The Kansai region is a vibrant and culturally rich area located in the southern-central part of Honshū. It includes seven prefectures: Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Shiga, and Mie. Kansai is often considered the cultural heart of Japan, with a history that stretches back thousands of years.
This region is home to some of Japan’s most iconic cities, including Kyoto, known for its temples and traditional tea houses, and Osaka, famous for its modern skyline and bustling street food scene. Nara, once the ancient capital, offers historic sites like the Todai-ji Temple, while Kobe in Hyōgo prefecture is renowned for its maritime charm and culinary delights, including Kobe beef.
Kansai’s geography varies from the coastal areas of Wakayama and Osaka to the mountainous landscapes of Shiga and the pilgrimage routes of Mie.
