On September 8, the Frankfurt Tourism Board held a seminar for the press in Tokyo. The event was organized in conjunction with the visit to Japan by a delegation—including the mayor of Frankfurt—to Yokohama, a “partner city” with which Frankfurt engages in strategic exchanges in the fields of economics, the environment, and culture and the arts.
At the seminar, Yasmin Bischof, Managing Director of the tourism board, took the stage. “I hope to convey that Frankfurt has more to offer than just being a business and financial city, or an international hub for Germany and Europe,” she said, highlighting the city’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Frankfurt is located almost in the center of Germany and is home to Frankfurt International Airport, the fourth-largest airport in Europe. It connects to approximately 290 cities worldwide, and from Japan, ANA and Lufthansa operate direct flights to and from Haneda, while JAL operates direct flights to and from Narita.
The train ride from the airport to the city center takes about 12 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes, and no reservation is required. According to Mr. Bischof, tourist attractions are concentrated in a compact area in the city center, and most places are within walking distance. “The appeal is that you can easily enjoy sightseeing—whether it’s sipping coffee or strolling through the historic city center, including the Imperial Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church, and Römerberg Square. You can fully enjoy yourself even during a short stay of just one or two hours,” he says.
Visiting art museums is another highlight. Frankfurt is home to about 60 museums and art galleries, 39 of which make up the “Museum Ufer,” a cluster of museums centered along the Main River. In addition to the “Museum Pass,” which grants access to all 39 museums for two days, admission is free on the third Saturday of every month.
In addition, Mr. Bischof highlighted the Old Town near Römer Square; the “Old and New Towns,” where the cityscape destroyed during World War II has been restored; “Sachsenhausen,” where visitors can enjoy Frankfurt’s famous apple wine; and “Mainhattan,” the skyline featuring more than 40 high-rise buildings.
In addition, the tower of the Imperial Cathedral was highlighted as a recommended photo spot. Although visitors must climb about 300 steps, the 2-euro admission fee offers a view overlooking Frankfurt’s beautiful cityscape.
© Source travel watch