Kansai Region
The 関西 (kansai) region of Japan lies on 本州 (honshū), the largest island in the country. This is a unique region of Japan; it’s difficult to describe in a few words. Made up of six prefectures: Kyoto Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, and Shiga Prefecture, it is a region that is home to countless Buddhist temples, Shintō shrines, castles, and so on designated as a UNESCO World Heritage. On the other hand, it’s also known for some of the country's most energetic and outgoing people, not to mention being home to many foods enjoyed across the country.
When it comes to food from the Kansai region that’s enjoyed across Japan, food such as お好み焼き (okonomiyaki—a dish resembling a pancake made with vegetables, meat, and often seafood) and たこ焼き (takoyaki—a ball-shaped doughnut containing small pieces of octopus) are some of the most enjoyed. As mentioned above, those from the Kansai region are known for being some of the country's most energetic and outgoing people, so when you enter a restaurant in this particular region, there’s a special atmosphere that’s difficult to find in other parts of Japan. Even though you can eat foods from this region all across Japan, you’ll never have the experiences at a restaurant in the Kansai region anywhere else. This is a region that you’ll want to come back and visit again and again.
Food is not the only part of the Kansai region that’s enjoyed across the country. The Kansai dialect that is used in this region can now be heard all across the country. There are a large number of celebrities from this region, and whenever they appear on TV, they don’t use the “standard dialect” (the dialect originating in and around Tokyo) rather, they use the Kansai dialect. Because of this, even those who aren’t from the Kansai region understand (to a certain extent) this particular dialect. On top of this, certain words from the Kansai dialect have become part of the standard Japanese dialect.
As mentioned above, there are many buildings, etc., in the region designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, so particularly those interested in Japanese history and those with an interest in traditional Japanese culture are the ones who will adore this region. There are also many places in the Kansai region where traditional Japanese landscapes still exist. Upon seeing these beautiful landscapes, everyone will (on just one visit to the region) without a doubt want to learn more about the traditional side of Japan.
