Are you thinking about perfect summer getaways in Kansai?
This article tries to introduce you to the best and most amazing places in the Kansai region. Kansai is the origin of Japan. You are lucky if you are living and working in this region because you have the chance to explore this region on your vacations or weekends. If you are seeking a job, it’s a great opportunity for you to start working in the Kansai region.
Contents
- Kansai Region
- Osaka Prefecture
- Kyoto Prefecture
- Wakayama Prefecture
- Nara Prefecture
- Hyogo Prefecture
- Shiga Prefecture
- Sugee Work
Kansai Region
The southern-central portion of Honshu, Japan’s main island, is where the Kansai or Kinki regions are located.
The area comprises the prefectures of Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga, as well as Mie, Fukui, Tokushima, Tottori, and sometimes even Mie. Though their usage has evolved, the phrases “Kansai” and “Kinki” are typically used interchangeably in contemporary circumstances.
One of Japan’s most well-liked tourist destinations is Kansai, which is also the country’s spiritual and cultural center. It is clear why Kansai is well-liked by the general public given how major towns like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe contribute to the wealth of local cuisine, culture, and history. Its popularity may be traced back to the era when Osaka was growing as a commercial hub and Kyoto served as Japan’s capital.
The best place to experience Japanese culture and traditions nowadays is Kinki. There are innumerable beautiful places to discover throughout its seven prefectures, from holy mountains to secluded valleys. All are ideal for cooling off throughout the sweltering summer months. Kansai has everything whether you choose to relax on the beach, jet ski on a lake, walk to higher altitudes, or swim in a gorge. Perfect for weekend getaways, extended vacations, or day trips.
Due to the size of Kansai, it is best to take some time to identify the prefecture you are visiting.
Osaka Prefecture
The most popular tourist destination in Osaka is Universal Studios Japan, which comes in second place after Tokyo Disney Resort as the most popular amusement park in the country. If you’re traveling with friends or your children, you might wish to explore this location.
The Osaka Aquarium, which features species from many regions of the Pacific Rim, is the next most well-liked and praised location. It’s an incredible location to learn more about aquatic creatures and nature and get a close-up view of them.
Kyoto Prefecture
The Kyoto Railway Museum is the second most popular attraction for tourists in Kyoto, with Nijo Castle being the top attraction. Because Tokugawa Ieyasu lived at Nijo Castle and laid the groundwork for politics under the Shogunate’s rule during the Edo period, Nijo Castle is significant to the history of Japan. A complete train from each era of Japan’s history is on display at the Kyoto Railway Museum.
The “Bridge to Paradise” is another wonderful location in Kyoto Prefecture. The moniker “bridge to heaven” refers to the sandbar’s distinctive shape, which is thought to resemble a bridge leading to paradise. The sandbar was naturally formed over thousands of years as sand and grit from the Noda River, which has its origins in the northwestern Seya highlands, the Hata River, and the Seya River flowed into Miyazu Bay and mixed. It’s a fantastic place for cycling and onsen hopping as well.
A bamboo forest, also known as the Sagano Bamboo Forest, may be found near Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. The majority of the trees in the forest are Moso bamboo, and there are various paths for tourists and other visitors. It is regarded by the Ministry of the Environment as a component of the Japanese sonic landscape. Along with the green bamboo, colorful leaves can be seen in the autumn.
Wakayama Prefecture
Without an exhilarating downriver boat ride, while surrounded by the grandeur of Mother Nature, no summer vacation would be complete. Therefore, we want to introduce some amazing rivers in the Kansai region.
The only location in Japan where you can go traditional log rafting is on the Kitayama River. You ride a log raft down a river gorge. You will get wet along the route, more so than on other downriver boat excursions, so make sure to wear clothes that can get wet.
The Nara, Wakayama, and Mie Prefectures are home to the Kumano River. It measures 183 kilometers (114 miles) in length and has a watershed that is 2,630 kilometers square. The natural settings, which include gorges, cliffs, stones, and waterfalls, will astound you. Don’t forget to stop by the Kumano Sanzan of remarkable virtue and stroll along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, a World Heritage Site, while you’re there.
Nara Prefecture
Visitors who come to spend one or more days in the renowned Kansai little town undoubtedly visit Nara’s wonderful park the most of any attraction. The park, which was established in 1880 and spans a vast area of 502 hectares, is home to magnificent temples and shrines as well as being worth visiting for its own sake, largely due to the Shika deer that are allowed to roam the grounds freely.
Hyogo prefecture
It would be great to include a flower field right now. What could be more attractive than a field of sunflowers smiling so charmingly? Sun and fresh air can be enjoyed by taking a day excursion to a sunflower field from Osaka or another location. Sunflower fields in Japan give visitors the chance to take in the splendor of nature, take some stunning pictures, and even have a bite to eat. Sunflower fields planted in succession will bloom between mid-July and early August, painting the town in entrancing colors of yellow.
You can go to Kobe’s Hill Park for this proposal. West of Kobe City, along National Route 175, is Sunflower Hill Park. From seats in the heart of these stunning sunflower fields in Japan, visitors may capture amazing pictures. Visitors who come within a week of the sunflower’s peak bloom will receive a sunflower to take home.
Awaji is a Japanese city that can be found on Awaji Island in the Hyogo Prefecture. Between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, in the Seto Inland Sea, or Setonaikai, sits Awaji Island. Awaji Island has served as a crucial link between Honshu and Shikoku throughout its history. There is a lot of history to be discovered here, as well as the longest suspension bridge in the world and several gorgeous beaches.
Goshikihama, which sits on the western coast of Awaji Island, with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea’s azure waters. The five colors of the beach stones, which glitter like gems at dusk, are referenced in the name Goshiki. Great sunset views are provided by the Beach’s western position. There are also additional popular beaches along the coasts of Awaji Island.
Shiga Prefecture
Japan’s largest lake is called Lake Biwa. The location is well-liked by tourists of all ages since it offers activities like canoeing, cat-viewing, and even an aquarium. 62 indigenous species make up the uncommon and diverse biodiversity of Lake Biwa. The Biwa Lake Museum is a great place to spend some time with your family on a rainy day to explore marine life while remaining dry by entering the tunnel aquarium. Although swimming in the lake is popular, you can also rent canoes and kayaks, practice stand-up paddle boarding, and develop your sailing or windsurfing skills there.
SUGEE Works
SUGEE Works, operated by SUGEE, is a recruitment agency service specializing in foreign nationals. If you need help finding a job in the Kansai area, our English-speaking advisors are available to help. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
References
- Japan’s National Tourism Organization. “Kansai Destination”. Retrieved 24 August 2022 from: https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kansai/
- KANSAI Tourism Bureau, The Kansai Guide. “Things to do in Kansai”. Retrieved 22 August 2022 from: https://www.the-kansai-guide.com/
- Live Japan Perfect Guide. “10 Prettiest Sunflower Fields in Japan: When and Where to Go to See Stunning Kansai in Bloom”, 22 May 2021, Retrieved 20 August 2022 from: https://livejapan.com/en/in-kansai/in-pref-hyogo/in-hyogo-suburbs/article-a2000650/
- JAPANICLE. “Osaka! 17 Best Tourist Attractions: Dotonbori, Umeda, USJ, etc.”, Retrieved 20 August 2022 from: https://japanicle.com/top/destinations/best-of-osaka/
Malina Zafar
Malina Zafar is an Afghan citizen living in Japan now. She has a Master’s degree in Public Management from the International University of Japan (IUJ). She is now working as an intern at SUGEE, operated by eftax.
