noun
Refers to the center-west area of Japan, typically including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and surrounding prefectures. Often contrasted with 関東地方 (Kanto region).
関西地方には大阪や京都などの大都市があります。
The Kansai region has major cities such as Osaka and Kyoto.
来月、関西地方に出張します。
I'm going on a business trip to the Kansai region next month.
Compound of 関西 (Kansai, literally 'west of the barrier') and 地方 (region). The term historically referred to the area west of the Osaka checkpoint (逢坂関).