In cultural terms, it is something one understands the instant one sets foot in Kyoto: “This is the greatest wonderland in the world.”

Far from being dead, Kansai is truly extraordinary. In cultural terms, it is something one understands the instant one sets foot in Kyoto: “This is the greatest wonderland in the world.” The only cities comparable to Kyoto are Rome and Paris, and I consider Rome alone to be Kyoto’s equal…It goes without saying that a place such as Kamakura cannot possibly be compared with Kyoto. As for the economy, it is as I have already written.