♦♦ Organization of Kansai Unity, Newsletter “Kansai, the Essence of Japan”Vol.19(2010/12/8) ♦♦
This newsletter is distributed by the Organization of Kansai Unity to introduce various must-see tourist attractions of the Kansai region in Japan. http://www.kansai-japan.net/en/
Contents:
♦ Introduction to Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro 2010
♦ Introduction to “Must-see Sites” in Shiga and Mie Prefectures, by foreigners living in Kansai
♦ Recommended accommodations
♦ Interesting information
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♦ Latest Information: Introduction to Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro 2010
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Kyoto Hanatouro (light and blossoms pathways) is an event held in Kyoto twice a year during spring and autumn where colorful nights in Kyoto are created by lighting up walkways with fantastic illuminations. This year, Hanatouro will be held for 10 days from December 10 (Fri) to 19 (Sun). With a total of 5.2 km in the Arashiyama area lit up, many cooperative events and special nighttime “light up” events will be held at temples in the surrounding area.
http://www.hanatouro.jp/index.html (Japanese)
http://www.hanatouro.jp/e/index.html (English)
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♦ Kansai Guide by Foreigners Living in Kansai (1): Shiga Prefecture
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Kansai sightseeing spots recommended by foreigners living in Kansai
Sightseeing spots introduced here are recommended by James Split, an American coordinator for international relations living in Shiga Prefecture.
1) 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-story pagoda, and for the view it offers of Lake Biwa. Michigan, where I was raised, is a very flat area, and along with 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/ (Japanese)
http://www.shiga-miidera.or.jp/translation/eng.html (English)
2) 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 spring and autumn. Near the National Vacation Village is also a beach, Miyagahama, for people to leisurely relax and enjoy the lake.
3) Omi-Maiko’s Beaches
The beaches at Omi-Maiko are just a 5 minute walk from Omi-Maiko Station on the JR Kosei Line. I particularly love the white beaches here, but I’m also fond of the mountain range that extends in the background along the west side of Lake Biwa. Though different than the beaches I’m used to, this beach is very popular in summer, and I highly recommend visiting.
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♦ Kansai Guide by Foreigners Living in Kansai (2): Mie Prefecture
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Kansai’s sightseeing spots recommended by foreigners living in Kansai
Next introduced are sightseeing spots recommended by Anna Akemi Furukawa, a Brazilian coordinator for international relations living in Mie Prefecture.
1) Iga-no-Sato Mokumoku Handmade Farm
Mokumoku Handmade Farm is a place where visitors can enjoy foods made from fresh ingredients in a rustic atmosphere. Small-size pigs, which roam around the farm, are especially cute! The farm offers several classes in handmade foods, which require reservations in advance, for parents & children, couples and groups of friends to make farm foods to eat there or to go. Although items vary depending on the season, participants can choose what they will make from several items such as sausage, bread, strawberry daifuku (mochi stuffed with sweet red bean paste), ice cream, and tarts. Beer lovers can participate in a tour of the local brewery where they can taste freshly brewed beer. For those who don’t drink beer, there is also a tasty barley tea service. How about enjoying a rustic atmosphere for a change in your busy daily life?
Admission: 10:00 – 16:00 (Free admission after 15:00 on weekdays)
Access:
● Approx. 15 min. by taxi from JR Tsuge Station
● Approx. 25 min. by taxi from Kintetsu Ueno –shi Station
http://www.moku-moku.com/ (in Japanese)
2) Iga-ryu Ninja Museum
In Iga City, considered the home of ninja, visitors can dress up as ninja at some shops around the station, see tricks in the Ninja Karakuri Yashiki (Ninja Trick House), and experience throwing shuriken (ninja star-shaped weapons) (fee charged). Here visitors can learn about tools used by ninja in olden times and all about the history of ninja. For those interested in ninja, this museum is a must-see attraction!
Admission
9:00 - 17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
Access
5-minute walk from Ueno-shi Station (Iga Railway Line)
http://www.iganinja.jp/ (Japanese)
http://iganinja.jp/en/ (English)
3) Shima Nature School’s Sea Kayak Touring
It is fun to row a kayak surrounded by the great view of the Shima area. The1.5-hour and 3-hour kayaking courses also include sea bathing in summer! Even a beginner can enjoy kayaking with an easy-to-understand kayak lesson provided by the staff until they get the hang of it!
http://www.shima-sg.com/menu/index.html (in Japanese) (List of hands-on activity programs)
http://www.shima-sg.com/menu/images/seakayak.html (in Japanese) (Details of sea kayaking)
Access
Approx. 30 min. by car from Kintetsu Ugata Station
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♦ Recommended accommodation: Iwai Hot Spring Resort – Iwaiya --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Located nearest the Tottori Sand Dunes, Iwai Hot Spring Resort is said to have first appeared in a history book in the beginning of the Heian period. This traditional Japanese inn, whose flooring is all tatami mats, has a modern yet nostalgic atmosphere with reproductions of antique Japanese furniture.
This small hot spring resort has become nationally well known mainly because it was selected for “Nihon Hyaku Meitou (100 superior quality hot springs in Japan),” a hot spring guide book by Tadanori Matsuda, who is known as “Dr. Onsen.” Introduced in this issue is “Iwaiya,” one of the three existing traditional inns founded in the Edo period in this hot spring resort.
http://www.iwaiya.jp/ (Japanese & English)
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♦ Interesting information: Introduction to the International Travel Expo Hong Kong
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This is an introduction to the ITE Hong Kong International Travel Expo, held every June in Hong Kong. Among 625 entries this year, 27 companies and tourism-related organizations from Japan participated in the event.
The 25th International Travel Expo Hong Kong
The 6th MICE, Business & Incentive Travel Expo
Period: June 9 (Thu) – 12 (Sun), 2011
Venue: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center (Halls 1A – 1E)
http://www.itehk.com/ITEHK/index.php?menuid=main&module=content&topLevel=999&subLevel=903&lang=en (Japanese)
http://www.itehk.com/ITEHK/ (English)
Issued by: The Organization of Kansai Unity
Address: 11F, Osaka International Convention Center (OICC Grand Cube Osaka)
5-3-51 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
http://www.kansai-japan.net/en/
Inquiries: info@kansai-japan.net
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♦ What’s 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/e/place/index.html
♦ What’s Kansai Unity?
The Organization of Kansai Unity was established on July 1, 2007, joining together 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/english/pdf/english.pdf
