Kansai : Why go there?
Kansai : The good reasons to go
Feeling spirituality
Ise-jingū, Kōyasan... Marvel at some of the most sacred sites in the country.
Slipping into an onsen
Kinosaki, Misasa or Arima, these destinations awaken the traveller's senses.
A unique gastronomy
Unknown flavours and ingredients, taste buds travel off the beaten track.
A 5-star welcome
The art of service combined with a safe destination is the ideal equation for a good stay.
An overnight stay the Japanese way
Futon, tatami, kaiseki ryōri, onsen... : words that invite to travel and relaxation.
Give in to the shopping frenzy
Osaka is definitely THE shopping destination in Kansai. Beware of madness.
In the footsteps of the pilgrims
Put on your shoes and set off to discover several mythical pilgrimage trails.
Marvel at the natural setting
Kansai is full of exceptional sites that are just waiting to amaze you.
A legendary beef
Several wagyū, including the beef from Kōbe, are waiting for you in the different prefectures.
Engaging in traditional arts
Cutlery, pottery, washi, kumihimo, Japanese arts reveal pure elegance
Kansai : Good to know to visit
Timetable
Opening times vary from establishment to establishment, but most museums and parks are open between 10am and 5pm. Weekends are often busier, especially for temporary exhibitions. Each venue has its own closing day, so check in advance. As for temples and shrines, they generally open at 8am and close around 4 or 5pm, except during festivals when opening times may be extended.
Smokers
Smoking is banned in the vast majority of public places.
Tourist traps
In museums, small boutiques and workshops, do-it-yourself activities (origami, paper, wooden objects, etc.) are all the rage. While some offer a real opportunity to try your hand at Japanese crafts, others are sometimes far too expensive for what's on offer. You be the judge.
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Kansai : Discover
When we think of Japan, we think of samurai, Zen, Buddhism, ninja, manga and sushi. There are a thousand and one gateways to Japanese culture, which fascinates and intrigues Westerners. A visit to Kansai means discovering a fascinating history, encountering the many faces of Japanese society, overcoming all preconceived ideas, and letting yourself be carried away by a whirlwind of traditions. The history of the archipelago, which was relatively closed to foreign influences for almost 300 years, has led to the emergence of a distinctive culture, whether artistic, culinary or social. Japanese concepts such as wabi-sabi and Zen never cease to intrigue and question. A trip to Kansai is the perfect opportunity to grasp a little of this culture, and here are a few of the keys.
