Top 10 Things to do in Kinki, Japan

April 7, 2022 Karren Gelb

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

406-1 Zoushi-cho, Nara 630-8587 Nara Prefecture +81 742-22-5511 http://www.todaiji.or.jp/english/index.html
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,653 reviews

Todai-ji Temple

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

469 Zoshicho, Nara 630-8501 Nara Prefecture +81 742-27-8028 http://nara-park.com/en/
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,669 reviews

Nara Park

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

68 Hommachi, Himeji 670-0012 Hyogo Prefecture +81 79-285-1146 http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/guide/castle/
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,324 reviews

Himeji Castle

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. Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple

4220 Sakamoto Hommachi, Otsu 520-0116 Shiga Prefecture +81 77-578-0001 http://www.hieizan.or.jp
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 592 reviews

Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple

Reviewed By audreevisits - Canada, null

This is the birthplace of Zen Buddhism. The Enryaku hotel was, traditional Japanese style, very clean and comfortable- staff was very pleasant and helpful. The food breakfast and dinner was included and extraordinary! Beautiful views of the lake and distant mountains, some days we could see My Fuji in the distance. The Japanese baths were clean and hot. 7am we walked to the main temple to participate in the morning ceremonies. We hiked the mountain and visited the ancient temples, some original and hundreds of years old- learning the story of Zen Buddhism and how it came to be on this sacred mountain.Lots of local pilgrims making offerings and praying- so peaceful

5. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-641-7331 http://inari.jp/
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24,494 reviews

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

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. Adventure World

2399 Katata, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun 649-2201 Wakayama Prefecture +81 739-43-3333 http://aws-s.com/
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,421 reviews

Adventure World

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!

7. Tomogashima Island

Kada, Wakayama 640-0103 Wakayama Prefecture +81 73-451-9018 http://www.wakayamakanko.com/sightseeing/nature2.html
Excellent
42%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Tomogashima Island

8. Awajihanasajiki

2805-7 Kusumoto, Awaji 656-2301 Hyogo Prefecture +81 799-74-6426 http://www.hyogo-park.or.jp/hanasajiki
Excellent
41%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 320 reviews

Awajihanasajiki

A flower field that gently spreads out toward Osaka Bay in the hilly area of northern Awaji Island. A flower sightseeing spot where you can enjoy a large panorama of a vast flower of about 15 hectares (entrance: free parking lot:Standard-sized car ¥200,Bus ¥ 1600) Opening hours 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission time 16:30)

9. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

1-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe 650-0002 Hyogo Prefecture +81 78-271-1160 [email protected] http://www.kobeherb.com/
Excellent
43%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,144 reviews

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Reviewed By KristineSt_Paul_MN - Redmond, United States

This is a great little excursion if you have a few hours and want to get outdoors. Ride up- walk down. Browse the first shop, wander through the gardens, stop for tea and a pork cutlet sandwich at the glass house, then take a short jaunt in a little forest and past a waterfall. The waterfall is less incredible than the view from the basin so look up and around. Emerge behind Shin-Kobe station and grab a snack from the 7-11.

10. Universal Studios Japan

2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-Ku, Osaka 554-0031 Osaka Prefecture +81 6-6465-3000 http://www.usj.co.jp/
Excellent
47%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 10,677 reviews

Universal Studios Japan

This extremely popular theme park is equivalent to the Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, and features shows, rides and restaurants based on famous movie themes, like Jaws, Back to the Future and Terminator.

Reviewed By Damienofkent

If I was rating just the park I would of given a 4 star but due to the staff all being fantastic it’s gone up to a 5 The actual park is not the biggest and several rides are very dated now and need changing eg .... Back draft ride ... I’m 40 and even I don’t remember when that film came out or what’s it was about .... apart from fire lol Terminator 2 ride was very slow and dragged , jaws classic ride can’t fault it , Spider-Man great , The pterodactyl ride in Jurassic Park was amazing and Harry Potter world didn’t disappoint The late night parade was good and great effects We went on Feb on a week day and the Qs were only half hr max so no issues there Would recommend for a day out lots of fun and the staff were all fantastic

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