KYŌTO, NARA, ŌSAKA AND MORE

Nestled between the central and western regions of Japan, Kansai serves as the ideal hub location from which to explore much of the country. With access by air from Kobe Airport, Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport, port entry leading to the Seto inland sea via Ōsaka and Kobe, and a sprawling rail network throughout, it’s no surprise that many travellers choose this region to mark the beginning and the end of their trips to Japan. Before moving to Edo (now modern day Tōkyō) in 1868, the Emperor called this region home and left behind flourishing cities of great historical and cultural importance that travellers still flock to today. Today, it continues to serve as the starting point of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and the Nakasendo trail, and provides a great taste of an eclectic mix of lifestyles in one region.

Highlights of The Kansai Region

Kansai has a great deal to offer both first time and repeat visitors to Japan; the castle town of Himeji and its majestic castle greeting you when you leave the station; the ancient Lake Biwa and its coasts of cherry trees; Mie and Ise Grand Shrine, dedicated to the mother goddess of the Shintō religion; and Wakayama, serving as the entry to the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage trail, to name a few. Anyone would be hard pressed to run out of things to do.

• Stroll through the expansive park grounds of Nara, where deer bow politely for treats, and temple hop from the grand wooden structure of Tōdai-ji Temple, to the hanging brass lanterns of Kasuga Grand Shrine.
• Experience the mesh of old Japan and new in Kyōto; from modern boutiques mixed into the temple town of Teramachi, to catching glimpses of geisha and maiko dashing between engagements in Gion.
• Dive into the heart of Japan’s Kitchen in Ōsaka by walking along the neon entertainment district around the Dotonbori and stroke the bottom of lucky god Biriken’s feet for prosperity at Tsutenkaku tower.
• Enjoy fine dining in Kobe which sits sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. Best known worldwide for their high grade Kobe Beef, the city hosts the lively Harborland port town and marks one of three gateways by car to the island of Shikoku.

Discover the country at your own pace with our detailed maps and walking instructions. Everything else - from rail tickets to accommodations - are all organised by us, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying excellent local home-cooked meals and world class hospitality.

Sign up as individual travellers and leave as lifelong friends on an Oku Japan small-group guided tour. With a maximum of 13 people in any group, our tours ensure you get the full attention of your local guide who themselves share a passion for Japan. Whether it’s traditions, food, society or history, learn the ins and outs together with your fellow travellers and the assistance of our fully-licensed, bilingual guides.