Kansai Wide Travel Guide

Last updated on October 17th, 2023

The Kansai region is our favorite area in Japan but we’ve also visited and explored many parts of this region. If you’re visiting the Kansai region many times and would like to explore some new areas, then you may consider taking a look at this Kansai Wide Travel Guide.

Here, we introduce some of the best areas with related travel stories and itineraries to ease your planning. Take a look and consider including the attractions in your Kansai Wide trip. Please be advised that traveling time is required depending on the distance.

Below we will share more detail on where to go, how to get there, and what to do in selected Kansai Wide attractions.

Money Saving Transport Pass

JR Kansai Wide Area Pass is a super-saving transport pass that allows you to explore the Kansai region with unlimited travel for five consecutive days. Read below for more detail.

JR Kansai Wide Area Pass: Suggested Itinerary + Travel Guide

Here is the quick lists for places to visit in Kansai Wide region.

Kyoto Prefecture on Kyoto by the Sea (Amohashodate, Ine Funaya):

Hyogo Prefecture (Kobe, Kinosaki Onsen):

Wakayama Prefecture (Wakayama City, Shirahama, Nachikatsuura, Nachi Falls, Shingu, Hongu):

Refer to below each section for more detail travel information and tips.

Kyoto By The Sea: Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate Itinerary Travel Guide Blog

Amanohashidate – A narrow pine-covered sandbar that spans Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto. A perfect day trip from Osaka or Kyoto to enjoy the scenic view with a laid-back vibe.

Getting there:

From Osaka – Traveling time around 3 hours
From Kyoto – Traveling time around 2.5 hours.

Kyoto By The Sea: Ine Funaya

Ine Fishing Village (伊根の舟屋) is a seaside village in the “Kyoto by the Sea” area. This charming village is known for its picturesque Funaya, or boat houses, which have been around since the Edo period. A visit to Ine Funaya Boathouse offers an amazing abundance of outdoor scenery with cool sea breezes. The best place to experience a different side of Kyoto.

Ine Funaya Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Hyogo Prefecture: Kobe

Kobe is a charming port city has the perfect mix of international influence and authentic Japanese with loads of art, architecture, and history awaiting you to explore. It is easy to plan for a day trip to Kobe from Osaka, Kyoto, and other cities in Kansai. It takes only 30 minutes to get there from Osaka by train.

Here is our Kobe travel stories:

Hyogo Prefecture: Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen itinerary Travel Guide Blog

Nestled in a lush mountain valley of Hyogo prefecture, Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) is a picturesque idyllic town. It has been running since the Heian era (794-1185) and is rated as one of the most charming hot spring towns in Japan. This romantic onsen town is located about 2.5 hours from Osaka and Kyoto, making it a perfect day trip and weekend gateway destination

READ MORE:

Wakayama Prefecture: Wakayama City

Wakayama Itinerary - A Travel Guide Blog

If you’re seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations near Osaka or Kyoto, Wakayama City might just be perfect for you. It is one of Japan’s lesser-known cities that’s located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai Region of Japan.

Wakayama City is about 1 hour by train from Osaka and 1.5 hours from Kyoto, making a great day trip by train.

READ MORE:

Wakayama Prefecture: Shirahama

Shirahama (白浜) is one of the famous beach resort towns in Japan. It is located in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula at Wakayama prefecture and is known for its sandy white beaches, historical onsen, stunning rock formations, and mouthwatering seafood dishes.

From Shin-Osaka to Shirahama: It takes about 2.5 hours by Kuroshio Limited Express train.

Wakayama Prefecture: Nachikatsuura, Nachi Falls

Nachikatsuura itinerary Travel Guide Blog

Located in the Kii Peninsula in the Wakayama Prefecture, Nachikatsuura (那智勝浦) is a small fishing town renowned for its seaside beauty and fresh seafood. The town is surrounded by blissful nature and filled with cultural and historical scenes.

Nachikatsuura is an important gateway to seeing the famous Nachi Falls – one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls. A perfect place to visit from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya with 3 to 4 hours of railway ride.

Related Travel Stories:

Nachi Falls (那智の滝, Nachi no Taki) is an excellent taste of the natural beauty of Japan. At 133m high, this sacred waterfall is the longest single drop in Japan and is considered one of the premier waterfalls to visit.

Nachi Falls Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

From Osaka to Kii-Katsuura: It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Kii Katsuura by JR limited express train Kuroshio.