This time, we will introduce recommended tourist spots in the six prefectures of the Kansai region!
1.Osaka
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo.
Moreover, since there is an international airport, anyone visiting the Kansai region is bound to explore Osaka. It’s practically a must-visit destination for those coming to the Kansai area
It boasts a large population and offers plenty of spots for delicious cuisine and shopping. Unlike Tokyo, major shopping centers are scattered around rather than concentrated, making sightseeing more compact. Transport to tourist attractions is relatively easy, making it a recommended destination for first-time visitors to Japan.
- Prominent Tourist Spots: Umeda, Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsekai, Shinsaibashi,Osaka Castle
- Recommendation Level
- Bigginer-Friendly ★★★★★
- Delicious Cuisine ★★★★★
- Abundant Nature ★★★☆☆
- Vibrant Atmosphere ★★★★★
- Great Shopping ★★★★★
2.Kyoto
Kyoto is a renowned destination in Japan, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks.
The city is adorned with numerous temples, preserving its ancient charm. It’s an ideal place for those seeking to experience traditional Japanese culture and heritage.
Kyoto offers delicious cuisine, and in some areas, you’ll find lush greenery, making it a diverse destination that guarantees a captivating experience.Moreover, Kyoto is a fiercely competitive battleground for ramen shops, with numerous renowned establishments vying for supremacy.
Plus, it’s conveniently accessible from Osaka, just a 30-minute to 1-hour train ride away
- Prominent Tourist Spots: Shijo, Kamogawa, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu
- Recommendation Level
- Bigginer-Friendly ★★★★★
- Delicious Cuisine ★★★★★
- Abundant Nature ★★★★★
- Vibrant Atmosphere ★★★☆☆
- Great Shopping ★★★★☆
3.Hyogo
Hyogo Prefecture is a city scattered with tourist spots such as Kobe, Motomachi, and Arima.
Also within Hyogo is Awaji Island, famous for its onions. Particularly, the ‘Motomachi’ area, just like the same-named area in Yokohama, offers a harbor area facing the sea and a Chinatown. Arima is renowned for its hot springs, with ‘Kin no Yu’ (Golden Hot Spring) and ‘Gin no Yu’ (Silver Hot Spring) being famous.
While the tourist spots are scattered, except for Awaji Island, they can be accessed using public transportation.
- Prominent Tourist Spots: Kobe Sannomiya, Akashi, Awaji Island, Arima
- Recommendation Level
- Bigginer-Friendly ★★★★☆
- Delicious Cuisine ★★★★★
- Abundant Nature ★★★★★
- Vibrant Atmosphere ★★★☆☆
- Great Shopping ★★★☆☆
4.Shiga
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Shiga Prefecture is a land rich in nature. Particularly, Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, boasting a history spanning approximately 4 million years.
Since places like Osaka and Kyoto are bustling with a large number of tourists, it’s a good choice for those who want to spend a relaxed and leisurely time. The prefecture also features agricultural parks and art museums that showcase the beauty of nature.
- Prominent Tourist Spots: Lake Biwa, Koka, Hikone
- Recommendation Level
- Bigginer-Friendly ★★★☆☆
- Delicious Cuisine ★★★★☆
- Abundant Nature ★★★★★
- Vibrant Atmosphere ★★☆☆☆
- Great Shopping ★★★☆☆
5.Nara
Nara is a land rich in historical heritage, featuring ancient temples and other historical sites. The Nara National Museum houses numerous archaeological artifacts and artworks related to Buddhism.
Additionally, Nara Park is famous among Japanese tourists, where around 1,200 wild deer roam freely. Nara is also renowned for the ‘Totsukawa Onsen,’ one of Japan’s three great hidden hot springs.
- Prominent Tourist Spots: Nara
- Recommendation Level
- Bigginer-Friendly ★★★☆☆
- Delicious Cuisine ★★★★☆
- Abundant Nature ★★★★☆
- Vibrant Atmosphere ★★★☆☆
- Great Shopping ★★★☆☆
6.Wakayama
Wakayama is located south of Osaka, facing the sea.
While it has many mountainous areas, there are also numerous tourist spots. Adventure World, with a space equivalent to approximately 17 Tokyo Domes, is a zoo where animals can roam freely.
It’s Japan’s top zoo with the largest number of pandas. The seafood is delicious, and there are hot springs, allowing you to relax amidst nature.
- Prominent Tourist Spots: Shirahama,Kinosaki,Wakayama
- Recommendation Level
- Bigginer-Friendly ★★★☆☆
- Delicious Cuisine ★★★★★
- Abundant Nature ★★★★★
- Vibrant Atmosphere ★★★☆☆
- Great Shopping ★★☆☆☆
How was it? In this article, we briefly introduced the highlights of the six prefectures in Kansai. From the next installment onward, we will provide detailed introductions for each region!