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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Regions
Kansai Travel Guide
access  -  hotels  -  restaurants  -  links
The Kinki Region (‹ß‹E’n•û, Kinki Chihō), also commonly known as Kansai (ŠÖ¼, literally "west of the border") encompasses the Kinki Plain and consists of seven prefectures. It used to be the political and cultural center of Japan for many centuries and includes the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe.

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Attractions
Kyoto Prefecture
 1  Kyoto
For over 1000 years the capital of Japan.
User rating: 97/100 (2317 votes)
Visited by: 4517 users
 2  Amanohashidate
One of Japan's three most scenic views.
User rating: 82/100 (120 votes)
Visited by: 234 users
 
Osaka Prefecture
 1  Osaka
Largest city of the Kinki Region.
User rating: 86/100 (1747 votes)
Visited by: 3420 users
  
Nara Prefecture
 1  Nara
Japan's first permanent capital.
User rating: 91/100 (1405 votes)
Visited by: 2752 users
 2  Yoshino
Japan's most famous cherry blossom spot.
User rating: 87/100 (77 votes)
Visited by: 165 users
 3  Asuka
The cradle of the Japanese civilization.
User rating: 79/100 (52 votes)
Visited by: 144 users
Hyogo Prefecture
 1  Himeji
Site of Japan's most beautiful feudal castle.
User rating: 86/100 (778 votes)
Visited by: 1526 users
 2  Kinosaki
Pleasant, old-fashioned hot spring resort.
User rating: 85/100 (87 votes)
Visited by: 175 users
 3  Kobe
Harbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquake.
User rating: 81/100 (811 votes)
Visited by: 1716 users
Shiga Prefecture
 1  Miho Museum
Unique art museum in the mountains.
User rating: 91/100 (34 votes)
Visited by: 56 users
 2  Hikone
Castle town at the shores of Lake Biwa.
User rating: 79/100 (140 votes)
Visited by: 289 users
 
Wakayama Prefecture
 1  Mount Koya
Atmospheric temple mountain.
User rating: 93/100 (224 votes)
Visited by: 416 users
 2  Kumano
Pilgrimage destination on the Kii Peninsula.
User rating: 85/100 (49 votes)
Visited by: 118 users
 
Mie Prefecture
 1  Ise Shima
Site of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines.
User rating: 83/100 (255 votes)
Visited by: 605 users
 2  Iga Ueno
Former castle town famous for ninja.
User rating: 75/100 (141 votes)
Visited by: 320 users
 

Access and Orientation
Osaka's Kansai International Airport is Japan's second largest international airport, served by many Japanese and international airlines.

From Tokyo, the Kinki area can be easily accessed by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen in about two to three hours. Check the individual cities' access pages for more details.

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