Kansai is the name for the Western region of Japan encompassing the cities of Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and the surrounding countryside.
For the first-time Japan-bound traveller, the journey is more than likely to involve flying in to Tokyo's Narita airport and then using Tokyo as a base to ... Read review
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Advantages: Location Disadvantages: Slightly higher air ticket costs
Kansai is the name for the Western region of Japan encompassing the cities of Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and the surrounding countryside.
For the first-time Japan-bound traveller, the journey is more than likely to involve flying in to Tokyo's Narita airport and then using Tokyo as a base to see the rest of the country. However, for those determined to really get a feel for aprticular country, this is probably not the way to do it.
...the Kansai International Airport and then base yourself in Kyoto. Another reviewer has made an excellent summary of what should be seen in this beautiful city but, to do it justice, at least 4-5 days could be spent here taking in the various sights, sampling the food and learning about the traditions that still remain from when Kyoto was the capital city hundreds of years ago.
From Kyoto it is easy to branch out to the various other ... more
Kansai is the name for the Western region of Japan encompassing the cities of Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and the surrounding countryside. For the first-time Japan-bound traveller, the journey is more than likely to involve flying in to Tokyo's Narita airport and then using Tokyo as a base to see the rest of the country. However, for those determined to really get a feel for aprticular country, this is probably not the way to do it.
A more practical idea would be to fly into the Kansai International Airport and then base yourself in Kyoto. Another reviewer has made an excellent summary of what should be seen in this beautiful city but, to do it justice, at least 4-5 days could be spent here taking in the various sights, sampling the food and learning about the traditions that still remain from when Kyoto was the capital city hundreds of years ago.
From Kyoto it is easy to branch out to the various other historic and interesting centres. A 40 minute train ride to the South is Nara, containing the largest wooden building in the world and also one of the largest Bhuddist statues. Just half an hour on another train is Osaka. If you want to taste the busy, bustling side of Japan, Osaka is probably a better place to do this in than Tokyo. There are just as many garish electronics stores and an equal amount of nightlife.
Furthermore, a trip to Japan really has to include a stopover in Hiroshima (reviewed elsewhere) and this is a mere 2 hours from Kyoto on the bullet train.
In summary, while travel companies may steer you towards starting and finishing your journey in the East of Japan, the Kansai region in the West has more to offer, is more centrally located and will give you much more of a flavour for this unique country.
Advantages: Clean, Modern, Sleek Building Disadvantages: slight long walks
Flights. For all British Readers, Japan Airlines provides flights from London to Osaka. For US readers, many American as well as Japanese Carriers provide flights to San Fransisco, Los Angelas, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Seattle, New York, and many other places.
Overall
Kansai provides excellent services, are very efficient, and can keep you with a smile on your face. Please note that you may have to walk alot within the airport. So, if you have to go to Osaka or connect at Kansai, don't be disappointed!
http://www.kansaiairport.or.jp/english/access/index.htm ...
Advantages: clean and modern Disadvantages: long walks
Kansai is Japan's nesest international airport, serving the cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. It's built on reclaimed land in the sea, so it makes for an interesting approach as you get closer and closer to the water. On arrival in the terminal, be prepared for a hike - Kansai is enormous and your hike to immigration will involve lots of corridors and flights of stairs. Goodness knoes how a wheelchair user or someone with a pushchair would manage. Immigration are efficient and as long as your paperwork is in order you shouldn't wait too long. Once through immigration bagage collection is efficient too. I wasn't stopped by Customs, but several westerners were. Officials speak English, so you should have no problem with their questions! There is a railway station in the airport which is the best way from the airport to Osaka ...
Advantages: Very high quality airline. Disadvantages: Limited destinations. Main hub in Seoul has poor links to the city.
flies to many large cities in Japan so you can avoid an expensive train journey from Tokyo or Kansai. The flight from London-Seoul was generally booked up but I often got upgraded to business class for the Seoul-Japan leg. I have never experienced any long delays with Asiana and have ocassionally been rebooked to make faster connections in Seoul than expected.
Asiana is generally comfortable on board. Economy is called Travel class and is pretty much the same as economy class with any good airline. The thing which makes the flight special is the quality of in-flight entertainment and food. Every seat has a seatback TV screen which has a choice of radio/TV channels and good selection of movies on demand. What I love is that you can watch pre-release Korean and Japanese movies/TV/anime with English dubbing or subtitles. I think I learnt ...
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