People walking through Fushimi-Inari Taisha 'torii tunnels'.

Kansai

Kansai (関西) is the heart of Japan, where much of modern-day Japanese culture originated. Its highlights read like a greatest-hits list. Looking for a vibrant dining and drinking scene and the vivid color that Japanese cities are famous for? Head to Osaka. Want to get out into remote mountains and hike for days? Follow the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodō. Famous works of art? See the Buddhist sculptures in Nara. Onsen? There's a whole town for that in Kinosaki. Castles? Check. There's enough to fill a whole itinerary here, and it's all easy to access by public transport. Kansai is a great place to explore if this is your first time in Japan, and it's also a good choice if you're a repeat visitor: there's much to discover beyond the highlights, including fascinating temples, shrines and archaeological sites that resonate through the ages.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Osaka, Japan - April 30, 2017: tourists looking Osaka city at Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper in Japan. The building stands on top of Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station near JR Tennoji Station. 919551970 Abeno Harukas Observatory

    Abeno Harukas

    Osaka

    This César Pelli–designed tower, which opened in March 2014, is Japan's tallest building (300m, 60 storeys). The observatory on the 16th floor is free,…

  • Row of stone lanterns at Oku-no-in cemetery.

    Oku-no-in

    Kii Peninsula

    Oku-no-in, whose name means 'inner sanctuary', is perhaps the most intensely spiritual place in Japan. At its farthest reaches is the Gobyō, the crypt…

  • Horyuji Temple, Nara, Japan

    Hōryū-ji

    Nara

    Hōryū-ji was founded in 607 by Prince Shōtoku, considered by many to be the patron saint of Japanese Buddhism. It's renowned not only as one of the oldest…

  • 500px Photo ID: 104742241 - Photo taken at Kurama-dera, Sakyo ward, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.

    Kurama-dera

    Kansai

    Located high on a thickly wooded mountain, Kurama-dera is one of the few temples in modern Japan that manages to retain an air of real spirituality. This…

  • Todai-ji Temple, Nara

    Tōdai-ji

    Nara

    Nara's star attraction is its Daibutsu (Great Buddha), one of the largest bronze statues in the world. It was unveiled in 752, upon the completion of the…

  • Osaka Castle in Morning 1331407004

    Osaka-jō

    Osaka

    After unifying Japan in the late 16th century, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi built this castle (1583) as a display of power, using, it's said, the labour of…

  • Japan, Kinki Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, View of Sanzen-in Temple. (Photo by: JTB/UIG via Getty Images) (Photo by: JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images)

    Sanzen-in

    Kansai

    Famed for its autumn foliage, hydrangea garden and stunning Buddha statues, this temple is deservedly popular with foreign and domestic tourists alike…

  • Tourists walking around crowded Osaka Dotonbori entertainment district 595729520 Vibrant Color, Observation Point, Kinki Region, Tourism, Photography, Busy, Dotonbori, City Life, Pedestrian, Arranging, Downtown District, Osaka Prefecture, Walking, Billboard, Commercial Sign, Scenics, Illuminated, Vitality, Awe, Multi Colored, Japanese Culture, Crowded, Local Landmark, International Landmark, Famous Place, Architecture, Travel Destinations, Retail, Lifestyles, Urban Scene, Tourist, People, Japan, Asia, Restaurant, Store, City Street, Street, Alley, Road, Built Structure, Urban Skyline, Cityscape, City, Neon Light, Sign, Advertisement, Neon Color, Namba - Osaka

    Dōtombori

    Osaka

    Highly photogenic Dōtombori is the city's liveliest night spot and the centre of the southern part of town. Its name comes from the 400-year-old canal,…

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Articles

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Wildlife & Nature

A spiritual journey through Wakayama and Nara Prefectures

Mar 9, 2021 • 10 min read

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Go Beyond

Kansai and beyond

Beyond Kansai
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