10 Days in Kansai, Japan | Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki and Tottori
Welcome to this story of 10 days by local train in Japan’s Canai region. Not chasing crowds, but discovering quiet places, temples tucked into forests, shrines that many travelers never find. It all began with five nights in Kyoto, dodging the tourist crowds. This was a slower Kyoto of mossy paths, historic gardens, and a snowy mountain hike. Then by train to Amana Hashidate, a pinecovered sandbar floating across a bay, seen from above on a spectacular cable car ride. The next day was tottery. Windswept sandjunes stretched down to the sea of Japan. A place that felt like the edge of the world. Kurishiki’s old quarter was a special gem. Stone bridges, candle lit lanterns, and reflections of another time. In Okyama, I visited Okiyama Castle and wandered through one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens. Then I traveled to Himiji. I climbed a mountain and visited a temple featured in The Last Samurai and a castle used as a location in a James Bond film. In Nara, sacred deer wandered freely as I checked out the ancient shrines away from the crowds. The final stop was the city of Osaka to take in the vibrant streets and some magical temples. Enjoy this video journey of my Canai tour. [Music] It’s my first morning here in Kyoto and I’m going to begin with a little stroll around the Arashiamyama area. [Music] Wow. [Applause] [Music] [Music] Oh. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Laughter] [Music] [Laughter] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] How about you? [Music] Oh, wait a second. [Music] Hey, Mr. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] I can go around my world right now in the world. [Music] Please. [Music] [Music] [Music] Sorry. [Music] Okay. [Music] It’s a crisp and sunny morning here in Kyoto and I’m off for a day hike in the mountains. [Music] Please exit from the door on the front left of the first carriage. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] Oh, [Music] heat. [Music] Okay, you guys. [Music] Are they [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Come on. Come down. [Music] Beautiful. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] It’s another lovely sunny morning here in Kyoto and today I’m off to the Fushimi In our shrine. To get there, I’m going to take the less traveled back route through these uh bamboo forests. [Music] [Applause] Well, it’s been quite a tiring walk going up here along the Kyoto Trail, but I’ve just managed to get my first glimpse of the red Tory gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Here [Music] [Applause] [Music] we go. [Music] Heat up here. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. [Music] Come on. [Music] Come on. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] Wow. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] anywhere. [Music] Hey Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Oh, [Applause] heat. [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] What about you? [Music] I love [Music] Just [Applause] [Music] bring your car. travel on the link and switch your phone to silent. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Well, it’s quite scary when you start, but uh after a while it’s quite relaxing. [Music] [Music] I wish I’d filmed my exit from that because it was quite undignified. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] that you Thank [Music] you guys. Thank you. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] I can tell you. [Music] Heat. Heat. Everyone, thank you. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. [Music] Yeah, we’re going [Music] Heat. Heat. Hallelujah. [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Oh man. [Music] Oh yeah. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Good job. [Music] [Music] Hello. [Music] Yep. [Music] [Music] Thank you. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Yeah. [Music] Yeah. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Music] [Laughter] [Music] Oh, [Music] [Music] heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Wow. [Music] Wow. [Music] [Applause] So crazy. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. [Music] doesn’t get [Music] May you wish you Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music]
10 Days in Kansai, Japan | Hidden Temples, Scenic Trains & Mountain Trails
Join me on a cinematic journey through the Kansai region of Japan—beyond the tourist trail.
Over 10 days, I explored Kyoto, Amanohashidate, Tottori, Kurashiki, Okayama, Himeji, Nara, and Osaka by train. Along the way, I discovered quiet temples, peaceful gardens, and mountain hikes that led to breathtaking views.
This is a slow-travel story told through calm visuals, ambient sound, and reflection—focused on the hidden, the historical, and the natural beauty of Japan’s heartland.
Places visited:
📍 Kyoto – serene temples & early morning stillness
📍 Amanohashidate – the “Bridge to Heaven” sandbar
📍 Tottori – coastal dunes & off-the-grid charm
📍 Kurashiki – canal-side history at dusk
📍 Okayama – Korakuen Garden & castle views
📍 Himeji – Japan’s most iconic castle
📍 Nara – deer, temples, and autumn leaves
📍 Osaka – a final taste of urban energy
🎥 Shot handheld
📷 Gear: Sony FX30, GoPro Hero 12
🎵 Ambient soundtrack with natural location sound
If you enjoy slow travel, hidden places, and cinematic storytelling, you’ll feel right at home here.
👉 Subscribe for more travel films and offbeat adventures.
🗺️ Let me know in the comments: which place would you visit first?
#JapanTravel #Kansai #CinematicVlog #SlowTravel #Kyoto #Tottori #Kurashiki #Nara #Osaka
AloJapan.com