OSAKA
From gourmet foods to shopping, Osaka has everything!
Visit to enjoy excellent shopping near the major train stations and savor local gourmet specialties such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
-
Myoken-no-Mori Barbecue terrace (Closed on December 3, 2023)
-
chayamachi arco
-
HANKYU KAPPA YOKOCHOU
-
THE RITZ CARLTON OSAKA
-
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
-
Hotel Hanshin Annex Osaka
-
NU chayamachi / NU chayamachi +
-
UMEDA FOOD HALL
-
HANKYU BRICK MUSEUM
-
remm Shin-Osaka
-
Myoken-no-Mori (Closed on December 3, 2023)
-
Dotonbori
RELATED ARTICLES
-
For Visitors to Japan. Highlights of the Hankyu Umeda Main Store!
The Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store is a must-visit destination for visitors to Japan who want to enjoy shopping in Osaka’s Umeda, the commercial center of the Kansai region. In this issue, we will explain in detail the highlights of the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, its convenient services for visitors to Japan, and the location of the duty-free counter. In order to maximize your enjoyment of shopping at the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store during the limited time you have during your trip, check it out in advance. -INDEX- Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store is one of the largest department stores in western Japan ・Excellent accessibility ・Open almost all year round Reasons why Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store is popular among visitors to Japan (1) Trends are gathered here (2) A wide variety of brands (3) Luxurious space for shopping Corner/floors popular among visitors to Japan (1) Luxury brands (1-8th floor) (2) Cosmetics (2nd, 3rd floors, etc.) (3) Food (B1F and 2F) Duty Free Guide ・Locations of overseas customer counters on B1F ・Locations of Duty Free Counters on the 1st floor Convenient services for visitors to Japan ・5% discount for international travelers! Guest Coupon ・Foreign currency exchange machine ・Free Wi-Fi ・Hotel Delivery ・VIP Club for International Customers Standing proudly in the center of Osaka’s Umeda area is the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, a long-established department store that has boasted a strong brand in the Kansai region since its establishment in 1929. It is a leader in the Japanese department store industry and has established itself as Kansai’s premier source of fashion and beauty trends. The Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store has a total of 15 floors, from the second basement to the 13th floor above ground, offering a wide variety of products in fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, watches, bags, household goods, gourmet foods, and other categories. The show windows are decorated to stimulate the sensibilities of passersby, displaying works by up-and-coming artists in accordance with seasonal themes, and communicating brand trends. The Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store is conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from Hankyu, Hanshin, JR, and subway stations and the express bus stop for Kansai International Airport. Umeda also offers a wide range of accommodations, from famous foreign-affiliated hotels to reasonably priced business hotels, making it the perfect place for shopping. Except for temporary closures in the event of a disaster or inclement weather, the store is closed only on January 1, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping for 364 days. The store opens at 10:00 am. When limited items go on sale or popular events are held, many people line up in front of the entrance even before the store opens. From late afternoon to before closing time (8:00 p.m.), the food floors in B1 and B2 are crowded with people seeking “Depa-Basement Gourmet” regardless of weekdays or holidays. Men’s fashion and jewelry are mainly sold at Hankyu Men’s Osaka, a two-minute walk from Hankyu Umeda, so those looking for men’s products should visit Hankyu Men’s Osaka. Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store is popular not only among Japanese but also among visitors to Japan. “You can find something new here.” This is the image that many people have of Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store. Whether it is a pop-up store selling the latest collections of a brand, a cosmetic brand’s first sale at the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, or an up-and-coming sweets store, the latest trends from all genres are gathered here. In addition to many overseas high brands, there are also brands that are only available at Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store. You can search for brands on the official website, so please check if the brand you are looking for is in the store before visiting. In 2012, the Hankyu Umeda Main Store was completely renovated and reopened after seven years of renovation work. The classic and sophisticated design allows visitors to enjoy shopping in an elegant atmosphere. The restrooms are as clean as a hotel. The store features a wide range of high brands from overseas. Mainly clothing and accessories are on the 1st floor, bags are on the 1st and 2nd floors, and fashion is divided into floors by theme. The “GREEN AGE” corner, which opened on the 8th floor in 2023, transcends genres such as golf, outdoor, health & beauty, and collects items from brands with the theme of living in harmony with nature. This is a cosmetics and fragrance floor where Japanese and international brands gather. Pop-up events where you can experience brand-new items at the earliest opportunity, and high-quality customer service by beauty advisors make for an exciting shopping experience. The food area is ideal for buying souvenirs. As one of the leading department stores in western Japan, some stores sell “Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store Limited Edition” products. The first basement floor features western-style confectionery, Japanese-style confectionery, and side dishes. The sweets street stretches about 100 meters and is lined with a wide variety of eye-catching Western and Japanese confectionaries. SUGAR BUTTER TREE is a particularly popular store among visitors to Japan. Selling sweets baked together with blended butter and sugar on a special cereal dough, the store has a long line of customers waiting in line right after opening (there is a limit to the number of pieces that can be purchased). In addition to the standard “Sugar Butter Sandwich Tree”, don’t miss the seasonal flavors and the “Plenty of Chocolat Sandwich Yokozuna”, a flavor exclusive to the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store! For souvenir shopping, we also recommend “Gran Calbee,” a high-end brand of Calbee known for its potato chips, “HIBIKA,” which delicately expresses the four seasons of Japan in western-style confectionery, and “Gokan,” a confectionery store well-known among Japanese as a souvenir of Osaka. Masahiko Ozumi Paris has been attracting a lot of attention recently, especially among Japanese people. The store is so popular that numbered tickets are distributed even before the store opens. For alcohol and tea, go to the second basement floor. We have a wide selection of sake and shochu from all over Japan. Try to find your favorite bottle. For tea, long-established stores in Kyoto such as “Ippodo” and “Morihan” have opened stores, so you don’t have to go all the way to Kyoto. After shopping, you must not forget to complete tax free procedures. At the Hankyu Department Store Umeda main store, duty-free procedures are available at two locations: the overseas customer counter on the first basement floor and the duty-free counter on the first floor. Applications are accepted only on the same day. Since many people apply in batches, the area becomes quite crowded near the time of closing. We recommend that you use the service early in the day. 〇Target Products Miscellaneous goods (clothing, accessories, watches, accessories, household goods) Consumables (food, beverages (including alcoholic beverages), cosmetics, medicines) 〇Purchase Amount For general sundries only, minimum purchase amount 5,000 yen (excluding tax) *For consumables and general sundries + consumables, the purchase amount is between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen (excluding tax). 〇What you need for the procedure Purchased items, passport, receipt, credit card used at time of purchase, and other eligible cards *Refunded minus service charge (1.55%) The Overseas Customer Counter is a place where you will have many opportunities to use for duty-free as well as for various other services that will be introduced later in this section. It is located in a place that is a little difficult to find, so please check the map in advance. That way you can make the most of your shopping time. Check here for map The landmark is this small escalator. At the top of the escalator is the Overseas Customer Counter. Please look carefully at the information board above you. The duty free counter on the 1st floor is next to Exit 15. Self-service duty-free machines are located here. Check here for map The Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store offers a variety of services that are both affordable and convenient for visitors to Japan. Guest coupons issued only to foreign visitors offer a 5% discount (some items are excluded). When you come to Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, go first to have a coupon issued. If you pay with UnionPay, WeChat Pay, or Alipay, the discount will be given directly at the time of payment without the need for a coupon. Guest coupon issuance location: Overseas Customer Counter on B1F or Duty Free Counter on 1F Location: B1F, Overseas Customer Counter A 60-minute connection may be used up to three times per day. If you use a designated hotel near Osaka Umeda Station and make purchases of 10,000 yen (excluding tax) or more per day at the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, a service is available to deliver your items to the hotel front desk. It is a comfortable way to travel empty-handed even if you purchase a lot of items. Please check the website for eligible hotels and reception hours. Reception: B1F, Overseas Customer Counter If you purchase a total of 1,000,000 yen worth of duty-free merchandise (excluding tax) in one year, you can join the “Overseas Customer VIP Club. As a member, you will receive increased discounts on purchases, priority tax-free processing, and one-stop pickup of your purchases. Many people visit Japan for the pleasure of shopping. Please enjoy your shopping experience at the long-established Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, where you can find the latest items!
-
Cherry blossom sweets and goods to enjoy even after the cherry blossom season is over
Spring is the season of cherry blossoms. However, cherry blossom viewing under the cherry blossoms in full bloom can only be enjoyed during a short period from late March to early April. Here are some sweets and goods that allow you to enjoy the cherry blossoms even after the cherry blossom season is over. Why don’t you enjoy the cherry blossom season at home or on a trip? -INDEX- 1.Aroma of spring in one bite (comemari) 2.Spring Limited baumkuchen(Nenrin-ya) 3.Cherry blossom-themed sweets and cocktails(The Ritz-Carlton,Osaka) 4.Hanami Sweets(ANTENOR) 5.Spring and Summer Nail Colors(Ueba Esou) The “Sakura Mochi” flavor is now available at comemari, a brand of rice snacks sold at the Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store! It tastes just like eating Kansai-style sakura mochi itself. The slightly gentle pink appearance is cute and reminiscent of cherry blossoms. It goes well with sencha green tea, so you may be pleased to give it as a set with tea as a Japanese spring-like souvenir. 【Sales period】Until early April 2024 【Store】Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store “Spring Limited baumkuchen” is a spring-only product baked by Nenrin-ya only during this time of year. Please enjoy the taste and aroma of cherry blossoms carefully baked layer by layer. 【Sales period】Until mid April 2024 【Store】Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store At The Lobby Lounge on the first floor, you can enjoy “Sakura Afternoon Tea” inspired by cherry blossoms. At The Ritz-Carlton Gourmet Shop, you can enjoy “Sakura Sweets” such as Sakura Cake, Sakura Eclair, and Sakura Anpan at home or on the go, and at The Bar on the fifth floor, you can enjoy “Sakura Cocktails” in a high-quality space. Pretty cherry blossom-colored sweets and finger sandwiches will decorate the interior of the restaurant. Please enjoy a special afternoon tea that will enhance the mood of cherry blossom viewing, while feeling the comfortable arrival of spring. There are also cherry blossom sweets to take home and enjoy at home. This year, eight new cherry blossom-themed, eye-catching and beautiful sweets will be available, along with a wide selection of popular bakery items such as Sakura Anpan and Sakura Bread. “The Bar” will be offering a limited-edition cocktail during the cherry blossom season. This seasonal cocktail is reminiscent of the beautiful and hopeful skies of spring, expressed in a beautiful gradation reminiscent of cherry blossoms. 【Sales period】Until April 15, 2024 The Ritz-Carlton,Osaka Kobe-based patisserie “ANTENOR” will be offering a variety of colorful and gorgeous tasting sweets under the theme of “Hanami” (cherry blossom viewing) at its cake stores nationwide. These spring-like sweets include a cake combining cherry blossoms and black tea, a cherry blossom Mont Blanc, and a cake combining Nishio green tea and yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit). This new spring cake, which is designed to look like cherry petals, is made with cherry blossom-scented glazes and encases a refreshing peach mousse, a refreshingly sweet cherry sauce with peach pulp, and a black tea crème brûlée. Enjoy this Hanami sweet at home, or go out and enjoy the cherry blossoms while viewing them. 【Sales period】Until April 19,2024 【Store】Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store Gofun Nail Polish is a water-soluble nail polish that is gentle to the nails and is the brainchild of “Ueha Eso”. Gofun is an important white pigment in Japanese painting made from the fine powder of scallop shells, and Gofun nail polish incorporates this natural material. Gofun nail polish was conceived with the desire to add color to nails just as one would paint a picture. The lineup includes a variety of Japanese shades that can only be expressed by a paint shop with colors that have been handed down for approximately 270 years. As a total of three colors to make your spring and summer even more and nicer, we have introduced “Hana-Kasumi”, a dull pink-beige color that will clothe you in elegance, “Hagoromo”, a mellow light pink color with an unprecedented translucence when applied to nails, and “Hisui-iro”, a bright blue-green color that will give you the freshness of early summer. Why not wear pink or blue-green nails and go out to see cherry blossoms? 【Sales period】Until August 31,2024 Ueba Esou Even though the cherry blossom viewing season has passed, there are many sweets and goods that will make you feel the cherry blossoms. Enjoy spring to the fullest with the aroma of cherry blossoms, the taste of cherry blossoms, and cherry blossom motifs!
-
Sumo Entertainment Show at THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA
Sumo is a game in which two Sumo wrestlers wearing mawashi(the loincloth that sumo wrestlers wear is called a “mawashi”) work together in the ring, pushing, grabbing, and throwing their opponents. The winner is the one who knocks the opponent down or throws him out of the ring. The history of sumo began more than 1,000 years ago, and the sport took its current form between 1603 and 1867. There are many professional sports such as baseball and soccer, but sumo is the oldest professional sport in Japan. “THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA”, visitors can enjoy sumo as an entertainment show that is easy for foreign visitors to understand. Let us introduce you to the latest entertainment facility where you can enjoy both the overwhelmingly powerful sumo show and bento boxes, a part of Japanese culture. -INDEX- What is THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA? Prices and How to Purchase Tickets Enjoy the original food menu! How to get to THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA Professional sumo shows are available in Japan, but the dates and locations are limited, and it may be difficult to catch a sumo show at the right time during your trip. THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA is a permanent entertainment restaurant where you can enjoy a powerful sumo show performed by former sumo wrestlers along with bentos, a part of Japanese culture. The entire show will be performed in English every day. Doors open one hour before the show starts, so first visit the exhibition area at the entrance, shop for sumo and Osaka souvenirs, and wait for the performance to begin. There is a bar counter where you can drink sake or beer. The two naked men in the picture are sumo wrestlers, and they are called rikishi. And the place where rikishi compete is called the dohyo.The ring is considered a sacred place and women are not allowed in it, but because THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA is an entertainment facility, women are allowed to step into the ring. All performers are former sumo wrestlers, and the ring is full-scale, giving the audience a sense of the power of sumo. You can also learn the history and rules of sumo in English. The unique rules of sumo are explained in an easy-to-understand and comical manner. Step into the ring and challenge a sumo wrestler. Not only can you experience the basic training of sumo, but you can also put on a sumo suit and have a serious match with a rikishi. (There is a limit to the number of participants.) After the one-hour sumo show, visitors can step into the ring for about 30 minutes for a photo opportunity with sumo wrestlers. ●Opening date May 30, 2024 (Thursday) ●Performance time 2 performances per day 1 performance: approx. 60 min + commemorative photo, etc. (opening act, first bout, main bout, sumo experience, etc.) (1) 5:00PM Doors open – 6:00PM Start (2) 8:00PM Doors open – 9:00PM Start *When there is one performance per day, doors open at 6:00PM and start at 7:00PM. ●Number of seats 185 seats in total ●Closed Tuesdays and year-end and New Year holidays (12/31 and 1/1) ●Fees Advance and day of the event are the same price. All seats, from the front row S seats to the casual B seats, face the ring and are laid out for easy viewing. S seats – 16,000 yen A seats: 12,500 yen (child 9,000 yen) B seats: 9,500 yen (child 7,000 yen) *Tax included *All seats include a bento box and one drink. *High-end, Halal, and vegan bento boxes are available for an additional fee. *Child 3 years old and up – 12 years old and under (The contents of the bento will differ, so if you want the same bento as an adult, please apply at the adult rate). *child under 3 years old, free on lap To purchase tickets, please visit the official website! Tickets may be sold on the day of the event, but we recommend that you purchase in advance as they may sell out. Also, it may be difficult to prepare high-end, halal, or vegan bento boxes on the day of the event. https://hirakuza.net/sumohall/tickets/ Bento in Japan has long been a source of enjoyment for audiences, with bento boxes served between the acts of traditional Japanese performing arts such as Kabuki and Noh. Although there are bento boxes all over the world, Japanese bento boxes are characterized by their beautiful appearance, which is very important. At THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA, visitors can enjoy the Japanese bento culture at the same time they enjoy Japan’s national sport, sumo culture. The basic bento is a makunouchi-bento filled with yakitori, takoyaki, chirashizushi, and other local Osaka foods.The bento is a colorful and combination of many side dishes in a single box, giving it a Japanese feel in both appearance and taste. In addition, there are also high-end, halal, and vegan bento boxes to choose from. Beer and sake are also available for purchase locally. “THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA” is located on the 8th floor of Namba Parks. It takes about 40~60 minutes from Kansai Airport to Namba area by train or highway bus, and about 15 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station, the closest station to the Shinkansen in Osaka to Namba area by Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. 8 p.m. opening and 9 p.m. performance are available for late arrival in Osaka! A bento box and drinks are also included. Directly connected to the Central and South Exits of Nankai Railway Namba Station -7 minutes walk from the South Exit of Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Namba Station -8 minutes walk from the ticket gate of Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line Namba Station -9 minutes walk from the north ticket gate of Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line Namba Station -9 minutes walk from the east ticket gate of Hanshin Namba Line Osaka-Namba Station -9 minutes walk from the East Ticket Gate of Kintetsu Namba Line (Nara Line) Osaka- Namba Station -11 minutes walk from the North Exit JR Kansai Main Line JR Namba Station (OCAT) THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA is Osaka’s newest entertainment spot. Knowing and experiencing sumo culture will make your stay in Japan and Osaka more profound and enjoyable. ▼Check out this article too▼ ●Stay Time is also fulfilled! Recommended hotels to enjoy Osaka more! ●Recommended train trip from Umeda, Osaka! Use the HANSHIN TOURIST PASS to visit the latest cultural and gourmet spots! ●Highlights and things to do at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
-
Kansai International Airport Renewal! Enjoy Japanese gourmet food and shopping for the last time before leaving Japan!
On December 5, 2023, the international departure lobby of Terminal 1, the western gateway to Kansai International Airport, was renovated. It will evolve into an even more convenient and enjoyable airport than ever before. Check out the newly renovated areas, stores, and restaurants before your visit to Japan! -INDEX- ・The airport has been renewed to an airport where visitors can enjoy shopping and dining until before boarding! ・Extensive lineup! The largest walk-through general duty free store area in Japan ・”Mood Area” where you can enjoy “eating & buying” according to your mood ・Finish your Japanese meal here! Many restaurants for every scene ・Grand opening in 2025. The airport is evolving into a more user-friendly international airport! ・How to access Kansai International Airport from Umeda, Osaka Kansai International Airport under renovation starting in 2021. This is the largest scale construction since the opening of the airport: the domestic flight area of Terminal 1 building will open in October 2022. In December 2023, the international departure area of the Terminal 1 building will be reopened, attracting much attention as a place where passengers can fully enjoy their trip to Japan until just before boarding. The new international departure area consists of the security checkpoint on the 4th floor, the immigration area on the 3rd floor, and the commercial area and boarding gates on the 2nd floor. The immigration area, which was originally divided into north and south sections, has been consolidated into one smooth area, and the space has been redesigned with a Japanese feel. In the extensively renovated commercial area, the largest walk-through duty-free store area in a Japanese international airport has been opened, as well as 27 stores of various kinds, including luxury brand stores and restaurants serving Japanese cuisine. KIX DUTY FREE, a walk-through duty free store, offers a wide variety of products including the first Japanese airport duty free store, cosmetics of the world’s top brands, liquors and cigarettes from all over the world, and popular Japanese confectioneries. With so much to see and do, it is inevitable that one’s eyes will wander while walking around! It is also a great place to buy at a discount, so whether you are looking for a treat for yourself or buying additional souvenirs for family and friends, you are sure to find something you like. You will have no regrets about your shopping experience. KIX DUTY FREE products can be ordered in advance via the web and picked up at the dedicated pick-up counter on the day of departure, for those who want a smooth shopping experience. You can order up to 3 hours before departure (only for products marked “same day order OK: up to 3 hours before departure”). For more information, please click here. Beyond the walk-through duty-free shopping area, the four “Mood Area” are also lined with stores and eateries that match the atmosphere of each area. The Mood Area offers a wide variety of fashion, sundry goods, and souvenirs, so you may want to get there early to enjoy this area! It is also a great place to use up any extra Japanese yen you may have left over. In the center is the PLAZA, the symbolic space of the new international departure area. The dynamic design is inspired by Japanese architecture, with symbolic roofs and pillars. Benches are placed here so that visitors can take a rest until boarding after fully enjoying shopping and dining. In the Mood Area, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy Japanese gourmet food. Here are some of our favorites, ranging from the classic to the unusual and innovative! First up is OnigiriBurger. As the name suggests, OnigiriBurger serves freshly made Japanese-style hamburgers with ingredients sandwiched between rice and nori (seaweed) instead of a bun. The entire menu was developed by a sushi restaurant in Osaka, where reservations are hard to come by. The menu is full of seasonal ingredients such as premium quality Kobe beef, thick fried tofu, fried shrimp, teriyaki chicken, and more! Enjoy the “ultimate Japanese food” only available at Kansai International Airport, where every ingredient has been carefully selected, including rice, seaweed, ingredients, and seasonings. “Ramen” is one of the most popular Japanese food in Japan! “MENSHO”, which has many overseas branches and has many fans in Japan and abroad, now appears at Kansai International Airport. The unique combination of Japanese and Western ingredients and the bold toppings, such as A5 Japanese beef, on top of ramen noodles will shock you. We also recommend the diner-style restaurants that serve orthodox Japanese cuisine. “Japanese Shokudo” offers a wide variety of dishes centered on side dishes based on the concept that “good food is good for you”. All of the dishes have a homemade feel and a relaxing, gentle flavor. If you missed out on sushi during your trip or want to try it again, don’t worry! Don’t worry! There is also a sushi restaurant after the immigration check-in, so you can rush in there before boarding your flight. The chef at Tsukiji Magoemon is a two-star Michelin-starred chef, and his nigiri and fish dishes are superb, featuring seasonal seafood shipped directly from Toyosu and Maizuru, two of the most famous fishing ports in Japan. If you want to spend a quiet and relaxing time, go to “Cafe & Bar Wa SAKURA”. For breakfast, we offer croque-monsieur and French toast with aromatic coffee, and for lunch and café hours, we have a lineup of light meals including beef curry and Neapolitan pizza. In the evening, the restaurant offers a menu of beers, wines, highballs, and other alcoholic beverages, as well as snacks to go with them, so how about a pre-flight drink? The café and bar can be used for various occasions throughout the day, so please feel free to drop by. In addition to “Cafe & Bar Wa SAKURA”, there is also “KIX BEER”, a craft beer specialty store in Izumisano City where Kansai International Airport is located. We are glad to see that the renewal has made it possible for passengers to enjoy shopping and dining at their leisure in the airport even after completing departure procedures! If you want to take a good look around the new, powered-up international departure area, we recommend that you leave plenty of time to go through security checkpoints early. Kansai International Airport will be further renovated in preparation for its grand opening in the spring of 2025; the international security checkpoint area on the 4th floor will now be consolidated and expanded to provide comfortable and smooth security checks. In addition, the international lounge will be renovated and the immigration area will be relocated to complete its main functions! We are looking forward to the continued evolution of Kansai International Airport. There are two ways to get to Kansai International Airport from Umeda, Osaka, the center of the Kansai region, by train or bus. If you are going by bus, which is an easy way to get around, please refer to the following article. Buses are an easy way to get from Umeda, Osaka to Kansai International Airport! 5 points to keep in mind when boarding the bus Kansai International Airport is the perfect place to enjoy Japan to the very end. A new airport experience awaits you, so be sure to add “time to enjoy the airport” to your Japan travel schedule. You are sure to have another fun memory right before you leave Japan.
-
7 cherry blossom illumination in Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo. Fantastic Japanese Spring Nights
Cherry blossoms are an essential part of the spring scenery in Japan. Many people choose the right time of year to visit Japan to enjoy the cherry blossom scenery. While it is nice to visit famous cherry blossom viewing spots during the daytime, the fantastic scenery of cherry blossoms illuminated at night is also very tasteful. This article introduces spots in Kyoto and Hyogo where cherry blossoms are illuminated at night. *Please note that the admission fees and charges for viewing cherry blossoms illuminated at night may differ from the regular admission fees and charges. *Please check the official website of each spot for details such as the time of the event. -INDEX- 【Kyoto】World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle/”NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle” 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Kodai-ji Zen Temple/Spring Night Special Entrance(illumination) 【Kyoto・Higashiyama】Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in 【Kyoto・Okazaki】Heian Jingu Shrine/Sakuraotoyo2024 【Osaka】Expo’70 Commemorative Park/Cherry blossom trees along Higashioji Street illumination 【Hyogo・NIshinomiya】Shukugawa Park/Sakura Illumination Kurakuen 【Hyogo・Himeji】Himeji Castle/Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Dates: March 8, 2024(Friday) -April 7, 2024(Sunday) Nijo-jo Castle, a World Heritage Site, is home to approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties. Cherry blossoms are usually short-lived, but the blooming period of cherry trees at Nijo-jo Castle differs depending on the variety, allowing visitors to enjoy them for as long as one month. A nighttime event, “NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle” will be held at the same time. Cherry blossom projection mapping at the Kara-mon Gate, an important cultural property, and digital artwork featuring the painted barriers inside the Ninomaru-goten Palace, a national treasure, will appear. In addition to enjoying an artistic hanami experience, there will be cherry blossom-themed alcohol, drinks, and sweets for sale. *Illumination viewing areas will be limited. Dates: March 15, 2024 (Friday) – May 6, 2024 (National Holiday) Higashiyama is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. Kodai-ji Zen Temple is one of the most popular temples. During this period, the entire temple grounds, including the hall, garden, and bamboo grove, will be illuminated. The cherry blossoms in the Hashin-tei garden in front of the Hojo (main building) are especially wonderful when illuminated. The pink cherry blossoms standing alone in the white sand garden of Karesansui (dry landscape garden) are showered down like a shower. The dignified appearance of the cherry blossoms in the spotlight is a sight to behold. Dates: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) – April 3, 2024 (Wednesday) Jodo Shu head temple Chion-in is especially famous for the cherry blossoms in front of its national treasure, Sanmon. The beauty of the pretty pink cherry blossoms against the massive and powerful Sanmon is nothing short of impressive. In addition to the approximately 200 cherry trees, the National Treasure Mieido and Daishoro, an important cultural property, are also illuminated, making it a must-see. From Chion-in to Maruyama Park and Kodai-ji Zen Temple, famous for the “Gion-no- Yozakura” (cherry blossoms at night in Gion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, it is recommended to visit all the famous night cherry blossoms in Higashiyama, Kyoto, at the same time Dates: April 3, 2024(Wednesday) -April 7, 2024(Sunday) The Shinen of Heian Jingu Shrine is a Japanese garden representative of the Meiji era. Of the vast grounds totaling approximately 33,000 square meters, the red weeping cherry trees in the south and east shrine gardens are famous, and are illuminated at night. One of the most popular nighttime cherry blossom viewing events unique to Shinen of Heian Jingu Shrine is the annual concert held at the Higashi-Jinen-Kihinkan. This elegant event allows visitors to enjoy the fantastic cherry blossoms while listening to live gagaku and classical music performed on the banks of Seiho Pond. *Additional fee is required to view the concert. Dates: March 25, 2024(Monday) -April 3, 2024(Wednesday) Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots. cherry blossoms start blooming around mid-March and the park is dyed in beautiful pink. From March 25 to April 3 (Wed.), the cherry trees along Higashioji Street will be illuminated. The rows of lustrous cherry blossoms lining both sides of the road are a sight to behold. During the daytime, there will be special openings of the “Pan-an and Banri-an” tearooms in the vast Japanese garden, and tea ceremonies at the “Pan-an” (for a fee). Why not experience a typical Japanese spring scene with cherry blossoms and tea? ▼Check out this article too▼ Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained! Dates: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) – April 7, 2024 (Sunday) (subject to change depending on blooming conditions) About 10 minutes by Hankyu train from Kobe-Sannomiya station, and about 20 minutes by Hankyu train from Osaka-Umeda station. The rows of cherry trees along the riverside, which can be seen from the platform of Hankyu Shukugawa Station, are one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hyogo Prefecture, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan! Approximately 1,660 cherry trees and 1,520 pine trees are planted along the riverside avenue. In particular, the view of Mt.Kabuto and the cherry blossoms from the bridge just outside Hankyu Kurakuen-guchi Station is spectacular. At night, “Nishinomiya Tourism Association” and “Kurakuen Stores Meeting”, a shopping association around Kurakuen-guchi Station, sponsor a illumination event, which can be enjoyed free of charge. The cherry blossoms are reflected on the surface of the river like a mirror, creating a spectacular scene. The area around Kurakuen-guchi Station is a residential area, so there are many families and unique restaurants scattered around the area. This is a spot where you can fully enjoy the charm of cherry blossoms from the perspective of everyday Japanese people. Dates: March 29 (Friday) – April 7 (Sunday), 2024 Himeji Castle, designated as a World Heritage Site and a National Treasure, is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. A night cherry blossom viewing party will be held in Nishinomaru Garden. Himeji Castle is also called “Shirasagi-jo” (White Egret Castle) because it looks like a white egret with its wings spread. The collaboration of its majestic figure, which rises white in the darkness under the lights, and the cherry blossoms is a sight to behold. The cherry blossoms are illuminated only for a short period of time in spring! Enjoy the heart-stopping scenery and make it a precious memory of your trip.
-
Osaka-Umeda-1Day-Course | Sightseeing! Shopping! Gourmet! Enjoy Osaka Umeda to the fullest!
-
Osaka-1 Day Trip|Perfect Guide! Most Popular Spots to the Latest Popular Gourmet!
-
Minoh, Osaka-1 Day Trip|Enjoy The Most Beautiful Nature in Osaka!
-
Namba to Kobe-1 Day Trip|Special Trip with The HANSHIN TOURIST PASS
-
Umeda to Takarazuka -1 Day Trip|Recommended Spots to Enjoy With Kids Even On a Rainy Day!