Going to Kansai March 9
 

I'll be in Kansai (Nishinomiya) area in a week. If anyone knows of any cool new places to check out, I'd love to hear it. I tend to go to the same places over and over, and know there are lots of places I haven't explored yet. Any ideas are much appreciated.

What are you looking for? Temples/historic sites, nature, etc. And how far are you willing to travel?

Taking the scenic train trip around the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula to Nachi Falls and hiking to the 2nd and 3rd falls is a memorable experience. You can also stop at many places along the coast, such as Shirahama beach, Taiji's whaling museum, etc.

And have you ever been to Takayama and the Hida folk village, in the Japan alps? Or the onsen town northwest of Osaka (forgot the name of it right now.)

I am thinking mostly day trips, probably not so far outside of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe...I should have been more clear....I am thinking not so much nature as museums, interesting sites, unique shops or restaurants, off the beaten path holes-in-the-wall...like Monkey Mountain in Kyoto or the Tezuka Museum..stuff like that.

Your suggestions are great...I like Shirahama beach a lot...but it might be a bit farther than I want to go.

There is a great Brazilian BBQ place at Harborland in Kobe. All the BBQ you want for a low price.
Check out Whynot Japan's website for other restaurants or go to one of their parties, nice people there.

the Kachouen in Kobe, you might find that interesting..
I'm not sure if you have heard about it, but there is a gyoza museum , mostly different restaurant that sells different form of gyoza in Umeda.

that's what I can think of now..

Ok, the onsen town of Arima is close by (looked up the name now that I'm home from work). And I believe you said you've been to Koya-san already, right? If not, that's definitely 1 place to go.

As for restaurants, I'm afraid all my suggestions are 10 years out of date and may well have closed or moved by now, or maybe under new ownership and not the same as it once was. But if you are passing through Hashimoto, there are a couple of great places right near the train station that are worth visiting: 1 for the best kara'age I had in Japan, and the other for the best (and only) zosui I had in Japan. Have you had zosui? It's a rice stew with meat and veggies. This place specialized in it, serving 24 different kinds, each made fresh to order in an individual iron pot, which they bring to your table. My favorite was the kashiwa zosui, with chicken and veggies, but they have lots of choices.

After lunch, you can go right back to the station and now catch a train heading east, into the Yoshino valley of Nara, to see the cherry trees blooming (if they are right now). Also, lots of interesting little towns to explore, and the area has some ancient burial mounds, as well as museums featuring some of the things discovered in and around them.

I have been to that restaurant at Harborland, and it is a good spot, for sure. I will take a look at Whynot Japan...never been there.

I like hanging out in Umeda, so the Gyoza museum sounds cool. Thanks! Kachouen...I need to investigate.

Zosui? Never had that! I think I might be to early for the cherry blossoms (I hope not) I have not been to Yoshino Valley...but that is close enough.

Japanese Recipe of the Week: Tori Zosui Recipe

Zosui is awesome on a cold day... think of Japanese chicken rice soup with some veggies in it (or you can get shrimp or other kinds as well.).

If you're into any of the Jrock or Visual Kei scene, or you want to try something new there are tons of live houses in Osaka (sorry I've never been there and dont know any of their names), and in Kyoto there is one called Kyoto Arc Deux. I've been to the Kyoto one, its a small basement place that lets you get really up close to the Jrockers. It was a bit much on the second hand smoke when I went, but otherwise it was a blast.

Taking off early tomorrow morning. I'll let you all know what happens.