It is much easier to start a map than to finish it.  It is also much easier to write about a map than to finish it.  Anyway, I am absolutely delighted with the response to the Greater Tokyo Railway Diagram I shared a while ago, and I wanted to share its companion map - the Greater Kansai Region Railway Diagram, so you can take a look at it as it takes shape, and more importantly, to give me some feedback along the way!

First, here is the diagram as it stands.  All the railway lines have been drawn in.  What is now left is to include the coastline, prefectural boundaries, a key to the lines and symbols used, and other sundries.  It is basically useable as is, but lacks the polish and details that makes the diagram feel complete.

The Kansai Region is rather elongated, so I was unable to fit everything into one diagram.  There are two insets to extend coverage to the northeast and west.  The diagram basically covers the area served by JR-West's urban services (Kamigori and Banshu-Ako to the west, Wakayama to the south, Maibara and Tsuruga to the northeast). 

The visual focal points of the map are the concentric circles in the centre, representing the Osaka Loop Line and the combination of the Port Tram and two of Osaka's Subway Lines.

The design language is intended to be fairly consistent with the language used for the Greater Tokyo Railway Diagram. JR Lines, private railway lines, subway lines, tram lines and people mover lines are depicted in the same manner. 

Future extensions are shown, including a new cross-town railway line connecting Umeda with Tennoji via Namba that will be used by JR-West and Nankai services, and the Osaka Monorail's extension on the east side of the city to Uryudo.

Here is a closeup showing the design language applied to the complex Namba / Tennoji area.  Note that some of the station numbering schemes have been revised to make them more unified.  For example, I have added a "T" in front of all Kintetsu services so their station numbering won't clash with the Osaka Subway's station numbering.  Similarly, all JR-West servies have a "J" in front, adopting a scheme comparable to JR-East's approach for Tokyo.

The coloured circles provide guidance on stopping patterns for lines that feature two or more stopping patterns.

Here is the detail for Kyoto and its surrounds.  A wonderful part of Japan.

The map also features an inset that shows the long-distance limited express services that largely operate as a separate system to the commuter rail system shown on the main map.  The intent here is to show the cross-regional journeys that originate from the Kansai Region.  Not all of these services operate at a high frequency, so the frequency of these services is a key piece of information shown on this sub-diagram.

I would be delighted with any feedback and encouragement you may have!  I really need it to complete the map.  As I said at the beginning of this post - it is way easier to start a map than to finish it.

Thanks everyone for your support!