Kansai (Updated on June 16）
- Details
- Last Updated on Thursday, 16 June 2011 06:42
Shiga Prefecture
Tourism to the prefecture is unaffected
Hiezan Enryakuji Temple Illumination
Enryakuji Temple was founded on Mt. Hiei by Saicho in 788 as the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. The grounds are enveloped in a solemn atmosphere as a training site of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Enryakuji Temple is lit up from August 9th to 13th every year, and visitors can come after 4:00 p.m.
Biwako Otsu Summer Festival August 8th
Japan’s largest lake, Biwako covers 670 square kilometers. Two major summer festivals in Otsu include the Biwako Otsu Summer Festival featuring the Goshu Ondo bon dance, and the Biwako Fireworks Festival - both held in early August.
URL: http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/
Kyoto Prefecture
Tourism to the prefecture is unaffected, and all major tourist attractions are operating. The four largest events in Kyoto will take place as usual.
Gion Matsuri July 1st to 31st 2011
The Gion Festival spans the entire month of July, and is known as one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan
Gozan no Okuribi (Mountain Bon Fire) August 16th
A traditional event that takes place in Kyoto on August 16th every year.
Kyoto Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) October 22nd
Over 2000 people decked out in traditional garb from colorful periods of Japanese history, as well as numerous horses and a few oxen, march from Kyoto's Imperial Palace along a 4.5km path to the Heian Shrine.
Hyogo Prefecture
Tourism to the prefecture is unaffected.
National Treasure Himeji Castle is currently under renovation. The Himeji City Government is renovating the main keep of Himeji Castle from October 2009 to 2014. The inside of the main keep is open to visitors.
Ropeway for Arima and Rokko
Night operating hours of the 5,032-meter ropeway operating between Mt. Rokko and Arima Hot Spring have been extended, offers a spectacular view of Kobe. It is considered one of the three best night views in Japan.
Extended night operating hours
April 1st to July 19th Every Saturday
May 3rd and 4th
July 20th to August 31st Everyday
September 1st to 30th Every Saturday
Arima Hot Spring
One of the three oldest hot springs in Japan. Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka Bay and seasonal sights.
URL: http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/
Kobe Convention and Visitors Association
URL: http://www.feel-kobe.jp/_en/
Wakayama Prefecture
Tourism to the prefecture is unaffected
Kumano Kodo
The "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" including Kumano Kodo were registered collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
URL : http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/index.html
Osaka Prefecture
Tourism to the prefecture is unaffected.
Universal Studios Japan
Its open as usual
Tenjin Festival July 24th and 25th
This is the largest festival in Osaka, boasting of a history of a thousand years.
URL: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/
Nara Prefecture
Tourism to the prefecture is unaffected.
Nara To-kae August 5th to 14th
This event is held in Nara Park, which contains many World Heritage Sites. About 20,000 candles are light up in nine areas of the park, creating a fantastic festival atmosphere.
URL: http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/