15 People. 15 Favorite Things.

1. Peter Horvath Nishikawa
Came to Japan in 1995 after graduating from university in Hungary. Founded Kansai Scene in 2000 and King Printers in 2003. He officially retired in 2009.
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2. Jatin Banker
Joined Kansai Scene in 2000 as a Graphic Designer. He was then Publisher & Art Director from 2003 to 2013. Now he is involved in outsourcing printing and design services between Japan and the Philippines.
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3. Joey Parker
Joey was the manager of KS between February 2009 and March 2010. Now an English instructor, he and his partner Yuki recently celebrated the birth of their daughter in January of this year, Tija Jane Parker.
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4. Luke Hunter
Luke Hunter was the Editor at Kansai Scene in 2009. He is from Melbourne, Australia and currently lives in Osaka. He likes long walks in the park, piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain.
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5. Nicholas Coldicott
Nick worked on the Kansai Scene editorial team in 2012 and 2013. He’s been living in Tokyo for 16 years, but dreams of moving to Kansai. He’s written extensively about the region, including the first Time Out Kyoto guidebook
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6. Donna Sheffield
Donna Sheffield is from Yorkshire, England and was on the Kansai Scene Editorial team from June 2010 to November 2014.
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7. Carla Avolio
Carla Avolio is an Australian freelance writer and was the Managing Editor of Kansai Scene between October 2012 and April 2014. After her 18 months in Japan, Carla moved to Texas.
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8. Terumi Tsuji
A professional party girl from Osaka, Terumi Tsuji has been working as Kansai Scene’s Club Editor for more than 10 years. She loves clubbing and outdoor festivals which is why she’s a perfect addition to the KS team.
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9. Phillip Jackson
Phillip Jackson is originally from England and now lives in Kyoto with his wife and two children. He has been writing the Live Music Listings for Kansai Scene since 2004.
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10. Yuki Uchibori
Yuki Uchibori has lived in Osaka her whole life, and has been the Event & Festival listings writer for Kansai Scene since September 2008.
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11. Adam Miller
Adam Miller has been film writing for Kansai Scene since August 2011. Having spent his time in Japan living in the concrete jungle of Nagoya, Kansai remains an untainted retreat for him.
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12. Felicity Tillack
Felicity Tillack has lived in Japan since 2006, and despite attempting to leave the country twice, has never been able to settle anywhere long that didn’t have ready access to onsen and takoyaki.
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13. Jason Haidar
Jason Haidar has been an Editor of Kansai Scene for the past year and regularly contributes feature articles and photos. Hailing from Monterey, California, his stint in Japan has spanned almost five years.
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14. Celia Polkinghorne
Before coming to Japan in July of 2011, Celia Polkinghorne was working in Western Australia as a reporter and radio presenter for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She has been the Managing Editor of Kansai Scene since April 2014.
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15. Daniel Lee
Daniel came to Japan on the JET programme in 1998 and never left. He started Mojoprint in 2007 and has been the publisher of Kansai Scene since July 2012. He lives in Osaka with his wife and five-yearold son.
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Peter Horvath Nishikawa: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Katsuoji Temple in Minoh, north of Osaka – gorgeous in autumn particularly.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
Kuro-goma paste – black sesame paste.

3. Food
It has to be Sushi

4. Getaway
Arima Onsen, Hyogo. It’s a beautiful tranquil town and hot spring heaven. Perfect after a Mt. Rokko hike.

5. Watering Hole
Always good craic at The Blarney Stone.

6. Outdoor Activity
A relaxing dip in a steaming hot Onsen.

7. Festival
Danjiri Matsuri, Kyoto.

8. Hanami Spot
Osaka Castle Park.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Minoh Waterfall, Osaka.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
Lake Biwa, Shiga. – peaceful and picturesque.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
Awaji-shima, Hyogo.

12. Restaurant
Fugetsu, a chain of Okonomiyaki restaurants.

13. Temple or Shrine
Fushimi Inari, Kyoto, – one of the most iconic Kyoto spots.

14. Kansai Memory
Getting Kansai Scene’s first ever issue printed.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
A endless exploration of ‘The Best of Japan’.

Jatin Banker: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Driving along the Ikoma Skyline

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
Wasabi peanuts.

3. Food
Unagi-don.

4. Getaway
Day trip – Yamanobe-no-michi (Japan’s oldest walking trail). Weekend trip – Kumano area, Wakayama.

5. Watering Hole
Spa World, Tennoji. Not a bar, but a great place to get wet!

6. Outdoor Activity
Attending traditional festivals .

7. Festival
Koinobori (carp streamers) for Children’s Day.

8. Hanami Spot
Mount Yoshino, Nara.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Arashiyama, Kyoto.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
Asuka Village, Nara.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
Tadao Ando’s architecture projects at various locations in Kansai.

12. Restaurant
Ume no Hana – serves splendid tofu dishes.

13. Temple or Shrine
Hasedera, Nara Prefecture.

14. Kansai Memory
Publishing every single issue of Kansai Scene for a decade.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Kansai is a splendid kaleidoscope of Japan

Joey Parker: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
There is something about Koya-san. It’s so green and fresh with a special feeling in the air I can’t describe.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
Antique or old geisha dolls encased in glass boxes. Found in recycle shops. My mother has six of them.

3. Food
Kushikatsu from Daruma. Menu item doteyaki.

4. Getaway
Lake Biwa. Camping on the river around Omimaiko and waking up for the sunrise. It’s Magic.

5. Watering Hole
Two spots. My close friends and family at Cafe Absinthe and Slices.

6. Outdoor Activity
Going to waterfalls and spending the day there for a picnic.

7. Festival
Yabusame – archery on horseback.

8. Hanami Spot
Old favorite would have to be close to home, Utsubo park.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Tetsugaku-no-michi (Philosophers Walk), in Kyoto is a beautiful and tranquil walk.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
Going to the beach in Wakayama. Catching some waves if you’re lucky.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
In Kyoto, Kinkakuji and in Nara, Daibutsu.

12. Restaurant
Petit Rose Italian restuarant in Higashi Shinsaibashi.

13. Temple or Shrine
Personal favorite is Ryoanji in Kyoto. The perfect zen garden.

14. Kansai Memory
The Halloween Rampage party organized by myself, Woody, and Dom last year on the top floor of Bigstep. Twas epic.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Kansai has a lot to offer every visitor. Everyone takes something special back home with them.

Luke Hunter: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Koya-san is still my favorite place to visit despite the recent increase in tourism It still seems to have retained its mystique. An overnight stay in a temple is a must.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
Hanshin tigers jerseys, traditional fans, chopsticks, sake sets, Japanese knives or plastic food.

3. Food
Every Sunday I find myself on autopilot heading to my favorite yakitori.

4. Getaway
Anywhere down on the Kihanto peninsula. Start at Yoshino in southern Nara and head south.

5. Watering Hole
Regular at Cinquecento in Osaka’s Minami area followed by a late night session at one of the Kama Sutra branches.

6. Outdoor Activity
Hiking, barbecues, sailing in Osaka bay, and motorcycle trips with friends to local hot springs in the mountains.

7. Festival
The Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka in summer captures all that is a Japanese summer festival – fireworks, food stalls, traditional summer dress, chuhai and beer.

8. Hanami Spot
I arrived in Japan during hanami season almost 20 years ago and went straight to Osaka-jo. Today Osaka-jo is still a favorite of mine.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Minoh isn’t far away and has a nice stroll for the station up to the waterfall. Don’t recommend trying the ‘famous’ tempura fried leaves as they taste as good as they sound.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
Osakajo for sunrise. Early morning at the castle is a hub of activity. Look out for the sun screamers that stand on the edge of the east side of the moat wall and scream at the sun as it rises over Mt Ikoma.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
Small local drinking holes and counter restaurants that you patronize are always great as the locals are always friendly and will often go out of their way to make visitors to feel welcome in Japan.

12. Restaurant
Izakayas are great and usually a good lively representation of the Osaka buzz that we know so well.

13. Temple or Shrine
Back to Koya-san again! The stroll to the temple though the Okunoin cemetery with its magnificent trees and moss covered tombstones should be on every traveller to Kansai’s itinerary.

14. Kansai Memory
Getting to spend 10 days in Fiji with 12 other journalists from local magazines around Japan to write reviews for several five star resorts.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Edgy and friendly. Outspoken and polite. Aggressive and humbly passive. Dedicated and hardworking. Professional and streetwise. Home!

Nicholas Coldicott: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Kansai is one big sightseeing spot.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
A bottle of Takocham – champagne designed to go with takoyaki – from D&Department usually gets a giggle.

3. Food
Shojin ryori.

4. Getaway
The Miyamasou ryokan. It’s so remote that there’s no cellphone signal. And there are no TVs. All you can do is take a bath, take a walk, eat, drink or sit on your balcony looking at nature.

5. Watering Hole
In Kyoto, I always visit Yoramu Sake Bar. In Osaka, it has to be Rogin’s Tavern, the beststocked bourbon bar in the world.

6. Outdoor Activity
A meal on a kawadoko over Pontocho. I’d pick Misoguigawa. It serves French cuisine, but with Japanese ingredients and a kaiseki-style service.

7. Festival
I wish I could have gone to the Kyoto Whisky Festival.

8. Hanami Spot
I like the tree in the garden of Taizoin in Kyoto, but I don’t suppose you would make friends by laying a tarp under it and cracking open some beers.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Tofukuji. I’ve only been there once in autumn, but I’ll never forget that view.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
Uji is a lovely place.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
Depends on the friends. Perhaps a game of kodo – or incense sniffing – at Yamadamatsu Kobo in Kyoto if they’re classy, or a night at Misono Universe in Osaka if they’re not.

12. Restaurant
The best meal I’ve eaten in Kansai was at Hajime in Osaka. Can’t afford to eat there again, though, so I’ll say Kiln in Kyoto.

13. Temple or Shrine
Kanga-an in Kyoto. It’s got a bar in it.

14. Kansai Memory
Sliding open the door to what I thought was a mochi restaurant and finding myself in the home of a random Kyoto family, who looked surprised and probably lock their door nowadays.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Kyoto might be the world’s greatest city, Osaka the most underrated. Plus Kobe, et cetera.

Donna Sheffield: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Arashiyama, for its traditional feel and natural beauty all year round. I always take visiting friends to the bamboo forest for a photo session.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
I always take friends to the Momofuku Ando Ramen Museum where you can create your own noodle cup.

3. Food
I love agedashi tofu, but recently at a few festivals I spied an agedashi mochi stand. It’s basically gooey rice cakes prepared the same way – with bonito and dashi. Simple and delicious.

4. Getaway
Arima Hot Spring. It’s pricey, but it’s famous for a reason. I recommend renting a private hot spring for a few hours, and visiting the toy museum in the village.

5. Watering Hole
I love the atmosphere at both Mickey’s Club and Midnight in Sannomiya. Great crowds and great staff, I always get a warm welcome even when I haven’t been in ages.

6. Outdoor Activity
In summer, I love walking around Mt. Koya in Wakayama. It’s not too steep, and it’s fractionally less humid than the rest of Kansai.

7. Festival
Nipponbashi Street Festa in March, where cosplay gals and guys come out to play and the street is closed to traffic for a few hours.

8. Hanami Spot
Shukugawa is hard to beat, because there’re loads of great spots to be found along the river. It never feels too crowded and it’s easy to find from the train.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Suma Rikyu Park, near JR Suma Station, is a huge and quiet spot to enjoy some leaves.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
A lot of my friends like anime, so I take them shopping in Nipponbashi, and also to Mandarake in Shinsaibashi. Many a budget has been blown there.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
It’s simple, but I always start off people’s Kansai visit with a turn on the Hep 5 ferris wheel in Osaka. I love that you can play your own music as you go round.

12. Restaurant
Modernark Pharm Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant in Motomachi that does amazing things with vegetables and has a very snuggly cat.

13. Temple or Shrine
Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto has a room with 1001 buddhist statues, and it also hosts an annual archery event called Toshiya.

14. Kansai Memory
So many it’s hard to choose, but carrying a portable shrine in Nishinomiya as part of its annual festival was really memorable.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Tokyo’s way cooler and more welcoming little sister.

Carla Avollo: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
Face tissue for girls; Something hilarious from Den Den town for boys.

3. Food
Soba.

4. Getaway
Yunomine Onsen in the Kumano Kodo area.

5. Watering Hole
Banco in Shinsaibashi.

6. Outdoor Activity
Jogging around Nagai Koen with all the hardcore runners.

7. Festival
The fireworks festivals during summer. Girls tearing around town in yukata with bra straps showing. Different.

8. Hanami Spot
The Osaka Mint.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Minoh.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
Cat Cafe for an only-in-Japan dose of quirk.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
Arashiyama.

12. Restaurant
Kissho in Sakai where husband and wife serve exquisite yakiniku Korean BBQ.

13. Temple or Shrine
Sumiyoshi Taisha.

14. Kansai Memory
Sleeping in stairwells waiting for the first train.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
A place where a bunch of brash Aussies can feel at home for a while.

Terumi Tsuji: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Osaka Sky Building is one of my favorite sightseeing spots in Osaka. The building itself looks really cool and the sunset view from the observatory is amazing.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
I always bring 551 Horai steamed pork buns as a souvenir. Also Kuidaore Taro Pudding is my recent favorite souvenir.

3. Food
Mmm… it’s too difficult to pick one since all the food in Kansai is good! I always miss udon from Osaka when I go to Tokyo. Udon soup in Tokyo tastes just like soy sauce 🙁

4. Getaway
I love Kitahama. There are some good restaurants and cafés along the river terrace and also a beautiful park. Great if you want to have a nice relaxing weekend in the city.

5. Watering Hole
Cafe Absinthe in Amemura serves the best Mojito in Osaka. On the weekend, they often have DJs, so I usually have some drinks and shisha there before going to the clubs.

6. Outdoor Activity
It’s quite typical but I love fireworks during the summer time.

7. Festival
The Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is quite something! Too bad they had cancel last year due to the heavy rain.

8. Hanami Spot
It is not a typical place but Kansai University Senriyama Campus is my favorite hanami spot. You cannot have a barbecue or drinks on campus but you can have lunch at school cafeteria instead.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Arashiyama in Kyoto has great fall leaf spots but there are too many people there during the season. I usually enjoy the fall leaves in my neighborhood.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
I often take my friends to the Expo Commemoration Park to say hi to Tower of the Sun created by Taro Okamoto. There is the National Museum of Ethnology in the park and it is full of surprises. You can spend a day there.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
When I have friends here from overseas or outside Osaka, I usually take them to Shinsekai to have its famous kushikatsu.

12. Restaurant
There are many small restaurants/bars in the Tenma area so I usually go restaurant hopping. Shrimp restaurant Orb is my favorite.

13. Temple or Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the coolest shrine in the world. Walking through the tunnels of hundreds of torii gates is just magical.

14. Kansai Memory
I was born and raised in Osaka so I have too many good memories to share. I moved to Tokyo after I graduated from University for work but I came back to Osaka in six months. Tokyo was the way too big and too busy for me.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Great food and friendly people – Osaka is the best!

Phillip Jackson: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in Kyoto. The shrine is a cable car ride up the mountain and also has a monument to Thomas Edison as it was bamboo from here that was used for filaments in his early light bulbs.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
Tenugui – traditional Japanese cotton cloths with both traditional and modern designs.

3. Food
My favorite Japanese food is okonomiyaki, and Kansai is the best place to get the perfect okonomiyaki!

4. Getaway
For a great two-day getaway in Kansai, couple up a visit to Nagahama and Hikone in Shiga. Nagahama is famous for glasswork and Hikone its castle and traditional shopping streets.

5. Watering Hole
Anywhere that sells Kirin Heartland. One of which is the recently opened Irish Pub directly opposite JR Uji Station in Kyoto, The Rockin’ Hearts (they also have live music).

6. Outdoor Activity
The Daikichi Mountain hiking trail in Uji, Kyoto. Close to Ujigami Shrine, the trail is a steady 20-minute walk up to a viewing area at the top and then it’s another 20-minute trail down the other side bringing you out by Kosho-ji.

7. Festival
The obon symbols and kanji fires that burn around the mountains of Kyoto in August are always a favorite.

8. Hanami Spot
Take a walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto heading north along the river (Kamogawa) and you’ll see a fantastic display of blossoming trees along the river bank.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Arashiyama and Tofukuji – the popular viewing bridge at Tofukuji is great but can get a little crowded!

10. Family / Friends Day Out
Umekoji Koen in Kyoto. It has a large, open space ideal for picnics, and a small children’s playground. Also, right next to it are both the Kyoto Railway Museum and the Kyoto Aquarium.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
For me it’s always Arashiyama in Kyoto. It has the temples and shrines, the river, bamboo forest, places to eat, and of course, monkey feeding up the mountain.

12. Restaurant
I enjoy a visit to the Ikedaya izakaya in Sanjo, Kyoto. It’s an Ikedaya Incident/Shinsengumi themed izakaya that would especially appeal to anyone interested in the Meiji Restoration period of Japanese history.

13. Temple or Shrine
Mimuroto-ji in Kyoto. It’s a very quiet and relaxing place to collect your thoughts.

14. Kansai Memory
I remember some years back taking the river boat ride from Kameoka to Arashiyama. It’s a rough ride and not for the faint-hearted at times but definitely memorable.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Kansai is a wonderfully interesting and provoking mix of the past, present, and future.

Yuki Uchibori: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Nara Park with lots of (a few too many…) cute deer.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
Giant strawberry Pocky.

3. Food
A bowl of hot udon noodles – I have this for lunch almost every day.

4. Getaway
Going and bathing in a traditional hot spring. Inunakiyama onsen, which is just an hour away from Osaka, is the best for me.

5. Watering Hole
The Beehive in Kyobashi for great live jazz music! (JR Loop Line, Kyobashi Stn, South Exit)

6. Outdoor Activity
I’m not a really active person but I like to feed the cats living in my neighbourhood.

7. Festival
Ohatsu Tenjin Summer Festival; an annual religious event held in the busiest area of Osaka. The climax is in the evening with taiko drums and an umbrella dance!

8. Hanami Spot
Nara Park. You can see deer chasing after the cherry blossoms as the petals flutter around in the air. (It is because deer love eating cherry blossoms!)

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Osaka Castle Park. It is perfect scenery with the Castle, the stone walls, and red and yellow leaves.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
Himeji Castle recently underwent renovation works and was fully re-opened to the public in March 2015. It is a must see!

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
Taiko-en is a famous wedding hall in Osaka. My friends from overseas love to go and see traditional Japanese brides there.

12. Restaurant
An udon restaurant called Dotonbori Imai.

13. Temple or Shrine
With 12 stunning Buddhist statues, Shin- Yakushiji is my favourite Buddhist temple to visit.

14. Kansai Memory
The Jeff Beck concert in Osaka in April in 2014.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Traditional, exciting, old, modern, historic, beautiful, cultural, welcoming, unforgettable – the true heart of Japan!

Adam Miller: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
For my money, you can’t beat Nara, especially the Great Buddha at Todaiji. Sure the deers are a little mangy and it gets crazy busy, but the thousands of candles that are lit at night time during obon really are serenely beautiful.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
It’s all about the jizake (local sake). I won’t make enemies by naming a single brand, but no matter what you go for, you’re sure to impress whoever it is you’re buying for.

3. Food
Kobe beef! Steak Land in Kobe cooks the steak right in front of you exactly to your liking, and it just melts in your mouth.

4. Getaway
I’m a boring family man now, so a trip to the Ikea in Kobe or Osaka is as good as it gets!

5. Watering Hole
ING in Kyoto is a dark little nook that is like stepping into the innards of a jukebox. If there is a particular band you want to listen to, chances are they have something tucked away.

6. Outdoor Activity
Strolling through the hills of Arashiyama is fantastic, as the high street and surrounding area is often packed, but not many venture into the wilderness.

7. Festival
The Osaka Oktoberfest (which is in May!) takes some beating…does that count as a festival?

8. Hanami Spot
My friend’s parents own a small country house in the rolling hills outside Kyoto. It is so stunning. I won’t reveal its name in case hordes of KS readers overrun the place!

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Autumn leaves are just a precursor to the coming winter, so it’s a time to mourn summer and prepare for skiing!

10. Family / Friends Day Out
See number 4…it would probably be the new Anpanman Museum in Kobe.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
Kinkakuji if you can brave the crowds, Ginkakuji if you cannot.

12. Restaurant
Can I say Steak Land again? That place really is awesome.

13. Temple or Shrine
My money’s still on Todaiji.

14. Kansai Memory
One of my best buddies lives in Kyoto, so anytime I can meet up with him is a night to remember…so long as I don’t black out and forget everything.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Sure Kansai has the long history, famous foods and striking scenery, but Nagoya has…erm… miso-katsu.

Felicity Tillack: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Definitely Koyasan – it’s beautiful in any season, and has the most relaxing atmosphere.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
Multi-flavoured Kit Kats are pretty popular.

3. Food
Takoyaki is the best kind of food: it’s easy to carry and share and easy to make at home. And it goes great with beer!

4. Getaway
South coast of Wakayama in summer for beach picnics and swimming.

5. Watering Hole
Random kushikatsu joints in Shinsekai are fun, cheap, and delicious.

6. Outdoor Activity
Festivals!

7. Festival
Nachi Taisha Fire Festival in Wakayama and Yokaichi Kite Festival in Shiga.

8. Hanami Spot
Along the river in Tenmabashi is gorgeous.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Around Ikoma, especially the walk up to Hozanji temple is very nice.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
Riding bikes around Osaka city with friends.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
Wakayama – the castle, the Tokugawa shrine, the old tombs. Maybe a quick trip to Kada to show off the cool/creepy Awajishima doll shrine.

12. Restaurant
Garam Masala near the JR Station in Wakayama city.

13. Temple or Shrine
Hozanji in Ikoma has become a favourite.

14. Kansai Memory
Chancing upon the best cosplay day out ever in Port Europa, Wakayama.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Don’t neglect the edges beyond Kyoto and Osaka. Shiga, Wakayama, and north Hyogo are worth it.

Jason Haidar: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Himeji Castle is the epitome of the Japanese castle. It has recently been reopened after a five-year restoration project.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
A little pricey, but a souvenir you will keep forever and be proud to display is one of the beautiful Japanese masks.

3. Food
Kobe beef is a great way to treat yourself.

4. Getaway
The old pilgrimage trail Kumano Kodo was the most memorable hike I’ve ever done.

5. Watering Hole
Too many great craft beer spots to list! Rogin’s Tavern in Moriguchi is the go-to whiskey spot for quality and selection.

6. Outdoor Activity
A great hike is going up Mt. Rokko and hiking down the other side to Arima onsen for a well-earned soak.

7. Festival
For a traditional festival the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is as exciting as it gets.

8. Hanami Spot
Mandaiike park that has a small pond in the center near my house. It is lined with cherry blossoms all the way around and has a chill local vibe.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
I really enjoy Mt. Hiei near Lake Biwa. It is often much less crowded than the more famous spots in Kansai, which allows for a more intimate experience.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
It is fun to just pick an area, head through a shotengai and turn down a random alley to see who and what you stumble upon.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
A Mt. Koya temple stay and walk in one of the oldest and largest graveyards in Japan, Okunoin, is fantastic and will leave you with or reinvigorate your love of Japan.

12. Restaurant
As a Californian I need burritos. El Zocalo Burrito is my go-to spot to scratch that itch.

13. Temple or Shrine
Todaiji temple in Nara is massive and holds the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue.

14. Kansai Memory
My recent private tour of Himeji Castle before it opened was something that I will never forget.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Kyoto for culture, Osaka for nightlife, Kobe for beef, Nara for deer.

Celia Polkinghorne: My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Kawayu is such a beautiful place if you’re willing to travel the distance. Digging your own onsen in the river is a lot of fun.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
The sesame and the choc-bananaflavoured yatsuhashi they sell outside Kiyomizudera in Kyoto are a tasty treat.

3. Food
Nothing beats good-quality sashimi but of the Kansai-specific foods, kushikatsu from Daruma or somewhere in Shinsekai is a scrumptious treat.

4. Getaway
A temple stay in Koyasan is perfect for leaving city hustle and bustle behind for a day and a night.

5. Watering Hole
Ikaga near Amemura in Shinsaibashi. ‘Mama’ and ‘Papa’ and their dogs JJ and PP are awesome.

6. Outdoor Activity
Doing traditional log rafting, ikada kudari, along the Kitayama river in Wakayama was the best Kansai outdoor activity I’ve done.

7. Festival
The action-packed ones like danjiri matsuri.

8. Hanami Spot
Most beautiful view of cherry blossoms I’ve seen is at the top of Mt. Yoshino. Best hanami – Mandaiike in Tezukayama.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
Most beautiful autumn leaves I’ve seen were on the walk to the waterfall in Minoh.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
I had a fantastic day out with friends on Awaji Island last year. You need a car to get around – there’s lots to explore.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
I like to take the whiskey-lovers to the Yamazaki distillery. There’s still lots to do once the whiskeysampling is done!

12. Restaurant
There is a 76-year-old restaurant known as Yasuke in Shimoichi-cho near Yoshino, that serves the most exquisite omakase-style Japanese cuisine.

13. Temple or Shrine
I love Kiyomizudera in Kyoto for its grand scale, scenic views and the souvenir street leading up to it.

14. Kansai Memory
Hiking Kumano Kodo. Getting my parents into a purikura booth while they were visiting Osaka was pretty hilarious though.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
Duck into the alleyways and explore the back streets. Kansai will sweep you off your feet.

My Favorite Kansai…

1. Sightseeing Spot
Too hard to single out, but I do have a soft spot for castles. Himeji Castle is wonderful.

2. Omiyage / Souvenir
Okaki and senbei rice crackers. Beautifully presented, delicious and light and easy to carry.

3. Food
Tonkatsu from Katsukura was a staple when living in Kyoto, but I’d say yakitori would have to be a favourite.

4. Getaway
An escape into the countryside on an overnight bike trip. Stay in a ryokan, soak in an onsen and see the views from the saddle. Perfect.

5. Watering Hole
Beer Belly in Higobashi for Minoh beer direct from the brewery.

6. Outdoor Activity
Getting out on my bike and forcing myself over the mountains in the beautiful Kansai countryside.

7. Festival
Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto. A photogenic procession of imperial court cosplayers.

8. Hanami Spot
Himeji Castle is truly spectacular but the Philosopher’s Walk in Kyoto is very special (if you can beat the crowds). Neither particularly good for a picnic mind you.

9. Fall Leaf Spot
The area around Minoh waterfall is incredible. All the more rewarding if you cycle up the hill to get there.

10. Family / Friends Day Out
A day walking around Kyoto or simply a trip to Tsurumi-Ryokuchi park for a picnic.

11. Place to Take Visiting Relatives / Friends
Cycling around Osaka’s streets at night is a great way to see the city. A trip to the depachika food courts in the basement of department stores is also a must.

12. Restaurant
La Tortuga in Kitahama. The menu is a mouthwatering fusion of Spanish and French flavors. The lamb chops with couscous are fantastic.

13. Temple or Shrine
Ryoanji in Kyoto is serene.

14. Kansai Memory
Taking the stage as part of a teachers band to play at the Saikyo Shogyo High School bunkasai festival in Kyoto.

15. Describe Kansai in 15 words or less.
The cultural heart of Japan. From takoyaki to taiko, it’s got it all.