Today, I’m introducing the Kansai region in Japan. Kansai is the heart of Japan. Nowhere else in the country can you find so much of historical and cultural interest in such a compact area.
If you need to select only one region of Japan, we recommend Kanto region or Kansai region.
Osaka
Osaka is the working heart of Kansai. Prefectural capital is Osaka City.
Famous for its down to earth citizens and the colourful Kansai-ben (Kansai dialect) they speak, It’s a good counterpart to the refined atmosphere of Kyoto.
First and foremost, Osaka is famous for good eating: the phrase Kuidaore (eat ‘til you drop) was coined to describe Osakas’ love for experience a modern Japanese city. It’s only surpassed by Tokyo as a showcase of the Japanese urban phenomenon.
This isn’t to say that Osaka is particularly attractive: It’s an endless expanse of concrete boxes, pachinko (pinball) parlous and elevated highways. But the city somehow manages to rise above this and exert a peculiar charm, and a few architectural gems keep it interesting.
At night, Osaka really comes into its own this is when the streets come alive with flashing neon, beckoning residents with promises of tasty food and good times.
Kyoto
For much of its history, Kyoto was the central Japan.
Even today, Kyoto is the place to go see what Japan is all about. With 17 Unesco World Heritage Sites, more than 1600 Buddhist temples and over 400 shinto shrines, Kyoto is one of the world’s most culturally rich cites.
All told, it’s fair to say that Kyoto ranks with Paris, London and Rome as one of those cities that everyone should see at least once in their lives.
Kyoto will be ranked at the top of many Japan itinerary. And it’s still a popular area for many foreigners. Prefectural capital is Kyoto City.
Nara
The first permanent capital of Japan, Nara is one of the most rewarding destinations in the country. Prefectural capital is Nara City.
Indeed, with eight Unesco World Heritage Sites, Nara is second only to Kyoto as a repository of Japan’s cultural legacy.
If you travel to Kyoto, let’s go to Nara. Many people visit Nara as a side trip from Kyoto, and comfortable express trains link the cities in about half an hour.
Hyogo
Hyogo Prefecture, situated in the geographical center of Japan, is easily accessible to the world by sea and air.
Prefectural capital is Kobe City. Within Japan, Hyogo Prefecture offers smooth and uninterrupted passage to various cities by extensive expressway, railway, and airline networks.
Shiga
Just across the Higashiyama mountains from Kyoto is Shiga Prefecture, dominated by Biwa-ko, Japan’s largest lake. Prefectural capital is Otsu City.
The small prefecture has a variety of attractions that are easily visited as day trips from Kyoto.
The major attractions here are the towns of Nagahama, with its Kurokabe Square neigh hood of glass artisans, and Hikone, with its fine original castle.
Other worthwhile destinations include temples like Mii-dera and Ishiyama-dera, and the Miho Museum, which is worth a trip just to see the building and the compound in which it is located.
Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture is located south of Osaka in the Kansai Region. Prefectural capital is Wakayama City.
The prefecture’s best known tourist attraction is Mount Koya (Koyasan), the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism and the best place to experience an overnight stay at a temple.
Mount Koya is World Heritage site, founded more than 1,200 years ago, is a window into the history, and spiritual universe of Japan.
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If you are planning to visit Japan, you can try these lessons and make the most of your trip! Well then, we are looking forward to seeing you on our next column!
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