November 25, 2009
◆◆◆ “Kansai, the Essence of Japan,” an e-mail newsletter delivered by the Organization of Kansai Unity Vol.4 ◆◆◆
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: Nighttime illuminations
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How would you like to stroll through streets illuminated by gentle lighting on a winter’s night? The Saga-Arashiyama area, known as one of Kyoto’s top scenic attractions, will be illuminated by andon lights during the period shown below. These special illuminations will surely get you into the mood to enjoy walking around the district.
-December 11 (Fri.) to December 20 (Sun.), 17:00 to 20:30-
http://hanatouro.jp/e/index.html
The OSAKA Hikari Renaissance 2009, a festival of lights, will be held in the Nakanoshima area of water metropolis Osaka during the following period. You can enjoy a wide variety of illuminations and attractive programs along the riversides.
-December 1 (Tue.) to December 25 (Fri.), 17:00 to 22:00 (Time depends on programs.)-
http://www.hikari-renaissance.com/mt/en/index.html
The Kobe Luminarie, symbolizing the hope of Kobe City and its residents, has been held every December, aiming to pass down memories of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake from generation to generation. The duration of this year’s Kobe Luminarie will be as follows:
-December 3 (Thu.) to December 14 (Mon), 18:00 to 21:30-
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/new/index.html
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◆ Special feature 1:Tottori
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Did you know there is a vast sand dune in Japan?
http://kanko.pref.tottori.jp/english/eastern/
The Japanese traditional townscape preserve, where visitors can spend a peaceful and quiet time, is one of prime tourist attractions of Tottori Prefecture.
http://kanko.pref.tottori.jp/english/central/
An array of monuments with a motif of yokai ? spirit monsters ? which appeared in the famous manga series of Gegege no Kitaro is also a must-see.
http://kanko.pref.tottori.jp/english/western/
Tottori Prefecture has ten onsen hot springs. The most famous one is Misasa Onsen, which is noted for the highest level of radium content in the world.
http://kanko.pref.tottori.jp/english/hot_springs/
Matsuba crab, the king of delicacies during the winter season in the Prefecture, can be enjoyed after November.
http://kanko.pref.tottori.jp/english/products/
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◆ Special feature 2:Kyoto
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Kyoto Prefecture is home to many temples and shrines registered as World Cultural Heritage sites.
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/theme/sites/shrines/w_heritage/
Visitors can experience the traditional culture of Kyoto at one time, such as the tea ceremony, kyogen plays and dances by maiko girls.
http://kyoto-gion-corner.info/gion_corner/top/index.html
Renowned as traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine, Kaiseki-ryori can be also enjoyed in Kyoto prefecture.
http://www.kyoto.travel/dining/central_kyoto.html
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◆ Recommended accommodation
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Gion Hatanaka is a small, yet cozy accommodation that offers high-class guest rooms, Japanese seasonal dishes using local vegetables, and cordial hospitality based on the spirit of ichigo-ichie (“You should treat everyone you encounter with courtesy, as if the encounter were a once in a lifetime opportunity”). Located in front of Yasaka Shrine, Gion Hakata provides the easiest access to popular tourist attractions of Kyoto such as Kiyomizu Temple (a World Cultural Heritage site), and Kodaiji Temple, which is noted in connection with the famous military leader Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Guests can also enjoy dances by maiko girls and pleasant conversations with maiko girls!
http://www.thehatanaka.co.jp/english/index.html
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◆Useful Information
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◇Subsidy for sightseeing bus hiring fee
To provide more opportunities for overseas tourists to discover the attractiveness of Hyogo Prefecture, the Hyogo Tourism Association grants overseas tourist groups a subsidy for sightseeing bus hiring fees. The maximum amount of the subsidy per bus is 30,000 yen.
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/bus/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.
