Kansai Science CityCreating the future in Kyoto!
A visit to southern Kyoto Prefecture in the area around Seika Town, Kizu Town and Kyotanabe City will quickly open your eyes to the amazing future Kansai is creating now. This area of rolling rural greenery is, in a way, the center of the Kansai Science and Culture City, an immense research and culture zone covering an area of approximately 15,000 hectares made up of universities, private and public research and development facilities, and powerful cultural institutions. At present about 200,000 people live in the zone, and about 27% of the planned facilities are up and running. In 2002 a new national museum and library network nexus will open, connecting the countries major research libraries. And in 2003 an amazing hi-tech job pavilion will become a primary force in the Kansai employment market. Here a some of the places you can visit right now. Travel to the future in southern Kyoto Prefecture.
Keihanna Plaza
This large residential and scientific community center for worldwide international exchange has conference facilities (a 1000-seat hall), and restaurants and bars. The world’s largest sun dial, is located in front of the plaza. Tel: (0774) 95-5111. Access: Shin Hosono Stn. (Kintetsu Kyoto line). URL: http://www.keihannna-plaza.co.jp
Keihanna Commemorative Park
Featuring a huge Japanese garden, stressing symbiosis with nature, and 500 incredible garden stones, this garden is highly popular for its plum blossoms in February. Open 9:00-17:00; closed Thurs. Tel: (0774) 93-1200. Access: Shin Hosono Stn.(Kintetsu Kyoto line). URL: http://www.Kyoto-park.or.jp/keihanna/
High Touch Research Park
The park is made up of 13 companies (high tech to traditional) involved in research related to improving daily living under the theme: creating a 21st-century lifestyle. It is possible to visit the facilities here, if you make a reservation in advance. Fukujuen’s facility is about tea and tea culture (traditional and modern) is highly recommended. Tel: (0774) 73-0600. Access: Yamadagawa Stn. (Kintetsu Kyoto line). URL: http://www.hrp.jp/
The Kids’ Science Museum of PhotonsCutting-edge research related to light is introduced in this museum. The building is divided into 4 sections including a theatre with computer graphic images on a rounded-screen. This is the place to take the kids for a trip into the fast evolving world of light science (including live experiments and demos). Tel: (0774) 71-3180. Access: Nara Stn. (Kintetsu Kyoto line). URL: http://www.k-photon.com
CSK (Okawa Center)
Founded by the famous game software company, Sega, this center is focused on children’s learning processes and the development of the internet. For more detailed information on how to get there, etc. visit http://www.camp-k-.com.