◆◆◆“Kansai, the Essence of Japan,” an e-mail newsletter
delivered by the Organization of Kansai Unity Vol.7 (January 29,2010) ◆◆◆
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: The new commercial establishments in Osaka
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In Japan, autumn and winter goods are generally on sale from January to the beginning of February. Further price reductions can be found in the final stages of bargain sales. When you visit Kansai, come check it out!
In Osaka, large commercial establishments have opened or had face-lifts, one after another. Some of them are introduced below.
(Daimaru Shinsaibashi)
This is an old, established department store with a neo-Gothic style exterior. In November 2009, the north building of Daimaru Shinsaibashi opened with approximately 78,000 m2 of sales floor area, the largest in western Japan.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/jp/search/detail/shopping_5033.html (Japanese)
http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/search/detail/shopping_5033.html (English)
(Umeda Hankyu)
Umeda Hankyu is currently being expanded, toward its grand opening. The phase I building has been open since September 2009. Its food section has a wide selection of items, including delicatessens and sweets.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/jp/search/detail/shopping_5034.html (Japanese)
http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/search/detail/shopping_5034.html (English)
(BREEZE BREEZE)
In October 2008 “BREEZE BREEZE,” a commercial establishment consisting of restaurants and specialty stores, opened within the Breeze Tower in Umeda, Osaka.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/jp/search/detail/sightseeing_6222.html (Japanese)
http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/search/detail/sightseeing_6222.html (English)
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◆Special feature 1：Tokushima Prefecture
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This issue features experience-based tours and delicious foods unique to Tokushima.
◇Experience-based tour-“Watching Sea Turtle Egg-laying”
Sea turtle egg-laying can be seen on the Ohama Beach and Cape Kamoda, both of which are located in the southern part of Tokushima. Although sea turtle egg-laying requires a beautiful beach, very few locations offer opportunities to view such an event these days.
Ohama Beach: http://www.awanavi.jp/article/0000943.html (Japanese)
Gamouda Beach: http://www.awanavi.jp/article/0000939.html (Japanese)
Sea Turtle Egg-laying : http://www.awanavi.jp/english/s-cd01.html (English)
◇Gourmet
[Naruto Sea Bream]
Naruto sea bream, which has been knocked about in the tides of Naruto Strait, is characterized by its firm texture. Red sea-bream, just before the spawning season in spring, is especially called “Sakura-dai (cherry blossom sea bream),” which is usually served as sashimi (sliced raw sea bream) or tai-meshi (sea bream rice).
http://www.awanavi.jp/category/0003630.html (Japanese)
[Momo-ichigo Strawberry]
This strawberry is called “Momo-ichigo (peach-strawberry)” because it is thought of as a large and juicy, peach-like strawberry. The strawberry itself is the result of advanced genetic modification technology and elaborate production control.
http://www.awanavi.jp/article/0001391.html (Japanese)
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◆Special feature 2：Hyogo Prefecture
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This issue features Japan’s most famous beef, and a musical.
◇Kobe Beef
Kobe Beef is finely fat-marbled red meat. The fat melts when heated, tenderizing the meat around it and creating a truly soft texture.
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/spot/index.php?act=detail&id=200443 (Japanese)
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/food/index.html (English)
You can enjoy Kobe beef in restaurants detailed at this site:
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/authen_friend/restaurant_j/restaurant.html (Japanese)
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/authen_friend/rest01.html (English)
◇Salon de Takarazuka
This is a musical with only female performers. Male parts are played by females who disguise themselves as men. Salon de Takarazuka is the only such theater troupe in the world that periodically presents large-scale revues and shows.
http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/index.shtml (Japanese)
http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/english/index.html (English)
◇Kinosaki Hot Springs
Shirosaki Hot Springs is a hot spring resort that boasts a 1400-year history. One of its attractions is a tour of 7 outdoor baths, including “Kouno-yu” and “Mandara-yu”.
http://www.kinosaki-spa.gr.jp/ (Japanese)
http://www.kinosaki-hotsprings.com/# (English)
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◆Recommended accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel (Osaka)
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Founded in 1935, Rihga Royal Hotel (Osaka) will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year. Built at the request of Japan’s financial and political circles as a hotel that could serve as the Kansai region’s State Guest House, Rihga Royal Hotel (Osaka) features, in addition to its fine restaurants and bars, numerous halls that can be used for diverse conventions.
http://www.rihga.co.jp/osaka/index.htm (Japanese)
http://www.rihga.com/osaka/index.html (English)
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◆Useful Information: Shopping at reasonable prices - Information on Outlets -
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Generally, Kansai people seem to have fun shopping for inexpensive and valuable items, so the Kansai area has many facilities that offer great shopping opportunities. This issue features outlets that offer leading brand items at reasonable prices.
◇Rinku Premium Outlets (Osaka)
The “Shunsetsu (East Asian Lunar calendar New Year) Campaign” will be held in this facility from February 1 ~ 28. Details will be posted on the following website as needed.
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/rinku/index.php (English)
Services include coupons issued throughout the year, offering a 25% - 65% discount for foreign customers.
The facility is linked with Kansai Airport by shuttle bus services, for a fee of 100 yen one way.
The discount coupon vouchers can be downloaded from the following website.
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/voucher/pdf/en_voucher.pdf (English)
◇ Mitsui Outlet Park “Jazz Dream Nagashima” (Mie)
This facility is located in an area blessed with many sight-seeing spots, including “Nagashima Spa Land,” a comprehensive leisure land, hot springs and “Nabana-no-sato,” a park for flowers and food .
http://www.31op.com/nagashima (Japanese)
http://www.31op.com/nagashima/foreign/index.html (English)
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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
(Back numbers) -> http://www.kansai-japan.net/en/mailmag/ (English)
http://www.kansai-japan.net/jp/mailmag/ (Japanese)
◇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/ku/menu/pdf/english.pdf
