During the Christmas season, Kansai cities are decorated as beautifully as jewelry boxes and a variety of Christmas events are held.
Archives of May 2009
From the middle of November, towns turned red with the leaves of roadside trees and parks. The changing color of the leaves in Kyoto attracts many tourists who come from all over in Japan. In the evening, several temples light up their gardens extending their special beauty into the night.
Many events such as the world famous Formula One Race, and historic traditional events in the two old capitals of Nara and Kyoto, are held in the fall. In addition, the MIDOSUJI (Mido Street) parade in Osaka is the biggest of its kind in Japan.
It used to be said that Osaka is a main kitchen of the world, and is known as " city where people could be ruined by extravagant dining". These sayings illustrate Osaka's unique food culture. You may be relived to know that good dining is very affordable.
Among the 13 historical districts in Japan, 5 districts are located in historic Kansai. Many of these sites are concentrated in Kyoto, Nara, and the mountainous region called Kii-sanchi making it easy to reach many of them in a limited time.
Several major traditional summer festivals are held this month. Do you know that two of the three biggest festivals in Japan are held in the Kansai district? You also should not miss the fireworks festivals held in many different cities.
Stroll through the cities of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto cities and enjoy each city's atmosphere while shopping, visiting a hot-spring, cruising, enjoying their restaurants, and sampling the local night life.
This is one of the largest theme parks in Asia designed by Americans. You can enjoy a variety of exciting realistically reproduced attractions based on famous Hollywood movies.
In the beginning of April, delicate pink cherry blossoms appear here and there throughout Japan. Kansai in particular has many cherry blossom-viewing spots. The warm weather also means many events are scheduled then.
Traditional arts are highly esteemed by the people of Japan and conscientiously handed down from generation to generation. Place where these traditional arts can be experienced by the first-time visitors are presented here.
Japan is a land of volcanoes giving rise to many natural hot springs (onsen). There are many special hot springs in the mountains, near the sea and by rivers of Kansai. Staying at a Japanese style inn (ryokan), enjoying the special regional food and strolling around the area are pleasures well known to the Japanese.
As the beginning of the New Year, there are some events which are held in Kansai. This is the month when Kansai people savor special winter dishes. Served in an earthen pot, easy-to-cook hot-pot dishes contain a variety vegetables and meat or fish. This cuisine is especially popular in Kansai.
Well known industrial inspection sites in Kansai. If you wish to visit a place of business, please let us know and we will arrange it.
Young people exchanging pleasantries with visitors. If you wish to get together with some young Japanese by this program, please let us know and we will arrange it.
This 20-min. video tape gives first-time visitors a look at Kansai (Western) Japan.
This 20-min. video tape gives first-time visitors a look at Kansai (Western) Japan.
