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Japan: Kansai |
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Japan: Kansai |
West of the Barrier is the other pole of central Japan, featuring the modern
metropolis of Osaka,
port of Kobe, the temple town Kyôto and the ancient capital Nara.
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Awaji Island A stepping stone on the way from Honshu to Shikoku. Shown: The
mighty Akashi Kaikyo Bridge |
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Ise Shrine (and environs)
The holiest of all Shinto shrines, where you can see... next to nothing. Fortunately, the area is also famous for its lobsters. Shown: Roof of
the hidden Grand Shrine, Naiku |
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Mt. Hiei An age-old center of Buddhism on the outskirts of Kyoto. Shown:
Portable shrine, Hiyoshi Taisha |
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Hikone Yet another old castle town with yet another stroll garden. Shown: Gardener wading in the lake of Genkyu-en Garden |
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Hôryûji A famed temple complex near Nara. Shown:
Schoolgirls lining up to enter the Gojûto Pagoda |
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Kobe
Japan's most cosmopolitan city has recovered from the ravages of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and is better than ever. Shown: Restaurant atop Mt. Rokko-san, in the hills above Kobe |
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Mt. Koya The mountaintop headquarters of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Shown: Temple
roof in the forest |
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Nara A quiet, ancient capital full of artistic treasures. Shown: Side view of the Great Buddha, Todaiji |
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Osaka Tokyo's rowdy little brother. Shown:
Escalator in the Umeda Sky Building |
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Wanihama A quiet village beside Lake Biwa. Shown: Beach
next to the Wanihama Youth Hostel |