Where"s the most relaxing place to soak your cares away in Kyoto? What"s the kitschiest hotel in Osaka? Where"s the best Vietnamese restaurant in Kobe? This insider"s guide to western Japan explains where to find Kansai"s best restaurants, sights, bars, entertainment, shopping, & services. Opinionated entries include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, maps & whether English is spoken -- the most complete information you need to find your way to the best & most fun places in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, & environs. Ashburne is a writer & photographer who lives in Kyoto. His work has appeared in The Japan Times, The Mainichi Shimbun & Kansai Time Out. He is the winner of the 1994 & 1995 Mazda International Photo Contest.