Japanese

Official club name : The Friendship Force of Osaka Closest major airport : Kansai International Airport Cost of transportation between the airport and our area * by bus : 1300 - 3000yen * by train : 1500 - 3500yen * by private car : No charge (If hosts meet Ambassadors at the air port) The maximum number of Ambassadors can be hosted : 25 About the club : Our club was established in 1983 and has about 80 members at present. Some members are full time teachers. We have an inbound exchange during a week in the end of March or the beginning of April when you could enjoy cherry blossoms in the best season of spring, and another inbound exchange in September or October. We have two outbound exchanges in a row in summer. Our members live in a large area called Kansai District that covers Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. It has very good transportation such as railway, subway, and bus to combining each city. But the airport is rather far from cities, so some Ambassadors have to take train or bus to get Host's, and need some Japanese Money for fare soon after arrival. Unfortunately some stations don't have an elevator or escalator, so please travel light. The Kinki Coca-Cola Bottling Company has been supporting our activities since 1983. About the region : 15 million people live in Kansai District. Osaka is the second biggest city in Japan. It is an active modern city with many skyscrapers, various restaurants and shops, a world famous aquarium, and Osaka Castle. Kyoto and Nara are the ancient capital cities with the world heritages as well as old beautiful temples and shrines. The great image of Buddha (the huge bronze statue) in Nara is one of them. Kobe is one of the biggest trading port cities in Japan. Ambassadors can enjoy not only old culture but also modern city life. About the exchange program : We have a welcome party or a farewell party. We have a sightseeing program of day tour on a charter bus to Kyoto. Ambassadors visit at least three famous historical spots there. An optional program is Nara tour to see the great image of Buddha or visit Osaka Castle if Ambassadors would like. Edited by Sumiko Oshita