Kansai Travel Guide

Discover the best things to see, do, eat, and experience in Kansai, Japan, with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Kansai

Kansai is a region located in the southern-central part of Japan’s Honshu island, which comprises of major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. The region is famous for its cultural heritage, natural beauty, delicious food, and warm hospitality. In this travel guide, we will provide you with an itinerary to help you explore the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink options, where to stay, cultural customs, and how to get around in Kansai.

List of Places to Visit in Kansai

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

1. Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the most popular landmarks in Kansai. It was originally built during the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and has been rebuilt several times due to various wars and natural disasters. Today, visitors can explore the castle and its museum, which provides an insight into the history of Osaka and the castle itself.

2. Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Kyoto. It was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 and served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns during their visits to Kyoto. The castle is especially famous for its stunning gardens and “nightingale floors,” which make a chirping sound when stepped on.

3. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is another famous landmark in Kyoto. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and foxes, and has over 10,000 torii gates that lead up to the summit of Mount Inari. Visitors can explore the gates, hike up the mountain, and take in stunning views of Kyoto.

Natural Attractions of Kansai: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

4. Mount Koya

Mount Koya is a sacred mountain that serves as the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The mountain is famous for its monastic complex comprising of over 100 temples, and visitors can stay overnight at one of the temples and experience the life of a monk.

5. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is located in Kyoto and features towering bamboo stalks stretching over 500 meters. The grove is a relaxing and peaceful place to take a stroll or enjoy a picnic while surrounded by nature.

6. Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls is located in Wakayama Prefecture and is one of Japan’s tallest waterfalls. Visitors can take a hiking trail to the top of the falls and enjoy the stunning views from above or take a boat tour to see the impressive falls from the bottom.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kansai

7. Kumano Kodo Trail

Kumano Kodo is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trails lead to the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines, which have been worshipped for over a thousand years. The trails offer stunning scenery, historic sites, and an opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional rural culture.

Best Things to Do in Kansai: Activities and Tours

8. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest public aquariums in the world, and it features over 30,000 creatures from the Pacific Rim. Visitors can enjoy the exhibits, which simulate an ocean journey from the Pacific to the Antarctic, and even walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks.

9. Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is a theme park located in Osaka that features rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows such as Harry Potter, Jaws, and Spiderman. Visitors can also experience the thrilling rides, live shows, and all the famous characters at the park.

10. Kobe Beef

Kobe beef is one of the most famous types of beef in the world, and Kobe is known for its luxurious dining experiences. Visitors can savor the heavenly meat that is known for its tenderness and flavor at one of the many restaurants in Kobe.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kansai

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Kansai:

Day 1: Arrive in Osaka, explore the city, and Osaka Castle Day 2: Take a day trip to Nara and visit its famous temples and deer park Day 3-4: Explore Kyoto’s historical sites, museums, and temples Day 5: Travel to Mount Koya, stay overnight at a temple, and experience the life of a monk Day 6-7: Take a day trip to Kobe, savor its delicious food, and explore the city, and take a hike at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Food and Drink Scene of Kansai

Must-Try Dishes

11. Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that is made from batter, cabbage, and various ingredients such as pork, shrimp, or cheese. It’s cooked on a hot griddle and served with a variety of toppings, including savory sauce, mayonnaise, and seaweed.

12. Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a popular street food in Kansai. It’s a ball-shaped snack made of batter, diced octopus, and pickled ginger. The balls are cooked in a special griddle and topped with savory sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes.

Local Beverages

13. Sake

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Kansai region is famous for its sake breweries, and visitors can take a tour of the breweries, sample sake, and learn about the production process.

14. Macha tea

Macha tea is a type of Japanese green tea made from finely ground tea leaves. Kansai region is famous for its high-quality macha tea, and visitors can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at one of the many tea houses in Kyoto.

Where to Stay in Kansai: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

15. Namba Oriental Hotel

Namba Oriental Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Osaka, close to popular attractions such as Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi shopping district.

16. Hostel Mundo Chiquito

Hostel Mundo Chiquito is a cozy hostel located in Nara, which is close to popular attractions such as Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Shrine.

17. K’s House Kyoto Hostel

K’s House Kyoto Hostel is a budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Kyoto, close to popular attractions such as Gion district, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Yasaka Shrine.

What to Buy in Kansai: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

18. Sakai Knives

Sakai knives are made in Sakai city in Osaka using traditional techniques that date back to the samurai era. The knives are known for their sharpness and durability and make an ideal souvenir for chefs or cooking enthusiasts.

19. Japanese Sweets

Japanese sweets such as mochi, wagashi, and dorayaki are famous in Kansai region, and visitors can take home a variety of flavors and styles as gifts or souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Kansai

Kansai region is famous for its warm hospitality, delicious food, and vibrant performing arts such as Kabuki, Noh, and Bunraku. Visitors should respect the local customs, such as taking off shoes before entering temples or traditional houses, and using chopsticks correctly while dining.

Best Time to Visit Kansai

The best time to visit Kansai region is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the cherry blossoms and fall foliage are in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kansai

Do:

  • Bow when greeting others.
  • Use the honorific titles “San” when addressing somebody.
  • Try local food and drinks.
  • Take off shoes before entering a traditional house or temple.

Don’t:

  • Tip in restaurants or taxis, as it’s considered rude.
  • Speak too loudly in public places or on public transportation.
  • Smoke or eat while walking on the street.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kansai

Kansai is generally a safe region to visit, but it’s important to take precautions, such as avoiding walking alone in dimly lit areas at night, carrying a copy of your passport, and being aware of pickpockets in crowded places.

Health in Kansai

The tap water is safe to drink, and medical facilities are easily available in Kansai region. It’s advisable to take medical insurance that covers your medical expenses in the event of an emergency.

Getting to Kansai: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kansai

Kansai International Airport is the main airport serving the region and is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Visitors can take a train or bus from the airport to the city center, and the journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes.

Bus Stations Near Kansai

Osaka Station and Kyoto Station are two major bus stations in Kansai region, and visitors can take buses to various destinations within the region and beyond.

Other Options

Visitors can take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto, which takes around 2.5 hours. There are also various domestic flights available within Japan.

How to Get Around in Kansai

Visitors can use public transportation such as trains, subway, and buses to get around Kansai region. Japan has an advanced transportation network, with affordable fares and frequent services. Visitors can also use taxis and rental cars, but it’s important to note that parking can be challenging in large cities such as Osaka and Kyoto.

Where to Go Next from Kansai: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

20. Hiroshima

Hiroshima is located in the western part of Japan, and it’s famous for its tragic history, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. Visitors can explore the Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Museum of Art, and try the famous Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki.

21. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Hyogo Prefecture. It’s famous for its white walls and impressive architecture, and visitors can explore the castle and its surrounding park.

Conclusion

Kansai is a fascinating region of Japan, with a rich history, stunning nature, and delicious food. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Kansai and explore its best places to visit, things to do, and local culture. Enjoy your trip to Kansai!

Todai-ji Temple, Nara Todai-ji Temple, Nara Shinkansen train arriving at Kyoto Station Shinkansen train arriving at Kyoto Station Temple roofs in Mount Koya Temple roofs in Mount Koya Hikone Castle Hikone Castle Isuien Garden path Isuien Garden path Ise Shrine's Geku area Ise Shrine's Geku area


    Hyogo
    Kyoto (prefecture)
    Mie
    Nara (prefecture)
    Osaka (prefecture)
    Shiga
    Wakayama (prefecture)