Differences between Kanto and Kansai regions

If you’ve visited Japan for several times, you probably know the differences between the Kanto and Kansai regions of Japan don’t you?

Both Kanto and Kansai are pretty different in terms of culture, food, and language, and today we introduce the differences between both regions,
which apparently are the most famous and largest regions in Japan.

Kanto refers to eastern Japan and Kansai refers to western Japan.

Kyoto, which is located in Kansai region, was the capital of Japan until it relocated to Tokyo in 1868.

Both regions are different when it comes to culture, personality, and etiquette.
Learning the differences of both regions might be useful for your travels in the future!

Food: strong vs. mild

You might have noticed the differences between udon soup in Kanto and Kansai.
The stock, which is used as the base of the soup, is made differently.

In Kanto, the soup is made of dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi), so it has bold and strong flavor.

On the other hand, the soup is made of dried kelp (konbu) in Kansai, so the flavor is mild and refined.

Escalator: left vs. right

The escalator etiquette in Japan is to stand on one side of an escalator to allow others in a hurry to pass by on the other side,
and people in Kanto and Kansai do this differently.

In Kanto, people stand on the left side, and in Kansai, people stand on the right.

Fashion: trendy vs. eccentric

When it comes to fashion, it’s easier to stay up on the latest trends if you live in Kanto.

The fashion style of Kanto people is trendy; you’ll see them wearing the latest and hypest items.

On the other hand, Kansai people are more eccentric; they follow the flashy and unique look, using fashion as a way of expressing themselves.

Language: standard Japanese vs. Kansai dialect

 Kanto people speak the standard Japanese.

For examples, thank you in Kanto is “arigato” and in Kansai is “ookini”.

Why in Kanto is “doushite” and in Kansai is “nande”.

Taxis: colorful vs. black

Taxis in Kanto are colorful; yes, you can find taxis painted in black, yellow, orange, white, or green.

On the other hand, in Kansai, all taxis are painted in black. The fare in both regions remains the same despites the differences.

Kanto and Kansai are different in many aspects, and today we only came up with some of them.

Knowing the differences might be useful for your travels in the future, so make sure to learn about them even just for a bit!