Kansai area attractions
Home to the capital of Japan for 1,200 years, the Kansai region is the foundation of Japanese history and culture. This is why it is home to a vast and widespread collection of history and culture, from ancient tombs, temples, and shrines to traditional performing arts and Japanese cuisine. Osaka is the core city of Kansai, and Umeda is Osaka’s downtown—the essence of Japan is never more than a few steps away.
Attraction 1 History and culture of Kansai
Home to the first capital of Japan and the center of Japan for 1,200 years, the Kansai region has a profound history. World Heritage sites, traditional performing arts, and other tangible and intangible cultural properties transport visitors back in time through the centuries. Kansai is also the birthplace of Japanese food culture, including the mainstays of dashi, sake, and fermented foods. Every corner of the region offers ways to enjoy traditional flavors and a persistent artisanal spirit.
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World Heritage sites
Kansai is home to six of the 25 World Heritage sites in Japan. Most of them were approved quite early on because of their high historical and cultural value, exemplified by Horyu-ji Temple in Nara, the oldest complex of wooden buildings in the world.
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Traditional performing arts
Many of the traditional performing arts that survive today—among them Noh, Kyogen, Kabuki, and Rakugo—originated in Kansai. They have transcended the ages and taken root as universal forms of entertainment, vibrant parts of the thriving modern culture of the city.
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Food culture
The range of temperatures, abundance of farmland and fishing grounds, and well-developed distribution network of the Kansai region made it the birthplace of Japanese food culture, including the mainstays of dashi, sake, fermented foods, and kaiseki (Japanese-style haute cuisine multi-course meals). From affordable soul food to authentic kaiseki cuisine, dining in Kansai is a window into the cultural diversity of Japan.
Attraction 2 Excellent access from Umeda to the rest of Kansai
Umeda is a hub of accessibility—it is easy to reach from anywhere—and a short trip will get you anywhere in the Kansai region.
It is connected by rail and air to the rest of Japan and the world—it is only 4 min to Shin-Osaka Station where you can board the Shinkansen and 47 min to Kansai International Airport.
Famous World Heritage sites are similarly easy to access—just 29 min to Kyoto and 51 min to Nara.
The Naniwasuji Line—a north-south line through Osaka City scheduled to open in 2031—will make it even easier to reach Kansai International Airport.
(All travel times on public transportation from Osaka Station)
It is connected by rail and air to the rest of Japan and the world—it is only 4 min to Shin-Osaka Station where you can board the Shinkansen and 47 min to Kansai International Airport.
Famous World Heritage sites are similarly easy to access—just 29 min to Kyoto and 51 min to Nara.
The Naniwasuji Line—a north-south line through Osaka City scheduled to open in 2031—will make it even easier to reach Kansai International Airport.
(All travel times on public transportation from Osaka Station)
Attraction 3 A variety of excursion destinations
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Himeji-jo Castle
The first famous castle in Japan to be designated a World Heritage site. Many are drawn by its striking appearance against blue skies. -
Arashiyama
The most picturesque tourist attraction in Kyoto, a place to enjoy the refined scenery of the four seasons. -
Horyu-ji Temple
The oldest temple in Japan recognized as a World Heritage site, a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture from the Nara period (710–794). -
Koyasan
Recognized as a World Heritage, this sacred Buddhist site located in the Kii Mountain Range is a mystical place with a cluster of more than 100 temples. -
Takarazuka Grand Theater
The Takarazuka Revue celebrates its 110th anniversary in 2024. This all-female troupe invites viewers to their distinctive and dazzling world to enjoy a variety of shows. -
Awaji Island
A popular resort area with beautiful nature, hot springs resorts, and plenty of spots for foodies and art lovers. -
Nadagogo
Five sake brewing regions known as a treasure trove of sake. Tours of 26 unique breweries are the highlight of any visit to Japan. -
CUPNOODLES MUSEUM
A food education facility where visitors can learn the history of the world’s first instant ramen born in Osaka—make their own original CUP NOODLES, and more.
