Kyoto had been Japan's capital for over 1,000
years (from AD794), and during that time
became the best of Japanese art, culture,
religion, and thought. Located some 500km
west of Tokyo, Kyoto can be reached in 2
hrs. 50 min. by Shinkansen super express
from Tokyo.
Nara was also a major center of Japan's arts,
crafts, literature, and industries. The most
famous and national treasured class attraction
is Todaiji Temple, where the Great
Buddha sits under the wooden roof. And Horyuji
Temple is the oldest temple complex in Japan.
Osaka is the central city of west Japan with
a population of 3 million. The Osaka castle
is the symbol of their heart and spirt, although
they lost their originality by adding the
Universal Studio.
Kobe is the one of Japan's main ports as
well as the Japan's main China Town, along
with Yokohama, Nearby Akashi has national
longest bridge connects Awaji Island. Mt. Rokko, located near Kobe city, has
one of the spectacular night view over the
port. Himeji Castle is registered as a world
cultural heritage site.
Mt. Koya was founded in 816 by Kobo Daishi
Kukai, the great Shingon sect of Buddhism,
the monastery is consist of over 120 temples.
Kumano Kodo, which is an old religious pilgrimage
path, has just achieved world heritage registration
in 2004. People come to this path after the
Shikoku88 temples.
Lake Biwa with its small sacred island inside
is the largest lake in Japan and it offers
various chances like fishing, swimming, boating
and camping. |
