Kansai GuideKansai is the western region of the main Japanese island of Honshu, second only to Kanto region of Eastern Japan in population. The area is also known as Kinki District, literally "near the capital", and its three big cities — Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe — as Keihanshin. HotelsFind hotels in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Kushimoto and more. OsakaŌsaka is the third largest city in Japan, with a population of over 17 million people in its greater metropolitan area. KyotoKyōto was the capital of Japan for over a millennium, and carries a reputation as its most beautiful city. KobeKōbe is one of Japan's underappreciated cities. A cosmopolitan port city with an international flavor, hemmed in by Mt. KyotoKyoto prefecture is in the Kansai region of Japan. It contains both a coastal region to the north, and broad, more densely populated basins in the south. OsakaOsaka prefecture is in the Kansai region of Japan. There are a number of Japanese language schools in and around Osaka. HyogoHyōgo prefecture is in the western Kansai region of the main Japanese island Honshu. NaraNara prefecture is in the western Kansai region of the main Japanese island Honshu. ShigaShiga prefecture is in Kansai region of Japan. See also Biwako Visiters Bureau and for tourism information in English. WakayamaWakayama prefecture is located in the southwestern part of Kansai region. The main train hub is Wakayama, about one hour south of Osaka, or two hours to Kyoto on the Ocean Arrows limited express. MieMie prefecture is in the western Kansai region of the main Japanese island Honshu. Kansai International AirportKansai International Airport is the main international airport of Japan's Kansai region, including the cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.