UNIT 3 Traveling in Japan Ryokan (Japanese Inn) a Ryokan Is a Type

macc Web Program - Unit 3 UNIT 3 Traveling in Japan

Ryokan (Japanese inn) A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn dating from the Edo period (1603-1868), when they served travelers along Japan's highways. They typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata (casual kimono) and talk with the owner.

Onsen (Hot spring) An onsen is a Japanese hot spring. A volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsen scattered along its length and breadth. Onsen were traditionally used as public bathing places and today play a central role in directing Japanese domestic tourism.

Kyoto City The city of Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan, and many people from far and wide visit there. Along with Nara, Kyoto is a favorite location for the graduation trip of elementary and junior high schools. Some of festivals held in Kyoto are Aoi Matsuri from 544, Gion Matsuri from 869, Daimonji Gozan Okuribi from 1662, and Jidai Matsuri from 1895. Every shrine and temple holds some sort of event, and many of them are open for public viewing.

Nara Prefecture Many jinja (Shinto shrines) and Buddhist temples, and kofun (old burial mounds) exist in Nara Prefecture, and many tourists are visiting there. Moreover, many world heritage sites, such as the temple Tôdai-ji and Kasuga Shrine, exist in the capital city of Nata.

macc Web Program - Unit 3

Osaka Prefecture Osaka was historically the commercial capital of Japan, and to date as been the heart of Japan’s third largest area, and the world’s 12th largest metropolitan area of Osaka- Kobe-Kyoto, whose population is approx. 21,000,000 as of 2010). Also, Osaka is traditionally considered the “nation’s kitchen” (tenka no daidokoro) or the gourmet food capital of Japan.

Kobe City Kobe was one of the first cities to open for trade with the West following the end of the policy of seclusion and has since been known as a cosmopolitan port city. The city is the point of origin and namesake of Kobe beef as well as the site of one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, Arima.

Himeji-jô (Himeji Castle) Himeji Castle is a Japanese castle complex located in Himeji in Hyôgo Prefecture and comprising 82 wooden buildings. It is occasionally known as Shirasagijô (“White Heron Castle”) because of its brilliant white exterior. It was registered as the first Japanese National Cultural Treasure by UNESCO World Heritage Site.