Kansai Geography
The Kansai (関西) region is located in the south central part of Honshu; Japan’s largest island. The region is comprised of seven prefectures: Shiga, Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo. Kansai is sometimes referred to as the Kinki region, but Kansai is the more common name. In fact, several organizations have recently switched from using Kinki in their name to Kansai. The region contains the Keihanshin region, Japan’s second most populated metropolitan area, which is comprised of the popular cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe.
Cities and population
There are over 22 million people within the region and its borders extend for almost 12,700 square miles. The Kansai region is considered Japan’s cultural center and contains many historic buildings and areas. The major cities include Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Tsu, Wakayama, Otsu and Sakai. Nara was the capital of Japan; however, the city of Kyoto was made the capital of Japan in the Heian era and it remained there for over 1000 years until it was eventually moved to Tokyo. The Kansai region contains the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan. This is because it has mostly been removed from wars and natural disasters in comparison to the rest of the country.
Prefectures
Shiga
Shiga Prefecture is located in the northeastern corner of the Kansai region. The capital of Shiga is Otsu. The prefecture doesn’t have a coast, but does contain the amazing Lake Biwa. While Lake Biwa is the big attraction, there are other great places to visit, such as Hikone, a castle town along Lake Biwa’s shore, Ukimido hall at Mangetsu-ji temple, and the Michigan paddlewheel boat that offers rides on Lake Biwa.
Mie
Mie Prefecture is located on the eastern side of the Kansai region. The capital of Mie is Tsu. Mie is great for anyone interested in the Shinto religion. For example, Ise Grand Shrine (Japan’s holiest shrine), Tsubaki Grand Shrine (Japan’s oldest Shinto Shrine) and Kumano Kodo – World Heritage site (an ancient road used previously by pilgrims) can all be found in Mie Prefecture. Other great attractions include Iga Ninja Museum, Nagashima Spa Land, and Suzuka Circuit.
Nara
Nara Prefecture is located in the south-central section of the Kansai region. The capital of Nara is the city of Nara. The prefecture contains a plethora of great attractions, especially if you like Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples. Shrines like Kasuga Grand Shrine or Todai-ji are beautiful sites to check out. Other attractions include the monuments of Asuka-Fujiwara, Totsukawa onsen and Yoshino-Kumano National Park.
Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southwestern corner of the Kansai region. The capital of Wakayama is the city of Wakayama. The prefecture contains one of the first Japanese style Buddhist temples called Mount Koya and is the headquarters to the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Other great attractions include Nanki-Katsuura onsen, Wakayama Castle, and the beaches of Shirahama and Kushimoto.
Osaka
Osaka Prefecture is located on the western edge of the Kansai region. The capital of Osaka is the city of Osaka, which is an incredible destination for anyone looking to travel to Japan. Things to do and see include Universal Studios, Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium, Minoo Park, and Shitennoji Temple.
Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture is in the north-central section of the Kansai region. The capital of Kyoto is the city of Kyoto, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Many iconic and beautiful landmarks like Kinkakuji Temple, are scattered throughout the prefecture. Other attractions include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Hyogo
Hyogo Prefecture is located in the northwestern corner of the Kansai region. The capital of Hyogo is Kobe. Offering one of Japans most famous castles, Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture has much to see and do. Other attractions include Kinosaki, Takeda Castle Ruins, and Toyooka Stork Park.
Culture and History Aplenty
The region of Kansai best embodies the spirit of Japan. Known for many amazing sites and attractions with huge cultural and historical significance to Japan, Kansai is probably the best region to visit in Japan if you aren’t staying for long. With the amazing cities of Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto so close to one another and so many other attractions nearby, Kansai is where one can find a very dense area of many iconic places to see and visit in Japan.
 region is located in the south central part of Honshu; Japan’s largest island. The region is comprised of seven prefectures){kind=link}