Panoramic view of Omi Shrine in Shiga prefecture, Kansai

Things to do in  Kansai

Big cities, old temples

Kansai encompasses a large area in western Honshu, Japan’s “main” island, and comprises seven different prefectures: Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Mie, Shiga, and Wakayama. Being home to the major cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, it’s a heavily populated region frequently visited by tourists. It’s not all urban, though: Kansai also contains natural and traditional areas and the enormous Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Whether you’re seeking cities, cultural adventures, or rural escapes, there are many things to do in Kansai.

Learn more

Top 15 attractions in Kansai

#1

Maruyama Park (Maruyama Koen)

star-51,238
When Sapporo residents want to relax, play, or soak up nature, they head for Maruyama Park (Maruyama Koen). On the western side of the city, the park’s sprawling grounds include the Maruyama Wild Forest, a designated natural treasure, and several attractions including the Hokkaido Shrine, the Maruyama Zoo, and the Maruyama Baseball Stadium.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Shitenno-ji Temple

star-4.51,192
Built in the 6th century by Prince Shotoku—a cultural hero who helped to bring Buddhism to the country—Shitenno-ji is one of Japan’s oldest temples. The complex includes a multi-tiered tower, pagoda, lecture hall, and gate. Though most of the current structures are from the 1963 rebuilding, they still reflect the 6th century design.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Dotonbori

star-53,739
Dotonbori (also called Dotombori) is a bustling nightlife district in Osaka’s Minami area. It stretches along the Dtomborigawa River, with a multitude of small restaurants, bars, and neon lights that come alive after nightfall. An entertainment neighborhood, Dotonbori is famous for its varied cuisine and huge animated signs.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Tsutenkaku Tower

star-4.52,256
Kitschy and cute Tsutenkaku, Osaka’s answer to the Eiffel Tower, rises 338 feet (103 meters) above the streets of Shin Sekai. The neon-outlined building was the tallest in town when it was first built in 1912. An observation deck offers stellar nighttime views and the chance to see beloved Billiken, god of “things as they ought to be.”More
Tours & Tickets
#5

Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo)

star-51,965
Among the most famous castles in Japan, Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) dates back to the 16th century, when it played a major role in unifying the nation. Today the reconstructed castle houses a museum filled with artifacts from the history of Japan and from the castle’s creator, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The main tower provides a nice view over urban Osaka.More
Tours & Tickets
#6

Nara Park (Nara Koen)

star-5999
Located in the heart of Nara City, Nara Park (Nara Koen) is famous for the more than 1,000 semi-wild sika deer that roam its grounds. Spanning 1,631 acres (660 hectares), the scenic public park is also home to several popular attractions, including the Todai-ji Temple, the Isuien Garden, and the Nara National Museum.More
Tours & Tickets
#7

Kuromon Ichiba Market

star-4.51,145
A large covered market selling fresh and cooked food, Kuromon Ichiba Market is nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen,” because many chefs and home cooks come here for supplies. It has since branched out from purely seafood options, and is typically bustling with locals and visitors hoping to get an inside look at local ingredients and cuisine.More
Tours & Tickets
#8

Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha)

star-4.510,023
One of Kyoto’s most sacred temples and among the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, the Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is dedicated to Inari, the God of rice. The shrine’s five magnificent temples lie at the foot of the Inari mountain, and thousands of red torii gates (the Senbon torii) mark the forested trails to the top.More
Tours & Tickets
#9

Shinsaibashi

star-4.52,013
A popular Osaka destination for shopping and entertainment for more than 350 years, Shinsaibashi is a 1,698-feet- (600-meter- long shopping arcade. Countless boutiques, specialty shops, department stores, cafes, and restaurants line either side of the strip, making it is a great place to both shop and people-watch.More
Tours & Tickets
#10

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

star-4.510,088
With its gleaming gold tiers reflected in the lake below and a backdrop of forests and twisted pines, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is an enchanting sight. Dating back to the 14th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and among Japan’s most visited temples.More
Tours & Tickets
#11

Universal Studios Japan

star-3.518
Universal Studios Japan—Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park—is second only to the Tokyo Disney Resort as Japan’s most visited amusement park. Beloved characters like Shrek, Hello Kitty, and Spiderman are in attendance, and a spectacular variety of rides, movie simulators, and parades keep all ages entertained.More
Tours & Tickets
#12

Nishiki Market

star-4.52,959
With more than 100 shops, stalls, and vendors selling everything from fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood to tasty sweets and sushi takeaway, Nishiki Food Market is a wonderland of culinary delights. It's no surprise then that Kyoto’s biggest and most popular food market is a local institution and a popular attraction for traveling foodies.More
Tours & Tickets
#13

Gion Corner

star-58,383
Gion Corner is a convenient place for art lovers to visit while in Kyoto, as it brings seven traditional Japanese performing arts together under one roof. Attending one of its nightly performances is an ideal way to spend an evening in the heart of the Gion entertainment district while learning about traditional Japanese culture.More
Tours & Tickets
#14

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

star-4.58,176
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Japan’s oldest and most eye-catching Buddhist temples. Its classic red pagoda has been influential to Japanese architecture for centuries. Located on a hilltop, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also worth visiting for its sweeping views over Kyoto.More
Tours & Tickets
#15

Pontocho Alley

star-54,604
Pontocho Alley is a popular, atmospheric dining area packed with restaurants and exclusive tea houses lining a narrow, cobbled alley just west of Kyoto’s Kamo River. With no cars, modern buildings, or ostentatious signage allowed, it’s considered one of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto.More
Tours & Tickets
See more Kansai attractions

Explore Kansai by interest

Top activities in Kansai

PERFECT KYOTO 1Day Bus Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

PERFECT KYOTO 1Day Bus Tour

star-5
2789
From
$113.62
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

star-5
832
From
$119.55
Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

star-5
437
From
$107.52
Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries)
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries)

star-5
820
From
$84.71
KYOTO Custom Tour with Private Car and Driver (Max 9 Pax)
Special Offer

KYOTO Custom Tour with Private Car and Driver (Max 9 Pax)

star-4.5
128
From
$745.45
per group
$931.81  $186.36 savings
Private Osaka Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% Personalised

Private Osaka Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% Personalised

star-5
277
From
$106.83
Kyoto Top Highlights Full-Day Trip from Osaka/Kyoto

Kyoto Top Highlights Full-Day Trip from Osaka/Kyoto

star-4.5
155
From
$67.67
Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

star-5
809
From
$91.23
Discover Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Discover Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show

star-5
273
From
$111.75
Kyoto Departure - 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Kyoto Departure - 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour

star-4.5
94
From
$359.69
Kyoto Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide (4/8h)

Kyoto Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide (4/8h)

star-5
162
From
$150.00
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour

Kyoto Night Foodie Tour

star-5
941
From
$154.11
Traditional Tea Ceremony wearing a Kimono in Kyoto MAIKOYA

Traditional Tea Ceremony wearing a Kimono in Kyoto MAIKOYA

star-5
482
From
$55.39
Ninja hands-on 1-hour Lesson in English at Kyoto - Entry level

Ninja hands-on 1-hour Lesson in English at Kyoto - Entry level

star-5
289
From
$87.97
Kyoto Samurai Experience
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Kyoto Samurai Experience

star-5
736
From
$117.29
Full Day Excursion: Kyoto and Nara Highlights from Kyoto/Osaka

Full Day Excursion: Kyoto and Nara Highlights from Kyoto/Osaka

star-4
97
From
$67.67
KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Daitokuji
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Daitokuji

star-5
88
From
$68.42
Street Osaka GoKart Tour with Funny Costume Rental

Street Osaka GoKart Tour with Funny Costume Rental

star-5
1351
From
$91.23
Osaka Departure - 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Osaka Departure - 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour

star-4.5
92
From
$355.13
Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Osaka Shop
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Osaka Shop

star-5
160
From
$91.23
See all Kansai tours

Explore our promoted experiences

Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Kansai

When to visit

Like much of Japan, Kansai experiences hot, humid summers, mild and pleasant spring and fall seasons, and cold, snow-covered winters. While Kansai can be visited year-round, and there are many indoor attractions to escape the elements, most travelers will find conditions most comfortable in spring and fall, when the weather is usually sunny and warm but not wet or humid. In spring, you can enjoy the beautiful blossoms, while in fall, the changing colors of the trees are an attraction.

Getting around

Kansai has an excellent public transport system that includes high-speed (shinkansen), local trains and buses, and other localized forms of transport (such as ferries where needed). There is rarely any need to rent a car in Japan, and Kansai is no exception. While traveling within cities, purchasing local transport cards or passes is often the most cost-effective. At the same time, Japan Rail Passes are good value for longer-distance travel between the cities of Kansai and should be purchased before arriving in Japan.

Traveler tips

Japan can be an expensive country to travel around, and Kyoto (a major city in the Kansai region) is not a low-budget destination. However, travelers who want to keep costs relatively low in Kyoto can because most attractions are temples and shrines rather than ticketed museums or amusement parks, as in other cities. Although not all of Kyoto’s major attractions are free to enter, many are, including the must-visit Imperial Palace, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove.

Local Currency
Japanese Yen (¥)
Time Zone
JST (UTC +9)
Country Code
+81
Language(s)
Japanese
Attractions
102
Tours
1,045
Reviews
25,322
EN
9c8f3c03-5fe6-4e12-91e9-7436aa398ce4
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Kansai Japan known for?

Kansai, Japan, is known for being the home of some of Japan’s most beautiful and important traditional sites, especially in Kyoto and Nara. While other major cities in Japan, including Kansai’s Osaka and Kobe, were extensively bombed during World War II, Kyoto was spared, meaning its traditional heritage remains.

...More
How long should I spend in Kansai?

A minimum of one week is required to see the top highlights of Kansai: Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. If you only have two or three days, focus on the traditional sites of Kyoto. A more generous timeframe of more than one week allows deeper exploration into this large and diverse region.

...More
Are Osaka and Kansai the same?

No, Osaka and Kansai are not the same. Osaka is a city within the Kansai region. Osaka is Kansai, but Kansai is more than just Osaka.

...More
What is there to enjoy in Osaka?

Osaka is Japan’s third-biggest city (after Tokyo and Yokohama), and there’s much to see and do here. While it doesn’t have old heritage sites like nearby Kyoto, Osaka is famous for its culinary scene, nightlife, and shopping, and some great theme parks, including Universal Studios Japan. There’s also the reconstructed Osaka Castle.

...More
Is Osaka more fun than Tokyo?

Whether you consider Osaka more fun than Tokyo depends on your interests. Many travelers and Japanese locals who enjoy dining out and nightlife think Osaka has the edge over Tokyo. However, Tokyo is about three times larger than Osaka (by population), so there are endless ways to have fun in the capital.

...More
Is Osaka cheaper than Tokyo?

Yes, for some things, Osaka is cheaper than Tokyo. Rent, accommodation, and some food are more affordable in Osaka, a smaller city than the capital. However, Japan, in general, is quite an expensive destination, and Osaka isn’t a low-budget city, even if it’s slightly more affordable than Tokyo.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Kansai?
A:
Q:
What are the top activities in Kansai?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Kansai?
A:

More Tours in Kansai