In Japan, the Kanto region where Tokyo is located and the Kansai region where Kyoto and Osaka are located are often compared. The main feature of the Kansai region is that each area such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. is very unique. If you travel in the Kansai region, you can enjoy various individual tourist destinations.
Table of Contents
Outline of Kansai
Kyoto, Japan cityscape in Higashiyama historic district = shutterstock
Map of Kansai = shutterstock
Points
The Kansai region is the most historical and traditional area in Japan. In the past, the court placed the capital of Japan in Nara Prefecture, then moved the capital to Kyoto. There are many old temples strongly influenced by Chinese culture in Nara prefecture. After that, in Kyoto where the imperial family and aristocrats lived for over 1000 years, a mature Japanese culture is born.
Osaka prefecture and Hyogo prefecture facing the sea have supported these cities from old days. In Osaka prefecture, the towns of merchants developed. In Hyogo prefecture, trade ports and factory zones spread through trade with Western countries since the latter half of the 19th century.
In Wakayama prefecture, which is located in the southernmost part of the Kansai region, sacred places to train Buddhism were placed away from urban areas. In particular, Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture has recently attracted many tourists.
Recommended articles about Kansai
Welcome to Kansai!
Now, please visit each area of the Kansai region. Where would you like to go?
Shiga Prefecture
Lake Biwa’S Cruise Michigan.A = Shutterstockwonderful paddle boat, at Ohtsu port in Japan
In Shiga Prefecture there is Lake Biwa, Japan ‘s largest lake. If you take a pleasure boat on this lake, you will have a relaxing time. In the surroundings of Lake Biwa there are historic temples and castles. Furthermore, traditional Japanese sustainable living is inherited. I think that it is interesting to go on a journey to explore them.
Kyoto Prefecture
Miyama. Kyoto Prefecture, Japan = Adobe Stock
There are two “Kyoto” in Japan. One is Kyoto city famous for having many old temples and shrines. And the other is Kyoto prefecture where many traditional Japanese rural areas and fishing villages are left. If you look at interest in Kyoto in a broad sense, your Kyoto trip will become even richer.
Nara Prefecture
Giant Statue Of Great Buddha Todaiji Temple, Nara, Japan = Adobe Stock
If you are interested in Japanese old age, Nara prefecture is a very attractive destination. In this prefecture there are historical buildings built in an age older than the temples and shrines in Kyoto city. In Nara prefecture, you will enjoy a very quiet and deep travel.
Osaka Prefecture
An image of Kishiwada Danjiri Festival = shutterstock
Compared to Tokyo and Osaka, people in Osaka may be more lively. In Osaka prefecture there are traditions that merchants have survived by devising ingenuity since long ago. If you walk through towns in Osaka Prefecture such as Kishiwada, you will be able to feel people who are lively and strong.
Wakayama Prefecture
Funicular railway in Koyasan, Japan = Shutterstock
Wakayama prefecture has a vast mountainous area. Therefore, the development was delayed compared with the surrounding area such as Kyoto, Nara, Osaka etc. As a result, Wakayama prefecture has left the mysterious things that Japan had once had. Wakayama is very interesting!
Hyogo Prefecture
Himeji Castle, Hyogo, Japan = Shutterstock
Hyogo prefecture is located on the way from west Japan to the center of Japan such as Kyoto and Osaka. For this reason, in Hyogo Prefecture, huge castles have been built to block the armies that attack from West Japan. The representative is Himeji Castle. You will be able to enjoy plenty of the atmosphere of the times of the samurai in this beautiful castle.
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Now, let’s plan to make your vacation in Japan the best experience ever!
