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Tourists considering a trip to Japan for the first time or those with some exposure to Japanese culture will undoubtedly frequently hear the terms "Kanto," centered around Tokyo, and "Kansai," centered around Osaka.
Just like the "North-South Dispute" that is common on the domestic Internet, Japan's "East-West Dispute" is also a "national war" involving culture, food, history, customs and other aspects!
Even in the popular Japanese manga "Detective Conan", there are many plots of Kanto and Kansai detectives competing against each other.
Kanto, known for its youth and fashion, is home to Japan's highest point, Mount Fuji, and Asia's largest city, Tokyo.
Kansai, famous for its culture and history, has also begun to explore the changes and vitality of the new era, in addition to Kyoto and Nara, the thousand-year-old capitals with lingering Tang Dynasty charm.
So, if you're visiting Japan for the first time, Kanto or Kansai, which would you choose? I'm sure you'll find your answer after reading this article!
Those who are interested in studying foreign languages can scroll directly to the end of the article to see the comparison chart!
Did you know? Kanto and Kansai do not equal eastern and western Japan. Some tourists might be wondering what "Kansai" means?
Xiaoxia's classroom is now open! (Punch the blackboard)
Since Japan as a whole is a long and narrow island country extending from southwest to northeast, there is no completely strict boundary distinction between "east" and "west".
Currently, the "Kanto region" generally refers to the area of 1 city and 6 prefectures, namely Tokyo, Chiba Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, and Gunma Prefecture. Japanese residents often call it the "capital region."
The "Kansai region" generally refers to the area of 2 prefectures and 4 prefectures, namely Osaka Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture, and Wakayama Prefecture, and often adds Mie Prefecture to form the "Kinki region".
We all know that the "guan" in "闯关东" in the Chinese context refers to Shanhaiguan. Which "guan" does the "guan" in Japan's Kanto and Kansai refer to?
This "guan" refers to a "checkpoint" just like Shanhaiguan, which was a facility set up on important traffic routes before the Edo period for taxation and inspection.
During the Nara period, three checkpoints—Suzuka Pass on the Tokaido Road (present-day Mie Prefecture), Fuwa Pass on the Tosan Road (present-day Gifu Prefecture), and Aiha Pass on the Hokuriku Road (present-day Fukui Prefecture)—were particularly important and were collectively known as the "Three Passes." From the latter half of the 8th century, the term "Kanto" began to refer to the area east of the Three Passes.
When the word "ancient capital" is mentioned in Japan, it generally refers to only two cities: Kyoto and Nara in Kansai. Nara, known as Heijokyo from 710 to 784, was Japan's first true capital. Numerous World Heritage sites, such as Todai-ji Temple and Toshodai-ji Temple, bear witness to the heyday of Buddhism during the Nara Period.
With Emperor Kanmu's relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo (present-day Kyoto) in 794, the Heian period, which lasted for 400 years, began. Kyoto became an elegant capital where aristocratic culture flourished.
The two ancient capitals have completely preserved the layout of Japan's capitals from ancient times to modern times. Kyoto's checkerboard street planning and Nara's Tang Dynasty Chang'an-like layout have both been listed as World Cultural Heritage.
In addition, Osaka has also developed as a center of commerce and industry, giving rise to a unique urban culture.
Meanwhile, in Kanto, during the Edo Period (1603), Tokugawa Ieyasu established the shogunate in Edo (present-day Tokyo), propelling Kanto to become a political and economic center. Following the Meiji Restoration, Tokyo rapidly developed through modernization policies, becoming Japan's economic core and remaining a vibrant region of population, technology, and culture.
P.S.: Japan doesn't actually have a legally defined capital city! Tokyo is the economic, cultural, and political center of Japan, and foreign embassies are also located in Tokyo, so Tokyo is considered to have the "functions of a capital city."
The cultures of Kanto and Kansai differ from each other in the way the locals speak, greet each other, and engage in other daily behaviors.
In Kanto, the "Tokyo dialect" which is similar to Japanese Mandarin is the mainstream. The wording is solemn and the pronunciation is clear. People pay more attention to following rules and maintaining a sense of distance when getting along with each other.
Office workers commuting in Marunouchi, Tokyo
On the other hand, the dialect called "Kansai-ben" is widely used in Kansai, which has a unique accent and is more "familiar" and "able to pick up on jokes". Osaka is known as the "laughter capital" and comedy is very popular. For example, Yoshimoto, the headquarters of Japanese comedians, originated in Osaka.
China-TravelNote official photos
Product Manager Haitao's Kansai secret: while waiting at a red light, shoot an air ball, and the person on the other side of the zebra crossing will suddenly lean back and catch the air ball! (Tourists who don't believe it can try it on the streets of Kansai~)
Simply put, Kanto is like an urban elite in a suit and tie, while Kansai is like a warm and humorous shop owner. Which temperament do you prefer?
Kansai cuisine is primarily represented in Kyoto and Osaka. Kyoto's numerous temples contributed to the vegetarian cuisine that developed there, establishing the characteristics of Kansai cuisine, which is characterized by its lighter flavors, the predominance of steaming and boiling, and a rich variety of vegetables and tofu. Furthermore, the Keihan region was once home to aristocrats, who placed a premium on the aesthetics of their food.
In the past, the Kanto region was home to a large number of samurai, who placed greater emphasis on quantity and flavor. This resulted in Kanto cuisine being characterized by heavier seasoning, more salt and soy sauce, and a bold style.
Kanto-style Sukiyaki
Of course, Japan's diverse food culture is flourishing these days. Whether in Tokyo or Osaka, there's a wealth of delicious food to keep you dazzled! Osaka, in particular, is known as "Food Town," so be careful—you might end up eating until you're exhausted!
Essential travel tips: There are also these places, Kanto and Kansai are different!
Escalator Standing: Although cars in Japan all drive on the left, people in Kansai stand on the right side of the escalator! People in Kanto and most other areas stand on the left side.
Taxi colors: Tokyo's are colorful, while Osaka's are basically low-key black.
Kanto Keywords: Modern City / Shopping Paradise / Trendy Culture / Hot Spring Resort / Mountain and Sea Wonders
In Kanto, you can explore the modern urban charm of the "Heart of Asia" with Tokyo as the axis.
Go international shopping in Shibuya Ginza, home to a wealth of shopping malls, explore the used record stores of Shimokitazawa to embrace all kinds of trendy culture, or explore the youthful coastal sanctuaries of Akihabara and Kamakura, home to the anime genre.
If you have some free time to venture outside of Tokyo, whether you're boating or cycling at the foot of Mount Fuji, or enjoying a hot spring bath and sea view in Hakone or the Izu Peninsula, the beauty of the mountains and the sea is enough to heal your body and mind.
Recommended itinerary for first-time visitors to Kanto: 2 days exploring Tokyo, 1 day in Kamakura, and 2 days exploring Mount Fuji and the hot springs in the Hakone-Izu area.
Kanto niche gameplay
The legendary Akina Mountain from the film "Initial D" is based on the Haruna Mountains in Gunma Prefecture, about an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen! The legendary "Five Hairpin Bends" actually exist on the road from Ikaho to Lake Haruna, and you can even see the drainage canal where Takumi took the "Drainage Canal Bend."
At the Ikaho Toy and Doll Car Museum at the foot of the mountain, you can also check out the restored Fujiwara Tofu Shop and AE86!
Since the Edo period, Kawagoe has prospered due to commerce and is known as "Little Edo." Traditional Japanese mud-walled buildings (dozo-zukuri) still exist today.
Stroll around the bell tower "Toki no Kane" and century-old shops in a kimono or take a rickshaw to browse the shops, where you can buy a variety of exquisite souvenirs and snacks, and feel like you've traveled back in time to the streets of Edo a hundred years ago.
The wind chime festival and limited edition amulets at Hikawa Shrine, a filming location for many Japanese anime, are summer specialties not to be missed!
The Izu Peninsula, located in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, blends mountains and sea, offering numerous hiking trails suitable for outdoor enthusiasts of varying levels of difficulty. Hot springs, both large and small, are also perfect for a relaxing soak after a hike.
The Odoko Trail: A pilgrimage route inspired by the Japanese literary masterpiece "The Dancing Girl of Izu," where you can follow the footsteps of the literati at the old Amagi Pass and experience the beauty of mono no aware.
Mount Omuro Crater + Jogasaki Coast Trail: Take the same matcha green volcano as in "Your Name" and take the cable car to the top of the mountain to travel around the crater trail; walk along the nearby Jogasaki Coast, which spans the suspension bridge between the cliffs and the volcanic coast trail along the coast, and you will be close to the azure Pacific Ocean.
Minami-Izu/Nishi-Izu Trail: In the mysterious and ancient Minami-Izu, you can follow the mountains and the sea. Although transportation is a little inconvenient in some areas, the "number of people" is very low!
Come check out Matcha Volcano and Izu's hidden coast ↓↓
Kansai Keywords: Ancient Capital Style / Temples and Shrines / Traditional Crafts / Food and Beverages / Festivals
If you're interested in traditional Japanese culture, Kansai is your first choice! The twin ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara are like museums steeped in millennia of history, with every ancient street and every established shop retaining a rich, Japanese charm. The countless thousand-year-old temples, shrines, and gardens are a haven for lovers of ancient architecture.
Osaka, known for its delicious food and vibrant streets, and Kobe, a port city with a Western fusion of styles, each have their own charms.
In the southern Kii Peninsula, the Kumano Sanzan and the Buddhist holy mountain Koyasan, hidden in the deep mountains and dense forests, add a touch of fantasy and mythology to it, waiting for the visit of those who are destined to visit.
Recommended itinerary for first-time visitors to Kansai: 2-3 days of Japanese-style travel to Kyoto, Nara, and Uji, plus 1 day in Osaka (with food, shopping, and Universal Studios).
Kansai niche gameplay
Spend the night at a secluded, ancient temple and immerse yourself in the life of a Japanese monk! Savor exquisite traditional vegetarian Shojin cuisine, listen to morning sutra chanting, and experience the Shingon Buddhism culture pioneered by Master Kukai. Stroll along the path to Okunoin Temple and soak in the mystical atmosphere of this sacred place.
Get the same experience↓↓
The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route and the Camino de Santiago in Spain are the only two "dual pilgrimage routes" in the world certified by the United Nations.
This spiritual trail through the Kii Mountain Range connects the Kumano Three Shrines (Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha). Along the way, you'll pass through forests and overlook the sea, where vermilion torii gates, Nachi Falls, and ancient teahouses intertwine to create a unique landscape. You can also experience a Heian-era costumed pilgrimage, where you can dress up and embark on a spiritual journey reminiscent of the Heian nobles' pilgrimage.
A pilgrimage that must be made in this lifetime↓↓
The Kyoto Tango Railway, meandering along the Sea of Japan, offers sightseeing trains like the Aomatsu and Akamatsu, each boasting unique interior and exterior décor and menus. Passengers can savor coffee or dessert while gazing out the large windows at the azure blue waters of Maizuru Bay. As the train crosses the Yuragawa River bridge, it appears to float above the water, reminiscent of a dreamlike scene from Spirited Away.
When it comes to the competition between Kansai and Kanto, apart from factors such as weather, food, and ways to play, there is still a practical problem ahead - air tickets.
During the peak season, one-way tickets to some outbound destinations cost over 5,000, and a 20-hour transfer is really tiring!
Fortunately, Japan is a neighboring country after all. Overall, there are many direct flights from major cities in China to Kanto and Kansai, and the prices are friendly!
Let’s take Shanghai as an example to see which one is more air-friendly, Kanto or Kansai!
Direct flights to cities (airports): mainly Tokyo and Osaka
Kanto: Tokyo Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Ibaraki Airport
Kansai: Osaka Kansai International Airport, Kobe Airport
Number of direct flights: About the same, both have 30+ flights per day
Average price: Kansai is better!
Flights to Kansai are generally more affordable than those to Tokyo, with more low-fare options on weekends and holidays. During the off-season, round-trip flights to Kansai can be as low as 15,000 yuan including tax! Spring Airlines has huge sales year-round, so just wait for the bargains!
Finally, I will summarize and compare the differences between Kanto and Kansai, so you can understand the differences between Kanto and Kansai in one picture! I recommend downloading and saving it~
Overall, Kansai and Kanto each have their own merits. As we all know, children make the choice, while adults naturally go all in! So, choose this China-TravelNote Japan Ace Panorama Route!
Not only can you go all-in in Kanto and Kansai, you can also check out the less crowded and beautiful central region~ Those who understand the cost-effectiveness of 2+1 will understand!
China-TravelNote official photos
We spent 8 days traveling across Honshu Island, taking in the highlights of Kanto and Kansai, and cleverly interspersed with light hikes on the Edo Ancient Road, Nakasendo, to gain a deeper understanding of Japan's thousand-year historical changes from Heian-kyo to modern Tokyo.
There are only a few remaining seats for the National Day holiday during the summer vacation, so hurry up and get on board if you are waiting!
For those who are traveling independently, if you want to go all in on Kanto and Kansai, it is recommended to arrange 7-8 days!
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo in less than 3 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore the surrounding area. You can also purchase a JR pass for even better transportation deals!
Whether you choose Kanto, Kansai, go all-in, or explore the central region of Japan by exploring Shoryudo, Hokkaido, or Okinawa, you'll find a unique Japan you can explore. Let's go! I'm waiting for you!
