Kansai concentrates Kyoto's 17 UNESCO temple sites including Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari, Osaka's Dotonbori street food, Nara's deer-roamed Todai-ji, and the cedar pilgrimage routes of Wakayama's Kumano Kodo.
Highlights
Kyoto
Osaka
Nara
Arashiyama
When to Visit
Mar-Apr
Cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park, the Philosopher's Path, and Arashiyama in late March-early April, with the entire Kyoto basin at year's most photographic peak.
Nov
Autumn colour at Eikando, Tofuku-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera reaching peak in mid-late November, Kyoto's defining seasonal moment with night-illumination at temples.
Jun-Aug
Hot humid summer with Kyoto basin at 35°C, Gion Matsuri parade July 17 the country's most famous festival, and Daimonji bonfires August 16.
Dec-Feb
Cool dry winter with snow occasionally dusting Kinkaku-ji's gold pavilion, Setsubun February 3 bean-throwing at temples, and the temple gardens accessible without crowds.
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