Things Kansai Gave to the World

Mar 25, 2020 By Justin Hanus

A former economic and cultural capital of Japan, Kansai played an important part in global innovation that continues today. Here is a selection of what has originated in Kansai. Sake Japan's most famous alcoholic beverage, sake is a fermented rice drink that has many different varieties and can be found...[ Click to read more ]

Where to Find the Best Beers in Kansai

By Justin Hanus

Kansai is a well-known region of Japan for cuisine. What's not so widely known is that the area is also a hotbed for beer. One of the best known Japanese beers – Suntory – comes from Kansai, but there are many fine lesser-known brews that beer connoisseurs should know. Since...[ Click to read more ]

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 ]

Watching Sumo matches in Jungyo Exhibition Tour

Feb 10, 2020 By Admin

Watching sumo is one of the most authentic attractions in Japan. The annual grand tournaments are held only in odd months; January, May, and September in Tokyo, March in Osaka, July in Nagoya, and November in Fukuoka. You don't want to miss the tournament matches if you happen to be...[ Click to read more ]

Great Street Food in Kansai

Jan 21, 2020 By Justin Hanus

There are plenty of street food outlets across Kansai for those looking for food-on-the-go. Street food gives you the chance to sample some tasty dishes unique to the region, all at pretty reasonable prices. Here is a selection of top bites to look for. Takoyaki The quintessential Osaka street snack,...[ Click to read more ]

Traditional Kansai Winter Drinks

Nov 25, 2019 By Justin Hanus

The winter months in the Kansai region can get pretty cold, so what better way to warm yourself up than with a nice warm drink. These tasty beverages can be enjoyed throughout the year but make an especially welcome treat during the winter period. Japanese tea Tea is the most...[ Click to read more ]

The Nipponbashi Street Festa in Osaka

Oct 18, 2019 By Justin Hanus

Back in 2005, Osaka was not nearly as popular a tourist destination as it is today. The city decided to host a cosplay and otaku festival called Nipponbashi Street Festa to improve things, and it was a huge success. In the first year, 130,00 tourists came to see the festival,...[ 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 ]

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri in Osaka

Aug 29, 2019 By Bert Wishart

With more than 300 years of history, the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is the oldest Danjiri Festival in Japan. Such festivals are held right throughout the country, but for most Japanese, if you say 'Danjiri Matsuri' this is the one, with its raucousness and inherent danger, that springs to mind. The...[ 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 ]