The Kansai region (関西, meaning “west of the border”) nestled in the heart of southern Japan, holds a cherished place in our travel memories. The term was first used to describe the area to the west of the Osaka Tollgate, which marked the border between Yamashiro Province and Ōmi Province (now known as Kyoto and Shiga prefectures). Now with its seven diverse prefectures – Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Shiga, and Mie – each exuding its own unique charm, exploring Kansai feels like embarking on a captivating journey through time and culture. In this Kansai travel guide, we’ll cover the basics to help you plan your trip through all of…