Kansai

The Kansai region is rich in cultural and historical significance and offers a true glimpse into Japan’s past. In total there are seven prefectures in the Kansai Region, they are Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hyogo, Shiga, Wakayama, and Mie

The top destinations for travelers in Kansai, broken down by prefecture, are:

• Kyoto Prefecture:
  • Kyoto – Once the capital of Japan, this historic city is home of some of the most cultural and historically significant sites in Japan. With its numerous shrines and temples, Nijo Castle, and Imperial Palace, Kyoto is a top destination for any visit to Japan.
• Osaka Prefecture:
  • Osaka – the 2^nd largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, Osaka. This city boasts many highlights to visit from cultural to modern including Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Shrine, Shitennoji Temple, Minoo Park, and even Universal Studios,
• Nara Prefecture:
  • Nara – the first permanent capital of Japan and located less than an hour from Kyoto making it the perfect day trip. Nara is home to one of Japan’s most famous temples, Todaiji Temple.
• Hyogo Prefecture:
  • Himeji Castle – a beautiful feudal castle and a designated UNESCO world heritage site.
  • Kinosaki Onsen – a wonderful hot spring town with springs discovered in the 8^th century
• Shiga Prefecture:
  • Hikone – a castle town on the shores of Lake Biwa and home to Hikone Castle built in 1622 and Genkyuen Garden.
• Wakayama Prefecture:
  • Mount Koya – the center of Shigon Buddhism with various temples to visit.
• Mie Prefecture:
  • Ise Shima – home to the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan as well as Mikimoto Pearl Island
  • Iga Ueno – home of Ueno Castle, originally built in thee 16^th

This city is most famous Ninja. It’s school of ninjutsu (art of stealth) was one of the leading training schools for ninja in the feudal era.