◆◆ "Kansai, the Essence of Japan" Vol.13 (May 25, 2010 ) ◆◆
This newsletter is sent by Organization of Kansai Unity to introduce various must-see tourist attractions of the Kansai region in Japan, such as local history, culture, the natural environment and the latest news on shopping and entertainment.
Contents:
◆ The 1300th anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital is currently underway
◆ Special feature : Hyogo & Tokushima
◆ Recommended accommodation : Capsule hotel "First Cabin"
◆ Useful Information : Unlimited Ride Passes in Specific Areas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
◆ Latest event information: The 1300th anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital is currently underway
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Even 1300 years ago - a long time before the samurai period - Japan already enjoyed active cultural exchange with other countries.
Nara was the capital of Japan 1300 years ago.
This year a spectacular festival commemorating the 1300th anniversary of Heijo-kyo Capital is being held on a grand scale; visitors will feel as if they were brought back across time and space into the ancient capital.
At the extensive Heijo Palace Site, at which exact replicas of some of the ancient buildings of 1300 years ago stand impressively, a variety of exciting events will be held, including parades and costume experience. You can also enjoy delicious local foods of Nara. (Until Sunday, November 7)
http://www.1300.jp/foreign/english/index.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
◆ Special feature 1：Hyogo Prefecture
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Himeji Castle is famous as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The castle is only 40 minutes' travel from Osaka.
http://www.himeji-castle.gr.jp/index/English/index.html
* Renovation work is currently underway on the main castle keep; during the renovation work (expected to last until 2014), some areas may not be accessible to visitors.
http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/var/rev0/0017/4717/2010129115736.pdf http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/var/rev0/0017/4718/2010129115818.pdf
◇ Koko-en is an extensive Japanese garden located just west of Himeji Castle.
The garden is perfect for strolling. The view of Himeji Castle from Koko-en Garden is also magnificent.
http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/koukoen/english.html
◇ Information is available on model sightseeing courses in which you can also enjoy Shoshazan Enkyo-ji Temple, where The Last Samurai was filmed.
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/modelcourses/d_himeji.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
◆ Special feature 2：Tokushima Prefecture
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Awa-odori Dance Festival is a highlight of Tokushima's high summer season.
The festival is held for four days from August 12 to 15 every year.
When the evening falls, about 100,000 dancers set out into the streets, turning the downtown streets into dancing stages. Foreign tourists are also welcome to join in the circle of dance!
◇ Don't worry if you don't know how to dance Awa Odori. After getting a quick lesson from professional Awa Odori dancers, you can go on the dancing stage.
Let's dance in front of 1.3 million spectators!
There is no participation fee, and no dress requirement.
http://www.pref.tokushima.jp/english/attraction/culture/ (Article of Niwaka－ren）
◇ Paid spectator seats (for which admission tickets are required) are not the only places you can watch performances of Yumei-ren (registered popular dancing groups).
You can also enjoy exciting performances of Yumei-ren up close from the free spectator stands.
http://www.awanavi.jp/english/img/map_dance.gif （Map5~16）
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
◆ Recommended accommodation： Capsule hotel "First Cabin"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capsule hotels are unique accommodations developed in Japan.
They are reasonably priced and conveniently located in city centers.
http://www.first-cabin.jp/en/location/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
◆ Useful Information： Unlimited Ride Passes in Specific Areas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A pass is available for unlimited train and bus rides. It's ideal for your sightseeing!
A great value pass is available that allows unlimited train and bus rides within a designated area.
Another pass is available that also includes special benefits including discount admission to popular cultural and tourist facilities.
http://www.kansai.gr.jp/e/travel/support/pass.html#norihodai
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
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/
◇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
