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
What to do and see in Kinki, Japan: The Best Things to do for Honeymoon
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. Kasuga Grand Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,765 reviews
Reviewed By 338siddharthb - Seattle, United States
When we went to Kashuga Taisha, we didn’t have much expectations and only went there as it showed on Google’s list of “things to do in Nara”. However I’d say now if there was only thing you could do in Nara apart from feeding the deers, go to Kasuga Taisha. It is slightly far from the JR Station so you will need to use some sort of public transport. We used Google Maps to catch bus 77 from near Kofukuji Temple and get down at Stop # 10 for 100 yen each. From the moment of entering the temple complex, we were amazed at the beautiful lanterns as they paved the entrance till we see the majestic orange tori gates. Then starts the trail of the majestic orange buildings lined along the lanterns, with a constant stream of tori gates as it feels magical to walk through them. There are lots of photo shoot places here too. As you walk along, this leads you to a dark room just illuminated with lanterns and it looks magical. Once you exit, you can see deers hiding among the moss-covered lanterns making for beautiful views and pictures. You can follow the trail back to Todai-ji or take a bus. Overall it’s the best attraction in Nara and I’d strongly recommend it. The gates are not as majestic as Fushimi Inari, but it definitely has it’s own charm.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. Nigatsu-do Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
Reviewed By rachelfZ5622UA - Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada
Beautiful hike up to see all of Nara. We were there during one of the festival in early March and saw they light large torches and run across the temple. It was amazing!
5. 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.
6. Ginkakuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,605 reviews
Built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, this Zen temple was supposed to have been finished in a coat of silver. Although this step never occurred, the temple is still known by the name Silver Pavilion.
Reviewed By ChrisCastellarin - Duncan, Canada
We took a taxi to this Silver Pavilion temple - super fast as it is complicated by public transit. It is NOT silver, but has SPECTACULAR gardens and a very cool silver sand cone. Great for strolling for 30 minutes and an excellent gift shop at the end! Then you can go to the beginning of the Philosopher's Path from here, about a 3 minute walk down the street (also lined with great little shops!) and to your left.
7. Kinkakuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,029 reviews
One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion.
Reviewed By elizabethpV8634SC
It’s not called the “Golden Temple” for nothing. This beautiful temple, covered in gold leaf is my favorite temple in Kyoto. We caught it at the right time (1 pm) on a calm sunny day, to get perfect iconic photos with reflections of the temple in the water & excellent lighting (not shooting into the sun). It also turned out to be a good time to avoid peak crowds and it was easy to get a front row spot to take pictures across the lake. You cannot go inside temple, so just admire it across the water and tour the lush, landscaped grounds. If you are interested in an itinerary for a nice day out, here's a suggestion. Visit Nijo castle first in the morning. The Castle is easy to reach by subway – Tozai line. Consider the tour in English at 10AM. Afterwards, it is easy to reach Kinkaku-ji from Nijo castle by bus. The best option is bus #12 from right outside the Castle (direction Ritsumeikan) - 17 stops to the Kinkakuji-mae bus stop, which takes 24 mins. Note that this stop is the one AFTER Kinkakuji-michi The #12 bus stops right outside the entrance to the temple complex. After visiting Kinkaku-ji it makes sense to go to the Ryoan-ji temple as well, since it’s just an easy 15 minute walk away. Upon exiting the temple, walk to the street where you entered the temple and turn right. Follow this road until you reach the entrance to Ryoan-ji on your right hand side. You can also take bus #59 (three stops) between the two temples, but unless it’s really cold or rainy, it’s just as easy to walk This itinerary will put you at Ryoan-ji later in the afternoon so it will be less crowded & more enjoyable.
8. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,531 reviews
This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.
Reviewed By 674pavelk - Redmond, United States
It is beyond impressive to have such a massive structure made entirely from wood centuries ago and without a single nail as far as I know. You feel humbled while inside. And the view of the city from the hill next to the water fountain (which you definitely should wait in line for to drink the water from it) is stunning if you get a nice weather going on for you.
9. Nijo Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,979 reviews
This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for defense purposes. However, to protect the shogun from enemies, special creaky floorboards were installed to warn of anyone approaching.
Reviewed By EllenW707 - Philadelphia, United States
We’ve been to a few castles in Europe and have come to feel that most of them are about fortifications, stables and canons. This one was so much better. Granted, this is our first visit to Asia, so everything is exotic and fascinating. First, Nijojo-mae, as the home of the Shogun, also contains elaborate palaces and gardens. So the purpose was not just military. The architecture and art are beautiful and inspiring. The history and insights into Japanese culture you get here are mind expanding. Secondly, as with everything we’ve experienced in Japan so far, your tour through the castle grounds is perfectly orchestrated and organized by the audio guide - available in several languages. Be sure to spend the extra yen to rent one. Then enjoy. By the way, it’s very easy to get here by subway.
10. Gion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,276 reviews
The most famous neighborhood in Kyoto is also known as the Geisha district. It is here, among the tea houses and private clubs, that you can catch a glimpse of a geisha in full dress including white makeup.
Reviewed By aejook - Seoul, South Korea
We stayed in a Ryokan in Gion n we could not be more satisfied. It is close enough to the center of the city n near Kiyomizdera, as well as many attractions such as ninenzaka, sannenzaka. Even with so many attractions near by, the streets were very quiet and clean. At night, it is very safe to walk around and I am so glad that I stayed here rather than near the busy streets or the station because Gion is close enough to bus stops, subway stops, n shopping areas.
