Japan is at the top many travelers' bucket lists with its incredible food, beautiful landscapes, and intriguing culture. But while many people fly into Tokyo and simply stay there, it’s more worthwhile to obtain away from capital and spend time going through the Kansai region.Kansai encompasses the prefectures of Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama, Hyogo, and Shiga. Within these prefectures, the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji are some of the most popular among tourists. Listed here are 10 reasons visitors should think about spending their amount of time in Kansai instead of sticking with the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
10 It’s More Affordable
Many travelers are deterred from visiting Japan because of its reputation for being extremely expensive. While this might be true for the capital of Tokyo, the Kansai region offers an opportunity to experience some of Japan’s top attractions on the reasonable budget.
Accommodation in Osaka, Japan’s second city, is 21.58% less than that in the city center of Tokyo. The price of meals in Osaka can also be lower than in Tokyo by 16.67%.
9 The Food
Osaka is often known as the food capital of Japan since it offers the best dishes in the united states. The name originated during the Edo period since Osaka was a port city, where all food would pass through coming with other areas in the nation.
Osaka boasts unique dishes and street food like Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki. Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that can contain different meats or seafood. Takoyaki wheat-flour-based ball containing octopus. Both of these can easily be bought through the city but are fun to test at Dotonbori.
8 Plenty of Onsens to select From
The Kansai region is famous for its many hot springs, which are known as onsens in Japan. Traditionally, people bathe naked in an onsen which public baths are separate for men and women.
In the Hyogo prefecture, some of the most popular hot springs include Arima, Kinosaki, and Ako Hot Springs. In Nara prefecture, Totsukawa Hot Springs is a favorite among travelers as the best spot to soak within the warm mineral waters in Kyoto is Kurama Hot Springs.
7 Slower Pace of Life
Tokyo is known for its sheer size and population. It’s a busy place and everyone is always on the go. For a more serene experience in Japan, travelers may prefer the relaxed atmosphere of Kyoto or even the smaller scale of Osaka City.
The best benefit about deciding on the spend a two-week vacation only in the Kansai region rather than solely in Tokyo may be the diversity. Because the Kansai region includes Nara, Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji, and Kobe there are opportunities to savor delicious food in Osaka, serene nature in Nara, beautiful shrines in Kyoto, and soothing hot springs in Himeji.
6 Peaceful Shrines and Temples
Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are abundant throughout Japan, however in the Kansai region, they are unmatched. As there is a lot greenery and nature in the area, the shrines and temples here are often shrouded in trees and provide plenty of room for tourists to space out, so they can enjoy the tranquility without feeling crowded by others.
Some of the very most notable shrines which are on traveler’s Japanese bucket lists are found in Kansai, including Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu Dera, and Todaji Temple.
5 It’s the Cultural Capital
Much of Japan’s important history originates from the Kansai region, which is why its referred to as the country’s cultural capital. Although Tokyo is the modern-day capital city of Japan, the historical cities of Nara and Kyoto previously served as capitals of the country as well.
Nara is an ancient city with a lot of the initial architecture and old streets still intact. Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital city by 710. Kyoto also had its time as Japan’s capital city and it is worth visiting for that Gion historic district alone.
4 Learn About Ninja Techniques Where They Originated
Ninjas have a prevalent reputation worldwide, but few individuals realize their origins are from Japan’s Kansai region. Japan’s warriors have a rich history here, primarily from Iga and Koka.
One from the last original ninja houses is in Kansai on the ground of Iga Ueno Castle. Visiting this location allows travelers the initial aspects of the ninja house like trapdoors, secret rooms, and weapon storage. This is actually the perfect place to gain a new appreciation with this a part of Japan’s culture.
3 History and Castles
The Kansai region is steeped in rich cultural background and one of the numerous ways to understand the past would be to visit some Japanese castles. Osaka Castle is one of the most famous historical sites in Japan, particularly notable for its massive stone wall. In springtime, the castle is much more picturesque when its encompassed by cherry blossoms.
Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture is another worthwhile sightseeing stop much more Kansai. It sits atop a hill, includes a complex structure, and stays in great condition.
2 It’s a Spiritual Place for Journeys of Enlightenment
For those interested in the spiritual aspects of Japan’s culture, Kansai is the foremost alternative to Tokyo. Kansai encompasses Wakayama prefecture where there are many sacred sites. One of these simple is known as Koyasan, where the sect of Japanese Buddhism was created.
Kansai can also be famous for being an area of the country where lots of Japanese people come to make pilgrimages. One particular pilgrimage route is Kumano to Kyoto through the Kodo trails.
1 There's More Wildlife
Travelers looking to communicate with unique wildlife or take photos of creatures within their natural habitats will certainly prefer Kansai over Tokyo for their Japanese adventure. While Tokyo offers animal cafés, they are a moral gray area with many cafés treating their animals unethically.
In Kansai, there is scope to see bowing deer wandering free at Nara Deer Park. These magnificent animals are curious and eager to devour the cookies visitors can buy in the park and feed them like a treat. There is also Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama. It's not hard to go to the park on the same day as the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest on a excursion from Kyoto.
