Kansai

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Introducing Kansai

For fans of traditional Japanese culture, Kansai is an unmissable destination. Nowhere else in the country can you find so much of historical interest in such a compact area. And, since plenty of international carriers now fly into Kansai International Airport, it is perfectly possible to make Kansai your first port of call in Japan.

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Kansai’s major drawcards are Kyoto and Nara. Kyoto was the imperial capital between 794 and 1868, and is still considered by most Japanese to be the cultural heart of Japan. Nara predates Kyoto as an imperial capital and also has an impressive array of temples, burial mounds and relics. Both cities should feature prominently in even the busiest travel itinerary.

Osaka is a great place to sample Japanese city life in all its mind-boggling intensity, while Kōbe is one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan and attractive cities. Himeji, west of Kōbe, has the best of Japan’s many feudal castles. Kyoto is the logical base for an exploration of Kansai, but you could also base yourself in Osaka or Nara. The former allows you to enjoy Japanese modern city life and excellent transport connections; the latter is much quieter and is a good place to relax. You will almost certainly find that Kansai is the perfect place to sample both modern and traditional Japan without having to spend too much time moving from place to place.

The main attractions of the prefecture Mie-ken are Ise-jingū, Japan’s most sacred Shintō shrine, and the seascapes around the peninsula, Shima-hantō. Wakayama-ken offers onsen (hot-spring spas), a rugged coast and the temple complex of Kōya-san, Japan’s most important Buddhist centre. Finally, the northern coast of Kansai has some fabulous scenery, a number of good beaches and the lovely Tango-hantō (Tango Peninsula).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. JasonInJapan avatar
    Kansai hike - Yatsubuchi-no-taki

    by JasonInJapan 13 September 2011

    I'm coming into Kansai in a few weeks, and if the weather's okay, I plan to hike Yatsubuchi-no-taki. I've got an old copy of LP's Hiking…
  2. bamse avatar
    RE: Iternerary for Japan in the Spring of '12

    by bamse 13 September 2011

    Fully agree with GrogBlossom's alternative itineraries. I'd do one of those if on a budget, otherwise I'd do Kyoto/Tokyo. Travelling…
  3. wackyjax avatar
    RE: December travel in Japan

    by wackyjax 13 September 2011

    >1) I realise that its winter season. Is a jacket,long sleeves and thermals warm enough? Not sure if theres a big diff. in climate between…

See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Kansai

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