Press Releases

1. The study tour has been conducted annually since 2010 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with local governments or bodies in order to introduce diverse attractions such as history, culture, tourism, local products, and industries of Japan’s regional areas to diplomatic corps in Japan.
2. In this tour, under the theme of “KANSAI Tour Featuring Gastronomy, History, and Culture”, diverse charms will be introduced to participants including history, culture, food, industries, tourism and local products of Nara Prefecture and Sakai City.
3. It is expected that this study tour will provide an opportunity for diplomatic corps to deepen their understanding of various attractiveness of Nara Prefecture and Sakai City, and promote exchanges between Nara Prefecture and Sakai City, and the participating countries.

(Reference 1) Union of Kansai Governments
The local public organization established under the Local Autonomy Act, consisting of eight prefectures (Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, Tokushima) and four cities (Kyoto, Osaka, Sakai, Kobe) in the Kansai region.

(Reference 2) Tentative Itinerary (Places to visit)
January 30:Nara Prefecture
Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine
Nara Agriculture and Food International College (NAFIC)
Kita Sake Brewery
Roadside Station: Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex
Nara Hotel
January 31:Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center
Nintoku-Tenno-Ryo Kofun, Mounded tomb
Shimano Bicycle Museum
Restaurant Umenohana
Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum
Enami Cutlery Manufacturing Company
Tanaka Cutlery Manufacturing Corporation
Cutlery Sharpening Factory
Sakai plaza of Rikyu and Akiko