Kansai is a charming land with unique traditional cultures in Japan. So, what to do in Kansai region? Let’s check out our Kansai travel blog with the fullest Kansai region travel guide (Kansai japan guide) & things to do in Kansai region. Join Living Nomads to learn and pocket the experiences of traveling to the Kansai region of Japan!
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Known as the political, economic and cultural heart of Japan, Kansai possesses wonderful beauty and irresistible charm. This is considered the sacred and cultural center of Japan, where visitors can explore unique historical and cultural heritages. Follow and record Living Nomads guides of traveling to the Kansai region of Japan!
Kansai travel blog: Which Provinces Are Included in the Kansai Region of Japan?
Kansai – also known as the Kinki region – is one of the most traditional regions of Japan, located in the Central – Western part of the country. This place is associated with the image of ancient capitals, rich cuisine and unique culture that are still preserved to this day.
The Kansai region includes 7 prefectures: Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, Wakayama and Mie. Of which, Osaka is the most modern and vibrant city in the region, famous for Osaka Castle, attractive street food and bustling life. Kyoto and Nara are two ancient capitals, possessing hundreds of temples, shrines, historical relics and quiet spaces imbued with ancient Japanese culture.
Meanwhile, Hyogo impresses with the luxurious port city of Kobe, majestic Himeji Castle and relaxing Arima hot springs. Shiga surrounds Lake Biwa – Japan’s largest freshwater lake, while Wakayama and Mie offer unique spiritual explorations through Ise Jingu Shrine or the ancient pilgrimage route Kumano Kodo.
If you want to clearly feel the ancient beauty, traditional life mixed with modernity, the Kansai region is definitely a destination not to be missed in the journey to explore the land of the rising sun. You can save this to explore on your upcoming trip.
Popular Means of Transportation in the Kansai Region – Japan
With the development of the aviation and tourism industry, flying from Vietnam to Japan – especially the Kansai region – has become very convenient today. Visitors can choose direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang to Kansai International Airport (KIX) through airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air or international airlines such as ANA, Japan Airlines…
After landing at KIX, you have many means of transportation to continue traveling to famous tourist destinations in the region such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara or Kobe.
Kansai travel blog: JR Haruka Express Train
JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express Ticket
This is the most popular and fastest means of transportation. The Haruka train departs from Kansai Airport Station, stopping at Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto. The journey to Kyoto takes about 75 minutes, and the fare is around 2,200 yen. Tickets can be purchased in advance on Klook or at the airport.
Limousine Bus
Limousine Bus Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kansai Area
A great option if you have a lot of luggage. The bus connects KIX with the center of major cities in the Kansai region. The journey to Kyoto takes about 85 minutes, and the fare starts at 2,800 yen per trip. The bus is spacious and has plenty of room for luggage.
Taxi or private car rental
Kansai International Airport Transfers
Taxi travel is quick and private, but it can be quite expensive. For example, from the airport to Osaka is about 18,000 yen, and to Kyoto it can be up to 39,000 yen. If you are traveling in a group or need a door-to-door service, you can book a private car in advance on Klook to save time and avoid language barriers.
Depending on your schedule and budget, you can choose the right means of transport to start your journey to explore Kansai smoothly and easily.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kansai Region?
The Kansai region – with prominent destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe – has a temperate climate and four distinct seasons, so you can visit all year round. However, the most best time to travel to Kansai is in spring (March – May) and autumn (October – November).
Spring is the time when cherry blossoms bloom, turning ancient parks and temples into poetic, romantic paintings. Cities such as Kyoto, Nara and Osaka attract many tourists to see the flowers and participate in traditional festivals.
In autumn, Kansai is covered in the brilliant red and yellow of maple and ginkgo leaves. The scenery at Tofuku-ji Temple (Kyoto) or Minoo Park (Osaka) makes anyone want to stop for a long time to enjoy.
If you don’t mind the cold weather, winter (December – February) is also a great choice to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, reasonable prices and less crowds. Summer (June – September) is quite hot and humid, but it is the season of fireworks, street festivals and attractive cooling cuisine.
Famous Places to Visit & Explore in Kansai Region – Japan
Famous for its long-standing traditional culture and beautiful wild nature, visitors coming here will have the opportunity to explore many impressive tourist destinations in Kansai, Japan. Check out some famous destinations in Kansai, and plan a suitable schedule for yourself!
Kansai region travel guide: Kinkakuji Temple – Kyoto
Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a famous temple located in Kyoto, Japan. The temple was built in the 14th century as a retreat for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. In 1994, the temple was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.
Kinkakuji is famous for its unique architecture, especially the two upper floors covered in gold leaf, hence the name “Golden Pavilion”. With a combination of Shinden and Bukke styles, the temple is exquisitely and eye-catchingly decorated. In addition, the temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a large pond.
Kyoto Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya one-day tour from Osaka/Kyoto
The sparkling lights of the temple reflect on the clear water of Kinkakuji pond, creating an attractive, magical scene. The best times to visit are spring, and autumn when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom or when the leaves change color.
Kansai travel guide: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – Kyoto
If you love exploring natural beauty, then in the list of tourist destinations in Kansai, Japan, you cannot miss the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto. Located in the northwest of the city, Arashiyama is a lush bamboo forest area along the Hozu River.
With an area of 16 square kilometers, this is one of the most beautiful natural bamboo forests in Japan, and is the pride of the local people. You can visit the bamboo forest at any time of the year, because each season has its own beauty.
Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass
Wearing a Kimono to walk around and admire the Arashiyama mountain forest and take beautiful photos is an activity that many tourists love when coming to the bamboo forest. Or you can also go to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit and explore the culture.
teamLab Botanical Garden – Osaka
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is a unique art paradise, located in a large campus of 240,000 square meters, with more than 1,200 different types of plants. It offers visitors a magical experience, where light, shadow and music combine with digital technology to turn nature into vivid art.
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket
The works are often related to nature, flowers and animals. Thanks to the phenomenon of wind blowing and human interaction, each work in the garden has its own soul. Book tickets to teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka now for more new experiences!
Nara Park – Nara
As the largest and most famous park in Japan, Nara Park is a destination you cannot miss when visiting Kansai tourist attractions in Japan. Nara Park is famous for its herd of wild sika deer living freely in the campus. Visitors can also buy nara crackers (senbei) to feed the deer, which has become a popular tradition.
Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Nara Park Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
In addition, the park also has many beautiful temples, shrines and other architectural works, creating a peaceful and spiritual space. Among them is Tōdai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden temple, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Why hesitate to book a Nara Park Day Tour and enjoy a memorable vacation with Klook!
Himeji Castle – Hyogo
Himeji Castle is one of the most famous and beautiful architectural works in Kansai, Japan. Himeji Castle was built in the 14th century, and has undergone many expansions and reconstructions until its completion in the 17th century.
Himeji Castle & Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour from Osaka
Himeji Castle is also known as the “White Heron Castle” because of its white color, and the heron is a noble bird. The exquisite architecture, with a solid structure creating an overall beauty, has helped this castle become a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. It is also a popular tourist destination in Japan and attracts many domestic and foreign visitors.
Kobe Port Tower – Hyogo
As one of the symbols representing Kobe city, Kobe Port Tower is a famous tourist attraction in the Kansai region. Kobe Port Tower was built in 1963 and is about 108 meters high. Designed in the shape of a Japanese drum, often appearing in Noh and Kabuki performances, the port tower is a wonderful combination of tradition and modernity.
The red lattice frame of the tower resembles the red rope of the drum. Combined with the rope, the shimmering LED lights intertwine, creating a fascinating night scene, no different from a living work of art in the heart of the city. You can admire the beauty of the entire city of Kobe, Osaka Bay from the observatories, and enjoy sake at the pub in the building.
Akame 48 Waterfalls Mie – Mie
Akame 48 is a cluster of more than 48 waterfalls located in the dense forest area of the Akame Mountains, south of Nabari City, Mie Prefecture. Of which, there are 5 waterfalls considered the most beautiful that visitors should visit when coming here, including: Nunobiki, Senju, Fudo, Ninai, and Biwa Falls. Coming here, you will be immersed in nature, feeling the freshness of the waterfalls. Some activities here include: hiking, camping, participating in ninja classes, and visiting the Japanese salamander center.
Must-try Specialties When Traveling to Kansai
If Tokyo is the paradise of modern sushi, then Kansai is the land that makes people fall in love with traditional flavors. From rustic street food to heartwarming bowls of noodles, Kansai cuisine has its own way of touching the hearts – and stomachs – of every visitor. Below are a few “one-time-and-forget-it” specialties that you must try when visiting this land.
Takoyaki – National Street Food in Osaka
If you go around Osaka and don’t see people holding a box of takoyaki in their hands, then… you’re probably lost. The round, golden, hot balls on the outside, with a soft, crispy piece of octopus inside, are the “signature” dish of this city. Drizzle with special sauce, mayonnaise, sprinkle with bonito flakes that flutter around as if beckoning – just one bite is enough to “melt” you.
Okonomiyaki – “Japanese Pancake” with a Kansai Flavor
This is a dish that makes many people fall in love with Kansai from the first time they try it. Flour, eggs, cabbage, meat or seafood are grilled on a hot pan – creating a large, thick, fragrant round cake. The interesting thing is that you can customize the ingredients to your liking (okonomi means “optional”), so no one eats the same. In Kyoto or Osaka, many restaurants even let you grill the cake yourself at the table – eating and “showing off” is also a very fun experience for the trip.
Kitsune Udon
The name sounds a bit strange but very cute: kitsune means “fox”, an animal associated with Japanese legends and is often said to like to eat… fried tofu. This noodle dish consists of soft udon noodles, a sweet broth made from kelp and bonito flakes, dotted with golden fried tofu, soaked in a rich sweetness. This is the ideal dish for chilly days in Kyoto or Nara – simple, elegant, and filling.
Yatsuhashi
A trip to Kyoto without eating yatsuhashi is not complete. This is a cake made from rice flour and cinnamon, available in two forms: crispy like a cookie, or soft and chewy with red bean, matcha, or black sesame filling. The flavor is light, fragrant, not too sweet – very suitable as a gift for relatives or to sip with a cup of hot tea. You can easily find yatsuhashi in the old streets of Gion or Nishiki Market – delicious, pretty, and “full of Kyoto”.
Sake Nada
If you are a lover of Japanese cuisine, you cannot miss sake – and when it comes to sake, Nada (in Hyogo Prefecture) is one of the most famous rice wine producing regions in the country. Thanks to the pure water from Mount Rokko and the favorable climate, the sake here has a smooth taste, sweet aftertaste and a pleasant aroma.
You can visit local breweries to visit, taste and choose to buy a few bottles as gifts. A cool glass of sake with fresh sashimi – nothing more is needed for a complete Kansai night!
What is the difference between Japan’s Kansai Region and Japan’s Kanto Region?
Kansai and Kanto are two of the most important regions of Japan, not only in terms of economy – politics but also in terms of culture – history. Corresponding to the geographical location, Kansai is located in the West and Kanto is located in the East of the country. Each region has its own distinct personality, making your journey to explore Japan more colorful and enriching experiences.
| Criteria | Kansai Region | Kanto Region |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical location | Western Japan | Eastern Japan |
| Major cities | Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe | Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Saitama |
| Human personality | Open, humorous, friendly | Discreet, calm, serious |
| Culture – history | The ancient capital of a thousand years, with many cultural heritages and strong traditions | Modern political and economic center, international cultural exchange |
| Language | Using Kansai dialect (Kansai-ben) | Use standard Japanese (Hyōjungo) |
| Typical cuisine | Okonomiyaki, takoyaki, udon, gunkan sushi, local sake | Edo-mae sushi, tempura, soba noodles, chanko nabe (sumo hot pot) |
| Travel style | Quiet, quaint, cultural and heritage oriented | Dynamic, modern, focused on urban and technology experiences |
Through this article, you must have gained more useful information about traveling to Kansai Japan, from a list of attractive tourist destinations to some noteworthy travel experiences. There are many interesting things in the Kansai region waiting for you to discover. Plan a trip to Japan to experience it with Living Nomads.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Kyoto you can refer to
- Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
- Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 Day/2 Days, Kyoto Pick Up)
- Randen + Subway 1 Day Pass
- Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
- Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
- Sagano Romantic Train One-Way Ticket (Saga or Kameoka Departure)
- Kimono Rental and Photoshoot in Kyoto by Ouka Kimono
- Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour
- Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
- Amanohashidate & Miyama One Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
- JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
- Kimono Rental in Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
- One Day Kimono Rental
- Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka
- Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto
- 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
- 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
- JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
Are you finding more top things to do in Kyoto, read more: Kyoto blog (Kyoto travel blog) — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto, Japan for the first-timers. And Kyoto 3 day itinerary — How to visit Kyoto in 3 days & what to do in Kyoto in 3 days perfectly?
