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
Mie
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![Iga City]( "Iga City")
Iga City
Home of the ninja -
![Ise]( "Ise")
Ise
The most sacred area of Shintoism -
![Matsusaka]( "Matsusaka")
Matsusaka
Premium beef, traditional crafts and thrilling adventure -
![Toba]( "Toba")
Toba
Coastal city in Mie -
![Tsu]( "Tsu")
Tsu
The capital of Mie Prefecture -
![Yokkaichi]( "Yokkaichi")
Yokkaichi
Shiga
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![Omihachiman]( "Omihachiman")
Omihachiman
Small castle town intersected by idyllic canals -
![Otsu]( "Otsu")
Otsu
Main port of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan
Kyoto
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![Amanohashidate]( "Amanohashidate")
Amanohashidate
Scenic sandbar along Miyazu Bay -
![Arashiyama]( "Arashiyama")
Arashiyama
Bamboo forests in this western Kyoto suburb -
![Fukuchiyama]( "Fukuchiyama")
Fukuchiyama
Fall in love with its country charm & medieval splendor -
![Gion]( "Gion")
Gion
Culture, tradition and geisha in Old Kyoto -
![Ine]( "Ine")
Ine
Fishing village in northern Kyoto -
![Maizuru]( "Maizuru")
Maizuru
Kyoto by the sea -
![Uji]( "Uji")
Uji
Temples, shrines and green tea heritage
Osaka
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![Namba]( "Namba")
Namba
High-energy entertainment district of Osaka -
![Osaka City]( "Osaka City")
Osaka City
The metropolis of the Kansai region -
![Sakai City]( "Sakai City")
Sakai City
Scenic parks, keyhole-shaped burial mounds and temples
Hyogo
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![Awajishima]( "Awajishima")
Awajishima
Connecting Hyogo and Tokushima via the Seto Inland Sea -
![Himeji]( "Himeji")
Himeji
Home to one of Japan's best-loved castles -
![Kinosaki Onsen]( "Kinosaki Onsen")
Kinosaki Onsen
Traditional hot spring town in northern Hyogo -
![Kobe]( "Kobe")
Kobe
Port city with vibrant culture and wagyu beef heritage
Nara
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![Gose]( "Gose")
Gose
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![Ikoma]( "Ikoma")
Ikoma
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![Kashihara]( "Kashihara")
Kashihara
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![Nara City]( "Nara City")
Nara City
The capital of Nara prefecture -
![Sakurai]( "Sakurai")
Sakurai
Center of political and economic life in ancient Japan -
![Tenri]( "Tenri")
Tenri
The headquarters of Tenri-kyo -
![Yamato Takada]( "Yamato Takada")
Yamato Takada
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![Yamato-Koriyama]( "Yamato-Koriyama")
Yamato-Koriyama
