Kansai, also known as Kinki, is one of the most popular tourism regions in Japan.
With major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe contributing to the abundance of regional cuisine, culture and history, it’s apparent why Kansai is popular with the masses. In fact, its popularity dates back to the olden times when Kyoto was Japan’s capital and when Osaka developed as a merchant city.
Today, Kinki is the choice region to experience Japan’s culture, traditions and scenery such as Himeji Castle, the Gion district, the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara Park, Dotonbori, Universal Studios, and Arashiyama Park.
If your idea of a perfect holiday destination is the pinnacle of civilization set against nature, look no further than Kansai.
Destinations in Kansai
Shiga
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Otsu
Main port of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan -
Omihachiman
Small castle town intersected by idyllic canals
Wakayama
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Wakayama City
Old castle town turned industrial -
Tanabe
Gateway to Kumano -
Shingu
Gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails and Kumano’s sacred sites -
Koyasan
Mountain retreat and center of Shingon Buddhism
Mie
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Tsu
The capital of Mie Prefecture -
Yokkaichi
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Ise
The most sacred area of Shintoism -
Matsusaka
Premium beef, traditional crafts and thrilling adventure -
Iga City
Home of the ninja -
Toba
Coastal city in Mie
Kyoto
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Amanohashidate
Scenic sandbar along Miyazu Bay -
Fukuchiyama
Fall in love with its country charm & medieval splendor -
Arashiyama
Bamboo forests in this western Kyoto suburb -
Gion
Culture, tradition and geisha in Old Kyoto -
Uji
Temples, shrines and green tea heritage -
Maizuru
Kyoto by the sea -
Ine
Fishing village in northern Kyoto
Osaka
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Namba
High-energy entertainment district of Osaka -
Sakai City
Scenic parks, keyhole-shaped burial mounds and temples -
Osaka City
The metropolis of the Kansai region
Hyogo
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Kobe
Port city with vibrant culture and wagyu beef heritage -
Himeji
Home to one of Japan's best-loved castles -
Kinosaki Onsen
Traditional hot spring town in northern Hyogo -
Awajishima
Connecting Hyogo and Tokushima via the Seto Inland Sea
