Full of culture, spiritualism, beauty and entertainment, it’s no wonder Kansai is one of Japan’s most popular regions for visitors. And, with some of the country’s most famous cities and attractions, the area has plenty to offer travelers. Japan remains an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world, with an estimated 2,320,600 overseas visitors in 2023. And many of these head to the renowned region of Kansai.
While Kansai is home to some very well-known tourist hotspots, here the atmosphere is completely different from Tokyo. The way of life in the Kansai region is much more relaxed than in the capital of Japan, even in megalopolis like Osaka. Kansai is also home to lesser-known locations that offer a more relaxed vibe, magnificent history, and a more authentic experience of Japan.
#1 Kyoto
It might be up there as one of the most visited destinations but, if you’re planning the ultimate Japan tour, Kyoto is a must-see city.The capital of the country for 1000 years, up until 1868, Kyoto has much to offer and is as popular with natives as it is with international visitors. The city is home to a plethora of Buddhist temples, shrines and historic monuments, encompassing Kyoto’s history and architecture.
#2 Osaka
Experience the beauty of the famous Osaka Castle, wander the lush park and try the local cuisine. Osaka is where traditional meets contemporary and it’s easy to spend the morning exploring the city’s museums and theaters and the afternoon climbing the tallest building among the modern skyline.
#3 Nara
Providing a more peaceful experience, the city of Nara is famous mainly for its unusually friendly deer, often found wandering Nara Park. Nara National Museum showcases some of the country’s delightful paintings, artifacts and statues and is well worth a visit, especially on a rainy day. The Naramachi neighborhood features traditional townhouses that are now home to quirky shops, cafes and restaurants.
#4 Kobe
While a little less hectic than the cities of Kyoto and Osaka, Kobe still has its fair share of things to entertain. Mount Rokko offers incredible panoramic views of the port city while Sorakuen is home to traditional Japanese gardens. Of course, no visit to Kobe is complete without sampling the world-famous beef.
#5 Himeji
Famous for the white Himeji-jo castle, this city, in the Hyogo Prefecture, is slightly smaller than Kobe. Visit Mount Shosha and the mountain top temple buildings and soak up the lush scenery. Or, for a more leisurely experience, try out the city’s numerous authentic cafes, serving homemade cakes, matcha and traditional Japanese lunches. The beauty of these locations is their close proximity, making it easy to travel between each city within Kansai and to include them all in your itinerary.
And, wherever you choose to visit in Japan, you’re sure to experience the contrast between traditional culture and modern lifestyles within awe-inspiring settings.
