◆◆ "Kansai, the Essence of Japan" Vol.15 (July 22, 2010 ) ◆◆
This newsletter is sent by Organization of Kansai Unity to introduce various must-see tourist attractions of the Kansai region in Japan. ( http://www.kansai-japan.net/en/ )
Contents:
◆ Kansai Guide by Foreigners Living in Kansai
◆ Special feature : Tottori & Kyoto
◆ Recommended accommodation : Hotel New Otani Osaka
◆ Useful Information : Low Cost Carriers Available at Kansai International Airport
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◆ Kansai Guide by Foreigners Living in Kansai
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Foreigners living in Kansai recommend their special travel spots! In this first article of the series, James Split, a Coordinator for International Relations in Shiga Prefecture, introduces his favorite sightseeing destinations.
To see his profile, click the following URL : http://www.pref.shiga.jp/b/kokusai/jet/cir-shokai.html (Japanese)
◇Miidera Temple (Onjoji Temple)
This temple complex is right next to my apartment. I highly recommend it for its beautiful architecture, including the main gate and its three-storied pagoda, and for the view it affords of Lake Biwa.
Michigan, where I was raised, is a very flat area, and on top of having both mountains and the lake nearby, Miidera Temple has gorgeous cherry trees and autumn colors, so I never tire of it.
http://www.shiga-miidera.or.jp/translation/eng.html
◇Omihachiman's Lakeside Road
This picturesque coastal road, Prefectural Road No. 25, running between Chomeiji Temple and the National Vacation Village in Omihachiman, is perfect for an afternoon drive.
I especially recommend it during the spring and autumn.
Near the National Vacation Village there is also a beach, Miyagahama, for people to leisurely relax and take in the lake.
◇Omi-Maiko's Beaches
The beaches at Omi-Maiko are just a 5 minute walk away from Omi-Maiko station on the JR Kosei Line.
I particularly love the white beaches here, but I also am fond of the mountain range which extends in the background along the west side of Lake Biwa.
Though different than the beaches I am used to, this beach is very popular in the summer, and I highly recommend a visit.
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◆ Special feature 1 : Tottori Prefecture
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◇Mt. Daisen
Mt. Daisen is dubbed Hoki Fuji, because its beautiful silhouette and sheer grandeur are reminiscent of Mt. Fuji.
Here, you can thoroughly enjoy sports in a magnificent natural environment.
At this time of year, camping, climbing and cycling are recommended.
http://yokoso.pref.tottori.jp/dd.aspx?menuid=2862
◇The Uradome Kaigan
The Uradome Kaigan coast is one of the top scenic spots on the coast of the Sea of Japan.
It has been included in "Japan's 100 Best Beaches" and "Heisei Nippon 100 Scenic Spots."
The seawater is clear. Visitors can enjoy the Sea of Japan in various ways including excursion boat rides, snorkeling and beach seining.
The shallow sand beaches of the eastern part of this coast are popular for swimming.
http://yokoso.pref.tottori.jp/dd.aspx?itemid=41068#itemid41068
◇Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park
Commanding a superb view of Mt. Daisen, Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park is one of the largest flower gardens in Japan
http://yokoso.pref.tottori.jp/dd.aspx?menuid=2867
◇Kaike Onsen
At the hot springs of Kaike Onsen, a rare type that gushes from under the sea, visitors can also enjoy splendid views of Mt. Daisen.
Immediately in front of the onsen area is the blue Sea of Japan, faced by a white sand beach.
Here, you can enjoy casual beach walking, sea kayaking and various other attractions.
http://yokoso.pref.tottori.jp/dd.aspx?menuid=2864
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◆ Special feature 2 : Kyoto Prefecture
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Kyoto never ceases to attract visitors. Here, August is filled with fascinating events.
◇Pottery Festival
One of Japan's largest ceramic festivals is held every year in August at Kyoto's Gojo-zaka, the birthplace of Kiyomizu-yaki pottery.
The festival brings together some 400 ceramics stalls from across Japan, selling works by both well-established craftspeople and young new faces.
You will discover rare finds and some great bargains.
http://www.2000cranes.com/pottery-festival.htm
http://openkyoto.com/sightseeing/market/kyoto-pottery-festival.html
◇Kawadoko at Kibune
At Kibune, the air is cool even in summer.
It is famous for dining on kawadoko (temporary decks built over the river), a seasonal tradition of Kyoto that offers unique refreshment and relaxation.
http://www.rohm.com/rohm-saijiki/kibune-kurama/8_recomend/recommend01.html
◇Matsu-age Torch Lighting Rituals
This fire festival illuminates the August night sky in a way that is different from that of the famous Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (Daimonji Bonfire).
http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/thismonth/event-august.html （"Countryside Matsu-age torch lighting rituals"）
◇ Kyo-no-Tanabata in Kyoto
This is a new summer event in Kyoto.
Artworks of bamboo and lights will be displayed along the Horikawa and Kamogawa rivers.
Various temples and shrines will be decorated for Tanabata (the traditional Japanese star festival), and illuminated and opened for night visits.
Until August 14, people across Japan can submit their Tanabata wishes for this event.
http://www.kyoto-tanabata.jp/index.html （Japanese）
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◆ Recommended accommodation : Hotel New Otani Osaka
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Located in front of the beautiful green Osaka Castle Park, this hotel is convenient both for business and leisure travelers.
Limousine bus service is available from Kansai International Airport.
http://www.osaka.newotani.co.jp/english/
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◆ Useful Information : Low Cost Carriers Available at Kansai International Airport
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Several low cost carriers operate flights to and from Kansai International Airport.
Various campaign tickets are often made available, so keep an eye out for them.
◇Jetstar （Australia） http://www.jetstar.com/gx/en/index.aspx
◇Cebu Pacific Air （Philippine） http://www.cebupacificair.com/index.html
◇Jeju Air （Korea） http://jp.jejuair.net/ （Japanese）
◇Air Busan （Korea） http://en.airbusan.com/AB/airbusan/english/main.jsp
◇Jetstar Asia （Singapore） http://www.jetstar.com/gx/en/index.aspx
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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/
◇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
