◆◆ "Kansai, the Essence of Japan," an e-mail newsletter delivered by the Organization of Kansai Unity Vol11 (March 31, 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：Spring Cherry Blossom NEWS
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With warmer winds, spring has finally come. Let us introduce you to some of the beautiful cherry blossom spots in the Kansai region. Visit and enjoy.
◇Japan's longest tunnel of cherry blossom trees (along the Asuwa River in Fukui Prefecture) The 2.2 km tunnel of cherry blossom trees has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best cherry blossom spots. It's a 10-minute walk from JR Fukui Station.
Fukui Spring Festival: April 1 (Thu) to 25 (Sun), 2010
http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/event/apr.html (English)
http://www.fukuicity-navi.com/hm/ (Japanese)
◇ Omihachiman Suigo Meguri boat tours (Shiga Prefecture) Long ago, the Hachimanbori canal used to be linked to Lake Biwa, with many boats traveling to and fro. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms along with the picturesque scenery of Hachimanbori lined with traditional white-walled storehouses.
http://info.biwako-visitors.jp/biwakonotabi/english/seasons/index.html (English) http://www.omi8.com/annai/suigoumeguri.htm (Japanese)
◇Kimiidera Temple (Wakayama Prefecture) A spot famous for early-blooming cherry blossoms. Here you can view the blooming of some 700 cherry blossom trees.
http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/season/flower.html (English)
http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/kataribe/06/guide_02.html (Japanese)
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◆Special feature 1：Mie Prefecture
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Here are some recommended places for spring sightseeing.
◇ Iga Ueno NINJA Festival 2010 will be held in the old ninja village of Iga Ueno. Period: April 1 (Thu) to May 5 (Wed, holiday), 2010. (Mainly on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) http://welcome.kankomie.or.jp/english/recommend/ninja.html (English) http://www.kankomie.or.jp/db/result.php?id=5179 (Japanese)
◇ Shima Spain Village Shima Spain Village in spring is full of new joys and excitements.
http://www.parque-net.com/foreign/english/index.html (English)
http://www.parque-net.com/special/2010spring/index.html (Japanese)
◇ Nemu no Sato Nemu no Sato is a vast resort offering various activities in a natural environment. In spring, field flowers start to bloom, small birds twitter, and little creatures become active again.
http://www.nemunosato.com/about/foreignlanguage.html (English) http://www.nemunosato.com/index.html (Japanese)
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◆Special feature 2：Nara Prefecture
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Here are some recommended places for spring sightseeing.
◇ Heijo Palace Site Here you can enjoy the beautiful blooming of some 1,000 cherry trees from late March to early April. The reconstructed Suzakumon gate is now illuminated every night. Heijo Palace Site is the main venue for the Commemorative Events for the 1300th Anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital. The events at this venue will open on April 24 (Sat). http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/dd_aspx_menuid-1726.htm (English) http://www.kasugano.com/kankou/spring/suzaku_daikoku.html (Japanese)
◇ Nara Park: Ukimi-do At Nara Park, some 3,500 cherry blossom trees including yaezakura bloom from late March to early April. Reflected on the water's surface, the cherry blossom trees surrounding the Ukimi-do Hall on Sagi-ike pond create fantastic scenery. http://narashikanko.jp/en/spots/index.html. (English) http://narashikanko.jp/kan_spot/kan_spot_data/w_si161.html (Japanese)
◇ Isonokami Jingu Shrine Isonokami Jingu Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. In the Isonokami Jingu Gaien Park and surrounding area, some 600 someiyoshino cherry trees will be in bloom. During the Tenri Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April), the area is illuminated with bonbori and chochin lanterns at night, so you can enjoy night viewing of cherry blossoms (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.).
http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/dd_aspx_itemid-1534.htm#itemid1534 (English) http://www.kasugano.com/kankou/isonokami/ (Japanese)
◇ Mt. Yoshino (Nara Prefecture) Mt. Yoshino is registered as part of the World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." It is also famous as one of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan. The spectacular blooming of some 30,000 cherry blossom trees progresses in succession through the mountain's four regions known as "Shimo-senbon (lower thousand trees), Naka-senbon (middle thousand trees), Kami-senbon (upper thousand trees) and Oku-senbon (thousand trees at the heart of the mountain).
During cherry blossom season, some mountain areas are illuminated at night. The subtle and profound atmosphere created by the illumination makes the areas look very different from daytime.
http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/dd_aspx_menuid-1310.htm (English) http://www.kasugano.com/kankou/spring/yoshino.html (Japanese)
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◆Recommended accommodation：Kaike Tsuruya
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Located in the Kaike Onsen area, the Kaike Tsuruya ryokan is popular among women. Combining Japanese and Western styles, the ryokan offers hot spring baths that are wonderful for the skin. Commanding a view of Mt. Daisen (also known as Houki Fuji), and located near the Sea of Japan, the ryokan offers an unmatched traditional Japanese atmosphere.
http://www.kaiketsuruya-ryokan.jp/ (English)
http://www.kaiketuruya.co.jp/ (Japanese)
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◆Useful Information：The website Rekishi-Kaido, which offers recommended routes for touring around Kansai's World Heritage sites and other historical sites, has been updated!
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Rekishi-Kaido offers 33 recommended tour routes to Kansai's World Heritage sites and surrounding areas. It also offers some easy-to-understand examples of tour plans. Another useful feature are videos of many historical and cultural sites included in the recommended tour routes. Please take advantage of this website for your travel planning. Your travels in Kansai will be even more enjoyable if you know more about Kansai's World Heritage sites and other historical sites.
http://www.rekishikaido.gr.jp/heritage/course/index-en.html (English) http://www.rekishikaido.gr.jp/heritage/course/index.html (Japanese)
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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)
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◇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
