November 1, 2009
◆◆◆ “Kansai, the Essence of Japan,” an e-mail newsletter delivered by the Organization of Kansai Unity Vol.3 ◆◆◆
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 tints
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In Japan, people look forward to appreciating autumn tints every year. The Kansai region is home to a wide variety of tourist destinations noted for beautifully colored leaves. The most recommended time to appreciate autumn tints in Kansai is between mid-November and early December.
◇ Mt.Yoshino (Nara)
After a mere 90-minutes’ travel by train and ropeway from Nara City, you can enjoy scenic beauty created by as many as 30,000 cherry trees and brightly colored maples. Kimpusen-ji Temple, Yoshimizu Shrine and Yoshinoyama Onsen are also prime attractions of Nara Prefecture. Nighttime illuminations are scheduled from November 14 (Sat.) to November 29 (Sun.), to provide opportunities for visitors to appreciate colored leaves at night.
http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/dd_aspx_itemid-1555.htm#itemid1555
◇Akame Shijyuhachitaki Waterfalls (Mie)
The Akame Shijyuhachitaki Waterfalls, designated one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. A famed tourist attraction of Mie Prefecture, it is characterized by 48 (“shijuhachi” in Japanese) beautiful waterfalls running in the upper stream of the river. The falls harmonize with the colored leaves that surround it, creating a majestic atmosphere.
http://welcome.kankomie.or.jp/english/search/spot.php?act=dtl&id=50
◇Daisen-Oki National Park (Tottori)
Daisen-Oki National Park in Tottori Prefecture displays a wide variety of seasonal beauty. Above all, the park is noted for its beautifully colored maple leaves.
http://kanko.pref.tottori.jp/english/nature/
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◆ Special feature 1:Shiga
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Shiga Prefecture is famous for Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.
http://info.biwako-visitors.jp/biwakonotabi/english/leisure/index.html
Visitors can stroll through an array of traditional houses in the town of merchants, and enjoy water excursions in the famous canal district of Omihachiman City.
http://info.biwako-visitors.jp/biwakonotabi/english/history/index.html
Ogoto Onsen is a hot spring resort easily accessed from Kyoto.
http://info.biwako-visitors.jp/biwakonotabi/english/onsen/index.html
MIHO Museum, renowned for its magnificent architecture, exhibits a wide variety of art works from around the world.
http://www.miho.or.jp/english/index.htm
There are many other must-see tourist destinations in Shiga Prefecture. Funazushi, fermented carp meat sushi, is a local specialty characterized by its uniquely pungent, yet addictive fragrance.
http://info.biwako-visitors.jp/biwakonotabi/english/food/index.html
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◆ Special feature 2:Fukui
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One of the many popular tourist destinations in Fukui Prefecture is Eiheiji Temple, the head temple of the Soto Zen sect, which was established in 1244 by priest Dogen as a place for Zen meditation training.
http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/places/culture.html
The magnificent Tojinbo cliffs and 120 year-old Awara Onsen, located in the quiet outskirts of the Kansai region, are also prime attractions of the Prefecture.
(Tojinbo cliffs) http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/places/nature.html
（Awara Onsen） http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/accommodations/area1_1.html
Visitors can enjoy renowned delicacies from the Sea of Japan during the winter season, such as Echizen crab and other fresh seafoods. High-quality traditional crafts, such as Echizen Shikki (lacquerware), are also recognized as special products of the Prefecture.
（Echizen crab） http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/places/food.html
（Echizen Shikki） http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/places/traditional.html
Quiz: In Japan, most fossil remains of dinosaurs have been discovered in Fukui Prefecture. What do you think is the percentage of those remains discovered in Fukui Prefecture?
http://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/en/
・・・ The answer: over 80%.
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◆ Recommended accommodation
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◇ Experience at a temple guest house
Did you know special accommodation facilities typical of the Kansai region? Since esoteric Buddhism was introduced into Japan 1,200 years ago, Mt. Hiei (Shiga Prefecture) and Mt. Koya (Wakayama Prefecture) have served as the two greatest training places for monks. Stays at temple guest houses on the two mountains will provide you a precious opportunity to eat vegetarian dishes prepared for Buddhist monks, and refresh your body and mind amidst rich natural settings.
（Mt. Hiei） http://www.hieizan.or.jp/enryakuji/econt/mount/cook.html
（Mt.Koya） http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/05_syukubo.html
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◆Useful Information
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◇ Try on a kimono and you can receive discounts.
At the Nishijin Textile Center, located near Kinkakuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s popular tourist attractions, visitors can try on a kimono, enjoy a kimono fashion show and observe a demonstration of Nishijin textile hand weaving.
（Nishijin Textile Center） http://www.nishijin.or.jp/eng/eng.htm
During the period from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010, the Kimono Passport program is conducted in Kyoto. By presenting Kimono Passports at museums, art galleries, hotels and other participating facilities, visitors wearing kimonos can receive special privileges and discounts. Kimono Passports are distributed free of charge at the Nishijin Textile Center, tourist information centers and other specified locations. You can also obtain the Passport by printing it out here:
http://www.kimono-passport.jp/ (Japanese)
Inquiry: info@kimono-passport.jp
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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.
