September 15, 2009
◆◆◆“Kansai, the Essence of Japan,” an e-mail newsletter delivered by the Organization of Kansai Unity Vol.1 ◆◆◆
The Organization of Kansai Unity has created the e-mail newsletter “Kansai, the Essence of Japan” to introduce various must-see tourist attractions of the Kansai region in Japan, delivering information such as local history, culture, the natural environment and the latest news on shopping and entertainment.
Website: http://www.kansai-japan.net/en/
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◆ Latest event information～Aqua Metropolis Osaka 2009 is now being held!～
Osaka is a water metropolis, often compared to Venice in Italy, the most famous aquapolis in the world. During Aqua Metropolis Osaka 2009, various programs are scheduled in riverside areas, such as nighttime illuminations, art programs and river cruises, to provide opportunities for visitors to rediscover the attractiveness of the riverine environment.
Website: http://www.suito-osaka2009.jp/en/index.html
◆ Special features The Kansai region comprises 10 prefectures: Fukui, Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tokushima, and Tottori Prefectures. Each e-mail newsletter will cover two of the 10 prefectures.
◇ Special feature 1: Osaka
Osaka, the second largest metropolis in Japan, is also renowned as the gourmet capital of Japan. All kinds of foods can be enjoyed at various eateries in Osaka, ranging from high-class restaurants to casual eating houses.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/search/list/gourmet.php
Quiz: What are the three most popular local foods of Osaka?
Hint: All three foods are made with flour.
See the answer here: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/culture/2007may/07.html
Answer: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki and udon noodles
Another attractive feature of Osaka is its wide variety of shops, such as discount home electrical appliance stores, shopping arcades offering attractive items at low prices, and the latest designer brand shops.
(Ebisubashisuji shopping street)
http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/search/detail/shopping_5132.html
(Daimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi)
http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/search/detail/shopping_5033.html
The Web page below introduces attractive features of Osaka in the form of animation, a part of Japanese culture unrivaled worldwide.
(Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau)
◇ Special feature 2: Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture has various tourist spots filled with historical and cultural attractions. Notable examples are Mt. Koya, which is the holy land of the Shingon sect of Esoteric Buddhism, and Kumano Kodo, a pilgrimage route leading to Kumano Sanzan (the three grand shrines of Kumano), both of which are located in an area registered as the World Heritage Cultural site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”
(Mt. Koya)
http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/01_history.html
(Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau)
http://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/index.html
Quiz: What anniversary will this year mark since the registration of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” as a World Cultural Heritage site?
Hint: The registration was relatively recent.
Answer: The 5th anniversary (registered in 2004)
(Kumano Hongu Heritage Center, which was established to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the registration)
http://www.city.tanabe.lg.jp/hongukan/en/index.html .
The Kumano Kodo Audio Guide is useful for visitors to listen to an explanation of Kumano Kodo while walking the pilgrimage route.
You can download the guide here: http://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/audio-guides/Kumano_kodo_Audio_guide.html
Rental service of the Koyasan Audio Guide is also available.
http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/10_audio.html
Various kinds of fresh seafood and local mountain delicacies can be enjoyed in Wakayama Prefecture. Notable examples are tuna, kelp groupers, mandarin orange, and ume (plums).
(Local foods of Wakayama)
http://kanko.wiwi.co.jp/world/english/pleasure/specialty.html
(Gourmet information of Wakayama)
http://kanko.wiwi.co.jp/world/english/relax/gourmet.html
Taking an onsen hot spring bath while overlooking the beautiful scenery of nature is also one of Wakayama Prefecture’s prime attractions.
(Hot springs in Wakayama Prefecture)
http://kanko.wiwi.co.jp/world/english/relax/hotspring.html
◆ Recommended accommodation
Yougendo is a highly recommended guest house in Nara Prefecture, owned and operated by a married couple. The husband, from England, and his wife, brought up in the Kansai region, renovated a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house to set up this warm and welcoming guest house. This experience of an authentic lifestyle of Japan at Yougendo has received wide acclaim from visitors. It also offers easy access to the World Cultural Heritage site of Horyuji Temple.
◆ Useful information
Did you know that economical rail passes are available exclusively for short-term overseas visitors to Japan? With these passes, you can freely take trains in specified areas of the Kansai region for a limited period of time. With some rail passes you can also get discounts on admission to cultural/tourist facilities. Rail passes can be purchased at major stations of each railway company.
（JR-WEST RAIL PASS）
http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/travel/jrp/index.html
（KANSAI THRU PASS）
http://www.surutto.com/conts/ticket/3dayeng/
（KINTETSU RAIL PASS）
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-krpw.html
*Sales locations, areas of use, and pass privileges vary by railway company. For details, please refer to each railway company’s website.
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Issued by: The Organization of Kansai Unity
Address: 11F, Osaka International Convention Center (OICC Grand Cube Osaka) 5-3-51 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
Website: http://www.kansai-japan.net/en/
E-mail: info@kansai-japan.net
◆What is Kansai?
The Kansai region comprises 10 prefectures: Fukui, Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tokushima, and Tottori Prefectures. Befitting one of the best tourist destinations in Japan, Kansai is full of tourist attractions, including five UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. http://www.kansai.gr.jp/place_e/kansai/index.htm
◆What is Kansai Unity?
The Organization of Kansai Unity was established on July 1, 2007, comprising 10 prefectures, four ordinance-designated cities, and 6 economic organizations in the Kansai region. The purpose of the organization is to help Kansai develop into an attractive and energetic region by taking advantage of the overall strengths of the region. http://www.kansai.gr.jp/place_e/kansai/index.htm
