◆◆◆“Kansai, the Essence of Japan,” an e-mail newsletter
delivered by the Organization of Kansai Unity Vol.9 (February26,2010) ◆◆◆
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: Information on Ski Resorts in Kansai
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Skiing in pleasant spring weather is one of life’s finest experiences.
In the Kansai area, visitors can enjoy skiing from December through the end
of March, every year.
Ski resorts in Kansai are introduced by area below.
◇Fukui Prefecture
http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/places/ski.html
◇Mie Prefecture
http://welcome.kankomie.or.jp/english/search/spot.php?act=dtl&id=120
◇Shiga Prefecture
http://info.biwako-visitors.jp/biwakonotabi/english/osusume/index1.html
◇Kyoto Prefecture
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/theme/activities/activity/nature/
◇Hyogo Prefecture
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/topics/index3.html (Japanese)
◇Tokushima Prefecture
http://www.awanavi.jp/english/w-29.html
◇Tottori Prefecture
http://yokoso.pref.tottori.jp/dd.aspx?itemid=44718#itemid44718
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◆Special feature 1：Fukui Prefecture
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This issue features experience-based tours unique to Fukui Prefecture.
◇Experience Japanese Paper Making
Echizen Washi-no Sato or the Echizen Paper Village boasts a 1,500-year
history of the best quality and technique of Japanese paper making. Why
not make your own Japanese paper. It only takes 20 minutes!
http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/places/hand.html
◇Experience Lacquered Chopstick Polishing
Over 80% of Japanese chopsticks are manufactured in Wakasa Obama.
Wakasa lacquered chopsticks are created by repeatedly applying lacquer,
inlaying shell and polishing the surface until the beautiful patterns appear.
Visitors can experience lacquered chopstick polishing.
http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/places/hand.html
◇Experience Zen Meditation
Eihei-ji, the Soto sect’s Head Temple, was founded by zen master Dogen
in 1244. On the premises, where the strict practices of zen Buddhism continue
unchanged since ancient times, visitors can experience zen meditation, the
basis of the zen practice, for 20 minutes.
http://www.fuku-e.com/kankou/detail.asp?t=k&pid=10000051 (Japanese)
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◆Special feature 2：Shiga Prefecture
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This issue features experience-based tours unique to Shiga Prefecture.
◇Biwako Valley
Biwako Valley (nature amusement park) is located atop Mt. Horai. The summit
area, 1,100 meters above sea level, is blessed with affluent nature and commands
superb views of Lake Biwa. Visitors can enjoy skiing in winter and other forms of
fun in summer on an extensive field with activities enjoyed in nature, such as hiking.
http://www.biwako-visitors.jp/search/spot_play_1054.html (Japanese)
◇Biwako Cruise
Biwako Cruise offers various cruises on Lake Biwa. Among these, the Michigan
Cruise,a cruise on the ship Michigan, offers various types of entertainment,
including enjoyable concerts, fun events and colorful foods, including light meals
and course meals.
http://info.biwako-visitors.jp/biwakonotabi/english/leisure/index.html
◇Kurokabe Square
Kurokabe Square provides experience-based classes including a glass blowing
class in an effort to offer visitors various opportunities to experience glass making.
In Kurokabe Glass Hall, visitors can purchase glass products, such as accessories
and daily commodities.
http://info.biwako-visitors.jp/biwakonotabi/english/shopping/index.html
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◆Recommended accommodation: Todaya Inn (Mie)
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Todaya Inn is a long-established Japanese inn in front of Kintetsu Toba Station in
Mie Prefecture. Views of Toba Bay can be enjoyed from all of its rooms. The inn’s
Onsen Village offers relaxing experiences with 13 types of spas and 2 foot bath
sections in total, for male and female visitors. Onsen Village includes a spacious
public bath and three refined and unique types of open-air spas-- Taruburo (barrel
spa), Binburo (bottle spa) and Iwaburo (crag spa). Visitors can enjoy leisure time
in spas while viewing the blue ocean.
http://www.todaya.co.jp/english/
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◆Useful Information: Campaign Welcome to Harborland
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Until the end of March, Kobe Harborland provides nightly free bus service directly
connecting with hotels on Harborland and Port Island. Discount coupons are
available on the Kobe Harborland website. Please print out your coupons and
bring them with you when you visit Harborland.
http://www.harborland.co.jp/en/guidemap/index.html#bus
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◆Participate in our online survey about sightseeing in the Kansai region!
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An online survey is now being conducted regarding sightseeing in the Kansai region.
All survey respondents will receive a Kansai Original Goods Set.
Also, lucky winners will be chosen at random for even more prizes from those
participating in the survey.
We’ll be waiting to hear from you!
*This survey is limited to people living outside Japan.
Click Here Now! ↓
https://reg31.smp.ne.jp/regist/is?SMPFORM=pcm-sapi-bb280c7b8d634649133684050f171029
◇Survey Period: Feb. 15 to Mar. 15, 2010 (The survey ends when all prizes have been given away.)
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
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
(To change registered e-mail address and unsubscribe from the service) ->
https://area31.smp.ne.jp/area/cl/41353/hIzGDDaDf8f5/M?S=ldkd4pim
(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
