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 Things to do Good for Big Groups 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. Todai-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,653 reviews
Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore
After a leisurely and fun stroll in Nara Park with my memorable deer encounters the pinnacle of my journey is the Great Todai-ji temple (Great Eastern Temple), one of the 7 Great Temples in Japan built in the 8th century. Located at the Northern Park of Nara Park. At its entrance stands Nandaimon Gate with two huge sculptures of Guardians. Its Great Buddha Hall at the center of the temple stands Daibutsu or Buddha Vaironaca, a giant bronze statue around 52 ft high. The path leading to the Temple including several complexes (Todai-ji museum, Nigatsudo Hall, Hokkedo Hall, Kaidando Hall to name a few). There is a large bronze bell in front of the Great Hall. In the Great Buddha Hall, two guardians who are equally big stands on each side guarding the shrine. Smaller statues, historical manuscripts and fine sculptures surround this hall and complex. Souvenirs and Toilets are also available in the complex. Incense, Prayers and Offerings are also available at the temple. It was indeed a worthwhile and memorable visit here at Todai-ji temple in Nara Park.
2. Nara Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,669 reviews
Reviewed By 901aditia - Hyderabad, India
In early April, when there are cherry blossoms everywhere, the weather is great, there are wild (but friendly) deer all around you and eating deer crackers from your hand, some lovely gardens with waterfalls- there is no better place than Nara. In my view it is best covered individually or with family
3. 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.
4. Miho Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
Reviewed By foodiekatkat - Hong Kong, China
Opened in 1997 amid the abundant natural beauty of the mountains of Shigaraki, Shiga prefecture. The museum was designed by architect I.M. Pei, who is renowned for works such as the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris. Is a truly amazing museum especially their collection, I do really like standing Buddha!!
5. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,494 reviews
This shrine is one of many located throughout Japan that was built to honor Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Reviewed By Cholo_Juan - Nathalia, Australia
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is a must do for visitors to Kyoto to walk upward ever upward via the winding path through hundreds of Tori gates is an amazing experience, stopping along the way to take in the prayer stations some with dozens if not hundreds of small tori placed as votive offerings. We arrived late in the afternoon and had to almost sprint up the hill as the evening darkness closed in on us, but then the lights come on giving the pathway a surreal air as the light casts its shadows through the Tori Gates. It is an arduous walk so make sure you are fit and have good walking shoes but well worth the effort
6. Minoo Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By edithssalazar - Baguio, Philippines
We visited Minoo Park after a morning rain so it was a cold overcast afternoon. The autumn colors were stunning we couldn’t stop taking pictures along the 2.8 km uphill path going to the Minoo waterfalls. It was my 5th time in the Kansai area so we decided to go “off the beaten path” and it was all worth it. If you stay in Northern Osaka this is just a 15 minute train ride to the outskirts. It was so easy to find, we saw the signs as soon as we got off the train. It was a serene and pretty place with crisp clean air. I would love to go back on a sunny day though.
7. 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.
8. 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!!
9. Adventure World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,421 reviews
Reviewed By Bishop-angelmacfire - Nishinomiya, Japan
I have watched the TV news that a baby panda was born last year. When I saw the baby, I have decided to see the panda. My high expectations have not been betrayed. The name of the child panda is “Saihin” She is a girl and so active! So cute! So lovely! You must see her. Now the crazy fever of baby panda boom has been calmed down, you can watch her very well without any clouds on week days. The adult pandas except the mother of “Saihin” was not active, just sleeping. So the timing is now to watch the lovely active child panda!
10. 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...
