KANSAI 関西

The Kansai region, or the Kinki region, lies in the southern-central region of Japan's main island.

The Kansai region is a cultural center and the historical heart of Japan. Four of Japan's national parks lie within its borders, in whole or in part. The area also contains six of the seven top prefectures in terms of national treasures. Other geographical features include Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyōgo.

Kansai is known for its food, especially Osaka, as supported by the saying "Kyotoites are ruined by overspending on clothing, Osakans are ruined by overspending on food" ( 京の着倒れ大阪の食い倒れ, Kyō no Kidaore, Ōsaka no Kuidaore ). As opposed to food from Eastern Japan, food in the Kansai area tends to be sweeter, and foods such as nattō tend to be less popular.