Time to plan your Japan vacation

With summer approaching now is the time to start planning your flights to Japan. Despite the recent earthquake and all the problems it caused life in Japan continues fairly normally outside of the disaster zone. Although of course there are disruptions in Tokyo, there are many other areas of the country which deserve a look.

The Kansai region is often overlooked by visitors on a short stay who prefer to stay in Tokyo. While Kyoto is also on the must see list, missing out on the sights and experiences of Kobe, Nara, Osaka would be a mistake.

So why not land in Osaka at KIX and start your trip off here. KIX is connected to many major airports directly or without having to transfer in Tokyo, and it lands you in one of the world’s major metropolises - who knows maybe you won’t miss Tokyo after seeing the skyscrapers in Osaka’s Umeda and the bustling shopping streets in Shinsaibashi.

After hanging out in Osaka, take the bullet train to Kyoto (7 minutes) or regular fast train, about 45 minutes, to Kyoto and explore all of the wonderful temples and atmosphere of temples and other traditions. Then whizz off to Kobe or Nara for your next stop to see how Kobe recovered from devastation or see the huge repository of culture in Nara’s many museums.

If you really must go to Tokyo then fly from Kansai’s three regional airports, or take the bullet train and in just a short time you’ll be enjoying all the marvels of the capital. From there you can fly back home easily or head on to other Asian or Australasian countries very easily.

So, when thinking about Japan this year, don’t give up because of the aftereffects of the disaster, instead give yourself the opportunity to start off from a different perspective in the Kansai area. You won’t regret it!