1.
Kinki region; Kansai area of Japan
A geographic region in the central part of Japan's main island, encompassing Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, Wakayama, and Mie prefectures. The traditional name for what is now more commonly called Kansai.
近畿地方は歴史が深い。
The Kinki region has a deep history.
近畿地方には古い寺や神社がたくさんある。
There are many old temples and shrines in the Kinki region.
天気予報によると、明日は近畿地方全体で雨になるそうだ。
According to the weather forecast, it will rain across the entire Kinki region tomorrow.
USAGE:
近畿 is the traditional and official name used in government, weather reports, and formal contexts. In everyday conversation, 関西 (Kansai) is more commonly used. The two terms cover slightly different geographic areas — 近畿 includes 三重県, while Kansai traditionally does not.
ORIGIN:
The name literally means "near the capital" (近 near + 畿 imperial capital), referring to proximity to the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 近畿地方 (Kinki region)
- 近畿圏 (Kinki metropolitan area)
- 近畿大学 (Kinki University, now officially Kindai University)