A global tourist destination
The term Kansai, which has no definition of its own, may of course surprise the traveller, who is not used to the use of this denomination. One will rather evoke the famous names of this destination, such as its capital Osaka, the marvellous Kyoto or the giant Buddha of Nara. The borders and boundaries of the Kansai region must be highlighted for the visitor to appreciate the immensity of this part of Japan, considered as the historical cradle of the nation. 1400 years ago, when the archipelago was founded as a country, the seat of imperial power was established on the lands of Asuka, in Nara Prefecture, bordering Osaka Prefecture. Asuka witnessed the origin of the country's administrative organization, its monetary economy and its diplomacy. The traveller still finds there today the traces of this historical past. But Kansai is also a region of Japan which gathers all the tourist resources that the aficionados of the Archipelago, or simple visitors curious and thirsty for discoveries, can expect from a country like Japan. Like Kanto, where Tokyo is located, Kansai is definitely a major cultural area of the country. This region has historically been the political, economic and cultural center of the nation. Even today, the traces of this glorious past still amaze and attract travelers from all over the world. Nearly 60% of the country's national treasures and culturally significant properties are nestled in the ten prefectures that make up Greater Kansai. This is a trip to the real Japan. Kansai is home to five of the nineteen Japanese cultural sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, ancient Nara, the sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountains, Himeji Castle and the Buddhist monuments in the Horyuji Temple area. In addition to its rich artistic, historical and cultural heritage of more than 1400 years, Kansai also offers a nature that cannot leave the traveler unmoved. The Sea of Japan to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, its sacred mountains, lush forests, rivers, lakes, including Lake Biwa, Japan's largest, ski resorts and its famous hot springs, the onsen, are the components of the region's exceptional landscape. The result is a traditional and centuries-old culinary variety that enchants the palate of visitors, starting with the wealth of local fishing. Kansai is also a modern destination that enjoys a quality tourist infrastructure, with its international airport, Shinkansen stations, numerous railway companies and hotels, to name but a few. With an area of 45,000 km², the equivalent of a country like Estonia, Kansai is a happy playground in the heart of Japan itself. The country's second economic zone, after Kanto, is home to more than 24 million people, almost as many as Australia. And yet, the traveller can very easily, and very often, find himself alone, facing the beauty of the region, in prefectures such as Tottori or Fukui. It is also one of the strengths of the region to offer lively and festive destinations as well as relaxing and peaceful destinations, far from the crowds. It is one of the best ways to discover Japan's legendary spirituality. Although tourism was curbed by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Kansai is ready to welcome visitors again soon, and visitors will be flocking to Kansai in 2025 to enjoy the World's Fair.
The tourist project
To highlight Kansai, the region's Tourism Bureau has developed "The Exciting Kansai", a project that can be seen as a tourism roadmap; visitors from all over the world will benefit from in-depth information on Kansai destinations, route ideas and itineraries, as well as complete tourism packages. The project breaks down the Kansai region into eight zones, or eight thematic routes, so that visitors can match their desires, passions and attraction to elements of Japanese culture with the different prefectures of Kansai and thus prepare an itinerary that will satisfy all their expectations. The areas are designed so that transport connections can be made easily, mostly by train. There is no need to travel miles and risk running out of time, these tracks have been designed to make life easier for the visitor.
The website kansaiguide.jp/exciting, in English, is the basis of the project. It is a good complement to our special Kansai guide. It is divided into several parts, with, on one side, the itineraries, such as Koyasan or Kumano Kodo. The style of the concept is inspired by a roadmap, specifying, day by day, route by route, place by place, how to make the most of a destination. Additional information is added to the most important sites, excursions or even certain routes, so as to never hesitate. The aim is not to take the visitor by the hand, but to offer him a vision of the best ways to discover a region, without missing the unmissable. As for travelers who prefer to be guided, organized tours, set up by the Kansai Tourism Bureau, are a great opportunity to immerse themselves in Kansai. Some tours offer multi-day excursions, sensory experiences such as meditation or gastronomy, but also stays based on trekking or meeting a local community. Finally, the site offers a list of the most convenient passes to travel around Kansai and save money. With our guide in hand and this website in your pocket, you are ready to discover Kansai in all its nooks and crannies.
