A Guide to the Cities in the Kansai Region

WHILE some of Kansai’s cities are a flurry of quintessentially Japanese activity, noise and bright lights, others are best known for their tranquillity and rich history.

Nachi Fire Festival, Wakayama Prefecture

WHILE some of Kansai’s cities are a flurry of quintessentially Japanese activity, noise and bright lights, others are best known for their tranquillity and rich history.

Cities you must visit in Japan’s Kansai region

Kansai – the southern area of Japan’s main island of Honshu – is home to six prefectures. As one of Japan’s smallest regions, it’s the perfect place for travellers looking to soak up both the historic sites and cultural hotspots without spending valuable hours in transit.  In fact, you can travel anywhere in the Kansai region within 1-2 hours.

While some of Kansai’s cities are a flurry of quintessentially Japanese activity, noise and bright lights, others are best known for their tranquillity and rich history. Here’s a snapshot of some of Kansai’s best cities for those hoping to experience it all.

Osaka

The port city of Osaka is Japan’s third biggest city after Tokyo and Yokohama with over 26 million people living in its sprawling metro area. This huge commercial metropolis is famed for contemporary architecture, food, and a vibrant nightlife which draws over 10 million tourists each year. And with an efficient subway system, it’s also a very easy place to get around making the city incredibly tourist-friendly.

Among the bars, coffee shops, and boutique stores, Osaka has a few must-see attractions – each with their own unique charm. The famous Dotonbori entertainment district runs alongside the Dotonbori canal and is packed with popular restaurants, shops, and, of course, dazzling neon lights.

Escape from the bustle to the peaceful confines of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine’s third century architecture.

 For some hearty sustenance or a snack, Shinsekai’s narrow streets are home to some of Osaka’s best known culinary specialities, as well as the 108-metre tall Tsutenkaku Tower.

Kobe

Home to the famous Kobe beef, the picturesque harbour city of Kobe lies between the sea and Kansai’s Rokko mountain range. It’s Japan’s 6th largest city by population, and Kobe showcases one of the country’s most architecturally modern skylines following the city’s complete regeneration after the 1995 earthquake. There’s nowhere better to appreciate this view than the top of Mount Rokko. Shin-Kobe ropeway (cable car) takes visitors from Shin-Kobe station to an observation deck at the top of the mountain, day or night.

Right in the heart of Kobe lies the traditional Japanese landscape garden of Sorakuen which once belonged to a former mayor of Kobe before opening to the public in 1941. Visitors to the gardens can enjoy a peaceful walk or rest, while the nearby Chinatown district offers shops, restaurants, and spectacular celebrations around Chinese New Year.    

Nara

Established in the year 710, Nara was Japan’s very first capital city. Unsurprisingly, Nara is home to some of Japan’s oldest and most impressive Buddhist temples and is known for a slower pace, laid-back style and annual festivities. Any visitor to Nara must visit the world’s largest bronze Buddha inside Todai-ji Temple (which is also said to be the world’s largest wooden building).

There are too many temples in Nara to list them all, but the grand pagoda and temple complex of Kofuku-ji will be worth a visit in 2018 as The Central Golden Hall reopens following major restoration.

Less built-up than most Japanese cities, Nara boasts a more natural environment with several parks and gardens including Nara Park where deer roam freely. Getting around on foot is also easy in this tranquil setting. 

Wakayama

Wakayama isn’t on the tourist trail for many visitors to Kansai which makes it a great place to see some spectacular natural beauty without the crowds. The sacred Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, south of the city, offers sweeping views over Nachi Waterfall – the tallest waterfall in Japan.  

Wakayama is easily one of Japan’s best cities to visit during the summer months. While the 1,700-year-old Nachi Fire Festival is held every July, tourists and locals alike will take to Shirahama’s white sandy beach for a refreshing swim. Best suited to those who enjoy the great outdoors, Wakayama’s coastal geography and heritage makes it an ideal base for hikers, divers, and historians.       

Otsu

Capital of Shiga Prefecture, Otsu is perched on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Known as the main port of Lake Biwa, sightseeing cruises depart from Otsu daily, taking visitors to the most ideal vantage points from which to appreciate the city and its mountainous backdrop.

Steeped in history dating back to 667 AD, Otsu is awash with sites of cultural and historical significance including shrines, temples, museums, and parks.