World Masters Games 2027 Kansai | Recommended Travel Guide to Hyogo & Tokushima｜Features｜Visit HYOGO

World Masters Games 2027 Kansai | Recommended Travel Guide to Hyogo & Tokushima

To everyone competing in events held in Hyogo and Tokushima, and to everyone coming to cheer and watch: it would be a pity to spend all your time just at the venues! Go out and explore the surrounding areas, and make plenty of memories along the way!

INDEX

The World Masters Games (WMG) 2027 Kansai Are Almost Here
Hyogo Travel Guide
(1) Settsu Area (Kobe/Hanshin)
●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Settsu Area
●Recommended Model Itineraries in the Settsu Area
(2) Tamba Area
●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Tamba area
(3) Harima Area
●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Harima Area
●Recommended Model Itineraries in the Harima Area
(4) Tajima Area
●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Tajima Area
●Recommended Model Itineraries in the Tajima Area
(5) Awaji Area
●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Awaji Area
●Recommended Model Itineraries in the Awaji Area
Tokushima Travel Guide
●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Tokushima Prefecture
(1) Experience Tokushima’s Natural Beauty
(2) Culture and Art in Tokushima
(3) Tokushima’s Notable Historic Sites, Temples, and Shrines
●Recommended Model Itineraries in Tokushima Prefecture

The World Masters Games (WMG) 2027 Kansai Are Almost Here

WMG2027 Kansai takes place in late May 2027. In Hyogo Prefecture, events will be held in locations across the prefecture, including on Awaji Island, and there are also several venues just beyond Awaji Island in Tokushima Prefecture. While you’re here, make the most of your trip by exploring the area before or after your events.

【Access to HYOGO and TOKUSHIMA】

The World Masters Games 2027 KANSAI Official Website

[Access Between Major Airports and Stations]

Route		Transportation Type \| Estimated Travel Time
From	To	Transportation Type \| Estimated Travel Time
Kobe Airport	Sannomiya Station	Bus \| Approx. 25 minutes Train \| Approx. 18 minutes
Kobe Airport	Tokushima Station	Express bus｜Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes
Tokushima Airport	Tokushima Station	Limousine bus \| Approx. 30 minutes
Tokushima Airport	Sannomiya Station	Express Bus \| Approx. 2 hours
Kansai International Airport	Sannomiya Station	Express Bus \| Approx. 1 hour 5 minutes Bay Shuttle & Train \| Approx. 1 hour
Kansai International Airport	Tokushima Station	Express Bus \| Approx. 3 hours
Shin-Osaka Station	Shin-Kobe Station	Train \| Approx. 12 minutes *By Shinkansen
Shin-Osaka Station	Tokushima Station	Express Bus \| Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes *Departing from Osaka Station
Kyoto Station	Shin-Kobe Station	Train \| Approx. 30 minutes *By Shinkansen
Kyoto Station	Tokushima Station	Express Bus \| Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
Tokyo Station	Shin-Kobe Station	Train \| Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes *By Shinkansen
Tokyo Station	Tokushima Station	Express Bus \| Approx. 8 hours 40 minutes
Haneda Airport	Kobe Airport	Airplane｜Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
Haneda Airport	Tokushima Airport	Airplane \| Approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes

Search routes and transfers here (NAVITIME)

Check how to get to each venue on Google Maps below.

( HYOGO : Red | TOKUSHIMA : Green )

Hyogo Travel Guide

Hyogo Prefecture lies just west of Osaka and Kyoto. It stretches from the Seto Inland Sea in the south to the Sea of Japan in the north and boasts a wide range of attractions, including historic castles, distinctive hot springs, and a stunning “10-million-dollar night view.” Hyogo is also known as a treasure trove of culinary delights, including world-renowned Kobe beef, sake, and fresh seafood from its two coastlines.

The hot springs of Hyogo Prefecture: See More

Hyogo’s specialty foods and recommended gourmet dishes: Our top 25!: See More

Please take a look at the highlights and recommended spots in each of the areas shown on the map below.

(1) Settsu Area (Kobe/Hanshin)

This is one of the liveliest areas in Hyogo Prefecture. It includes Kobe, a port city with an international atmosphere shaped by its long history of exchange with other countries, and Amagasaki, an industrial city bordering Osaka Prefecture.

[Sports & Venues]

Sport	Venue
Table Tennis	Kobe City
Basketball	Kobe City
Race Walking	Kobe City
Baseball	Kobe City (Some games will also be held in Akashi City and Miki City.)
Water Polo	Amagasaki City

*Back to the Venue Map

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Settsu Area

Kobe Harborland: This is a popular destination for sightseeing in Kobe, where you can make the most of your day while enjoying the scenery of the…; See More

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: This is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, connecting Awaji Island with Kobe. It is an impressive 3,911 meters…; See More

Hanshin Koshien Stadium: When people hear the word “Koshien,” many of them will think of hot summers for high-school baseball players. Since …; See More

Amako Sobe Manga Gallery: This gallery introduces the works of the popular manga artist from Amagasaki, Amako Sobe. Here, you can see images from Rakudai …; See More

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Kobe Harborland
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Amako Sobe Manga Gallery

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All Sightseeing Spots in This Area

●Recommended Model Itineraries in the Settsu Area

Two-day, one-night itinerary: Enjoy golf, hot springs, and sightseeing in Kobe: See More

[Three days, two nights] Kobe and Awaji for first-time visitors: See More

All Model Itineraries Including This Area

: View the Kobe Area Feature

: View the Hanshin Area Feature

＼ Accommodations in the Settsu Area (Kobe/Hanshin) ／

Book Online

(2) Tamba Area

Located north of the Settsu Area, Tamba is known for its historic townscapes and rich natural scenery. It’s also popular for Japanese sweets made with local specialties such as Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black soybeans. Although no WMG events will be held here, it’s well worth a visit if your schedule allows.

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Tamba area

Sasayama Castle Town area: The Sasayama Castle Town area extends around the central point of Sasayama Castle, evoking the history and elegance it has carri…; See More

Sue no Sato Tamba Traditional Craft Park: Tachikui Sue no Sato Tamba Traditional Craft Park, located in Tamba-Sasayama City in Hyogo Prefecture, is a comprehensive facili…; See More

Genkimura Kamikuge/ Tambaryu-no-Sato Park: In the distant past, 110 million years ago, giant dinosaurs called Tambatitanis (Tambaryu in Japanese) lived in Tamba City. The …; See More

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Sasayama Castle Town area
Sue no Sato Tamba Traditional Craft Park
Genkimura Kamikuge/ Tambaryu-no-Sato Park

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All Sightseeing Spots in This Area

＼ Accommodations in the Tamba Area ／

Book Online

(3) Harima Area

Home to Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site, Harima has long been an important crossroads for travel west from Kyoto. Be sure to try the local food too, from hand-stretched somen noodles with a long history to Akashiyaki, a local specialty.

[Sports & Venues]

Sport	Venue
Swimming	Himeji City
Baseball	Akashi City and Miki City (Some games will also be held in Kobe City.)
Tennis	Miki City and Kasai City
Taekwondo	Himeji City

*Back to the Venue Map

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Harima Area

Himeji Castle: This famous castle is representative of Japan, being the country’s first registered UNESCO World Heritage site together wi…; See More

Himeji Central Park: Himeji Central Park is a popular leisure facility that combines a safari park and amusement park.An impressive safari experience…; See More

Kurotaki Falls: The Kurotaki Falls can be found in Yokawa-cho in Miki City in the center of Hyogo Prefecture, and are a soothing waterfall desti…; See More

Uonotana Shopping Street: Uonotana Shopping Street is located around three minutes’ walk from Akashi Station, and is a well-loved shopping area affe…; See More

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Himeji Central Park
Himeji Castle
Kurotaki Falls
Uonotana Shopping Street

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All Sightseeing Spots in This Area

●Recommended Model Itineraries in the Harima Area

Osaka and Hyogo three-day, two-night itinerary: Head to the hugely popular Arima Onsen and Himeji Castle

Relax in Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs, immerse yourself in history in World Heritage site Himeji Castle, and make the most of the streetscapes and gourmet of Kobe. Finish your trip by enjoying shopping and entertainment in Osaka on the final day...

See More

＼ Accommodations in the Harima Area ／

Book Online

Column

Hyogo, the Birthplace of Golf in Japan

Japan’s oldest golf course is in Hyogo, and the prefecture has a long history of preserving traditional British golfing customs. The Harima Area has a particularly large number of golf courses, making it ideal for combining a round of golf with sightseeing and hot springs.

See More

(4) Tajima Area

This area in northern Hyogo is home to popular destinations such as the Takeda Castle Ruins, the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, and Kinosaki Onsen. It also has many heritage sites, including historic townscapes and old mines, and is known for premium local foods such as Tajima beef and Matsuba crab.

[Sports & Venues]

Sport	Venue
Orienteering (Sprint)	Kami Town
Orienteering (Forest)	Yabu City, Kami Town, Kamikawa Town

*Back to the Venue Map

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Tajima Area

Takeda Castle Ruins: Did you know that there’s a place called the “castle in the sky” in Hyogo Prefecture?In the early morning of a…; See More

Kinosaki Marine World: Kinosaki Marine World is more than just a place to see marine creatures!Here, you can feel excitement that transcends an aquariu…; See More

Amarube Railway Bridge "Sky Station": Amarube Railway Bridge was once the tallest in Japan, and supported the main JR San-in Line for around 100 years. It was replace…; See More

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Takeda Castle Ruins
Kinosaki Marine World
Amarube Railway Bridge "Sky Station"

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Recommended Sightseeing Spots in This Area

●Recommended Model Itineraries in the Tajima Area

The superb natural scenery of Hyogo

Let the stunning landscapes formed by the natural world of Hyogo set your heart aflutter on this two-day one-night itinerary. We’ve carefully picked out some of Hyogo’s beautiful scenery, including the Tonomine Highlands, with a vast and spectacular silver grass “forest” that was used as a location for Norwegian Wood; Shiwagara Waterfall, whose water pours into a cave, inviting you into a fantastical world...

See More

＼ Accommodations in the Tajima Area ／

Book Online

(5) Awaji Area

Awaji Island lies between the Honshu and Shikoku islands and offers an easy resort getaway. There’s plenty to see, from a massive suspension bridge and clear blue seas to theme parks. The island is a food lover’s paradise with delicious produce from both land and sea.

[Sports & Venues]

Sport	Venue
Volleyball (Beach)	Minami-Awaji City

*Back to the Venue Map

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Awaji Area

Nijigen no Mori Theme Park: Nijigen no Mori, in Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park, is a unique theme park where you can experience a world of anime and game…; See More

Awaji Puppet Theater: Awaji Ningyo Joruri puppet theater, designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural property, is one of Japan&rsqu…; See More

Michi-no-Eki Uzushio: Michi-no-Eki Uzushio roadside station boasts an ideal location facing the Naruto Strait. It stands in a place where the great ti…; See More

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Nijigen no Mori Theme Park
Awaji Puppet Theater
Michi-no-Eki Uzushio

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All Sightseeing Spots in This Area

●Recommended Model Itineraries in the Awaji Area

Family fun: A trip to Awaji Island

Enjoy Awaji Island with your family with this self-indulgent itinerary packed full of experiences and activities. First, head to the Nijigen no Mori theme park, where you can enjoy attractions inspired by Japan’s representative anime—adults and children alike can go full out and have a great time on a zip line and in a giant athletics area. Next, you’ll be welcomed by a huge Hello Kitty at Hello Kitty Smile...

See More

＼ Accommodations in the Awaji Area ／

Book Online

Hyogo is Committed to Sustainability

Tokushima Travel Guide

Tokushima Prefecture, in southeastern Shikoku, is known for its spectacular natural scenery of seas, mountains, and gorges, and for living traditions such as the Awa Odori dance festival and the Shikoku pilgrimage (ohenro). It has been attracting a growing number of international visitors in recent years.

Tokushima’s local food is also drawing attention, from dishes featuring sudachi, a local citrus fruit, to Tokushima ramen, with its rich pork-bone and soy sauce broth topped with a raw egg.

While you’re here for WMG2027, be sure to enjoy some sightseeing in Tokushima!

[Sports & Venues]

Sport	Venue
Canoeing (Slalom)	Naka Town, Naka District
Golf	Tokushima City, Naruto City, Awa City, Mima City, Miyoshi City, Kamiyama Town, Nishi District
Tenpin Bowling	Tokushima City, Ishii Town, Meishi District
Triathlon and Aquathlon	Minami Town, Kaifu District
Weightlifting	Naruto City

*Back to the Venue Map

●Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Tokushima Prefecture

We’ve handpicked spots we’d love for you to visit across three themes. Use them to start picturing your trip to Tokushima!

(1) Experience Tokushima’s Natural Beauty

Tokushima has scenery you won’t find anywhere else. In the mountains you can explore the remote Iya Valley area and Mt. Tsurugi, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. On the coast you’ll find the powerful Naruto Whirlpools and Ohama Beach, known for its nesting sea turtles.

Uzu-no-Michi Walkway

The magnificent whirlpools in the Naruto Straits can be enjoyed from several vantages. One option is the observatory built below the Naruto Bridge, offering a variety of views through glass viewing panels from a height of 45m above the sea. For an up-close and personal view of the whirlpools, why not try taking a ride on one of the regular sightseeing boat trips available?

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Spectacular Scenery: Naruto Whirlpools

Structure of whirlpools

The moon's pull causes the surface of the ocean to rise up, travelling from east to west as though following the moon itself. The waves created by the high tides flow to the north through the Kii and Bungo Channels. The waves that enter the Bungo Channel cause the water level to the west of the Seto Inland Sea to rise up and flow towards the Harimanada area of ocean. The waves that enter the Kii Channel caused by the high tides split into two, and flow towards the Naruto Strait and Osaka Bay...

View Naruto Whirlpools Feature

Vine Bridges of Iya Valley: In ancient times the local people built many of these bridges to use in daily life, using vines that grow wild in the mountains, yet…; See More

Oboke and Koboke Gorges: An emerald green water surface, white rock faces, and cliffs jutting straight up to the sky are colored by fresh verdure in spring…; See More

Mt. Tsurugi: At 1,955m in height, Mt. Tsurugi is the second highest mountain in western Japan. However a climb to the top is not so difficult when…; See More

Amagoi Falls: This two step waterfall, broken into falls over 27m and 45m tumbles over three ledges into the basin below. Rated amongst the 100 finest waterfalls in Japan.; See More

Hiwasa Chelonian Museum Caretta: Each year between May and late August, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs at Ohama beach on the southern coast of…; See More

Awa Sandstone Pillars (Awa no Dochu): A natural work of art, these sandstone pillars are the product of some 200 million years of erosion. Lit up at night, its beauty…; See More

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Uzu-no-Michi Walkway
Vine Bridges of Iya Valley
Oboke and Koboke Gorges
Mt. Tsurugi
Amagoi Falls
Hiwasa Chelonian Museum Caretta
Awa Sandstone Pillars (Awa no Dochu)

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(2) Culture and Art in Tokushima

Tokushima offers a wide range of artistic experiences, from traditional Japanese performing arts such as Awa Ningyo Joruri puppet theater and the Awa Odori dance to the Otsuka Museum of Art, which displays life-size ceramic reproductions of masterpieces from around the world.

Awa Jurobe Yashiki (Traditional Awa Puppet Theatre): Here you can find daily performances of the Awa puppet theatre, at the former residence of Bando Jurobe who is said to be the…; See More

Awa Odori Kaikan (Awa Odori Dance Museum): The world-famous Awa Odori dance can be viewed all year round at this dance hall. The first floor is home to an information desk…; See More

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What Is Awa Odori?

Awa Odori is one of Japan’s largest summer festivals, with a history of over 400 years. It’s famous for its chant, translated roughly as “Dancing fools and watching fools!” Dancers and spectators come together to the lively two-beat rhythm of the festival music. It is held across the prefecture every August, and the largest celebration is in Tokushima City. Related events take place throughout the year, and you can see a performance every day at the Awa Odori Kaikan.

View Awa Dance(Awa Odori) Feature

Otsuka Museum of Art

Home to the largest permanent exhibition space in Japan, this museum houses vivid, full-size reproductions of masterworks of Western art on large ceramic boards. The museum collection of more than 1000 works was selected from 190 museums in 25 countries to show the development of Western art from antiquity through to modern times.

*This photo was taken of works on display at the Otsuka Museum of Art.

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Awa Jurobe Yashiki (Traditional Awa Puppet Theatre)
Awa Odori Kaikan (Awa Odori Dance Museum)
Otsuka Museum of Art

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(3) Tokushima’s Notable Historic Sites, Temples, and Shrines

Tokushima is home to many prestigious temples and shrines, including Ryozenji (Temple 1) and the starting point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. With many historic sites and townscapes that still evoke the Edo period, it’s an ideal destination for a trip immersed in history and spiritual tradition.

Tairyuji Ropeway / Tairyuji Temple: This is the longest ropeway in western Japan, with a large car that holds 101 passengers. It takes about 10 minutes to reach…; See More

Ryozenji Temple: Ryozenji is the starting point for the popular 88 temple pilgrimage around Shikoku. The temple here was founded in the 8th century…; See More

Tokushima Central Park / Tokushima Castle Ruins: The land around the remains of Tokushima Castle has been developed into a park, complete with cherry blossoms that come into…; See More

Omatsu Daigongen Shrine: This shrine is famous for a legend of a supernatural cat, and is nicknamed Nekogami-sama (lit. "cat god"). A variety of cat statues…; See More

Yakuoji Temple (23th Temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail): Yakuoji Temple is belonging to Koyasan Shingon Sect of Buddhism and is also a famous as 23rd temple of Shikoku Pilgrimage. This…; See More

Tatsue-ji(19th Temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail): Tatsue-ji is a famous temple with the social status of the wish by 45th Emperor Syōmu. In 747, prayed for the safe delivery of…; See More

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The Shikoku Pilgrimage:Trail to Remind your Dignity and the Calm Mind

The pilgrimage itself is over 1,400 kilometres in length, and has an image amongst the public of being harsh and difficult to complete. In recent years it has become popular with people wishing to rediscover themselves, build up their health, or enjoy the outdoors. Many pilgrims participate for reasons entirely separate from religion, and it is seeing increasing popularity for its abundance of must-see with sacred areas...