Destination Galleries


There are over 15 destinations to choose from less than 1.5hrs drive from Osaka, and 15 more destinations within 3hrs. If you have more time, another 10 destinations are possible up to 4.5hrs away.
Then there’re 15 other side excursions that are available, depending on the destination(s) you choose & the season that you’re visiting. In total, 45 individual destinations in the Kansai area of Osaka & Kyoto featuring nature, culture, history & more.
You’ll wish you had more time to spend with us on tours of the surrounding nature, countryside & coasts!

Hey! Tattoos are absolutely OK for every place that we take you. You may even see some Japanese tattoos that outdo yours!

Driving times shown are from downtown Osaka. When departing from Kyoto it will be longer or shorter depending on the destination.

 Click on the titles or images in the boxes below 
 to show more info, photos and a slideshow  

(1.0hr drive) Waterfall Swimming

Perfect for a day trip or even just a half day trip to cool off with a quick dip during the high summer months of Jul, Aug, Sep. We recommend spending at least 1 night so that you can experience the Milky Way and a quick night swim under the waterfall! In addition, close proximity to a famous mountain with traditional, historical & cultural significance.
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(1.5hr drive) Deep Mountain Hike & Swim

An amazing ravine with beautiful rocks, falls & swimming holes. It's a popular destination but we know exactly where & when to go for the best experience.
south nara falls hiking

(2.0hr drive) Seaside, Beach & Hotspring

A popular summer time destination — one of the most famous beaches in Japan. Crowded on the weekends & somewhat so during the weekdays as well in July & August (but that, too, is part of the experience). The season is long on this beach, from the beginning of May to the end of October. Can be conveniently combined with swimming in the mountains of Wakayama as well as the waterfall hike…
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(2.5hr drive) Deep Mountain Hot Spring

Our favorite 24hr coed outdoor natural hot spring destination and tattoos are absolutely not a problem. This hot spring & the town are very traditional — little has changed since its foundation. Can be combined with the sand dune of Tottori…
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(2.5hr drive) Deep Mountain Swimming

The water flows so calmly in this deep cobalt blue river that you could easily mistake if for a swimming pool. So clear that even at 4 meters deep & you can still see every stone on the bottom. A superb destination during the high heat & humidity of the summer months. Can easily be combined with waterfall hiking as well as the seaside, beach & hot spring…
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(2.5hr drive) Deep Mountain Waterfall Hike & Swim

Hike along an amazingly crystal clear mountain stream bordered by layers of moss covered rocks & jungle trees growing rooted into boulders. Final stop is a paradisiacal emerald green waterfall where we swim! Can easily be combined with swimming as well as the seaside, beach & hot spring…
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(2.5hr drive) Seaside Beach Hot Spring

The top of Kyoto pref. borders the Japan Sea — an excellent destination for swimming & relaxing because… this beach features a free outdoor coed hot spring right on the beach! Under a pine forest! Swimsuits required, so it's a great opportunity for anyone who is bashful to enjoy mixed bathing.
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(2.5hr drive) Seaside Beach Sand Dune

On the border of the Japan Sea there are too many destinations to count, but the best is definitely the world class Giant Sand Dune. Winter is great, too, especially for seafood lovers — crab season! Can be conveniently combined with a deep mountain hot spring…
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(3.0hr drive) Deep Mountain Hot Spring River

Great destination all year round, but recommended during warmer months so that you have the opportunity to enjoy swimming in this amazing river. A secluded one lane town with only Japanese inns & a campground. Optionally hike deep in the mountains to an isolated waterfall as well visit one of the major shrines in Japan very nearby.
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(3.0hr drive) Deep Ravine Hike & Swim

A ravine that is really hard to believe. The only access is to hike in, and hike out. Absolutely no roads. Pristine nature. The water is amazing! Recommended to stay in the mountain lodge overnight for a real deep mountain experience — 4hrs in to the lodge and 4hrs back the next day.
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(3.5hr drive) Deep Mountain Waterfall Swimming

A superb destination with so much to do — at least 2 nites is necessary, 3 nites is best. High summer — Jul, Aug, Sep — are the months that are hot enough to take advantage of all that the trip has to offer, so it's a rare trip. This is the destination that has made Unbeaten Japan famous for what we do.
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(4hr drive) Seaside, Beach, Swim & Hike

The beach season is longest down in the south of Shikoku island — we usually visit this destination in the middle of October and the weather is perfect for it! Optionally drop by a nearby surfing beach for an afternoon, and hike around the lava island that forms a double beach with the mainland.
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(5hr drive) Japan Alps Hot Spring & Hike

Visit the amazing Japan Alps anytime between July & October to take advantage of swimming & hot springs in a destination that is so remote there isn't even a proper town. Optionally stroll through the pristine nature of a national park at the top of the Alps where outside vehicles are not permitted to enter. Or visit 2 or 3 waterfalls (and get wet!), but mostly, lounge around in riverside outdoor natural hot springs.
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