KYOTO
Kyoto lets you experience the “spirit of Japan.” Dress in a traditional kimono while you explore the city’s ancient temples and shrines and taste the renowned, high quality Japanese-style cuisine.
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A Complete Guide to Using “Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe MY PAGE” for a Better Trip in Japan!
Want to know the latest sightseeing information in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe? Want to learn how to use railway services in advance? Come to “Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe”, your ultimate travel guide to western Japan, and learn about the useful functions to make your trip better! What kind of website is “Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe”? Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe is a sightseeing information website focusing Kansai area centering Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. Here at Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe, About Kyo-Train Garaku, the sightseeing train run by Hankyu Railway ⇒Check the article 10 Delicious Local Specialties in Kobe! Check what local people like ⇒Check the article Osaka Umeda Train Station Guide ⇒Check the article You can obtain a variety of useful travel information specialized for the Kansai area, ranging from information gathering before your trip, good restaurant recommendation, major station guides to special ticket discounts. More importantly, a new convenient function called “Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe MY PAGE” is now available for smartphone users! Functions of Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe MY PAGE Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe MY PAGE is an application made to help tourists with their travel plan to western Japan. The following are some examples of its functions. 1)Once you input destination and travel period, sightseeing recommendations that are best for you will automatically show in the APP! 2)Favorite articles can be saved and checked anytime! 3)You can get discount coupons and campaign information that can be used at Hankyu Hanshin Group facilities! 4)If you register an HH cross ID at the top page, members-only free Wi-Fi and promo code for currency exchange machines will be available. Install MYPAGE app Click here *Only available from Safari or Chrome by smartphone and tablet. ■Assist your trip planning If you input destination and travel schedule, the APP will show you recommended scenic spots. What’s more, after adding articles you like to “Favorite”, you can have easy access to these contents anytime and anywhere. When a new article is released, you will be notified by push notification. Whether it’s before the trip or during the trip, MYPAGE can always assist your trip planning and bring you convenience. ■Coupon information You can find discount coupons that can be used at certain facilities in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe at the bottom of MYPAGE. Please confirm the usage and location listed on each coupon detail screen, and show the staff your screen after using the coupon. Please note that it is only available once every 24 hours! ■Free Wi-Fi*, Promo code for currency exchange machine At the top page, if you sign up for an HH cross ID, you can gain access to members-only free Wi-Fi*1 and promo code for currency exchange machines which can be used at Hankyu Hanshin Group facilities and stations. Also, the number of available services will be expanded in the future! It is highly recommended to register when you are traveling in western Japan. *1: Wi-Fi connection tool needs to be installed. <Android> Go to the top page of “Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe” website, and scroll to the bottom to find “Use Your Personalized My Page” and click “Add” button. Then the installation notification of MYPAGE application will pop up. After you choose “install”, a “Thank You” message will be displayed and MYPAGE installation is complete. To install MYPAGE Click here <iOS> Go to the top page of “Enjoy! Osaka Kyoto Kobe” website, and scroll to the bottom to find “Use Your Personalized My Page” and click “Add” button. Then follow the instruction to click the “share” icon and then choose “Add to Home Screen”. Click “Add” in the next shown screen and that’s the end of installation. To install MYPAGE Click here
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7 Japanese Sweets “Wagashi” in Kyoto. To taste, to buy, to know, to experience.
When it comes to traveling in Japan, Kyoto is one of the most popular places. Japanese-style sweets, called wagashi in Japanese, is the key to feel the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto, a historic city filled with old charms. Besides tasting and buying wagashi, this article is also going to introduce you some places to learn its knowledge and to experience how they are made. Let’s find out the sensitive side of Japanese culture through wagashi! -INDEX- What is “Wagashi”? Sweets that convey Japanese traditions 【Kyoto・Gion】Kagizen Yoshifusa Shijo Main Branch 【Kyoto・Arashiyama】Kotokikichaya Teahouse 【Kyoto・Kawaramachi】Umezono Kawaramachi Store 【Higashiyama・Kiyomizu】Itoken / SOU・SOU Kiyomizu Store 【JR Kyoto Station】IRODORI Kyoto Station Store 【Kyoto・Omiya】Kameya Yoshinaga 【Karasuma Imadegawa】Kyogashi Museum What is “Wagashi”? Sweets that convey Japanese traditions Wagashi is a confectionery that developed uniquely in Japan and is called “Kyogashi” in Kyoto. Wagashi is characterized by its traditional manufacturing methods and beautiful design that depicts seasonal plants, trees, and natural scenery. Kyoto has a lot of long-established Japanese confectionery store that have a history of over 100 years, where the ingredients and manufacturing methods have been passed down to the present day. Wagashi is usually given as a gift for mourning and celebratory occasions or served with tea for a tea ceremony, but recently more are eaten on a daily basis. Some of the typical Japanese sweets are Daifuku, Dorayaki, Yokan, Mitarashi Dango, etc. In recent years, “neo-wagashi”, a modernized version of Japanese sweets combined with western sweets and design elements, has also appeared. On your trip to Kyoto, learning the traditions and culture of Japan via wagashi will make your trip even more special and unforgettable. 【Kyoto・Gion】Kagizen Yoshifusa Shijo Main Store Kagizen Yoshifusa, whose main store is located in Gion, major sightseeing location of Kyoto, is a traditional Japanese sweets shop founded in early 1700s. Since then, the sweets have been loved by tea connoisseur, monks, cultured writers and artists who frequented teahouses and restaurants, along with the women of the Hanamachi. The representative sweets of Kagizen Yoshifusa are “kikujyuto”, sugar made in the shape of chrysanthemum flower, together with other fresh confections that change with seasons. The picture above shows you an example of fresh wagashi. Using bright red to show the image of foliage, the color graduation of leaves is perfectly represented. A June-limited sweets call “minazuki” is a confectionery prepared by placing red beans on white Uiro (a sort of sweetened steamed cake made of rice powder) and then cutting it into triangular shapes. In Kyoto, there is a habit of eating minazuki during the summer purification rites event called “Nagoshi no Harae” on Jun 30 to pray for good health in the following half of the year. Check this for “Nagoshi no Harae” 15 Traditional Events in Kyoto! Must-see for travelers, feel Japanese culture 【Kyoto・Arashiyama】Kotokikichaya Teahouse Kotokikichaya Teahouse is located right at the foot of Arashiyama Togetsu Bridge. It is the perfect location to overlook the bridge and Kyoto style natural scenery. The two kinds of sakura rice cakes provided by the store are Arashiyama’s specialties. One of the sakura rice cake is wrapped in salty cherry leaf. The sweetness of the rice cake is perfectly balanced with the saltiness of the leaf, and the aroma of cherry blossoms fills your mouth in a flash. The other sakura rice cake is made with sticky rice wrapped in soft strained red bean paste. Sakura rice cake is available for take-out. This simple and smooth taste made by skilled artisans goes well with green tea. 【Kyoto・Kawaramachi】Umezono Kawaramachi Store Next is going to introduce you the store that local people like to shop for sweets. Umezono is a chain store whose branches are located in easily accessible places such as Kawaramachi, Kiyomizu and Karasuma. It is famous for “mitarashi dango”, skewered fried rice dumplings covered with sweet sauce. In addition to the savory smell, the sticky and chewy taste is irresistible. Besides, the soft and chewy “warabi mochi” is also popular. In Kawaramachi store, limited Japanese sweets such as matcha parfait and cream anmitsu (agar jelly topped with sweet bean paste) are also available. 【Higashiyama・Kiyomizu】Itoken / SOU・SOU Kiyomizu Store The Kiyomizu-dera temple area is a bustling tourist area with many Kyoto style restaurants and souvenir shops. Here has a variety of small food and sweets that you can enjoy eating while walking. Among those, skewered wagashi from Itoken / SOU・SOU Kiyomizu Store is a big buzz right now. Using ingredients like sugar, agar and beans, the wagashi here is blended with modern style. Morning glories for summer, fall foliage for autumn, snowflake for winter, motif is changing by different season. 【JR Kyoto Station】IRODORI Kyoto Station Store IRODORI is a new brand created by traditional wagashi store Tsuruya Yoshinobu. It offers modernly tailored Japanese sweets which is recommended as for souvenirs. What do you think the crayon-like sweets packaged in a semi-transparent case are? The answer is “higashi” (dry agar with sugar). The idea of combining herbs such as jasmine,chamomile, and lavender with Japanese sweets is really innovative. If you are a Kirby lover, don’t miss the Kirby package monaka (wafers filled with bean paste) at the store front. Monaka is a Japanese confectionery made of glutinous rice flour, baked into two thin layers and filled with a red bean paste in between. The cute expression of Kirby is printed on the surface. You can enjoy the experience of making it by yourselves and don’t miss the taste of freshly made bean paste. 【Kyoto・Omiya】Kameya Yoshinaga If you want to know more about wagashi, we recommend you Japanese sweets making experience. At Kameya Yoshinaga, an old store founded in 1803, offers classes to learn how to make wagashi. During the hands-on class, you can learn to make 2 kinds of fresh sweets with the special tools provided after seeing how the professional makes them. After that, matcha tea will be given to enjoy together with the self-made sweets. Children are also welcomed to the hands-on lessons and you may find their homepage in the following to get reservation. Don’t forget to buy their best-known “karasuba ball” which was Kameya Yoshinaga’s representative sweets. Karasuba ball is a famous wagashi made with red bean paste cooked with brown sugar and at last covered with agar to give it a glossy appearance. 【Karasuma Imadegawa】Kyogashi Museum Kyogashi Museum run by traditional wagashi store Tawaraya Yoshitomi. In this facility lies valuable Japanese traditional artworks that are all made of sweets. Sweets artworks, called “togeigashi” in Japanese, usually depict the beauty of seasons by focusing on flowers and birds. The picture shown is a large sugar artwork about 1 meter width. Even the detailed expression of the pine tree trunks and the delicate gradation of the petals are skillfully made. In addition, old sketchbooks from artisans and wooden molds that have been carefully used since the store’s establishment are also exhibited. How is wagashi made? What kind of tools is used? What design do they consider? Come to Kyogashi Museum and find the answers! The more you know about Japanese sweets, the more you will feel surprised. Why not discover the depth of Kyoto’s unique sweets through this special experience! Wish you a pleasant and unforgettable journey!
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<Kyoto>Gion Matsuri|Highlights of Japan’s Greatest Festival
Gion Matsuri, one of the three major festivals in Japan, is a festival held at Yasaka Shrine, where people prayed for the removal of plague and misfortune as far back as the Heian period (794-1185). Various rituals and events are held over the month of July, and the city of Kyoto comes alive. In 2022, the festival was held in its original form for the first time in three years to carry on the tradition, attracting many people from all over Japan. Many people may think of “Yoiyama” and “Yamahoko-junko” (The grand parade of floats) when they think of the Gion Matsuri, but there are many other fascinating rituals as well. We will introduce various highlights of the Gion Matsuri so that you can enjoy the festival to the fullest. -INDEX- History and Origin of the Gion Matsuri What is Yamahoko? What is the difference between a yama and a hoko? Gion Bayashi “Konchikichin” Chimaki (zongzi), a specialty of the Gion Matsuri Saki-Matsuri and Ato-Matsuri Main schedule of the Gion Matsuri [The opening of the Gion Matsuri] ●July 1, “Kippu-iri” ●July 2, “Kujitori shiki” [Preparation for the Gion Festival] ●July 10, “Saki-Matsuri Yamahoko-Tate (Assembly of Yamahoko floats)” [Highlight scene of the Gion Matsuri] ●July 14-16, “Saki-Matsuri Yoiyama” ●July 17, “Saki-Matsuri Yamahoko-Junko” ●July 17, “Shinkosai” [The second highlight scene of the Gion Matsuri] ●July 21-23, “Ato-Matsuri Yoiyama” ●July 24, “Ato-Matsuri Yamahoko-Junko” ●July 24, “Kankosai” [Closing of the Gion Festival] ●July 31, “Ekijinja Nagoshisai” History and Origin of the Gion Matsuri The Gion Matsuri is a festival of Yasaka Shrine with a tradition of 1,000 years. In ancient times, it was called Gion Goryoe. It began in 869, when an epidemic spread to the capital of Kyoto and other parts of Japan, and three portable shrines and 66 spears were erected in Shinsen-en, a garden in Heian-kyo, to pray for the removal of the plague. As time progressed, the people became more involved, and gradually the festival element was added. In the 1300s, an autonomous organization was formed around Shijo Muromachi, and each town created its own Yamahoko float, which paraded through the city in its present form. What is Yamahoko? What is the difference between a yama and a hoko? Yamahoko is one of the floats pulled at shrine festivals. There are a total of 33 floats that appear in the Gion Masturi, each of which enshrines a deity and is believed to bring various blessings. The beautiful embroidery, imported textiles, and other ornaments on the floats are so beautiful that they are called “moving museums”. The “hoko” is paraded by 40 to 50 people called “Hikikata”. It is 25 meters high and weighs 12 tons. The hoko stands about 20 meters high on a roof called “shingi,” and the top of the hoko is decorated with the symbols of the individual floats. The “Yama” is paraded by about 20 people called “Kakikata” and is about 15 meters high, weighing 1.2 to 1.6 tons, and decorated with unique ornaments and dolls. It is decorated with pine trees called “Shinmatsu”. Gion Bayashi “Konchikichin” Gion Bayashi is the musical accompaniment for the Yamahoko procession. A performer called “Hayashikata” plays drums, flutes, and gongs from the top of the float. Gion Bayashi is also played at Hankyu train stations in July. The pleasant melody of “Konchikichin” is a typical Kyoto musical accompaniment that makes one’s heart beat with excitement. Chimaki (zongzi), a specialty of the Gion Matsuri Gion Matsuri zongzi is not to be eaten. It is a good luck charm made of bamboo leaves to ward off disease and misfortune, and is only given out during the Gion Matsuri in July. Many people in Kyoto buy zongzi and display them on their doorsteps for a year. During Yoiyama, each town of Yamahoko also offers zongzi that bring good luck. Saki-Matsuri and Ato-Matsuri Originally, Yamahoko-Junko was divided into Saki-Matsuri and Ato-Matsuri, but from 1966 to 2013, Yamahoko-Junko was held on the 17th. 2014 saw the return of Ato-Matsuri. The current Yamahoko-Junko is divided into two days: Saki-Matsuri on the 17th and Ato-Matsuri on the 24th. During the Saki-matsuri procession, the streets of Kyoto are cleansed of impurities and the god of Yasaka Shrine is welcomed back to the city. One week later, the procession is performed once again at the Ato-Matsuri to purify the shrine and return the deities to the shrine. Main schedule of the Gion Matsuri July in Kyoto is all about the Gion Matsuri! Here are the main rituals in order. [The opening of the Gion Matsuri] ●July 1,”Kippu-iri” Kippu-iri is the first ritual of the Gion Matsuri, and from July 1, people pray for the safety of the Gion Matsuri in each Yamahoko town. In addition, Gion Bayashi rehearsals are held in each town. ●July 2, “Kujitori shiki” The “Kujitori shiki” is an event to determine the order of the Yamahoko-junko procession. It is held in the presence of the mayor of Kyoto. The nine Yamahoko floats that do not draw lots, whose order of parade is determined by old custom, are called “Kuji-torazu”. The Yamahoko that will not be raffled off are as follows. Saki-Matsuri : Naginata-hoko, Kanko-hoko, Hoka-hoko, Iwato-yama, Fune-hoko Ato-Matsuri : Hashibenkei-yama, Kita kannon-yama, Minami kannon-yama, Ofune-hoko Every year, the Naginata-hoko floats lead the procession. Unlike other hoko, in which dolls ride, Naginata-hoko is the only one in which a real child ride. [Preparation for the Gion Festival] ●July 10, “Saki-Matsuri Yamahoko-Tate (Assembly of Yamahoko floats)” After July 10, visitors can watch the erection of yamahoko floats throughout the streets. The process of assembling the floats is called “Nawagarami”, a technique that does not use a single nail. Once completed, the floats are put up for the first time at the “hokohikizome” and “yamakakizome” ceremonies to make sure they are in good working order. [Highlight scene of the Gion Matsuri] ●July 14-16, “Saki-Matsuri Yoiyama” When the Komagata lanterns are lit and the sounds of musical accompaniment can be heard, the area is filled with a festive mood. At each Yamahoko-cho, good luck charms such as zongzi are given away. Depending on the float, you may be allowed to go up to the float to purchase the gifts. ●July 17, “Saki-Matsuri Yamahoko-Junko” The Gion Matsuri is known for the Yamahoko-Junko, a procession of floats. The Yamahoko- Junko is a procession of floats used to clear the streets before the portable shrines are brought to Yasaka Shrine. 23 gorgeously decorated Yamahoko floats parade through the streets of Kyoto, starting near Shijo-Karasuma. The highlight of the festival is the “Shimenawa-kiri” (cutting of the sacred straw rope) by the Naginata-hoko and the “Tsujimawashi” (turning a corner at an intersection). Changing the direction of the floats, some of which weigh as much as 12 tons, is called “Tsujimawashi,” which means to change the direction of the floats using only human power. After green bamboos are laid on the road and water is sprinkled on them to make them slippery, the conductor on the float calls out a signal and a large number of Hikikos change directions. The scene is breathtaking, and when the direction is successfully changed, the crowd applauds. ●July 17, “Shinkosai” Three portable shrines carrying the deity of Yasaka Shrine depart from Yasaka Shrine, and with shouts of “Hoitto, hoitto” they walk through the Ujiko community to the Otabisho on Shijo Street. This is an important event in which the gods riding on the portable shrines go around the city to purify it. [The second highlight scene of the Gion Matsuri] ●July 21-23, “Ato-Matsuri Yoiyama” The atmosphere in the streets of Yoiyama during the Ato-Matsuri is more subdued than that of the Saki-Matsuri. The stalls are also regulated, so visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the original festival. ●July 24, “Ato-Matsuri Yamahoko-Junko” 11 Yamahoko floats depart from Karasuma Oike. The course of the procession is the reverse of that of the Saki-Matsuri. The last of the procession will be the Ofunaboko float, which will not be raffled off. ●July 24, “Kankosai” The “Kankosai” is to send the three portable shrines carrying the deities that were welcomed at the Shijo Otabisho during the previous festival back to Yasaka Shrine. Around 9:00 p.m., the Yasaka Shrine quietly holds a ceremony to return the spirit of the deities to the shrine. [Closing of the Gion Festival] ●July 31, “Ekijinja Nagoshisai” Passing through a large cogon grass ring at Yasaka Shrine to pray for good health. The festival is the last event to conclude the month-long Gion Matsuri, which started on July 1 with the Kippu-iri. The Gion Matsuri is a summer tradition in Kyoto. This festival has a long history and is a wonderful opportunity to experience the traditions of Kyoto. You can enjoy “Yoiyama” and “Yamahoko-junko,” which you cannot miss. You can also enjoy the other rituals in a different way. Summer in Kyoto! Please take the Hankyu train to “Karasuma” and “Kyoto Kawaramachi”, the center of the Gion Matsuri! ▼Check this article▼ 15 Traditional Events in Kyoto! Must-see for travelers, feel Japanese culture 11 Summer Events in Kansai! Experience and learn about Japanese traditions and customs 8 recommended Beer Gardens in Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka Enjoy authentic tea and matcha sweets in Kyoto! Gion Tsujiri Store & Saryo Tsujiri Cafe
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8 recommended Beer Gardens in Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka
Japan may not see eating and drinking outdoors as common sense, but a special event held limitedly in summer called BEER GARDEN is very popular among Japanese. Let’s go see and experience this unique beer garden culture and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere when visiting Japan! *Picture is for illustration purposes only. -INDEX- Enjoy the summer tradition at a Japanese-style beer garden! 【Kyoto】Hyssop(In GOOD NATURE STATION) 【Kyoto】Mar Cafe 【Osaka】BEER GARDEN ROOFTOP | Hotel New Hankyu Osaka 【Osaka】Senri Hankyu Hotel「Poolside Beer Garden asobeer SHOW!」 【Osaka】Umeda Hankyu Beer Garden「Sky and Green Rooftop Marche」 【Osaka】GRAND FRONT OSAKA「Otona no Beer Garden」 【Kobe】TOOTH TOOTH MART FOOD HALL&NIGHT FES「UMI NO BEER GARDEN 2024」 【Kobe】THE KOBE CRUISE Concerto「Beer Garden Cruise」 Enjoy the summer tradition at a Japanese-style beer garden! Beer Garden is usually an outdoor space to enjoy alcohol, mainly beer, together with finger foods. In Japan, it has been held as a summer limited event on the rooftops of large department stores and commercial facilities in the city. Among an open space decorated with beautiful LED string lights, imagine how relaxing it is to have some fresh beer and flavorful nibbles with close friends or coworkers after a whole day’ s work. In recent years, there have been some changes. Some are held in the open terrace seat of a cafe, some have stylish performances, some open from noon, others focus on food and drinks. Moreover, the event period tends to be longer and there are ones open from May to Early October. Are you visiting Japan soon? Come and enjoy the entertaining beer garden culture! 【Kyoto】Hyssop(In GOOD NATURE STATION) Period: Until September 30, 2024 (Mon) *Closed from June 4 (Tue) to June 14 (Fri) due to renovation Hyssop is located in GOOD NATURE STATION, a facility that is full of healthy eating-themed restaurants. You can forget about the hustle and bustle of the city and relax on the comfortable terrace seats with an atrium filled with greenery. The summer “Nature Beer Terrace Plan” features dishes made with spices and herbs, centered around seasonal vegetables. For instance, a fulfilling menu with sweet grilled corn, spicy fries, chicken enchiladas (Mexican dish), etc. The course includes 90 minutes of all-you-can-drink draft beer, beer cocktails, wine and soft drinks. Price/ 5,500 per person Opening Hours/ 17:30~21:00 (Last entry at 20:00) *Seat is booked for 2 hours; all-you-can-drink plan for 90 minutes *Possible to be seated indoors due to weather condition *Reservation is required 2 days before 【Kyoto】Mar Cafe Period: From May 1 (Wed) to September 30, 2024 (Mon) Mar Cafe offers a BBQ-style beer garden overlooking Higashiyama area, located on the 8th floor of the building near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Although it is close to the main sightseeing spots in Kyoto, Mar Cafe gives you a comparatively quiet and calm atmosphere. The menu offers a buffet type meal which includes four types of meat marinated in homemade sauce, and all-you-can-drink drinks which has 140 different kinds from colorful cocktails to non-alcohol beverages. Price/ 5,500 per person Opening Hours/ 11:30~23:00 *Seat is booked for 2 hours; all-you-can-drink plan for 90 minutes *Reservation is required by the day before dining (Price at 6,600 without reservation) *Available on rainy days (with tent), but maybe seated indoors due to typhoon or storm 【Osaka】BEER GARDEN ROOFTOP | Hotel New Hankyu Osaka Period: From June 28 (Fri) to September 1, 2024 (Sun) This is a popular beer garden in Umeda for many years and its theme is「Yokocho」this year. A “yokocho” is a narrow side street from the main street, lined with Japanese bars with red paper lanterns hanging, and has developed throughout the country as a place for people to interact. Based on the traditional yokocho theme decorated in modern style, Beer Garden Rooftop offers 25 different kinds of typical and traditional Izakaya dishes such as takoyaki and fried shrimp and meatball napolitan. In particular, seared meat sushi has a fragrant smell as it is prepared right in front of customers. It provides a buffet style menu and all-you-can-drink with over 70 types of drinks, including the most famous 8 kinds of Japanese beer. From Sunday to Tuesday, there are another 2 kinds of craft beer available. Price Monday ~ Thursday・Sunday: 5,000; Friday, Saturday, July 14, August 11: 5,300 Opening Hours/ Monday ~ Friday: 17:30~21:00; Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 17:00~21:00 *No limited time *Possible without reservations (may not be available for private events or depending on availability) *Possible to be canceled due to weather condition 【Osaka】Senri Hankyu Hotel「Poolside Beer Garden asobeer SHOW!」 Period: From June 28 (Fri) to September 1, 2024 (Sun) Senri Hankyu Hotel, located in northern Osaka, has a poolside beer garden which gives more of a feeling of resort. There are days when samba dance is performed and also other events. Let’s go and check it out! This year has a special menu which you can enjoy during the performance. Have you seen tomato and cheese sauce come out from a faucet? Or dessert made of fried mille crepe and ganache? Senri Hankyu Hotel Beer Garden has all the unique dishes that you can only taste here. During the “SHOW” TIME, special menu items such as black fried chicken with bamboo charcoal powder, and a very spicy butter chicken curry that turns bright red with spices and beet habanero sauce will be offered. A total of 25 food items are available for all-you-can-eat, and more than 50 drinks are available for all-you-can-drink. Price/ 4,800 per person Opening Hours/ Monday ~ Friday: 17:30~21:00; Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 17:00~21:00 *No limited time *Possible without reservations (may not be available for private events or depending on availability) *Possible to be canceled due to weather condition 【Osaka】Umeda Hankyu Beer Garden「Sky and Green Rooftop Marche」 Period: From May 22 (Wed) to October 6, 2024 (Sun) Located in the biggest department store in western Japan, Umeda Hankyu Beer Garden is the best place to go after shopping. Umeda Hankyu Beer Garden is popular for its chic interior design and pleasant atmosphere. 120 different kinds of drinks and 30 kinds of dishes are provided. Not only beer and highball, but non-alcohol and low-alcohol beverages are offered, together with delicious finger foods such as chicken legs, salad, peanuts, etc. Price/ 4,800~ (depends on the menu plan) Opening Hours/ Monday ~ Friday: 17:00~22:30 (Weekends, Holidays, August 10~18th: 16:00~ *Last entry at 20:30) *Seat is booked for 2 hours; all-you-can-drink plan for 90 minutes *Possible without reservations (may not be available depending on availability) *Possible to be canceled due to weather condition ▼Check this article▼ For Visitors to Japan. Highlights of the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store! 【Osaka】GRAND FRONT OSAKA「Otona no Beer Garden」 Period: From May 1 (Wed) to September 30, 2024 (Mon) If you are looking for a beer garden where it is less crowded and more calm, we recommend 「Otona no Beer Garden」in Grand Front Osaka. The venue is the rooftop garden of the Grand Front Osaka South Building. The terrace surrounded by greenery is like an oasis in the city where you can forget the hustle and bustle. Space between tables is wide enough for you to relax while enjoying beer or cocktails. Otona no Beer Garden provides an all-you-can-drink plan with 50 kinds of drinks and food that goes well with alcohol such as grilled sirloin steak, roasted chicken, and Brazilian sausage. A la carte dinner is also available if ordered separately. Price/ 6,500 per person Opening Hours/ 17:30~22:00 (Last entry at 20:30 and last order for drinks at 21:30) *Seat is booked for 2 hours; all-you-can-drink plan for 90 minutes *Possible without reservations (may not be available depending on availability) *Possible to be canceled due to weather condition 【Kobe】TOOTH TOOTH MART FOOD HALL&NIGHT FES「UMI NO BEER GARDEN 2024」 Period: From April 23 (Tue) to September 24, 2024 (Tue) *Temporary TOOTH TOOTH MART FOOD HALL, Kobe’s biggest food hall, is close to the famous Kobe Meriken Park. Seaside terrace seating is the perfect location where you can enjoy the sea breeze during a breathtaking sunset. Looking outside of Kobe Port Tower, you may see the terrific sea horizon and the changing color of the sky. Here, a BBQ meal plan is offered for terrace seats. The BBQ meal plan includes a BBQ set featuring meat such as sirloin and sausage from Awaji Island, free unlimited popcorn, and a 1,000-yen meal ticket that can be used in the food hall. Besides, there is also a meal set which features sirloin steak of Kobe beef. Also, in the food hall, you can find many Kobe specialties such as Kobe pork, Rokko beer, Sake from Nada, etc. Price/ 5,500 with all-you-can-drink plan; 3,500 for food only plan Opening Hours/ 11:00~22:00 (Last entry at 20:00) *Seat is booked for 2 hours *Reservation is required *Terrace seats are not available during rainy day ▼Check this article▼ First Time in Kobe. 21 Best Things to Do! Sightseeing, Spots, Dining, Model Course 【Kobe】THE KOBE CRUISE Concerto「Beer Garden Cruise」 Period: From July 1 (Mon) to September 30, 2024 (Mon) THE KOBE CRUISE Concerto, just as the name says, is a beer garden cruise where you can enjoy a cruise tour while having delicious food and fresh beer. Don’t forget to check the timetable since there are only two cruises one day. From the 74-meter cruise, you may naturally revel in the stunning sea sunset and city light surrounded by a serene atmosphere. Price/ 6,900 per person (includes one plate of meal + all-you-can-drink + boarding fee) Opening Hours/ Twilight cruise 17:15~19:00 (1 hour 45-minute cruise) Night cruise 19:30~21:15 (1 hour 45-minute cruise) *Reservation is required (+81 50-5050-0962<10:00〜19:00>) *Possible to be canceled due to weather condition *This service may not be available depending on special flights or seat availability.
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8 Best Places to see Hydrangea in Kansai
Hydrangea is a seasonal flower which is native to Japan and there are more than 50 diverse varieties of this flower. In Japan, a rainy season called Tsuyu starts around mid-June, and actually many people hate this season because of this gloomy weather. However, at the same time, you can feel many Japanese attractions which can’t be found in any other season, and Hydrangea is one of them. Hydrangea flowers change color depending on the acidity of the soil. We will introduce spots in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo where various kinds of hydrangeas such as blue, purple and pink bloom. <Table of Contents> 【Osaka, Suita】Expo ’70 Commemorative Park 【Osaka, Ikeda】Kyuan-ji Temple 【Kyoto, Ukyo-ku】Umenomiya-taisha Shrine 【Kyoto, Nishikyo-ku】Yoshimine Temple 【Kyoto, Nagaokakyo】Yanagitani-Kannon 【Hyogo, Kawanishi】Shounsan Raikouji Temple 【Hyogo, Kobe】Kobe Municipal Arboretum 【Hyogo, Rokko】Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden About 4,000 hydrangeas of about 30 varieties, including Western hydrangeas and Yaenoamacha, will be in full bloom at the Hydrangea Forest in the Nature Park of Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Enjoy the fantastic space surrounded by diverse hydrangeas in red, blue, pink, etc. Kyuan-ji Temple has a path of hydrangeas so overgrown that they hide people. The gradation of hydrangeas on both sides of the path is a feast for the eyes. Floating hydrangeas on the pond are also popular as they look great on Instagram. The “Ajisai-Ukabe” usually held from mid to late June is even more impressive than the “Hana-Chozu”(flower water with handkerchiefs)! At Umenomiya Taisha Shrine, visitors can enjoy approximately 140 varieties of unique hydrangeas from the East Shrine Garden to the North Shrine Garden. You can also appreciate Hanashoubu, which blooms at the same time of the year. Located in the precincts of Yoshimine Temple halfway up the mountain is the Hakusan Hydrangea Garden, which boasts an area of 3,000 tsubo (about 1,000 square meters). About 8,000 hydrangea plants, including gaku hydrangea, color the entire slope of the garden. Visitors to Yanagitani Kannon can enjoy a cluster of about 5,000 hydrangea plants, including Japanese and Western hydrangeas. The hydrangea corridor in the precincts of the temple allows visitors to view the hydrangeas at their leisure without getting wet, even if it is raining. Yanagitani Kannon is famous for its “Hana-Chozu” (flower water with handkerchiefs). Many visitors come to the temple for Hana-Chozu, which is decorated with colorful seasonal flowers. Shounzan Raikoji Temple is commonly called “Hydrangea Temple”. About 500 plants, including Western hydrangeas lovingly nurtured by the temple’s priests, bloom in large profusion. Take a stroll through the temple grounds and enjoy the different colors of the flowers. The Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden is home to many rare hydrangeas, such as the fantastic Shichidanka flower and the clustered white Annabelle. The forest of approximately 50,000 hydrangeas of about 350 varieties is a sight to behold. At the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, located near the top of Mt. Rokko, 865 m above sea level, the “Shichidanka” hydrangea, said to be a phantom hydrangea, blooms. Characterized by its double-petaled flowers with overlapping petals, visitors can enjoy its pretty purple appearance. Also recommended is the “Hydrangea Garden,” where a wide variety of hydrangeas bloom, including the “Himehydrangea,” the city flower of Kobe City. Hydrangeas shine in the rain. Feel the change of the season by looking at the pretty blue, purple, and pink flowers.
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【Kyoto】1 Day Trip|Let’s walk around Higashiyama, Kyoto to see the autumn leaves!
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Kyoto-1 Day Trip|Enjoy Handmade Experience! Yuzen Dyeing, Umeshu (Plum Wine) and Wagashi (Japanese Sweets)
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