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Kansai

Japan

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People walking through Fushimi-Inari Taisha 'torii tunnels'.

People walking through Fushimi-Inari Taisha 'torii tunnels'.

Overview

Kansai (関西) is the heart of Japan, where much of modern-day Japanese culture originated. Its highlights read like a greatest-hits list. Looking for a vibrant dining and drinking scene and the vivid color that Japanese cities are famous for? Head to Osaka. Want to get out into remote mountains and hike for days? Follow the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodō. Famous works of art? See the Buddhist sculptures in Nara. Onsen? There's a whole town for that in Kinosaki. Castles? Check. There's enough to fill a whole itinerary here, and it's all easy to access by public transport. Kansai is a great place to explore if this is your first time in Japan, and it's also a good choice if you're a repeat visitor: there's much to discover beyond the highlights, including fascinating temples, shrines and archaeological sites that resonate through the ages.

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  1. 1Savor Uji matcha from the source during a traditional tea ceremony
  2. 2Meander among peaceful bamboo groves and orange-hued torrii shrines in Kyoto
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Japan's new Kansai Area Pass makes it easier than ever to tour the area’s most famous and celebrated tourist attractions.

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