1,000 years, forming a unique sense of Japanese beauty. As well as Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto is brimming with so many fascinating attractions that are not very well known, such as Sanzen-in Temple, Fushimi, Takao, Yamashina, Nishikyo, and Keihoku.
- ●Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival) [May 15th]
Click here for Kyoto City(Kyoto Prefecture) tourism information
Competition List
City | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Kyoto City | Opening ceremony | Surrounding area of Okazaki district |
Badminton | Shimadzu Arena Kyoto | |
Karate | Kyoto City Budo Center | |
Squash | Kyoto Terrsa | |
Athletics (Track & Field) |
Takebishi Stadium Kyoto・Sub-Field(Nishikyogoku Athletic Park) | |
Badminton | Hannaryz Arena | |
Kyoto Citizen Sports Hall |

This is a vibrant area where many foreign tourists visit and are crowded with many people.
There is a long-established shop and a gourmet spot in Osaka.

Eat, play, then eat some more!
The more you see, the more you’ll enjoy the wonderful attractions!
The stylish Kita northern downtown, with all the latest fashions and trends. Osaka's Minami southern downtown, centered around Namba. You can have totally different experiences, even in the same city
- ●The International Food Expo【May(Under adjustment)】
Click here for Osaka City(Osaka Prefecture) tourism information


One of the must-try foods of Osaka.
Easily eaten as a snack,and bite-sized too.
- Where can you eat them?
- Takoyaki restaurants and restaurants in Osaka city
Competition List
City | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Osaka City | Closing ceremony | Osaka-Jo Hall |


Sakai, the beginning of all things
Enjoy a seemingly everlasting moment in Sakai,
A city overflowing with history and culture.
The Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku is the world’s largest tomb and part of the Mozu Tombs, which became Osaka’s first World Heritage Site in 2019. Sakai is blessed with rich historical culture, including its large number of historical temples and shrines, the old streets around Kitahatagocho, the culture of the “Way of Tea” created by Sen no Rikyu, and traditional industries such as blade-making, incense sticks, and bicycles.
The town with the Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku and birthplace of Sen no Rikyu…
Sakai is brimming with historical and cultural attractions and is a wonderful place to visit.
- ●Tour of Japan – Sakai Stage [Around mid-May]
Click here for Sakai City(Osaka Prefecture) tourism information


In the past, numerous conger eels were caught in the waters around Sakai, and there were rows of conger eel restaurants. The gourmet and ceramic artist Kitaoji Rosanjin wrote in an essay that “the sea around Sakai is famous for delicious conger eels. They cook them well there, too…” So, we hope you decide to enjoy high-quality conger eel at Sakai.
- Where can you eat them?
- Available at Japanese pubs, restaurants, hotels, etc. in Sakai City
Competition List
City | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Sakai City | Football (Football) |
J-GREEN SAKAI |
Football (Futsal) |


Kobe, a city breathing with history
in its everyday life.
Kobe has a wealth of attractive spots, including the rich nature of Mt. Rokko and the Seto Inland Sea, harbors with beautiful scenery, exotic cityscapes, Arima Onsen, and the Nada sake brewery.
In addition, the unique lifestyle cultures of Kobe, including its food culture of sweets and bread and stylish fashion culture are nurtured on a backdrop of Kobe’s blessed topography and history as a port town.
- ●Kobe Festival [Usually held on the third Sunday of May]
Click here for Kobe City(Hyogo Prefecture) tourism information


As its reputation is so great, only Tajima cattle born within designated producers within Hyogo Prefecture that meet the strict standards may be marketed as Kobe Beef. Kobe Beef is characterized by its fine, vivid and beautiful marbling. The marbling has a melting point so low that it melts at human skin temperature, and produces a rich fragrance, mellowness, and richness.
【Kobe Official Tourism Website “Feel KOBE” Gourmet Page】
https://plus.feel-kobe.jp/en/facilities/food.html
Competition List
City | Sport (Discipline) |
Venues |
---|---|---|
Kobe City | Athletics (Race Walking) |
Rokko Island Around Course |
Basketball | Kobe Oji Sports Center | |
Orienteering (Sprint) |
Kobe University Rokkodai Campus | |
Baseball (Baseball) |
Hotto Motto Field Kobe | |
G7 Stadium Kobe | ||
Basketball | Green Arena Kobe | |
Table Tennis | Green Arena Kobe | |
Baseball (Baseball) |
Ajisai Stadium Kita Kobe | |
Basketball | Kobe Central Gymnasium | |
Swimming (Swimming) |
Kobe Port Island Sports Center | |
Table Tennis | Kobe Central Gymnasium | |
Orienteering (Sprint) |
Port Island | |
Orienteering (Sprint) |
University of Hyogo | |
(Miki City, Hyogo Pref.) | Baseball (Baseball) |
Miki Disaster Prevention Park |