City: Kinki
Top Things to do in Kinki
Top Hotels in Kinki
- 1. The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
- 2. Hotel Universal Port
- 3. Hotel Universal Port Vita
- 4. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei
- 5. Hotel Nikko Osaka
- 6. Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
- 7. Temple Town Hotel WAQOO Horyuji
- 8. Hotel Granvia Osaka
- 9. The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
- 10. RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka
Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Kinki, Japan
The Kansai region (関西地方, Kansai-chihō) or the Kinki region (近畿地方, Kinki-chihō) lies in the southern-central region of Japan's main island Honshū. The region includes the prefectures of Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo and Shiga, sometimes Fukui, Tokushima and Tottori. While the use of the terms "Kansai" and "Kinki" have changed over history, in most modern contexts the use of the two terms is interchangeable. The urban region of Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto (Keihanshin region) is the second-most populated in Japan after the Greater Tokyo Area.
Restaurants in Kinki
1. Himeji Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,324 reviews
Built in the beginning of the 17th century when Japan's unique castle architectural techniques had reached their peak, Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951. It is called "Hakuro-jo" (White Heron Castle) because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a white heron taking flight. Q1. Can I use a credit card? A1. Yes, you can. We accept major credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners and JCB. Q2. Do you have a coin operated locker? A2. Yes we do, but the number and kind of them are limited, so you had better use the ones in Himeji station. The biggest size is 1135H x 350W x 640D(mm). Q3. When is peak season? A3. Our peak is usually around late March to early April for cherry blossoms, late April to early May for Japanese Holiday Season so called 'Golden Week', and October and November for travel season for Japanese. Q4. When do I have to arrive to avoid congestion? A4. 15 to 30 minutes prior to opening time (9am (8am-8:30am for peak season)). Q5. How long does it take to walk around the castle? A5. Normally, it takes at least 90 minutes to explore the castle, but you can try to go up and down with no stop in 45 minutes.
Reviewed By v1kk1ta - Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds. One of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
2. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
The world's longest suspension bridge.
Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore
Built in 1998 which connects Kobe to Iwaya in Awaji Island stands the longest central pan suspension bridge in the world - the Akashi Kaiyko Bridge. The bridge is 3911 m long with the central span the longest. The bridge can withstand Typhoons and 8.5 magnitude earthquakes. If you plan to cross the bridge the toll fee is 2300 yen. We went there from Osaka taking the JR Kobe Rapid line to Maiko station and from there can walk 3 to 5 mins from the West side. The bridge is free but the exhibition costs about 310 yen. We didn't go inside the exhibition but instead we just walked towards the bridge and its monument where we took great photos and videos together. It was also sunset so we marvelled at the sun while setting down. There are very few tourists and locals around so it was a pretty quiet and less crowded day. We didn't get a chance to cross the bridge by car to Awaji island but will definitely try it next time around. So if you visit Kobe, try passing by Maiko and marvel at the longest suspension bridge in the world.
3. Byodoin Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,628 reviews
Temple near Kyoto; famous statue of seated Buudha by 11th-century sculptor, Jocho.
Reviewed By suzannep34
This temple is an excellent half day's visit from Kyoto. As it's on the JR Nara line, it can be easily combined with the Fushimi Inari shrine, we stopped there on the way back from Uji and had plenty of time to see both. There are some beautiful cherry trees and wisteria in the grounds, and on a sunny day the reflections of the temple in the water must be stunning. We visited on a Saturday afternoon, and although there were crowds of tourists, the traditional tea room was quiet and the matcha green tea, served hot or chilled, is definitely worth trying! Nearby there are lots of matcha souvenir shops and more places to enjoy traditional green tea, also ice cream sprinkled with matcha powder, enjoy!!
4. Amanohashidate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 727 reviews
Reviewed By Adaying - Singapore, Singapore
Went on a cloudy day with light drizzle. Spent about an hour walking around the area. There is a chair lift and monorail to bring passengers up the mountain to see the view. You need to bend between your leg for an unique view.. a small amusement park at the top of the mountain. Would like to have spent more time rent a bicycle to ride along the pine trees...
5. Yodoko Guesthouse
6. Kumano Kodo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By SullyDean - Sydney, Australia
We took this tour a year ago for my 50th b’day (April 2019) - apologies for late review, however I really want to share our experience as we had an amazing time and feel the reason was that we booked through Walk Japan. From the moment we met up with our tour group, 7 in all, at a snug hotel in Osaka we were able to sit back and focus on the culture, history, religion, scenery & relevance of the Kumano Kodo, and leave the complexities of logistics and language barrier to our competent guide Josh. While some travelers thrive on conquering the difficulties of traveling in a foreign land, we would rather spend our well earned holidays enjoying ourselves without stressing over are we on the correct train line and are we heading in the right direction, or the like. And for us if any country has engendered those feelings its Japan. So for 9 days we walked parts of this pilgrimage and had an absolutely amazing experience - as accommodation and meals were all organized and we had our trusty guide at no point did we stress - and we stayed in some unique accommodation from a monastery (participating in the morning fire ceremony with monks), repurposed high schools (declining population), some huge 80’s hotel built into the side of a cliff like something out of a James Bond movie. We visited all the main temples on the pilgrimage and had our stamp book attended to (make sure you do this right from the start), all relevant historic and cultural points of importance and interest were pointed out and if possible we had time to wonder around (seriously if we had done this pilgrimage as an independent walk we would have missed so much and understood even less) - and to top it all off we were walking smack bang in the middle of the cherry blossom bloom - early April is the time to go it was just gorgeous : ) All in all we had the most brilliant time and Walk Japan took care of everything and at no time did we feel out of our depth - best 50th b’day you could wish for. Thanks Japan, and thanks Walk Japan XXX
7. Samegaijyuku
8. Shoshazan Engyoji
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By peterkL9043ZC - Perth, Australia
Himeji has much more to offer than a castle. On Mount Shosha is the magnificent Enkyoji Temple. It’s actually a series of temples and shrines amongst beautiful nature, creating a serene spiritual experience. ‘The Last Samurai’ was apparently filmed here. Caught the rope-way up (600 yen) and hiked down (free and fun - note some areas were quite steep). Lovely views of Himeji in certain spots. Bamboo walking sticks are thoughtfully placed along the track up/down. Highly recommended.
9. Kanshinji Temple
10. Genkyuen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By Global715255 - Tokyo, Japan
Lovely garden worth visiting. With less crowds than Hikone Castle, I could relax a lot viewing the beautiful garden. You can enjoy Matcha with a sweet named Umoregi. The lady who served told me the best spot to enjoy the view from the engawa terrace. It was amazing.
