Kansai

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Introduction

Kansai (or Kinki), in south-western Honshū, is the cultural and historical heart of Japan.

Geography

Cities

• Hikone
• Himeji is famous for its stunning castle
• Ise
• Kobe is famous for Kobe beef, the world's most expensive beef.
• Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan.
• Nara, Japan's first permanent capital and home to the world's largest wooden building.
• Osaka,

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

International flights in Kansai arrive at the Kansai International Airport (KIX). Airlines flying from Europe to Osaka include KLM and Finnair. Osaka Airport (ITM) serves only domestic destinations.

By Train

Kansai region can be reached from numerous cities to the east and west on Honshu, including Hiroshima and Tokyo. Check the Japan Rail website for more information about schedules and prices.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

There are weekly ferries crossing the sea between Shanghai and Kobe and Osaka. The ferry's destination alternates each week between Osaka and Kobe and the journey takes two days. Another line travels weekly as well between Shanghai and Osaka only.

FESCO runs a service from Vostochny in Eastern Russia to Osaka.

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

Japan Rail offers extensive connections by train between the major cities and many smaller towns in between.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Eat

Drink

Sleep