att.KANSAI 2022-23

Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, this northern area of Kyoto Prefecture is commonly called “Kyoto by the Sea.” The area, about a 90-minute drive away from down town Kyoto, has unique attractions that you won’t find in the urban areas of Kyoto. Get away from the bustle of everyday life and visit Kyoto by the Sea, a place that boosts your energy with its natural and historical riches.

Amanohashidate has captivated people since an cient times as one of the “Three Scenic Views of Japan.” It is a geographical wonder and is consid ered a good-fortune spot. With a 3.6-km-long sandbar covered with 6,700 luxuriantly-grow ing pine trees, the entire scenery looks like an as cending dragon, a symbol of good luck in Japan.

Amanohashidate View Land

Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto The hours will vary throughout the year. Please refer to the official website. Open 365 days

風景勝地。

Land

At Amanohashidate View Land and Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park, you can try Kawarake-nage, throwing kawarake (a ceramic disk) into a ring placed five to six meters away from you. It is said that if your kawarake goes through the ring, your wish will come true. It is quite difficult to hit the mark, but make a wish and try your luck.

About 230 boat houses lining the shore of Ine Bay offer amazing scenery that cannot be found anywhere else. Funaya is a unique construction with the first floor on the wa ter serving as a fishing boat garage and the second floor a residence area. The village is also called “Venice of Japan.”

Boat houses are private properties of residents. You cannot tres pass on them without permission. Visitors could enjoy viewing the village with a guided tour or from a cruising boat.

The Kyoto by the Sea area has several beautiful view spots that make you feel bright.

The Kyoto by the Sea area is known for its natural bounty, and you should not miss out on fresh seafood such as crab and yellowtails.

Crab, in particular, can be enjoyed from the opening day of the fishing season on November 6 until late March every year. During the season, the area gets busy, hosting numerous visitors seeking Kyotango’s Taiza crab or Maizuru’s Maizuru crab.

It is also highly recommended to try Japanese sake here. Kyotango City is said to be the birthplace of rice cultivation in Japan. Legend has it that sake brewing started here to make offerings to Ise Jingu Shrine. Today, there are 12 sake breweries and each one makes distinctive sake in their way. It will be fun to check some out and find your favorite one.

“Ine Mankai,” a sake created by Mukai Sake Brewery estab lished in 1754. This red-hued sake is produced using an an cient strain of red rice and has well-balanced levels of acid ity and sweetness and which is reminiscent of fruit wine. *Please note that “Ine Mankai” may be out of stock de pending on the time of year.

This area is also known as an onsen (hot springs) resort with a long history. Kyotango City, in particular, is home to around 40 hot spring sources, which is the greatest number in Kyoto Prefecture. These thermal springs offer you a variety of mineral properties of water. Several facilities accept not only staying guests but also day-time visitors for bathing. Soaking in a bath while gazing out at fine views of the sea and mountains is sure to refresh you and bring a turn of good luck to you, too!

Kumihama Onsen Yumotokan, one of the largest on sen facilities in the North Kansai area. Its bath has 100% free-flowing water from the source and can accommodate about 100 people at the same time.

Have you ever heard of the Yoshino district? I hadn’t, either... At least until last July when I got the chance to visit there. Yoshino is located in the Southern part of Nara Prefecture, and it takes about 1.5 hours by Kintetsu train from Nara City or Osaka to reach this rural area nestled between steep mountains covered with cedar trees. It features rich nature, hot springs, and magnificent landscapes. Let me tell you more about the things that moved me deeply there! If you are looking for something authentic during your trip to Japan, why don’t you spend a couple of days there?

Guest house Apricot is one of the three guest houses in Shimoichi Town. Upon your arrival, you will be wel comed by Nami-san, the owner. She speaks English and will be happy to share with you her love for Yoshino. On the weekend she organizes agriculture and forestry classes, so it is also possible to do some activities related to farm ing. From the house, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains and the plum trees around. Recharge your self by enjoying a quiet night in the countryside!

Surrounded by mountains, Tenkawa has been considered a sacred place since ancient times. This village is also famous for its hot springs and the main street is lined with ryo kan, traditional Japanese inns. At night, the lanterns along the street light up and trans port you to a gorgeous setting similar to Hayao Miyazaki’s anime movie “Spirited Away.” You can also soak in one of the public onsen, which are open to visitors.

Mt. Yoshino is home to Kimpusenji, the head temple of the Shugendo, the religion of Japanese mountain ascetic hermits. The main building “Zaodo” is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan. It houses three huge statues of Zao Gongen, the protec tive deity of Shugendo and principal object of worship, which are only occasionally exhibited to the public. It is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as a component of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”

After satisfying your spiritual needs, time to satisfy your stomach! Kudzu confectioneries made from arrowroot starch are a must-try. At Nakai Shunpudo in front of the Zaodo, you can try kuzukiri, sweet noodles with a best-by date of just 10 minutes! Truly something unique you can only taste if you go to Mt. Yoshino.

Mt. Yoshino is also known as one of the most beautiful places in Japan during cherry blossom season. The mountain is covered by no less than 30,000 cherry trees! Mt. Yoshino’s cherry blossoms typically start opening in late March or early April and reach full bloom around early to mid-April.

The retro main street of Tenkawa

Tasting kuzukiri while enjoying the view from Mt. Yoshino

3 min walk

Nakazakicho, a quick 15-minute walk from the bustling streets of Umeda, Osaka, is an area brimming with nostalgia. Unique cafes and variety stores dot the narrow, winding alleyways of this retro neighborhood, making it the perfect place to explore. 洋溢著懷舊氣氛的中崎町，距離大阪梅田鬧區約步行15分 鐘左右。在狹窄巷弄交錯的復古城鎮內，分布著特色獨具的 咖啡館和雜貨店等，最適合來此感受漫步的樂趣。

在 café太陽之塔 總店悠閒享用早餐♪

4 min walk

As one of Nakazakicho’s most fa mous cafes, Cafe Taiyo no Tou offers a warm and retro atmosphere where you can truly relax. Their breakfast menu is available until 11:00 AM, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend a quiet morning here while watching the city wake up. There are also sis ter stores throughout Nakazakicho, including two more cafes and a western-style sweets shop.

9:00～22:00 年底年初

邊逛邊吃 Picco Latte 的起司蛋糕♪

This cafe offers an interior em bellished with dried flowers, as well as trendy, utterly Instagramworthy desserts and drinks. Their cute homemade cheese cake looks just like an ice cream bar. It can also be ordered to go!

11:30–19:00 Mondays 11:30～19:00 週一

e museum has a permanent exhibition of original ukiyo-e woodblock prints, including masterpieces by Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige.

近在眼前

Fujiya Shinsaibashi Bldg., 3F, 2-2-23 Shinsaibashi-suji, Chuo-ku, Osaka City TEL: 06-4256-1311

Fee: Adult 1,000 yen / 成人1,000日圓

Please confirm open hours and days on our website prior to your visit. 請務必至本館官方網 站確認營業時間、休館日等資訊後再蒞臨本館。

The townscape of Nakazakicho is built on the harmony of the residents’ houses and shops. Remember to respect local man ners while you’re out exploring.

The West Japan region is known to have many unique and attractive spots everywhere. It is an additional appeal to visitors that they can access various places within the area by rail and/or ferry. Here are recommended spots as well as activities in West Japan, which can be accessed more conveniently and economically with a JR-WEST RAIL PASS! 西日本擁有許多特色獨具且魅力萬千的景點，而可利用鐵路或渡輪輕鬆前往各個城市，也是此地的優勢。

With a height of 173 meters above ground, “Umeda Sky Building” is a landmark of Umeda. From Kuchu Teien Observatory on the top floor, you can have a panoramic view of the city of Osaka. Walk in the air while feeling a pleasant breeze that gives you a sense of complete open ness! The building is lit up at night, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

Being the tallest building in Japan, “ABENO HARUKAS” has an ob servatory on the top floor, from which you can enjoy the dynamic out look at 300 meters above ground. This place offers opportunities to enjoy differently from other observatories, such as a heliport tour and seasonal events to enjoy a meal with a great view.

As one of the biggest railway museums in Japan, this museum has a collection of 54 pre cious train cars that led the modernization of Japan, from real steam locomotives to shinkan sen trains. It offers a place where you can en joy learning about the world of railways under the theme of “discover, touch and experience,” with various experiences such as riding on the SL steam train and operating the train driving simulator (tickets for experience should be pur chased in advance).

Kyoto Aquarium 京都水族館

Kyoto Aquarium is a large-scale inland aquarium using only artificial sea water. People of all generations from adults to children can enjoy learning about undersea life, including rare creatures, such as Japanese giant sala manders, a special national treasure, that live in the rivers in Kyoto. Opened in 2020, the biggest jellyfish exhibition area in West Japan has become hugely popular. As it is located next to Kyoto Railway Museum, visiting both together is recommended.

Said to be built in 607, Horyuji Temple has the world’s old est existing wooden buildings, including the main hall, fivestory pagoda, and cloister. It was the first site to be registered on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan. In the precincts, there are many existing buildings of Buddhist archi tecture representing each era of history. With 39 national trea sures, it is a temple that has the largest number of national trea sures as a single temple in Japan.

Nara Prefecture is home to historic temples. If you are planning a tour to visit temples around Horyuji Temple, you should get a Four-Temple Tour Ticket. This ticket is valid for admissions at Horyuji Temple, Chuguji Temple, Horinji Temple, and Hokkiji Temple, which are all related to Shotoku Taishi (Prince Shotoku, an eminent figure in Japan from the late 6th century to the early 7th century). Furthermore, you can get some discounts for renting a bicycle as well as at restaurants and shops with this ticket!

One of the largest herb gardens in Japan is located on the high ground of the mountain and can be accessed from the main area of Kobe City by ropeway. Across 12 garden areas with different themes, about 75,000 flowers and herbs of about 200 kinds are blooming throughout the year. The facility offers various hands-on programs using herbs. Have a relaxing time in an elegant atmosphere while enjoying pleasant aro mas and a great view.

The “CITY LOOP” bus routes stop at all the major sightseeing spots in Kobe, including Shin-Kobe Sta., Sannomiya Sta., Meriken Park, Nankinmachi (Chinatown), Kitano, etc. “Port Loop” is an articulated bus going around the Kobe Waterfront Area. Using the 1-day ticket (700 yen for adults) or 2-day ticket (1,000 yen for adults), you can get some discounts for traveling by bus and admissions to various facilities.

Cruise in Lake Biwa

The Michigan is a cruise boat that starts from Otsu Port and travels in the southern part of Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan. The Skydeck of the boat offers a panoramic view, allowing you to fully enjoy the great view of nature. As crew members also entertain passen gers with sightseeing guidance and live music, boosting the mood for the cruise, it is recommended for your first tour of Lake Biwa. Night tours are available for a limited period of time. It is a gorgeous experience to see a night view of lakeside towns from the quiet lake.

Access to Otsu Port: 5 min by bus from Otsu Sta. (JR) 60-min course: Adult 2,400 yen, 90-min course: Adult 3,000 yen, 90-min night course: Adult 3,200 yen www.biwakokisen.co.jp/ en/michigan_en_1.html

Lunch buffet at “Lake View Dining Biona” in Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel 在琵琶湖大津王子大飯店「湖景餐廳 Biona」享用自助午餐

Located on the 37th floor of the 38-story hotel by Lake Biwa, this buf fet dining restaurant offers a fine panoramic view. It serves various types of dishes, including Japanese, Western and Chinese, made with local ingredients, in a buffet style. When you eat while enjoying the view of Lake Biwa, everything should be tastier!

Nagahama once prospered as a post station in the Edo period (1603-1868). Featuring tradi tional black stucco walls of well-preserved tradi tional buildings, “Kurokabe Square” is a popu lar tourist spot with a mixture of nostalgic and modern atmosphere, where many glass-art shops and restaurants serving local dishes are located. You can join one of the hands-on glass-art classes. There are many places to see in the city, including Japan’s oldest existing train station building and Nagahama Castle, which has a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and the city of Nagahama!

With the Japan Standard Time Meridian of 135 degrees east longitude passing through, Akashi City of Hyogo Prefecture is known as a “Town of Time.” Located right on the meridian, Akashi Municipal Planetarium serves as a “Museum of Time and the Universe,” which attracts many people with the oldest working planetari um with live commentary.

year-end holidays Adult: 700 yen, High school students and younger: free www.am12.jp/

Serving as an epicurean center of Akashi, Uonotana Shotengai offers various kinds of food, including fresh seafood products from the ocean right there, processed products and sweets and snacks perfect for sou venirs, and also offers a chance to enjoy eating while walking. At the end of each year, tairyo-bata fisherman’s flags, which are usually used on fishing boats, are raised to fill the arcade, creating a seasonal tradi tion for the end-of-year holiday in Akashi.

Awaji Jenova Line is a high-speed boat that connects Akashi Port and Iwaya Port in Awaji Island in about 13 minutes. On the boat, you can enjoy a dynamic experience of going right under the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

As the biggest island in the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island is rich in natural beauty, with seasonal flowers blossoming through out the year. The island is also known for delicious local food ingredients and prod ucts, such as onions and Awaji Beef.

“Nijigen no Mori” is a large-scale theme park, aiming to recre ate the worldviews of Japanese anime, special effects films, and games. Located in Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park, this facility offers fun attractions under the themes of various an ime series, films, manga, etc., such as “Naruto,” “Crayon Shinchan,” “Dragon Quest,” and “Godzilla.”

Go to Awaji Island from Akashi by Awaji Jenova Line

Kinosaki Onsen 城崎溫泉

With a history of 1,300 years, this onsen town has long attracted many literary figures. Kinosaki Onsen has a unique concept that the whole town serves as one accommodation; therefore, bathrooms in hotels are called uchi-yu (inside bath) and public bathhouses in the town are called soto-yu (outside bath). Within walking distance of about 20 minutes, there are seven soto-yu bathhouses with unique features. Put on a yukata cotton kimo no, stroll along the river, and enjoy a relaxing tour of soto-yu. Kinosaki Onsen also has a unique temple, Onsenji Temple, which is a sort of guardian temple of the town. From the ropeway to the temple, you can look down at the town.

Kinosaki Onsen is also blessed with a variety of fresh seafood and delicacies of the mountains. Among others, Matsuba crabs and Tajima beef, the origin of the premium wagyu brands including Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef, and Omi beef, are especially famous and have a lot of fans. After relaxing in a bath, it is time to fully enjoy the local cuisine!

Amanohashidate in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture is a sandbar with an overall length of about 3.6 km covered with about 6,700 pine trees, creating a unique landscape. As one of the “three major scenic spots of Japan,” it has been famous since ancient times. Enjoy the magnificent view from the observatory!

For more information, go to the feature article, “Kyoto by the Sea,” on pp. 2-3.

“Funaya” is a boathouse with a unique architec ture with a garage for a boat on the bottom story and a living space on the second story. There are about 230 of them in Ine Bay facing the Sea of Japan Sea. From the ocean, it looks like as if they are floating on the ocean, creating a unique view.

For more information, go to the feature arti cle, “Kyoto by the Sea,” on pp. 2-3.

Kurashiki

Kurashiki is located in the middle between Osaka and Hiroshima. In Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, white-walled traditional buildings and modern Western-style build ings stand along the willow-lined river, creating a beautiful townscape with combination of Japanese and Western atmosphere. Old buildings have been renovated with their shapes preserved and turned into unique shops, cafés, and museums. Rent a kimono, ride a rick shaw, and feel a good-old-days Japanese atmosphere! In addition, Kojima, an area which is known as the birthplace of Japanese jeans and has retail shops of local jeans makers, and Mt. Washuzan offering a grand view of the Seto Inland Sea, are also must visits.

For

Castle

Built in 1597, Okayama Castle is characterized by its black walls. Due to its black exterior that evokes the image of a crow, it is also called “U-jo,” which literally means “crow castle.” At the end of the 17th century, the huge Okayama Korakuen Garden was completed near the castle. The castle underwent a major repair from June 2021 to November 2022. The majestic ap pearance of the castle will dazzle visitors.

Okayama 詳情見此 詳情見此 5-day Unlimited rides 5天內無限次數搭乘 ～ Kansai WIDE Area Pass 關西廣域鐵路周遊券 10,000 JPY recommend! For more details P.18-19 詳細資訊 att. JAPAN 13

The representative winter delicacy of Hiroshima Prefecture is oys ters. You can take a tour to go to an oyster farm with fishermen early morning by boat and watch how they catch oysters from up close. Then, you will pass close by Itsukushima Shrine by boat and can offer prayers from the sea.

On the Saijo Sakagura-dori Street, where the Kamotsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. is located, there are seven sake brewers within a 1-km range, making it a perfect place for a sake brewery tour. Furansuya restaurant at Kamotsuru serves the original Bishu-nabe (hot pot dish with sake), which used to be a staff meal for sake brewers. At the shop, you can sample several kinds of high-grade sake. Feel the passion of sake making. The special sake only available here will be a perfect souvenir.

This is a residence of the Ishitani Family, a merchant family which has been prosperous for more than 300 years since the late 17th century. The buildings have been designated Important Cultural Properties. Since the Ishitani Family made a fortune in the timber indus try, the residence consists of about 20 buildings built with precious wood collected from all over Japan and the best architectural techniques, as well a Japanese gar den (The “Ishitani Garden”), which is a must see.

ifs.or.jp/the-ishitani-residence-nationally-designted-importcultural-propery/

This is one of the biggest flower parks in Japan, where various kinds of beautiful flowers can be seen throughout the year, includ ing lilies, tulips, roses and cosmos. From late November to ear ly January, an illumination event is held, featuring a spectacular combination of one million light bulbs and blossoms. During this period, fireworks are set off on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Open 365 days (Closed on Tuesdays in July and August) *Subject to change depending on the season and event. Adult 500-1,000 yen

*Subject to change depending on the season and event. www.tottorihanakairou.or.jp/en/

Matsue Castle retains its original shape of about 400 years ago. As a precious historic site with the original castle tower still in existence, it has been designated a National Treasure. You can see how excellent it was for defense. This area is also known as a famous cherry blos som spot in spring. In April, Matsue Musha Gyoretsu is held, which is an event reproduc ing the Edo period gorgeous daimyo gyoretsu (feudal lord’s procession).

10 min by Lakeline bus from Matsue Sta. (JR) Kokuho Matsue-jo/Kencho-mae stop Apr.–Sept. 8:30–18:30, Oct.–Mar. 8:30–17:00 (admission until 30 min before closing time) Open 365 days Adult 680 yen www.matsue-castle.jp/

(1603-1868). In winter, a special Kotatsu Boat is available, where you can enjoy a warm kotatsu, a low heated table covered with a special futon, on the boat.

Horikawa Yuransen is a small boat steered by a boatman on the moats surrounding Matsue Castle. By looking at the castle town of Matsue from the slow boat on the water, you will feel the atmosphere of the Edo period

Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple 大本山永平寺

30 min by Keifuku Bus “Eiheiji Liner Bus” from Fukui Sta. (JR) 8:30–16:30 (admission until 16:00) Open 365 days

Adult 500 yen (extra 500 yen per person for Zazen workshop) daihonzan-eiheiji.com/en/

This is a zen monastery established by Zen priest Dogen in 1244, and still today there are many monks engaged in rigorous training. Nestled in the deep mountains, more than 70 buildings stand in the temple grounds. Sanshokaku Hall has 230 ceiling paintings, which presents an overwhelming spectacle. Zazen (meditation) workshops are available three times a day (reservation not required). Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line

If you take a chair lift from the parking lot, you will soon be in the Mountain Peak Park, which offers a 360-degree view of Mikata Five Lakes, which was registered in the list of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Five terraces with a footbath and sofas command a breathtaking view. Enjoy a delicious meal using local ingredients at the terraces while enjoying the great view.

40 min by car from Tsuruga IC Mountain Peak Park: summer: 9:00–17:00, winter: 9:00–16:30 (last boarding a chair lift/cable car is 30 min before the closing time) Some days in February Adult 1,000 yen (including the fare for chair lift/cable car) www.mikatagoko.com/eng/

in 1576, Maruoka Castle is one of the rare castle buildings with an existing castle tower from the Edo period. About 400 someiyoshino cherry trees surround the tower, cre ating a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring. The combination of the castle and the cherry blossoms creates a fantastical view that makes it look like that the castle is float ing over the cherry blossoms. The illumination at night is also popular.

50 min by bus from Fukui Sta. (JR) Maruokajo stop 8:30–17:00 (admission until 16:30) Open 365 days

Adult 450 yen maruoka-castle.jp/

As one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan,” Kenrokuen is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan. With the ponds and struc tures scattered across the expan sive grounds, you can enjoy var ious landscapes while strolling. Yukitsuri , a technique for preserv ing trees from heavy snow, is a sig nature winter sight of Kanazawa. Must-see illumination events are regularly held.

Castle town Kanazawa is home to many things to see. Use this pass that gives free admission for 12 cultural facilities, and enjoy sightseeing conveniently with a better price.

This large castle complex is in Kanazawa Castle Park next to Kenrokuen, with the principal features being Hishi Yagura (watchtower), Gojukken Nagaya (store house), Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura (watchtower), and Hashizume-mon (gate). Since these structures were built in 1632, they have caught fire several times, and finally fully restored in 2001. The long wooden structure with a total length of almost 100 meters was constructed without using any nails nor bolts by a traditional construction technique, which should amaze everyone who sees it.

In Kanazawa, during the Edo period, the then ruling Maeda Clan lords fostered and encouraged local people to learn and practice utai (the singing part of Noh), leading to the popularity of Noh there, which you can still see today. At the place where the former Kanazawa Noh Theater was located, this museum displays a collection of precious Noh masks and costumes, which have been handed down in “Kaga Hosho,” the Noh in Kanazawa, and introduces as well Noh-related items from all over Japan. You can wear a Noh mask and costume in a popular corner of the facility (currently unavailable).