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.
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Advantages: For a newly rebuilt city it is remarkably pretty Disadvantages: There isn't a great deal of history left and the reconstruction was only recently finished
ickkate 10.10.2004 ·
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