Kansai (關西) refers to the area situated in the west central part of Japan's main island Honshu. It is about 1/5 the size of Southern California with the same amount of people (23 million), and encompasses major metros such as Kobe (the 4th busiest port of Japan), Osaka (the second largest city of Japan), Kyoto (the thousand-year-old old capital of Japan), and many other historical sites and cities; a hub of political and cultural centers of the old and economic power house of modern day Japan, so to speak.
Autumn leaves scenery, Japanese gardening style, was one main attraction we came here for and saw, most everywhere we went:
And temples and castles that came with different flavors: golden plated, stony majestic, red audacious, on the pond, up the hill ... awesome and unreal:
Mixed with events of the peculiar: tuna cutting show, hot spring foot massage, and fearless deer feeding:
Though I had been to Japan many times before--almost all of them business trips and restricted to Tokyo area, granted--this was the first time I saw so many a Kimono (traditional Japanese costume) wearing young woman (and man) out in the public:
And kids and parents all dressed up to worship and take ritualistic photos at a "scholar patron saint" temple:
Not to forget the modern side of the metros, and the plain, calm beauty seen on the road:
Maybe I was under the influence, but I think Japanese food did look and taste more refined in Japan, at restaurant or off the street:
This was a little group of 22 people we traveled with. They came from all walks of life in Taiwan, young and old, couples and families, and were all nice, decent, and punctual. The hotels we stayed, except for the last one, were new, quality, and surprisingly spacious by Japanese standard. The meals were good and delicious, the itinerary tight but not too tiring. And I was most impressed by the tour guide, an energetic, passionate young woman who knew her stuff well and really took care of everyone.
Over all, one nice little trip!
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