October 8, 2009
◆◆◆ “Kansai, the Essence of Japan,” an e-mail newsletter delivered by the Organization of Kansai Unity Vol.2 ◆◆◆
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
Autumn,the best season for enjoying art! Latest information on art & culture
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Kansai Culture Day is a popular event held each November to promote art and culture in the Kansai region. During the event period, free admission will be offered at art galleries, museums and other cultural facilities in Kansai. This year, mainly on Sat. and Sun., November 14 and 15, more than 380 art facilities will participate by offering visitors free admission. You are highly recommended to take this opportunity to enjoy autumn by admiring the wide variety of art in Kansai. (In general, free admission is available only for permanent exhibitions. The specific days of free admission depend on each art facility.)
(Participating art facilities)
・Nara National Museum http://www.narahaku.go.jp/pdf/english.pdf
・The Museum of Kyoto http://www.bunpaku.or.jp/info_english.html
・The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka http://www.moco.or.jp/en/
（Information on Kansai Culture Day）
http://www.kansaibunka.com/ (in Japanese)
（Latest news on art and culture）
http://www.kansai.gr.jp/art/index_e.html
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◆ Special feature 1:Kobe
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Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture has traditionally promoted active international exchanges, using its port as a door to the world. Long involved in adopting overseas cultures since its early days, Kobe is also renowned as a fashion capital of Japan.
http://www.feel-kobe.jp/english/index.html
Cruises offering excellent cuisine amid a beautiful sunset and night view of Kobe
http://www.kobeconcerto.com/English/index.asp
http://www.luminouskobe.co.jp/information/index.html (in Japanese)
Nada in Kobe is one of major sake-producing areas of Japan, taking advantage of local high-quality water and rice. Information on sake cellar visits and tasting:
http://www.enjoyfukuju.com/english/our_sake/index.html
Taking an onsen hot spring bath at Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest spa resorts, will ensure you have an exceptionally relaxing time.
http://www.arima-onsen.com/eng/spa.html
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◆ Special feature 2:Tokushima
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Tokushima Prefecture, located in Shikoku, one of the major islands comprising Japan, boasts an abundant natural environment.
http://www.awanavi.jp/english/index.html
The magnificent whirlpools viewed from Naruto Bridge over the Akashi Strait is marvelous.
http://www.awanavi.jp/english/e-13.html
Boating along the Oboke and Koboke gorges offer an unforgettable experience.
http://www.awanavi.jp/english/w-20.html
A wide variety of onsen hot springs are also prime attractions of Tokushima Prefecture.
http://www.awanavi.jp/english/w-31.html
Cultural and amusing entertainment programs are also available.
・Otsuka Museum of Art
http://www.awanavi.jp/english/e-65.html
・Awa Puppet Theater
http://www.awanavi.jp/english/hc-06.html
The Awa Odori dance festival, a famous event in summer, attracts many tourists. You can see a video clip of this distinctive way of dancing:
http://www.awanavi.jp/movie/category/0003467.html (in Japanese)
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◆ Recommended accommodation
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Iori Machiya is a townhouse-style accommodation that embodies the concept of restoration and preservation of Kyoto’s traditional houses. Here visitors can experience enjoyable programs of authentic Japanese culture such as calligraphy and flower arrangement. The traditional interior and modern decorations harmonize with each other at Iori Machiya, receiving great acclaim from visitors. The townhouse’s chairman, Alex Kerr, has been appointed as a “Yokoso! Japan” ambassador.
http://www.kyoto-machiya.com/eng/
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◆ Useful information
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Kansai International Airport offers a tour of local shopping malls for 200 yen. By taking a hop-on-hop-off bus (Sky Shuttle Bus), you can visit three large shopping malls near the airport to enjoy shopping. For details, please ask at the Travel Desk on the ground floor of the Airport Terminal Building. (This service is available only for overseas visitors.)
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/transittour/index.html
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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.
