Japan has such a wealth of cultural sites to explore, it can be hard to know where to begin. The Kansai region is a great place for first-timers to begin, and offering cultural, historical, and modern sights and activities, it’s sure to please everyone in your group.
Choosing a Base Location: Osaka
With its own domestic airport and close proximity to Kansai International Airport, Osaka is a cinch to get in and out of. This, coupled with the city’s location in the heart of Kansai, makes it an ideal place to set up a base for the week. Staying in one place for the whole week, rather than moving from hotel to hotel, offers convenience and low stress, removing the hassle of taking all of your possessions with you when you’re ready to explore a new area. Osaka is also ideal for a base because of the wide range of accommodations available within the city. Osaka is generally a safe and clean city, fairly cosmopolitan, and has plenty to offer in the evenings. There is enough to keep you entertained in the city that it warrants a day of exploration and shopping on its own. Staying in Osaka each night will also give you short travel times via JR West to the major sights in the area.
Kyoto: The Cultural and Historical Capital of Japan
Many iconic images associated with Japan are found in the city of Kyoto, making it a must-see for first-time travelers to Japan. In fact, there is so much to see in Kyoto that many travelers prefer to take two days to explore it instead of only one, and this is quite easy to do with a JR West pass. To get the most out of a visit to Kyoto, whether it is for one day or more, it is a good idea to do research on which sights to include in your itinerary. It works best to separate the sights by area, taking one part of the city in the morning and the other in the afternoon, or separated into two days. This saves time spent examining maps and choosing what to see on the spot, which is important for short trips. Some of the places that represent Japan’s cultural heritage best as Kiyomizu Temple and the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji).
Nara: Ancient Treasures and Friendly Deer
Nara is an easy train trip from Osaka and makes for a perfect day trip. Nara’s main sights are situated in a park dotted with restaurants, temples, and shops. Perhaps as much of a draw as the thousand-year-old structures are the tame deer who roam the city. Adults and children alike will get a kick out of feeding the deer special crackers that are for sale all over the park. Nara is best done completely on foot, so when choosing which day to make this particular day trip, keep an eye on the weather.
Himeji: Elegant Gardens and an Iconic Castle
When speaking of Japanese castles, the one that will almost always spring to mind first is Himeji Castle, and its grandeur is hard to match. Visitors can take their time exploring the castle and grounds as the tour is self-guided. Many staff members are stationed around the castle, full of interesting stories about the history of the place, though unfortunately most of them speak only limited English. Equally elegant are the extensive gardens next to the castle grounds, which are full of bonsai, flowering plants, and rare plants from different regions of the world. The town of Himeji is a smaller, sleepier place compared with the other major attractions in Kansai, but offers plenty of souvenir shops and charming tea houses from another era.
Mt. Koya: Nature and Spirituality Situated in Solitude
For those interested in Japanese spirituality, or for those who simply want to escape the cities and mainstream attractions, Mt. Koya offers a wonderful one-day getaway. The green hills are criss-crossed with hiking options, and historical Buddhist temples are nestled in the greenery. Mt. Koya is also the heart of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and gives travelers a glimpse of yet another side of Japan.
