Top Cities to Visit in the Kansai Region
Feb 25, 2020 By Justin Hanus
You’ve undoubtedly heard of Osaka and Kyoto, but there’s so much more to see in the Kansai region of Japan. Some cities are vibrant and noisy, others are peaceful and relaxed, but all have something unique to offer. Osaka One of the top tourist destinations in the country, Osaka is...[ Click to read more ]
“Girls Day” Hinamatsuri Celebrations in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
If you're an expat living in Japan, it's highly likely that you will experience Hinamatsuri. This special day dedicated to girls and their families takes place every March 3rd across the country when you can expect to see ceramic doll displays, special foods and sometimes even songs. What is Hinamatsuri?...[ Click to read more ]
Great Places to Spot Wildlife in Kansai
Sep 24, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Japan is known for its densely-populated neon-lit cities but look beyond the lights and high-rise buildings and you can find some beautiful open spaces where you can see nature at play. The Kansai region has no shortage of breath-taking mountains, wetlands, large parks and woodlands filled with a diverse array...[ Click to read more ]
Top Cat Cafés in Kansai
Aug 20, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Big cities in Japan are known for their vibrant energy, but sometimes residents and tourists want a break from all this activity. In response, cat cafés have been popping up all over the country. These are much like regular coffee shops but there are cats wandering around freely for patrons...[ Click to read more ]
Eerie Places to Visit in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
“The Ring”, “The Grudge”, “Dark Water”... Japan in recent times is known for some of the scariest movies. Fans of giving themselves goosebumps will be pleased to discover that there are many real-life creepy experiences to be had in places that would make good settings for horror films (in fact,...[ Click to read more ]
Things You’ll Only Find in the Kansai Region
Jul 18, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Kansai is one of the most visited regions of Japan and has an allure for tourists because of its unique culture, architecture, history, and gastronomy, as well as the fact that it has been used for the setting of some of the most iconic movies of the last 50 years....[ Click to read more ]
Sekigahara: The Battle That Created Japan
Jul 17, 2019 By Bert Wishart
In 1600, Japan faced a turning point in its history. After more than a decade of comparative peace, the feudal era had been reinvigorated, and two sides of the country - the West and the East - were ready to do battle. The location of this critical coming together was...[ Click to read more ]
Classic Films Set in Kansai
Jun 20, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Movies can be a great way of introducing people to exciting and scenic locations around the world and many films throughout the years have been set in places across Japan. Kansai has a wealth of vibrant and beautiful spots that have attracted scriptwriters and directors across the genres – from...[ Click to read more ]
Top Museums to Visit in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
If you’re interested in culture, history or art, some of the best places to visit are museums. There are some fascinating and unique museums throughout Japan, and nowhere more so than in Kansai. During your time in the region, make sure to pay a visit to as many of the...[ Click to read more ]
See the Best of Kansai’s Fireworks Displays
Jun 17, 2019 By Justin Hanus
One of the most exciting aspects of Japanese summers is the multitude of dazzling fireworks displays to enjoy. Originally, fireworks (花火, ‘Hanabi’) were thought to help ward off evil spirits, but the tradition is still going strong today among tourists and locals alike as a coveted summer pastime. With hundreds...[ Click to read more ]
