ABOUT KANSAI
ABOUT KANSAI
Also referred to as the Kinki region, Kansai is home to some of the most historical places in Japan.
It consists of 7 prefectures; Hyogo, Kyoto, Shiga, Osaka, Nara, Mie and Wakayama.
It consists of 7 prefectures; Hyogo, Kyoto, Shiga, Osaka, Nara, Mie and Wakayama.
PLACES TO VISIT
Osaka (Main Image)Osaka prefecture located in the center of Kansai and is the smallest prefecture by land area in Japan, but boasts of largest population and second highest population density second. Mountains surround three sides of the prefecture and the west faces the arc-shaped Osaka Bay. Since it is close to former capitals of Japan, Kyoto and Nara, it prospered as an important point for land and water transportation as well as a commercial city. In Osaka City is the Osaka Castle with a five-layer donjon as its core. During the cherry blossom season in the spring, this park is especially crowded with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) crowd. Osaka's north gate, Umeda, has a gigantic underground mall that houses many restaurants, fashion and sundry goods stores.
Nagano is an inland prefecture situated in the central part of Honshu that spreads across the Central Highland, also known as the Roof of Japan. Because it is situated between the Kanto and Kansai regions, it developed while being influenced by the cultures of both eastern and western Japan.
At the centre of the prefecture are mountains connected to three volcanic mountains, Mt. Nasu-yama, Mt. Fuji and Mt. Norikura-dake, and the Japan Alps Mountains to the west. Nagano has both a high and steep mountain region, as well as a more moderate stretch of highlands. In summer it becomes a flower paradise with blooming alpine plants of various kinds. In the winter, ski resorts open in various locations throughout the prefecture, attracting many skiers.
In 1998 Nagano City hosted the Winter Olympics
Near the center of Japan, beautiful plains stretch out below the mountainous area and the graceful form of Mt. Fuji, the highest peak in Japan, gazes down upon us. Mt. Fuji is widely known not only among Japanese people, but among people all over the world. It has inspired many famous Japanese artists, including ukiyoe (woodblock print) artist Katsushika Hokusai, and left a trail of amazing pieces of art throughout history for future generations to enjoy. This amazing mountain is most definitely a worldwide symbol that Japan can be immensely proud of.
Mt. Fuji has recently been made a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.