Feb 12 (National Geographic) - Renowned for its towering Osaka and Himeji castles, Zen gardens and fresh, seasonal cuisine, Kansai is widely considered Japan's cultural and historical heartland. Here, we round up five of the region’s best cities to discover.
Kyoto may be considered by some as the crowning jewel of Kansai, but there's so much more to this region of Japan than its ancient capital. From the urban environs of downtown Osaka to the tranquility of monastic life in Koyasan, Kansai is home to an eclectic collection of attractions and is widely regarded as Japan’s cultural and historical heartland. It’s here you can discover ancient technology and archaeological mysteries in Sakai city, learn about authentic Samurai culture on Himeji's Mount Shosha and delve into delectable culinary delights in Kobe city. What’s more, all five cities are conveniently located near Kyoto, making it easy to step off the beaten track and experience something new.
1. Osaka
The culinary capital of Japan
Kyoto may be the most well-known city in Kansai, however Osaka is the true culinary capital of the region — and while many come to the metropolis for Universal Studios Japan, Osaka has various other locales worth exploring. On the historical side, the city is proudly home to the eight-storey Osaka Castle, one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country with a history dating back some 450 years. Although the keep is a modern reconstruction, much of the other infrastructure is authentic and even houses a fascinating museum about Osaka castle.
2. Kobe
A bustling, cosmopolitan port city
Surrounded by the sea to the South and the Rokko Mountains to the North, Kobe is the capital city of the Hyogo Prefecture and the seventh largest city in Japan. It's also the origin of the world-famous Kobe beef — a delicacy which comes from certificated Hyogo's Tajima breed of Japanese black cattle (which meet quality standards) and is valued for its flavour, tenderness, and fatty, well-marbled texture. To taste this iconic dish, head to Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel’s Steak House Oriental which offers carefully selected, seasonal ingredients cooked right in front of you and panoramic views of Kobe's cityscape.
3. Sakai
For ancient technology and archaeological mysteries
Located to the south of Osaka, Sakai rarely pops up on the radars of overseas visitors — and although technically still located within the confines of the same prefecture, Sakai stands in stark contrast to Osaka's neon glow. But you don’t know what you are missing as there are a handful of things you can do in the city.
4. Koya
The heart of Shingon Buddhism
While Sakai may be a relative newcomer to the scene, Wakayama’s town of Koya is no stranger to inbound tourists. In 816, Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded Koyasan on a plateau located within the Kii Mountains as a centre for the study of Shingon esoteric Buddhism. Currently, there are 117 temples in Koyasan, with Kongobu-ji being the head temple, and countless visitors have come to pray at the sacred grounds within Koyasan.
5. Himeji
A time capsule of Samurai culture
Located only half an hour by train to the west of Kobe city, Himeji is best known for its spectacular feudal castle. Often referred to as the white heron castle due to its elegant, white appearance, imposing size and well-preserved castle grounds, this UNESCO World Heritage site and national treasure is widely considered to be the best of Japan’s 12 remaining strongholds. Unlike many modern reconstructions, the interior hasn’t been transformed into a museum and maintains much of its authentic atmosphere. ...continue reading
