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General Information
Kinki region, also known as the Kansai region, is Japan’s southern central region. Kinki has the second largest population in Japan, after Kanto. It has a population of approximately 22,757,897 and consists of seven prefectures: Hyogo, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Osaka, Shiga, and Wakayama. Major cities include Osaka, Kobe (of Hyogo prefecture), and Kyoto. Kinki is known for its many historically significant sites, having the most UNESCO World Heritage listings in Japan. The Kansai region is especially known for its delicious food. Osaka has many delicacies of its own including okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu, and more. The famous Kobe beef and Matsuzaka beef are also products of the Kansai region.
Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture is located in the Kansai region and is home to the Ise shrines. On the Shima Peninsula is the Ise Jingu. The Mikimoto Pearl Island, a museum about pearls and pearl cultivation, is also on Shima Peninsula.
Where To Go In Mie
- Akame Shiju-hattaki Falls
- Doro Valley
- Iga
- Iga Ninja Museum
- Ise Grand Shrine
- Meotoiwa
- Mikimoto Pearl Island
- Nagashima Spa Land
- Okageyokocho
- Sukodo Former Samurai School
- Ueno Castle
- Uga Valley
Shiga Prefecture
Shiga Prefecture is located in the Kansai region and encompasses Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa. The small city of Hikone in Shiga is one of the most visited sites in the prefecture.
- Chikubushima Island
- Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
- Hikone
- Hikone Castle
- Hiyoshi Taisha
- Ishiyama-dera Temple
- Lake Biwa
- Mii Dera
- Nagahama
- Omi Jingu Shrine
- Shiga-Kogen Highlands
- Yumekyobashi Castle Road
Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture is located in the Kansai region and is best known as the former capital of Japan. Today the city has numerous temple and shrines that have stood for many, many centuries.
Where To Go In Kyoto
- Amano Hashidate
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
- Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Gion Corner
- Golden Pavilion - Kinkakuji Temple
- Heian Shrine
- Hozu River
- Jojakkoji Temple
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Kodaiji Temple
- Nijo Castle
- Ninenzaka
- Nishiki Market
- Sagano
- Sanjusangen-do
- Silver Pavilion - Ginkakuji Temle
- Tanzan Sake Brewery
- Togetsukyo Bridge
Osaka Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture is located in the Kansai region and its capital Osaka City is the central city of West Japan with a population of 2.6 million. Osaka is famous for being a food-town and it sure has a good share of local cuisines.
Where To Go In Osaka
- Dotonbori
- Expo '70 Commemorative Park
- Kaiyukan
- Kansai Int'l Airport (KIX)
- Mt. Showa
- Osaka Castle
- Osaka Int'l Airport (ITM) - Itami Airport
- Nipponbashi
- Shinsaibashi
- Shin-Sekai
- Shitenno-ji Temple
- Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine
- Umeda Sky Building
- Universal Studios Japan
- Video Game Bar Space Station
Hyogo Prefecture
Hyogo’s most popular tourist destination is the Himeji Castle, considered by many to be Japan’s finest castle. The castle was never destroyed and still stands beautifully in its original form.
Where To Go In Hyogo
- Arima
- Hakatsuru Sake Brewery
- Himeji Castle
- Kinosaki Onsen
- Kobe Chinatown
- Kobe Harborland
- Koukoen
- Shoshazan-Engyoji
- Shushinkan Sake Brewery
- Takeda Castle
Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture is located in the Kansai region and has the most UNESCO World Heritage listings in Japan. Todaiji Temple and Nara Park among the most visited sites in Nara.
Where To Go In Nara
- Heijou Palace
- Horyuji Temple
- Isui-en Garden
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Kohfukuji Temple
- Nara Deer Park
- Nara National Museum
- Omiwa Shrine
- Todaiji Temple-Giant Buddha
- Yakushiji Temple
Wakayama Prefecture
Wakayama is most famous for Koyasan, or Mt. Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism. On the peak of Mt. Koya-san surrounded by mountains is Kongobu-ji Temple, founded by Kobo Taishi, the Head Temple of Esoteric Buddhism, which has a 1200-year-long history.
Where To Go In Wakayama
- Awashima Shrine
- Hiro-jinja Shrine
- Kongobuji Temple
- Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route
- Mt. Koya-san
- Nachi Falls
- Nanki-Shirahama
- Okunoin
- Wakayama Castle
- Wakayama Marina City
