General Information

Ancient Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years. Surrounded by scenic hills to the north, west and east, which the founding Emperor Kammu described as a natural fortress, the city reigned from 794 to 1868 as the cultural and artistic centre of the nation - a position it still holds today - as well as the political nucleus.
The more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and 270 Shinto shrines attest to its importance as a religious focal point, while the impressive Imperial Palace and two jewel-like Imperial villas set in their legendary gardens are reminiscent of the aesthetic splendour of the city's once-pivotal role.

But Kyoto originally called Heiankyo Capital of Peace doesn't live only in the past. The seventh largest city in Japan with a population of 1.4 million, it has also kept pace with the modern world. Thriving electric, machinery and chemical plants are numerous. The comprehensive Kyoto International Conference Hall located in the north-eastern part of the city is a marvel of state-of-the-art technology. Combined with the remarkable array of other superb attractions, it has made Kyoto a world-class convention destination. Some of the most prestigious universities in the country are also situated here, forming a major educational enclave.

However, the vast wealth of traditional art, architecture and crafts that have influenced architects and artists from around the globe have been carefully and lovingly preserved. So whether viewing the dazzling Golden Pavilion mirrored in its smooth, reflecting pond, absorbing a glittering, time-honoured festival, or simply wandering through picturesque narrow streets resonant with antiquity, Kyoto is a city unlike any other that offers both to stimulate - and satisfy - the soul.

Getting Around

An extensive bus and subway network covers the city. Fares start from 220yen for buses and from 200yen for subways, both depending on the distance travelled. Taxies are plentiful, with fares starting from around 640yen for the first 2km.
For frequent users, One-day (1,200yen) and Two-day Passes (2,000yen) are available for both buses and subways. Also handy for the day tripper is the One-day City Bus Pass only (700yen) for city buses running in the city except the suburbs.

General Information

Osaka, the prefectural capital, is Japan's second biggest city after Tokyo. Its population 2,479,000, is the third largest in Japan. The commercial and industrial centre of western Japan, Osaka is also a major transportation hub for international and domestic air traffic, shipping and Japan's extensive rail network. This makes the city an ideal base for visiting the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto, the bustling port of Lobe and the Inland Sea, one of Japan's natural treasures of sea and landscape.

Getting Around

Subways crisscrossing the city are the most convenient means of transportation for tourists who wish to explore the city. The city centre is a little complicated. Around JR Osaka Station, several subways and private railway lines have their own terminals Umeda for the Midosuji Subway Line, Higashi-Umeda for the Tanimachi Subway Line, Nishi-Umeda for the Yotsubashi Subway Line, Hankyu-Umeda for Hankyu Railways and Hanshin-Umeda for Hanshin Railways. All these are interconnected underground, and are within 3 to 10 min walk from each other. The Midosuji Subway Line is the city's transportation trunk line, conveniently linking JR Shin-Osaka Station and downtown terminals Umeda 6 min., Shinsaibashi 12 min., Namba 14 min. and Tennoji 20 min.

General Information

Kobe, 30km west of Osaka, with a population of 1,477,000, is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. It is situated about halfway along the Japanese archipelago facing the Inland Sea, with the scenic backdrop of the Rokkyo Mountains. The city has thrived as an international trade centre since the Meiji Period, and still retains the exotic atmosphere of an international port city. Kobe has a different face from Osaka, Kyoto or Tokyo. The appearance of the city, sophisticated shopping streets, foreign style architectures preserved from the Meiji Period and the romantic natural setting of the city accentuate Kobe's unique atmosphere.

Kobe Port is one of Japan's most representative trading ports, and has prospered from a good natural harbour. The port is often visited by luxurious passenger liners on round-the-world voyages as well as merchant ships. Because of Kobe's importance as an international seaport, the city has long been inhabited by a large number of foreign residents. Many foreigner-owned shops and restaurants are located in the city, adding to the cosmopolitan flavour.

Kobe, particularly the Hanshin Awaji area, was seriously damaged by a devastating earthquake in 1995. However, most of the sightseeing spots have already been restored, with marvellous views of the city and port again being possible from the top of Mt. Rokko, spreading from east to west at the back of the city. Additionally, Peal Bridge (Akashi Kaikyo Ohashi), newly completed in 1998 and the world's longest single-span bridge, makes it closer and easier to travel to Shikoku Island from Kobe.

Getting Around

JR, Hanshin and Hankyu railway lines run parallel through the narrowly stretching city from east to west. Sannomiya and Motomachi are the major downtown stations. The bus network is fully developed in the city, but the major attractions are located within walking distance of Snanomiya Station, Motomachi Station or Kobe Station.
The Portliner, a fully computerized unmanned train service, connects Sannomiya with Port Island in 10min.