Private jet charter and flights to Kansai

This historic region of Japan sits in the south-central area of main island Honshū, and is home to famous cities including Kyoto and Osaka plus an array of sacred sites. Get a fast quote from Air Charter Service to charter a private jet to Kansai.

Much of the focus is on the area which encompasses the three major cities of Osaka, Kōbe and Kyoto. This collective area known as Keihanshin is the second largest urban area in the country after Greater Tokyo. However, there’s much more to see with temples, castles, shrines and pilgrimage sites scattered throughout the region, but all within relatively easy reach of the main settlements.

Japan’s third largest city, Osaka, is a great base from which to explore the wider Kansai region. Famous for its nightlife and dining scene, it’s known as the nation’s kitchen or ‘tenka no daidokoro’. The city comes alive once the sun has gone down, when the Dōtonbori area’s neon-lit streets light the way to numerous restaurants, bars and nightspots. Try the area’s most famous dish, a savoury pancake named okonomiyaki; marvel at the iconic Gilco running man light installation; and take in incredible views from The Floating Garden Observatory at the Umeda Sky Building, a unique attraction suspended 175 metres above the streets across two skyscrapers. Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan, one of the country’s most visited attractions.

While Tokyo and Osaka are known for their modern outlook, traditional Kyoto is where you can really get a glimpse into Japan’s past. It was the country’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years and today visitors can tour incredible historic architecture such as temples and shrines. Aside from its many official national treasures, the ancient capital boasts charming districts such as Nishijin, where criss-crossing streets are lined with traditional townhouses selling textiles, lacquerware and tea; and the historic district of Gion. This area is a bucket-list destination for many, as it’s considered the birthplace of Japan’s world-famous geisha culture. History aside, Kyoto also has a modern side thanks to its high-tech industry – it’s the home of Nintendo – and high concentration of universities.

Before Kyoto, the Nara was the country’s first permanent capital. This compact city packs a lot in and is a perfect day-trip destination from Kyoto. There are 29 national treasures here – more than in any other city in the country. The main sights include the Great Buddha, Daibutsu, housed in the Tōdai-ji temple; Nara Park, which is famous for its semi-wild deer; Hōryū-ji, the oldest wooden building in the world; and the beautiful gardens at Isui-en, which are dotted with tea houses.

Spread along the mountainous region across the prefectures of Nara, Mie and Wakayama are several UNESCO-listed sacred sites and pilgrimage routes. The hallowed Shinto and Buddhist monuments and the shrines of Kumano Sanzan, Koyasan and Yoshino & Omine are situated in the dense forests of the Kii Mountains and connected by trails that have been followed for centuries. This is the perfect place for hikers who enjoy admiring natural landscapes while uncovering a region’s history and culture. The nearest sacred site to Nara – Yoshino & Omine – sits near beautiful Mount Yoshino, one of the best places in Japan to see cherry trees blossoming in the spring.

The Hyōgo prefecture is Kansai’s largest and has a coastline on both the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea. Most of its population lives on the south coast in the city of Kōbe, which sits on a narrow strip of land between the inland sea and mountains. Take a day-trip from here to the small city of Himeji, home to one of Japan’s prettiest castles, Himeji-jo. Nicknamed the White Heron, this impressive fortress is the finest surviving example of 17th-century Japanese castle architecture and was recently restored by the country’s finest artisans using traditional techniques and materials.

There are many luxury hotels to choose from throughout Kansai and it’s also the perfect destination to stay in a ryokan – traditional Japanese inns that have been around since the 8th Century. Simply decorated with tatami mats on the floors, futon beds and sliding doors, you can dine on local cuisine and converse with the inn owners. It’s one of the best ways to truly experience the culture of Japan.

Kansai International Airport is the region’s main airport and it’s located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. It’s just over 23 miles from the heart of the city and other destinations within Kansai are within very easy reach thanks to Japan’s efficient and modern rail network. Contact our team and we’ll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Kansai.