Kansai

Kansai is the region of western Japan around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, the country's historic heartland and its second great population center. Emperors and merchants shaped these cities over more than a millennium, and the region still balances Tokyo with a culture all its own.

Kyoto's temples, Osaka's food streets, Nara's deer park, and Kobe's harbor all sit within easy reach of one another, so you can change city without changing hotels. Second visits stretch to Himeji's white castle and the monastery lodgings of Koya-san, with the Kumano Kodo trails further south.

Fly into Kansai International Airport and you can build an entire trip without touching Tokyo. The rail network makes day trips effortless, and food alone justifies the region, from kaiseki in Kyoto to takoyaki in Osaka. Cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are the busiest times to book.