I live in Komatsu, Ishikawa prefecture. I am going to Osaka and Kyoto for Golden Week. What should I check out? I’ve never been to either Osaka or Kyoto.
Thanks!
Go to the Osaka Castle, but first read up on the Sengoku and the winter and summer siege of Osaka Castle, and, that of Toyotomi Hideyoshi . [Readily available on the i'net, of course.]
Obviously, knowing someone in the area will lead to pleasant surprises and things you would never know or see outside the "Tour Guide" syndrome. Use the computer to find someone in the area who knows, or, your contacts where you live who probably know people in the two areas you intend to visit.
If you have time, write to one of the university English Departments asking if anyone would be favorably inclined to show the "real. . . ," wherever. It works! When I began asking, I discovered that friends and acquaintances had contacts in the far south, and others had contacts in the far north. Saw, heard, felt things the guide books would, could, not cover. Enjoy!