6 Tadao Ando Buildings You Should Visit in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe

Tadao Ando is world-famous for his innovative buildings made of cast concrete. As his hometown is Osaka, there are many architectural works by Mr. Ando in the Kansai region. Here are some spots where you can experience culture and art while enjoying his distinctive architectural designs.   １．【KOBE】Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art ２．【KOBE】Chapel of the Wind ３．【OSAKA】Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest ４．【KYOTO】Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art ５．【KYOTO】Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto ６．【HIMEJI】Himeji City Museum of Literature Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art opened in 2002 as a symbol of “cultural recovery” from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Nicknamed the “Art Museum,” it houses approximately 10,000 works of art, including modern sculptures and prints from Japan and abroad. In addition to exhibiting these works of art, another highlight of the museum is the building designed by Mr. Ando, which is a simple but gigantic labyrinth-like structure that creates changes in light. Visitors can savor a complex and diverse spatial experience in a place of fusion of various art forms.   After passing through the entrance hall with its calm atmosphere, visitors are greeted by a glass-walled corridor surrounding the exhibition rooms, which are flooded with natural light, and other various parts of the building, each with a richly shaded expression. The “circular terrace,” the symbol of the museum, connects the first basement floor to the outdoor space on the second floor, linking the exhibition buildings, gallery buildings, and the sea and mountains. The cast concrete forms a beautiful spiral, creating shades of light and shadow. In 2019, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art open a second exhibition building (Ando Gallery) to showcase Ando’s architecture. With exhibits of architectural models of his masterpieces such as “Sumiyoshi Row Houses” and “Church of Light,” as well as introductions to various projects in Japan and abroad, this is an unmissable spot for visitors to learn about Ando’s work. The Sea Deck, an observation deck on the third floor of the outdoor space of Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, looks as if it extends out to sea. A large green apple sculpture, which Mr. Ando designed based on the poem “Youth” by the American poet Samuel Ullman, is placed here. The fourth floor also includes the “Mountain Deck” and the “Wind Deck”. On the other side of the first floor entrance, there is a large staircase leading up to the outdoor areas on the second and third floors, where visitors can sit with their backs to the museum and look out over the ocean spread out before them.   The greatest charm of this museum is that it changes its appearance in various ways depending on the time and season you visit, changing both in terms of getting lost and inconvenience. And the pleasure of finding this museum architectural gimmick! Why not visit to savor a spatial experience that can only be felt at any given moment?   ▼Check out this article▼ 10 BEST Museums and Art Galleries in Kobe The Chapel of the Wind is one of the “church trilogy” designed by Tadao Ando, and was the first church building for him, completed in 1986. Located on top of Mt. Rokko, it is called the “Church of the Wind” because of its refreshing natural surroundings. It was designed and operated as a wedding church for the hotel, but is now closed to the public. It is open to the public during “Kobe Rokko Meets Art”, a contemporary art event held every year from late summer to autumn.   The Chapel of the Wind has a rectangular tower mounted on a cast concrete frame, a characteristic of Ando’s architecture, and light streaming through the gaps between the walls and ceiling creates a sacred and serene space. The design originates from the “Notre Dame de Senancq Abbey” in Provence, southern France, which was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was created after Ando visited the chapel and was impressed that the light shining through the small windows in the rough-hewn stone walls was the star of the spatial presentation. One of the most distinctive features of the Church of the Winds building is the “Colonnade”, a 40-meter colonnaded corridor leading to the chapel. It is made of celadon-colored frosted glass. The colonnade was developed from the colonnade surrounding the courtyard of the “Notre-Dame de Senancq Abbey” in the form of a straight line. The wind blowing through, the surrounding greenery, and the building are fused together to create a fantastic space. The Church of the Wind is tucked away in the forest on Mt.Rokko. The shadows of the light create a beautiful space, a special spot where an extraordinary time flows. Spend your time listening to the tones of nature and feeling the wind blowing through the air. From the top of Mt. Rokko, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe and Osaka.   The Church of the Wind is normally closed to the public and will be open only during the “Kobe Rokko Meets Art” exhibition period. For more details about the event, please check the official website. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!   ▼Check out this article▼ KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2024 beyond – Art Festival Held on the Mountain “I want children to pick up a variety of books and develop unlimited creativity and curiosity. I want them to spontaneously come into contact with the words, feelings, and ideas in books and learn that there are people and lifestyles in the world that are different from their own”.  With this in mind, Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest was designed by architect Tadao Ando himself and donated to the City of Osaka to be established in Nakanoshima,Osaka in 2020. Its daily operation is supported by donations from citizens and companies. A green apple stands out on the entrance terrace of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest. The motif is based on the poem “Youth” by the American poet Samuel Ullman, and represents Mr. Ando’s wish that many people will be touched by this symbol of youth full of challenging spirit. In designing the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest, Mr. Ando placed importance on making more than adequate use of the Nakanoshima location, which is steeped in Osaka’s history and culture, and on ensuring that children would play a leading role in the facility. The building along the Dojima River is made of fair-faced concrete, a characteristic of Ando’s architecture. To the west are the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, the Osaka Central Public Hall, and other cultural and artistic facilities. The interior of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest is a three-story atrium with staircases and bridge passageways that resemble a three-dimensional maze. All the walls are covered with wooden bookshelves, creating an exciting atmosphere as if one were to wander into a “forest of books” and search for books. In the “rest room,” a cylindrical space with no concrete floor, video works are shown to arouse children’s interest in books. The same books displayed on the top shelves are also placed on the lower shelves for browsing. The books are placed on the lower shelves for browsing. All the furniture is made of wood, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Sculptures of words” are displayed here and there on the bookshelves. Impressive short sentences extracted from books appear in three-dimensional letters in the space. Although a book must be picked up and its pages turned in order to experience its world, children often pass by the bookshelf. We wanted to create an opportunity for children to start reading a book with the charm of a single sentence by slipping a word into their field of vision. This was the idea behind the production. “Children’s Book Forest” is a place where children and adults alike can immerse themselves in the fascination of books. The facility is a fusion of Ando’s architecture and the riverside scenery of Osaka, the city of water, where visitors can fully enjoy the world of books. Advance reservation required for use of facilities. Check the official website of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest for information on how to enter. Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art was built by businessman Shotaro Kaga as a villa from the Taisho era (1912-1926) to the early Showa era (1926-1989). Over time, the villa was on the verge of falling into disrepair, but in 1996, in response to calls to preserve the precious architecture and surrounding nature, it was restored to its original state and reopened as an art museum with a new wing designed by Tadao Ando. The main building portion, designed by Shotaro Kaga, was constructed of wood in the Taisho era and substantially expanded in the early Showa era. The main building incorporates an eclectic mix of techniques, including carved beams and columns. The upper section of the main building incorporates a half-timber system showing the wood frame characteristic of the English Tudor Gothic style, and is constructed of reinforced concrete with a steel frame for the roof section. The terrace on the second floor offers a magnificent view of the three rivers flowing through Kizu, Uji, and Katsura, unchanged since its construction. Designed by Ando, the Jichu-kan addition is connected to the main building by a passageway. The passageway is made of fair-faced concrete with glass walls on the upper four sides and the front. The surrounding seasonal scenery is visible to the eye, creating a sense of harmony between the building and nature. A small pond with water lilies blooms beside the stairs leading to the Chichu-kan “Chichu-no-Jewel Box. From the window at the end of the long flight of stairs, you can see the pond at the same height as your eye level. Since the building is located on a slope, it is important to be able to enjoy the view from inside the building as well. The Chichu-kan, named the “Underground Jewel Box” by Mr. Ando, is designed in a cylindrical semi-underground structure to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. The roof above the exhibition space is planted with trees to blend in with the surrounding greenery. In 2012, a new building, Yamatekan “Box of Dreams,” designed by Ando, was completed. The new building is a box-shaped structure, in contrast to the “Chichu Jewel Box. The straight concrete building is placed so that it is buried in the trees, and like the Chichu-kan, the upper portion is planted to create a sense of unity with nature.   The new Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art, which has been brought to life in a perfect balance of old and new buildings and the surrounding environment, offers visitors a sense of “rebirth” in the Ando style. The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto opened in 1994 as the world’s first painting garden that can be viewed outdoors. Designed by Mr. Ando, this facility exhibits outdoors sturdy ceramic board paintings that reproduce the beauty of masterpieces in their original form. The garden features a waterside setting with large and small waterfalls and ponds, and the atmosphere of the works changes depending on the viewing location, viewpoint, and weather conditions.   The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto is a three-story structure, with a gentle slope leading down from the ground level to the second basement level, where visitors view the works in order from the bottom. On display at the Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto is a total of eight masterpieces from around the world. Four of them were created for the “International Garden and Greenery Exposition” held in 1990 and displayed in the “Garden of Masterpieces,” a pavilion designed by Mr. Ando. The other four were created for this facility.   Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” which is almost full-size and over 13 meters high, can be viewed from all floors of the corridor. Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” sandwiched between the sky and the water. The painting is designed to be reflected in the water, and it is also interesting to see how differently the painting looks on the surface of the water. A doubly enlarged version of the National Treasure, Caricatures of Birds, Beasts, and Humans. The long scroll, read from the right, is displayed so that visitors can appreciate it in a natural flow along the direction of travel.   The works of Van Gogh and Renoir, viewed through windows in the concrete walls, offer a different atmosphere from the paintings. Monet’s “Waterlilies, Morning” is displayed underwater to give visitors an impression of his worldview, and viewing it as if peering into the painting from above is a unique experience. The unique way to enjoy the paintings along with the changes in light and the shimmering surface of the water is only possible with ceramic board paintings.   The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto, designed by Tadao Ando to take advantage of the outdoor environment, is a recommended place to experience art in a different way than an indoor museum. The Himeji City Museum of Literature, located northwest of the World Cultural Heritage and National Treasure Himeji Castle, was established in 1991 as a center for all literary activities, including the collection and study of materials by writers and scholars associated with Himeji and other Harima areas. Ando’s unique building design, “designed as a space for circulation and dialogue with literature with the castle in the background,” blends in with the old townscape and creates a new landscape. As the design concept suggests, Himeji Castle, nicknamed “Shirasagijo Castle,” can be viewed from inside the building, making it a special place where visitors can feel Himeji from both inside and outside the building.   The Himeji City Museum of Literature consists of the three-story North Wing and the two-story South Wing. The grounds also include the “Boukeitei”, a Taisho period(1912-1926) Japanese house with a 40-mat Japanese-style room and a tea ceremony room. The “Himeji Castle Historical Story Corridor” on the first floor of the North Wing introduces the stories and history of Himeji Castle and the region through video and graphics. A total of 26 episodes are displayed in a long arc-shaped corridor, which visitors can appreciate by following the curve. On the same floor is the “Forest of Words” exhibition room, where visitors can come into contact with the impressive words left by literary figures associated with Harima and their lives, and on the second floor is a corner dedicated to Watsuji Tetsuro, a philosopher born in Himeji City. The South Wing includes the “Ryotaro Shiba Memorial Room” and a café where visitors can relax. This glass-walled space seen from the outside is a “yoiko no heya” for parents and children to enjoy together. It is a bright and colorful space like a sunroom. Here, visitors can take off their shoes, read picture books, and play with toys while relaxing. The tapestries and mobiles are inspired by the stories in “Harimakuni Fudoki,” which is also the origin of the name of Himeji. The landscape where the building stands in harmony with the surrounding nature, blending straight lines and curves, light and shadow, is like a beautiful work of art. The buildings are like beautiful art, blending lines, curves, light, and shadow in harmony with the surrounding nature.   ▼Check out this article▼ Top 12 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kobe for Parents and Children to Enjoy! In addition, we also recommend “VS.”, a facility with a distinctive cube-shaped exterior designed and supervised by Tadao Ando, which will be built in 2024 in “Grand Green Osaka” in Umeda, Osaka. “TADAO ANDO YOUTH” is on view through July 21, 2025. When discussing architecture, Tadao Ando is a must-see. If you travel to Japan, why not experience the world-renowned architecture of Tadao Ando along with sightseeing?   ▼Check out this article▼ This is the place to go! An overwhelmingly beautiful architectural spot that harmonizes with the nature of Awaji Island!

5 Best Ramen in Osaka Umeda! How to Order, The Side Menu and More!

Osaka’s Umeda area is home to many ramen restaurants. Among them, we picked up the “super” famous and popular ramen restaurants that you should definitely try here! Don’t miss the special side dishes that are the perfect accompaniment to ramen.   1.Fukuryu Ramen WADACHI LINKS UMEDA 2.Donbori KAMUKURA HANKYU SANBANGAI 3.ICHIRAN Umeda Shibata 4.Kyoto Menya TAKEI Hankyu Umeda 5.KADOYASYOKUDO Hanshin Umeda Fukuryu Ramen WADACHI, Osaka’s famous bubble ramen store, opened its first store in Honmachi, Osaka, in 2014. The restaurant, which quickly gained attention and was selected as a Bib Gourmand in the “Michelin Guide” and one of the “100 Best Ramen Restaurants,” is now also located in Umeda. Fukuryu Ramen WADACHI LINKS UMEDA is located on the first floor of LINKS UMEDA, a commercial facility area in the Yodobashi Umeda Tower, one of the landmarks of Umeda. White ramen with bubbles covering the noodles, this is “Fukuryu Ramen,” the signature dish that bears the restaurant’s name. The identity of these white bubbles can be found at ……. They are two kinds of espumas made from the chicken shiranyu latte soup, from which the smell has been removed and the umami extracted thoroughly in a custom-made pressure cooker, as well as Kigashira yuzu and special kombu dashi broth. The round, gentle taste of the soy sauce sauce sauce combined with the dashi broth and the fluffy mouthfeel, and the elegant yuzu that gives off a slight aroma. The flavor changes over time as the bubbles dissolve, making this one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. The crispiness of the white onion, mizuna, and onion, and the pork shoulder loin char siew, which is cooked at a low temperature to slowly lock in the umami, create an exquisite harmony. The photo shows “Ajitama Fukuryu Ramen” topped with Ajitama. Also available is the “Special Fukuryu Ramen” topped with chicken chashu pork. You can also double the amount of yuzu espuma as an option! Another popular menu item is the “Niboshi Ramen,” a superb soup stock made from two kinds of sardines and kelp that have been carefully simmered in a broth made from two kinds of sardines and kelp, plus saury and sea bream. The tamari soy sauce and sweet back fat are entwined with thick noodles. The thickly cut green onions, crispy onions, and mouth-watering chashu pork add a refreshing touch to the rich simmered dried fish broth. The lineup also includes “Ajitama Niboshi Ramen” topped with Ajitama, and “Special Niboshi Ramen” with chicken meat chashu. The unique appearance of the “Mazesoba Junkie” is intriguing and noteworthy. This mazesoba is made with rich niboshi dashi broth, secret soy sauce sauce, and back fat. As the name suggests, it is an addictive dish! The “Mazesoba Junkie SP” shown in the photo is topped with thick noodles tossed with soy sauce sauce and broth, green onions stir-fried in back fat, two thickly sliced cubes of chashu pork, chopped onions, and a generous amount of niboshi powder.   Niboshi powder all over well, but make sure to leave a little juice in the bowl. When you finish the noodles, leave about a piece of chashu pork and order a small bowl of rice. Then mix the sauce and rice together and have it with the chashu! You can enjoy the luxurious taste of this dish as if it were a separate menu item. “Fukuryu Ramen WADACHI”, not only ramen, but also the side dishes are bursting with originality. The “chashu-don”, a bowl of rice topped with so much diced low-temperature cooked chashu that it almost obscures the rice, is a must-have dish to go with ramen. The special sweet sauce, which is lightly brûléed with espuma, is mixed well with the rare and satisfying chashu. Now that’s something I just can’t stop eating!   It’s a one-stop commercial facility where you can enjoy a variety of shopping, including electronics, household goods, and fashion items, as well as some of Osaka’s, or even Japan’s, most famous ramen! If you plan to spend a day in Umeda, you may want to make dining at this restaurant your main focus. Founded in 1986 in Dotonbori, Osaka, “Dotonbori KAMUKURA” has about 70 branches in Japan and abroad, mainly in the Kansai region. The restaurant is popular for its one-of-a-kind ramen with a unique soup. Dotonbori KAMUKURA HANKYU SANBANGAI is located a short walk from Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station. You look at the menu in the store and order from the ticket machine, but you will definitely have a hard time deciding what to order because of the attractive and varied menu. In such a case, you will be thankful for the line. Yes, while you’re standing in line, it’s thinking time!The menu is written in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. The “Characteristics of KAMUKURA Ramen” posted inside the restaurant states that the first time you try it, you will “taste something you have never tasted before,” the second time you will “appreciate its depth and deliciousness,” and the third time you will “understand the true flavor of KAMUKURA. The second time, you will discover its depth and deliciousness, and by the third time, you will understand the true taste of KAMUKURA. The fact that there are many fans who come back repeatedly over the years is the best proof of this. In order to protect and consistently provide this unparalleled taste, the restaurant has introduced its own “soup sommelier system. Only sommeliers who have passed a rigorous screening process are allowed to cook the restaurant’s ramen! “Oishii Ramen” is the standard and signature dish at “Dotonbori KAMUKURA”. The founder, who originally worked as the owner-chef of a French restaurant, spent a year and a half perfecting this completely original dish in order to create a healthful soup that can be eaten every day. He carefully selects vegetables that are safe and secure, full of nutritional value and umami, and the producer’s face is visible. The noodles, which were developed to match the ramen, are smooth and straight, and are gently mixed with the soup. The light yet rich flavor of the ingredients is so concentrated that you will never get tired of it no matter how many times you try it, and it continues to be a favorite among our fans. The most popular item, the “Small Chashu Boiled Egg Ramen,” is a perfect combination of an egg cooked in a secret sauce and slow-aged chashu pork. “Negi-Kimuchi Ramen” adds a change of taste and texture with crunchy green onions and spicy kimuchi.   Toppings include boiled egg, green onion, kimchi, bean sprouts, vegetables, and chashu pork. Choose your favorite toppings and enjoy your own personal arrangement.   For those who want to fully enjoy the tender chashu pork, choose the “Premium Chashu Ramen,” while health-conscious customers can choose the “Full Vegetable Ramen” or the “Konnyaku Ramen” with zero sugar content. The gyoza, which are full of umami, should be ordered with ramen. They are crispy and juicy. The “Kara-Age” with its exquisite secret seasoning is also a recommended menu item that cannot be missed. Crispy and hearty, it is very satisfying. “Soboro-don” is a bowl of rice topped with sweet and gently seasoned Soboro with accents of green onion and Nori. Serve with an on-tama (soft-boiled egg).   A special menu that includes these sides as part of the “Oishii Ramen” set is also available. The gyoza and karaage set comes with white rice and is very satisfying. Come in for your first bowl of noodles and be captivated by the flavors.   ▼Check out this article▼ Best 11 Food in Osaka Umeda: From the Newest Restaurants to Classic Japanese Cuisine Ichiran, a famous tonkotsu ramen restaurant, was established in Fukuoka in 1960 and currently has 86 restaurants in Japan and abroad. Ichiran is a tonkotsu ramen specialty restaurant that does not diversify its menu, but instead focuses on a single item of “natural tonkotsu ramen” in its pursuit of deliciousness. The Umeda Shibata branch is located near Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station. The red sign is a landmark! Ichiran is famous for its “Taste Concentration Counter” where you can enjoy your ramen without worrying about being seen. The counter is separated by a partition one seat at a time, allowing you to concentrate on the flavor of the ramen and making it easy for a woman to enter alone. Once seated, fill out an order form to order ramen to your liking, indicating the intensity of flavor, noodle consistency, amount of garlic, type of green onions, and so on. The order form is available in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese. Ichiran’s tonkotsu ramen soup is rich, thick, and full of flavor, removing any extra peculiarities such as odor and maximizing the taste of tonkotsu. The noodles are made of special fresh noodles that are designed to be the best match for the tonkotsu soup. The original “red secret sauce” is the symbol of Ichiran’s ramen, made by mixing and aging more than 30 ingredients based on chili peppers. Not only is it spicy, but when the umami-rich sauce is mixed with the soup, it gives it an even deeper flavor! It is recommended to taste the noodles and soup gently from the corner first, and then dissolve the “red secret sauce” little by little as you eat. If you mix the noodles with the pork bone broth thoroughly, you can enjoy the exquisite harmony as much as you like. Why not try kaedama, a unique Hakata food culture? Kaedama means to refill only the noodles, leaving the soup. From the first bowl, you can change the hardness of the noodles and add toppings to enjoy the different flavors. To order kaedama, simply place the kaedama tag on the button at the back of the table. You can order without speaking, so you can order another bowl without worrying about those around you. If you order it when you are halfway through your first bowl of noodles, it will be brought to you just as you run out of your first bowl. A must order along with ramen is the “Stewed Roast Pork Platter”. This exquisite dish is made from carefully selected, high-quality pork loin that has been slow-cooked. The sweet and spicy soy sauce-based sauce combined with smoked seasoning is a perfect match with the grilled pork. Goes great with rice or beer! Last but not least, we must not forget the closing dessert. Refresh your palate with “Matcha Annin Tofu” topped with matcha sauce made from Fukuoka Prefecture’s Yamecha green tea.   At Ichiran, enjoy not only the natural tonkotsu ramen, but also the popular grilled pork and the closing dessert, just like a course! Kyoto Menya TAKEI is located inside the 2nd floor central ticket gate of Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station. The main store is located in Kyoto, and since its opening in 2016 as the third store, the first in Osaka and the first in a train station, it has been extremely popular with a long line of customers. Menya TAKEI is the first name that comes to mind when talking about tsukemen in the Umeda area, and many people come from far and wide to visit this restaurant. Even if they do not take the train, there are even people who visit Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station just to try the signature tsukemen! There is often a long line of people waiting in line. *If you do not use the train, an admission ticket is required. Admission tickets can be purchased at ticket vending machines for ¥170 per adult and ¥90 per child. Purchase a meal ticket from the ticket machine in front of the restaurant and enter the restaurant. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, with counter seats lined up in a row. The extra-thick noodles, made using only carefully selected wheat and a proprietary process, are firm, elastic, and chewy! The soup is made by simmering pork bones and seafood for a long time to concentrate the umami flavor. The more the noodles are chewed, the sweeter they become, and they are firmly entwined in the rich, thick soup, making them addictive once you try them. The fish meal topping enhances the slight sweetness of the pork bones, and the yuzu peel adds a refreshing accent. The “special tsukemen” is topped with three kinds of chashu pork (chicken thigh, pork belly, and pork loin) and a seasoned egg, which covers the noodles.   After finishing the noodles, you can add the warm seafood broth in a pot on the table to the soup and enjoy every last drop. Another popular topping is “Mito straw natto,” which is wrapped in traditional straw. When added to the dipping sauce and tossed with the noodles, the natto’s gooey flavor is mildly blended into the sauce, making it thick and smooth. It has a unique flavor that is sure to make people become addicted to it. Try it for yourself! The restaurant is famous for its tsukemen, but its limited edition “special ramen” is also excellent. The clear pork bone broth with floating back fat is paired with thin, straight noodles. This Kyoto-style ramen is topped with rare chashu pork, thick-sliced chicken chashu pork with skin, flavored eggs, and plenty of green onions. Another recommended dish is the reasonably priced and satisfying “pork spicy rice bowl”. It is a bowl of thick slices of pork topped with green onions, nori (seaweed), and egg yolk. The sweet and spicy pork with the egg yolk will keep your chopsticks going even after eating tsukemen or ramen noodles.   The moment you are immersed in the deliciousness of tsukemen noodles, you will forget that you are in a train station. If you visit Umeda, this is a must-visit restaurant. Kadoya Shokudo, with its main branch in Nishinagahori, Osaka, was founded in 1957 as a popular diner and was renovated in 2001 as a Chinese noodle specialty restaurant. It is one of Osaka’s representative ramen restaurants, having won a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide. The Umeda branch of Kadoya Shokudo is located on the basement floor of the Hanshin Umeda Main Store in the “Snack Park,” an all-standing-style food court based on the concept of “fast, cheap, and delicious! The secret of its popularity is, without a doubt, its very reasonable prices for ramen noodles. Here you can enjoy the restaurant’s unique Chinese noodles, arranged based on the flavors of the main restaurant.   The custom-made noodles, made exclusively for ramen noodles using 100% domestic “rakuraku” wheat, are chewy yet crisp, with a rich flavor. The thin noodles are well mixed with the light broth that contains the umami of chicken and pork bones, giving the noodles a smooth texture. The chashu pork made from Satsuma Chami pork is tender and melts in your mouth. The only toppings for ” Chinese noodle ” are chashu pork, nori, and menma (pickled bamboo shoots). The simplicity of the toppings allows you to directly feel the umami of the noodles and soup. “Wonton noodle” is a combination of “Chinese noodle” and chewy and slippery wontons. Each wonton is carefully wrapped by hand in the restaurant. This is “Deluxe chinese noodle”, which is “Chinese noodle” with an added flavored egg.   Other items on the lineup include “Chashu-noodle” with a generous portion of chashu pork, “Deluxe chinese noodle” with an additional flavored egg, and “Special chinese noodle” with an even more generous portion of chashu pork. The “Panda noodle” with sweet and spicy juicy fried tofu curd on top is a hidden menu item from the days of the popular diner, which was introduced on the 20th anniversary in 2021, and has many fans. A side menu item to be enjoyed with ramen is the bowl of rice topped with mayonnaise. We recommend the “Cha Mayo-don ,” a bowl of rice topped with a generous amount of mayonnaise on top of the savory chopped chashu pork used in Chinese noodles. If you want to enjoy the meaty flavor, choose the “Chashu-don” which is a perfect match between the sweet and spicy flavor of the tender char siu pork and the rice. For those who want to taste the full flavor of the meat, try the “Pork-don,” a sumptuous bowl of rice topped with Satsuma Chami Pork slowly simmered in a special white wine-based sauce.   Of course, the rice bowls are also very reasonable. It is nice to know that even if you order a set of Chinese noodles and a bowl of rice, the damage to your wallet will not be too great.   Only at this restaurant located in “Snack Park” can you easily order authentic Chinese noodles and rice bowls as if you were at a food stall, and enjoy them right away. There is also Sakunomi set that allows you to enjoy chashu pork and pickled bamboo shoots with beer. This is the place to end a day spent in Umeda! How was it? There are many ramen shops in Umeda, Osaka. Enjoy the signature dishes of famous stores, and be sure to check out the side dishes unique to each store.   Osaka Umeda Station also offers many other attractions. To learn more, check out this article! For more information on vegan ramen, check out this article! 9 Best Vegan Restaurants & Shops in Osaka – Okonomiyaki, Ramen & Souvenirs

A Complete Guide to HANKYU SANBAN GAI: Access, Shopping, Tax-free and More

HANKYU SANBAN GAI is a large shopping complex directly connected to Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station. It offers a wide range of stores, including fashion, lifestyle goods, hobbies, interior goods, and gourmet food, making it a perfect place for shopping, finding souvenirs, and dining.   In this article, we’ll thoroughly introduce must-visit gourmet spots, popular Japanese character goods shops, recommended items to buy, access tips, and more—everything international visitors should check before visiting!   Index Excellent Location! How to go to HANKYU SANBAN GAI in Osaka Umeda HANKYU SANBAN GAI Opening Hours & Closed days HANKYU SANBAN GAI Floor Guide Location of the Hankyu Expressway Bus Terminal at HANKYU SANBAN GAI From HANKYU SANBAN GAI to the Airport: Limousine Bus Stop Location Get Coupons for Overseas Tourists at HANKYU SANBAN GAI! Must-Try Food & Restaurants at HANKYU SANBAN GAI! Must-Visit! KIDDY LAND Osaka Umeda Store: Anime & Character Goods! Must-Buy Souvenirs! Popular Stores at HANKYU SANBAN GAI for Tourists Tax-Free Stores at HANKYU SANBAN GAI Foreign Currency Exchange Machine at HANKYU SANBAN GAI Learn More About Osaka Umeda Sightseeing & Food! HANKYU SANBAN GAI is conveniently accessible not only from Hankyu Railway but also from Hanshin Railway, JR lines, and Osaka Metro stations. Since all the stations are connected via underground pathways, you don’t have to worry about the weather even after a long shopping spree.   If you’re coming from Hanshin, JR, or Osaka Metro stations, simply follow the signs pointing toward “Hankyu Line.” (Please note: Some signs may not mention “Hankyu Sanbangai” directly.)   Once you arrive at Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station, HANKYU SANBAN GAI is located right beneath you! For detailed directions from each station to Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station, please refer to the link below.   ▼Check this article▼ Osaka Umeda train station guide. How to get to Hankyu Osaka-umeda station and Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station from any station in Umeda. ・Business Hours [Shops] 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM [Cafés and Restaurants] 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM   ・Closed Open almost year-round, but it may close a few Wednesdays each year.   Please note that operating hours may vary by store, and there could be special hours during New Year’s holidays. We recommend checking the official website in advance for the latest updates. The landmark to look for when finding Hankyu Sanbangai is the 1st-floor concourse of Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station. This is the concourse located in front of Kinokuniya Bookstore [South Building 1F]. The large digital signage area in front of it is a popular meeting spot known as “BIGMAN.”   HANKYU SANBAN GAI is divided into two parts: North Building and South Building. The photo below shows the view from outside on the ground level. The road under Hankyu Railway’s overpass separates the two: the South Building is on the left, and the North Building, home to the Hankyu Highway Bus Terminal, is on the right. Important Tip: You cannot move between the North and South Buildings on the B1 floor.   The two buildings are connected only at the ground floor and B2 floor. Since the structure is quite complex, first-time visitors are recommended to use B2 for easier navigation.   The floors in both North and South Buildings range from B2 up to the second floor. [Main Stores and Categories by Floor] ■North Building 2F: Hankyu Railway Osaka-Umeda Station ticket gates, Francfranc 1F: Francfranc, partial KIDDY LAND, fashion, lifestyle goods, cafés, Hankyu Expressway Bus Terminal B1: KIDDY LAND, Nitori DECO HOME B2: UMEDA FOOD HALL   ■South Building 2F: Hankyu Railway Osaka-Umeda Station ticket gates, Tempura Makino 1F: Kinokuniya Bookstore, Umecha Koji / Hankyu Used Book Market, fashion accessories and tax-free counter B1: Chiikawa Land, Café HERBS, fashion, fashion accessories, beauty, Information Center B2: Restaurants and cafés   Since it’s easy to get lost inside HANKYU SANBAN GAI, it’s highly recommended to check the floor map upon arrival.   If you need help, feel free to ask at the Information Center located on B1 of South Building, near the escalator in front of Kinokuniya Bookstore. HANKYU SANBAN GAI is not only easily accessible by train, but also very convenient for highway bus users.   The highway bus terminal is located on the first floor of North Building, underneath the Hankyu Railway overpass (across the street from Kinokuniya Bookstore). From this bus terminal, you can travel to various destinations across Japan, including Arima Onsen, Kinosaki Onsen, and Amanohashidate—all reachable as day trips from Osaka Umeda—as well as farther cities like Tokyo, Nagano, and Matsuyama. The terminal is equipped with coin lockers large enough for suitcases, a ticket counter, and convenience shops.   ▶Hankyu Expressway Bus Official Website Hankyu Sanbangai also serves as a stop for limousine buses to and from KIX and ITM Airport.   Please note: The limousine bus stops for the airports are different from the highway bus terminal. They are located on the 1st floor of the South Building of Hankyu Sanbangai (the side where Kinokuniya Bookstore is located).   For more details about the bus stops, please refer to the article below.   ▼For more details▼ Buses are an easy way to get from Umeda, Osaka to Kansai International Airport! 5 points to keep in mind when boarding the bus   Buses are a comfortable way to get from Kansai International Airport to Umeda, Osaka! Thorough explanation of travel time, boarding location, etc. If you are visiting Hankyu Sanbangai as an international traveler, be sure to first stop by the Information Counter on the B1 floor of the South Building! Here, by presenting your passport and showing the coupon page from the official website, you can receive a special ¥500 discount coupon for international visitors, valid with a purchase of ¥3,000 or more. It’s perfect for saving money on dining and shopping — don’t miss out!   ▶Click here to get your coupon One of the biggest pleasures at Hankyu Sanbangai is definitely the food! Out of about 250 shops in total, nearly 120 shops are restaurants, cafés, and other gourmet spots.   Mainly centered on B2, you’ll find a wide variety of dining options. From popular restaurants perfect for lunch or dinner serving ramen, sukiyaki, tempura, Western dishes, and tonkatsu, to cafés like “HERBS” (South Building B1F) famous for its mille-crêpes, and delightful matcha cafés – a diverse range of culinary genres are gathered here.   Among them, some especially popular spots include the ramen shop “Dotonbori Kamukura” (South Building 1F), “Shabu-Sai” for all-you-can-eat sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, and “Tempura Makino,” which always has a queue. Also, the “UMEDA FOOD HALL” on [North Building B2F] is incredibly convenient and one of the largest food halls in Umeda!   It features about 18 different eateries offering everything from Udon noodles and seafood bowls to ramen and kushiage (deep-fried skewers), with a total seating capacity of around 1,000. It’s a real lifesaver when you’re not sure what to eat, so be sure to check it out!   ▼For more details▼ 8 Best Japanese Food at HANKYU SANBAN GAI in Osaka If you’re a fan of Japanese anime or characters, a visit to KIDDY LAND Osaka Umeda store inside Hankyu Sanbangai is absolutely a must! This is the largest store in Osaka Umeda specializing in character goods.   You can find KIDDY LAND Osaka Umeda store on Basement Level 1 of the North Building in Hankyu Sanbangai (with a part also on the 1st floor of the North Building).   ＜Main Character Shops within KIDDY LAND Osaka Umeda Store＞ Rilakkuma Store Sumikko Gurashi SHOP miffy style Kapibarasan Kyurutto Shop SNOOPY TOWN Jackie’s Marché Koupen-chan’s Shop Donguri Republic (Character shop for Studio Ghibli works)   Beyond these, they also sell character goods for Sanrio characters, Kirby, and so many others that they can’t all be listed here! You’re sure to get absorbed in choosing goods and lose track of time!   Note: “Chiikawa Land” has relocated to the South Building B1F of Hankyu Sanbangai. From the many shops in Hankyu Sanbangai, we’ve researched and selected those especially popular with international visitors!   Kinokuniya Bookstore Umeda Main Store [South Building 1F]   This is the largest major bookstore in Osaka Umeda. Located directly on the 1st-floor concourse of the South Building, you’ll have no trouble finding it.   It’s a highly popular store among international visitors, with the Japanese manga, art, tea ceremony, and handicraft sections being particularly well-regarded. Ball&Chain Hankyu Sanbangai Store [South Building 1F]   Located on the 1st floor of the South Building, right in front of Kinokuniya Bookstore, is “Ball & Chain”, where their pop and stylish embroidered bags are incredibly popular!   With a rich variety of designs and colors, these bags are highly useful for daily use thanks to their large capacity combined with being lightweight and compact. We recommend having several to match your fashion coordination!   Bags incorporating Japanese motifs are also available and make perfect souvenirs! Maremare Pumpshop Japan Craft Hankyu Sanbangai Store [South Building 1F]   “Maremare Pumpshop Japan Craft” is a popular store specializing in high-quality, Japanese-made shoes carefully crafted by Japanese artisans.   The reason for their popularity is the truly comfortable fit that satisfies even those with high insteps and wide feet! They use soft domestic synthetic leather, designed to fit gently and securely on your feet, making them less likely to slip off. We even recommend buying a pair if your feet get tired while traveling! They offer pumps and casual shoes in basic designs that are versatile for various occasions, and many people come back to buy them again and again for their long-lasting comfort.   The store is located along the “Umechayako-ji / Hankyu Used Book Street,” to the east of Kinokuniya Bookstore. Umechayako-ji / Hankyu Used Book Street   This charming street, located to the east of Kinokuniya Bookstore, is lined with quaint used bookstores and antique art shops. You can find works such as Ukiyo-e prints and calligraphy here, making it a wonderful spot to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.   Beyond that, we also recommend checking out tax-free eligible drugstores like “Cocokara Fine” and “Kyoei Drugstore” (both located on South Building B1F). For interior goods and home furnishings, don’t miss “Francfranc” (North Building 1F, 2F). And at the stylish 100-yen shop “Kitchen Kitchen” (South Building B2F), you can discover a fantastic selection of convenient kitchenware and adorable lifestyle goods – it’s highly recommended! Around 40 stores are eligible for tax-free shopping, including Kinokuniya Bookstore and Francfranc, as well as drugstores, fashion boutiques, innerwear shops, miscellaneous goods stores, and more.   For further details, please check the official Hankyu Sanbangai website. ▶Here At Hankyu Sanbangai, most stores (with the exception of some) accept various credit cards and electronic money (including Union Pay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay). You can also feel secure if you need cash, as foreign currency exchange machines are installed within Hankyu Sanbangai.     [South Building 1F] Next to Kinokuniya Bookstore   [South Building 1F] In front of Tully’s Coffee ▼ How to Use the Foreign Currency Exchange Machine Here ▼ The Best Currency Exchange Machine Guide in Umeda, Osaka! “Enjoy! OSAKA KYOTO KOBE” provides tourism information for inbound travelers visiting the Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto areas, including Osaka. We have compiled a wealth of useful information, including various must-see sights and gourmet recommendations. Please use it as a reference to make your trip truly fulfilling!   ▼For more details on the Osaka Umeda Area▼ Osaka Umeda: The Perfect Tourist Guide   Top Page of Enjoy! OSAKA KYOTO KOBE

10 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 【Hyogo, Rokko】Rokko Cable Car 【Hyogo, Rokko】Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE 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. ▼Check out this article▼ Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained! 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. ▼Check this article▼ Kyoto Nishiyama｜An undiscovered sightseeing spot in Kyoto! 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. The Rokko cable is a rare spot where you can enjoy hydrangeas while riding the cable car. The beautiful blue coloring of the hydrangea is known as “Rokko Blue”. Starting from the hydrangea at the lower station of the cable car, more than 2,500 hydrangeas in total will be in full bloom from early to mid-July. The cable car has a lovely retro body, and from inside you can enjoy the view of the city of Kobe and the sea. Located on top of Mt. Rokko, where the temperature is about 5 degrees cooler than in the city, the hydrangeas are at their best about a month later than in the city, and more than 350 hydrangeas of more than 20 varieties can be enjoyed. The southern German-style building and the harmony with the surrounding nature provide an extraordinary experience and a peaceful space where visitors can appreciate the flowers in a more natural state. Flowering conditions may vary depending on the weather. Please check SNS for the latest blooming status. ▼Check out this article▼ Enjoy “sound” in the great outdoors Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE Hydrangeas shine in the rain. Feel the change of the season by looking at the pretty blue, purple, and pink flowers.

11 Summer Events in Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe area)! Experience and learn about Japanese traditions and customs

Praying with one’s feet in the river water and dancing in a circle! At first glance, Kansai’s summer events and rites may seem strange. Traditional events are filled with wisdom and ingenuity to keep you cool and comfortable during the hot summer.   Please enjoy your trip to Kansai with events and rites that can only be experienced in summer!   １．[Kyoto] Various places in Kyoto City / Gion Festival ２．[Kyoto] Matsuo-taisha Shrine / Wind-bell Prayer: Sound of Good Luck and Disaster Elimination ３．[Osaka] Mizunase Jingu Shrine / Wind of Invitation ４．[Kyoto] Shops along the Kamo River in Kyoto City / Kawayuka(Riverside Terrace) ５．[Osaka] Minoh Waterfall / Summer Festa Minoh Park 2025 ６．[Osaka] Umeda area / Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival) ７．[Nishinomiya, Hyogo] Nishinomiya Shrine / Summer Ebisu ８．[Kyoto] Shimogamo-jinja Shrine / Mitarashi Festival ９．[Osaka] Yodogawa riverside / The 37th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival １０．[Kyoto] Various places in Kyoto City / Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Bonfire on Five Mountains) １１．[Kobe] Meriken Park / Kobe Umi no Bon Dance 2025 Period: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – Thursday, July 31, 2025   If you are traveling to Kyoto in the summer, a visit to the Kyoto Gion Festival is a must! You will be overwhelmed by the gorgeous floats!   For more information, check out the article below! ＜Kyoto＞Gion Matsuri｜Highlights of Japan’s Greatest Festival Period: Usually from June 1 to September 1   About 800 wind chimes will be displayed on the ceiling of the Matsunoo Taisha Shrine awarding office and throughout the shrine grounds. It is said that the tones of the wind chimes comfort the gods and purify sins and impurities. At Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, you can write your wish on a strip of paper. Let your wish be delivered to the god. Period: Usually July – early September   A wind-bell prayer will also be held at the Mizunase Jingu Shrine. Passing through the wind chimes, visitors can listen to the cool sound of the light chirping of the wind chimes. During the period, the shrine will also be decorated with kazaguruma, toys that rotate with the wind, and illuminated with lanterns. Period: May 1 – October 15, 2025 (period varies by store)   “Kawayuka” riverside terrace is one of the traditional summer cultures of Kyoto. It is a place to enjoy the cool air while dining on delicious food at outdoor terrace seats that jut out into the Kamo River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at 87 restaurants ranging from Japanese cuisine to Italian and French cuisine. Among them, “B STORE 1st” opens from 8:00 a.m. as riverside terrace morning. Why not start your day with  “Kawayuka” riverside terrace? ▼Check this article▼ 7 Best Breakfasts in Kyoto | Near JR Kyoto Station and Popular Tourist Attractions Period: Usually mid-July to early September   Minoh Waterfalls and other famous spots in Minoh Park are illuminated in this popular event! Also, until Monday, November 3, 2025, “Kawayuka (riverside terrace)” will be held at riverside restaurants in Minoh Park, where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine while enjoying the sounds of nature. Enjoy a quaint moment (reservations required). ▼Check this article▼ 8 recommended gourmet restaurants in Minoh Waterfall! Cafes & Shops to stop by for sightseeing Note on how to get to Minoh Waterfall! Points that international travelers should know before going there Main Content Dates: The dates for 2025 have not yet been announced.   Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival) is a large-scale event held in the Umeda area of Osaka, where you can enjoy Japanese summer culture all at once! Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival)  will feature a traditional “Bon Odori Dance”, “Uchimizu” (sprinkling water on the streets to cool off), and “fairs” like typical of summer festivals. The entire town will be decorated in summer! Period: Monday, July 7, 2025; Wednesday, July 9 – Thursday, July 10, 2025   Natsu Ebisu is an event that takes place mainly on July 10, and on Thursday, July 20, miko (shrine maidens) perform “Yutate Kagura,” in which they sprinkle visitors with bamboo branches submerged in boiling water, praying for the reprieve from the heat and for good health. At the “Ebisu Mandoro (Lantern Festival)” starting at 6:00 p.m., the precincts of the shrine are transformed into a fantastic world of light with lit andon (lanterns) and candles. Period: Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 27, 2025   The Mitarashi Festival is a summer event in Kyoto, also known as “Ashitsuke Shinji(Ritual of Foot-soaking)”, in which people take a knee-deep dip in the Mitarashi Pond on the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine to purify themselves of any impurities and pray for good health. Walking through the cool water is a great way to feel cool, and is a fun event for the whole family to participate in. Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 *October due to the duration of the Osaka-Kansai Expo   Fireworks festivals held in various locations are also a major annual summer event! Please come and see the delicate Japanese fireworks display! ▼Click here for more details▼ 5 fireworks shows in Kansai! This is how Japanese people enjoy fireworks! Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025   This is a traditional summer event in Kyoto to return the spirits of ancestors who were welcomed during Obon to the underworld. A fire is lit on a pyre in the middle of the mountain, and the Chinese characters “Dai”, left “Dai”, “Myou”, and “Hou”, as well as the shape of a boat, float on the pyre. The lights are lit one after the other starting at 20:00, and each can be viewed for about 30 minutes. See the website below for the lighting time and viewing locations. https://kyoto.travel/en/ Date: The dates for 2025 have not yet been announced.   The Bon Odori Festival is held at Meriken Park, the port of Kobe. People dance in a circle to typical folk songs from all over Japan. The choreography of Bon Odori is simple! Let’s join in while watching everyone else dance! Summer events & activities are held mainly at night. Even if you have visited Japan many times, you may discover something new by participating in these limited-time events!

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