City: Kinki
Top Things to do in Kinki
Top Hotels in Kinki
- 1. The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
- 2. Hotel Universal Port
- 3. Hotel Universal Port Vita
- 4. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei
- 5. Hotel Nikko Osaka
- 6. Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
- 7. Temple Town Hotel WAQOO Horyuji
- 8. Hotel Granvia Osaka
- 9. The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
- 10. RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka
Countries
Things to do in Kinki, Japan: The Best Historic Sites
The Kansai region (関西地方, Kansai-chihō) or the Kinki region (近畿地方, Kinki-chihō) lies in the southern-central region of Japan's main island Honshū. The region includes the prefectures of Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo and Shiga, sometimes Fukui, Tokushima and Tottori. While the use of the terms "Kansai" and "Kinki" have changed over history, in most modern contexts the use of the two terms is interchangeable. The urban region of Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto (Keihanshin region) is the second-most populated in Japan after the Greater Tokyo Area.
Restaurants in Kinki
1. Todai-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,653 reviews
Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore
After a leisurely and fun stroll in Nara Park with my memorable deer encounters the pinnacle of my journey is the Great Todai-ji temple (Great Eastern Temple), one of the 7 Great Temples in Japan built in the 8th century. Located at the Northern Park of Nara Park. At its entrance stands Nandaimon Gate with two huge sculptures of Guardians. Its Great Buddha Hall at the center of the temple stands Daibutsu or Buddha Vaironaca, a giant bronze statue around 52 ft high. The path leading to the Temple including several complexes (Todai-ji museum, Nigatsudo Hall, Hokkedo Hall, Kaidando Hall to name a few). There is a large bronze bell in front of the Great Hall. In the Great Buddha Hall, two guardians who are equally big stands on each side guarding the shrine. Smaller statues, historical manuscripts and fine sculptures surround this hall and complex. Souvenirs and Toilets are also available in the complex. Incense, Prayers and Offerings are also available at the temple. It was indeed a worthwhile and memorable visit here at Todai-ji temple in Nara Park.
2. Himeji Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,324 reviews
Built in the beginning of the 17th century when Japan's unique castle architectural techniques had reached their peak, Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951. It is called "Hakuro-jo" (White Heron Castle) because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a white heron taking flight. Q1. Can I use a credit card? A1. Yes, you can. We accept major credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners and JCB. Q2. Do you have a coin operated locker? A2. Yes we do, but the number and kind of them are limited, so you had better use the ones in Himeji station. The biggest size is 1135H x 350W x 640D(mm). Q3. When is peak season? A3. Our peak is usually around late March to early April for cherry blossoms, late April to early May for Japanese Holiday Season so called 'Golden Week', and October and November for travel season for Japanese. Q4. When do I have to arrive to avoid congestion? A4. 15 to 30 minutes prior to opening time (9am (8am-8:30am for peak season)). Q5. How long does it take to walk around the castle? A5. Normally, it takes at least 90 minutes to explore the castle, but you can try to go up and down with no stop in 45 minutes.
Reviewed By v1kk1ta - Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds. One of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
3. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 856 reviews
Built prior to the influx of Buddhist architecture, this shrine - one of the oldest in Japan - exemplifies a purely Japanese style design.
Reviewed By leungalex
Ths is place brings calm and peace, the bridge is beautiful. The steps on the bridge are deceptively steep but when you walk on them they are just like ordinary stairs, amazing architectural design. Take the subway to Tennoji station then Hankai line tram to Sumiyoshitorii-Mae, you get to enjoy the charming tram too, an unexpected experience in modren Osaka,
4. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,494 reviews
This shrine is one of many located throughout Japan that was built to honor Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Reviewed By Cholo_Juan - Nathalia, Australia
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is a must do for visitors to Kyoto to walk upward ever upward via the winding path through hundreds of Tori gates is an amazing experience, stopping along the way to take in the prayer stations some with dozens if not hundreds of small tori placed as votive offerings. We arrived late in the afternoon and had to almost sprint up the hill as the evening darkness closed in on us, but then the lights come on giving the pathway a surreal air as the light casts its shadows through the Tori Gates. It is an arduous walk so make sure you are fit and have good walking shoes but well worth the effort
5. Byodoin Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,628 reviews
Temple near Kyoto; famous statue of seated Buudha by 11th-century sculptor, Jocho.
Reviewed By suzannep34
This temple is an excellent half day's visit from Kyoto. As it's on the JR Nara line, it can be easily combined with the Fushimi Inari shrine, we stopped there on the way back from Uji and had plenty of time to see both. There are some beautiful cherry trees and wisteria in the grounds, and on a sunny day the reflections of the temple in the water must be stunning. We visited on a Saturday afternoon, and although there were crowds of tourists, the traditional tea room was quiet and the matcha green tea, served hot or chilled, is definitely worth trying! Nearby there are lots of matcha souvenir shops and more places to enjoy traditional green tea, also ice cream sprinkled with matcha powder, enjoy!!
6. Tomogashima Island
7. Yodoko Guesthouse
8. Arayu
9. Ine no Funaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By JavierMariam_3
The historic wooden boat houses/funayas are amazing to view from Ine bay via tour boat! Also, @ the information center in town, a 2000 yen deposit allows you to rent a bike to easily ride the street & venture out ... once done riding, your 2000 yen is returned. Our lodging was located across from the fish market. On Sunday, our lodging host joined us @ 0600 to watch the fishing boats unload their catches of the day & she gave us a tour. Having no nightlife there was ok with us. No convenience stores or grocery stores close by so we planned ahead & brought our food to cook. Not many restaurants were open due to COVID but we made the best of it. Truly a gorgeous area to explore! Low key & great for relaxing.
10. Iwashimizu Hachimangu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
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