〈2023〉Best 12 Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan (Kyoto, Osaka and More)!

Japan in autumn colors. Here are some of the best places in Kansai to see the autumn leaves, by area, from once-in-a-lifetime viewing spots to hidden gems. Please refer to the fall tourism in 2023.   -INDEX- 【KYOTO】 〇Higashiyama Area Famous place：Eikando Little known good spot：Anrakuji 〇Arashiyama Area Famous place：Jojakko-ji Little known good spot：Takenotera-Jizoin 〇Other Area Famous place：Rurikoin Little known good spot：Komyo-ji 【OSAKA】 Famous place：Minoh Waterfall Little known good spot：Katsuo-ji 【KOBE】 Famous place：Kobe Municipal Arboretum Little known good spot：Rokko-Arima Ropeway 【Other Area】 Himeji：KOKO-EN Nara：Hasedera temple Eikando is the best place in Higashiyama to view the autumn leaves. About 3,000 maple trees cover the entire precincts of the temple. The sight of the tallest pagoda, Dabotou, enveloped by the autumn leaves is a fantastic sight. Japanese maples are planted around the Housho Pond, and the reflection of the Japanese maples and the Gokuraku Bridge in the water is a must-see. Normally closed to the public, this special temple is open to the public only during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Within walking distance is the Philosopher’s Path, which is tinted in autumn, so a walk along this path is recommended. Highlights include the scattered autumn leaves that turn the stone steps of the temple gate bright red and the beautiful garden with Nyoigatake in the background. This temple is located on Mt. Ogura, known for the Ogura Hyakunin Isshitsu. In autumn, the approach from the entrance gate to the Niomon Gate is covered in autumn leaves, creating a tunnel of foliage. The autumn leaves surrounding the 12-meter tall Dabotou (pagoda), which is located at the top of the stone steps, is a must-see. The precincts of the temple and the area around the pagoda also offer a panoramic view of Kyoto City. It is a well-known autumn foliage viewing spot for those in the know. The trees change color later than other places in Kyoto, and the autumn leaves can be enjoyed until mid-December. Surrounded by lush bamboo groves, the contrast between the green of the bamboo and the changing colors of the autumn leaves is magnificent. The heart-shaped window, Inome-mado, in the Hojo is also open to the public. The autumn leaves cut by the window are breathtakingly beautiful. Ruriko-in Temple is a popular spot in Rakuhoku Yase, and the spectacular view of the autumn leaves reflecting on the lacquered desk on the second floor is a sight to behold. Anyone can take pictures of this spectacular view by holding up a camera at the desk. It is open to the public only twice a year, in spring and fall. Please enjoy the wide-open view of the autumn leaves as they spread across your field of vision. Sohonzan Komyoji Temple is located at the foot of Nishiyama in Nagaokakyo City. Visitors can see the rich expression of nature in each of the four seasons. Every year from mid-November to early December, a special entrance to the temple is held for the autumn foliage. The maple approach to the temple, with its impressive lineup of about 250 old maple trees, is a superb photo spot. Minoh Great Falls is one of the best places in Osaka to view the autumn leaves. The contrast between the waterfall and the autumn leaves in the vast Minoh Park is spectacular. You can enjoy the autumn leaves everywhere along the 2.6 km route from Hankyu Minoh Station to the falls. If you come to Minoh, you must try the famous “Momiji no Tempura” (maple leaf tempura). It is a slightly sweet and crunchy snack made by carefully frying real maple leaves one by one. You can buy it at a store on Takimichi. Known since ancient times as a temple of good fortune, the precincts of Minoh’s Katsuo-ji Temple are decorated with brilliant autumn leaves in November. The tunnel of autumn leaves covering the approach to the temple is especially spectacular. The contrast between the green mountains in the background and the autumn leaves is like a painting. Katsuo-ji Temple is also known as the temple of “Kachi-Dharma”. Small Dharma dolls are laid everywhere, including on the stairs and stone walls. Please enjoy the adorable Dharma and beautiful nature. The park is divided into different regions of the world, such as North America and Europe, and different types of trees, so that visitors can learn about the diverse beauty of autumn leaves. The area around Hase Pond is a particularly beautiful spot for viewing the autumn colors in a water mirror. Let’s take a stroll through the vast park and enjoy the world tour of autumn leaves! The Rokko Arima Ropeway connects the top of Mt. Rokko and Arima Onsen in about 12 minutes. Visitors can enjoy the changing autumn leaves depending on the elevation. The view of the autumn foliage from the gondola’s large foot-high windows is spectacular. There are nine gardens of different styles with Himeji Castle, which is registered as a World Heritage site, in the background. Because of the atmosphere of the Edo period, the gardens are often used for filming movies and TV dramas. In the fall, the Autumn Foliage Festival is held from mid-November to early December. (November 18 – December 4, 2022) The best time to visit is during the “Momiji-kai” (autumn foliage viewing), when the leaves are illuminated for a fantastic view. You can enjoy a fantastic view that is different from that of daytime. Hasedera Temple, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, is known as the “Temple of Flowers”. The temple is open twice a year, in spring and fall, for a limited time for special visits. A must-see spot is the floor of the hall of worship. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the “Yuka-momiji” (floor maple leaves) that turn bright red. The view of the autumn leaves from the stage in front of the main hall is not to be missed. The five-story pagoda surrounded by autumn leaves is a magnificent sight. Be sure to visit Hasedera Temple, where the entire mountain is decorated with autumn leaves. Autumn in Japan is very vivid. There are so many places to see the autumn leaves that it is impossible to visit them all at once. Please find your favorite spot and enjoy the autumn foliage as you wish.

Note on how to get to Minoh Waterfall! Points that international travelers should know before going there

Minoh Waterfall is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Osaka. Although some people may not yet know it, Minoh Falls is a famous spot selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, and is visited by many people, especially during the fall foliage season.   However, some overseas travelers said that they “exceeded the expected sightseeing time” and “walked unexpectedly” because they could not obtain real information about the area in advance.   In this article, we have compiled all the information you need to know before visiting, including how to get there, how long it takes, and how to get there. Please use it to help you plan your trip!   -INDEX- Minoh National Park and Minoh Waterfall Note how to access Minoh Waterfall! Check what to bring and wear before going to Minoh Waterfall How to get to the nearest station, Hankyu Minoh Station, from Umeda, Osaka Time required from Hankyu Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall, detailed route Notes on taking a cab from Hankyu Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall Notes on taking the bus from Hankyu Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall How to enjoy Minoh Park and Minoh Waterfall Minoh National Park is located around Mt. Minoh and is a vast park covered with forests. It is located a short distance from the center of Osaka, about 30 minutes away, and admission to the park is free. The park is known for its fresh green foliage in spring, illuminated at night in summer, and autumn foliage in fall, attracting many casual visitors.   The Minoh Waterfall, located within the park, is a particularly popular tourist spot for its beautiful scenery and has been selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. With a 33-meter drop, it is a powerful sight when seen up close! It is also a popular destination for people of all ages, with children visiting on field trips and some locals making it a daily routine to take a walk to Minoh Waterfall. It is a popular tourist spot, but there are some things you should be aware of. Minoh National Park is vast, and general vehicles are not allowed in the park. To get to Minoh Waterfall, many people walk from Hankyu Minoh Station, the nearest station. The distance is about 2.8 kilometers one way, and the time required is about 40 minutes one way without a break. If breaks are taken into account, it should be expected to take at least two hours. The path is paved, so it is easy to walk, but it is a gradual uphill walk to the destination. There are also steep inclines in places.   Let us explain in detail what the route is like. Wear comfortable sneakers and easy to move in, and bring a drink. Surrounded by forests, the park is cooler than in central Osaka. However, it is a 2.8-kilometer walk, so you will sweat a good deal on a hot day. It is a good idea to bring a towel. To get to Minoh Waterfall from Umeda, Osaka, take the Takarazuka Line (orange) train from Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station. The fare is 280 yen one way. If you plan to visit other stations along the Hankyu line, it may be more economical to use the Hankyu Tourist Pass 1-day/2-day ticket, which allows unlimited travel on all Hankyu lines and is exclusively for foreign tourists. Please also check the following article in advance.   For more information about our special ticket deals, click here.   There are two types of trains on the Takarazuka Line: “Express” and ” Local,” but you can take either one. Once on the train, get off at Ishibashi handai-mae Station, transfer to the Minoh Line, and get off at Minoh Station. It takes about 30 minutes from Osaka Umeda Station to Minoh Station. Once you arrive at Hankyu Minoh Station, it is time to walk from here. There is a convenience store adjacent to the station’s ticket gate, so it is a good idea to buy a drink.   First, walk up the slope lined with souvenir stores. The slope from here to the park entrance is steep, so take it easy and catch your breath as you go. It takes about 10 minutes from Minoh Station to the park entrance on foot. “Ichi no hashi” is the entrance to the park. After entering the park, walk along the promenade along the Minoh River. The beginning of the walk is not so steep. Along the promenade are the famous Insectarium, a café with a nice view and terrace seats, a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, and a souvenir store selling “Momiji Tempura,” a standard souvenir of Minoh Waterfall. It is a good idea to check out the stores that interest you. After a short distance, a red bridge appears. At the foot of the bridge is Ryoan-ji Temple, which enshrines Benzaiten, the god of entertainment and fortune. As you continue on, the slope becomes a little steeper around Yamamoto Coffee Shop. About 150 meters from Yamamoto Coffee Shop is just the halfway point along the path. Signs like this, with “X kilometers to go,” are posted along the way to encourage you to keep going. A little further on, at the top of the steepest slope, you will find a rest area. There are benches, restrooms, and a souvenir store next door. Drinks, ice cream, and snacks are available for purchase, so you can have a quick bite to eat. From here, there is only about a third of the way to Minoh Waterfall. Further on, you will see a huge rock. Depending on the angle, the rock looks like a gorilla’s face. Then cross the river beyond. Once you cross the river, Minoh Waterfall will be just around the corner. Passing a teahouse offering refreshments, you will see Minoh Waterfall splashing in the water! This is the goal! When you get close to the waterfall, the spray of the waterfall is very powerful! It is recommended to stand on the red bridge in front of the falls and take a commemorative photo. If you are not confident walking the 5.6 km round trip from Hankyu Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall and back, or if you want to reduce the walking distance as much as possible, you can take a cab. There is a cab stand in front of Minoh Station, from where you can drive in to the Dainichi parking lot, which is the closest to the falls. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes by car from in front of Minoh Station to the Dainichi Parking Lot area, and the cab fare is about 1,500 to 1,600 yen. If you take a cab, you can save time compared to walking from Hankyu Minoh Station, but you will still have to walk 10 to 15 minutes from the Dainichi parking lot to Minoh Waterfall. Moreover, you will be walking back and forth on a very steep slope. Please walk with caution. If you plan to take a cab on the way back, please make arrangements to have a cab waiting for you, as there are no cab stands near the Dainichi parking lot. Also, during Golden Week and the season of autumn foliage, the roads are very crowded and congested. During high season, it is best to walk from Hankyu Minoh Station instead of taking a cab. There is no local bus service from Hankyu Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall, but in 2023, a demonstration experiment is being conducted for the Minoh Takimichi One-Way Sightseeing Circular Bus, a circular bus that tours Minoh’s sightseeing spots.   Period: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only from July 15, 2023 to March 10, 2024. (Excluding November 11-December 3, 2023 and December 30-January 8, 2024)   Section: Hankyu Minoh Station ↔ Dainichi Parking Lot (Minoh Waterfall) ↔ Katsuo-ji Temple   Fare: 500 yen per section (for both adults and children. If you go from Hankyu Minoh Station to Katsuo-ji Temple, the fare is 1,000 yen.) *Unlimited-ride tickets are 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children (unlimited rides on the same day). Includes a 400 yen shopping coupon that can be used at stores along the waterfall path and around Minoh Station, and a 100 yen discount on the entrance fee to Katsuo-ji Temple.   How to purchase tickets: Tickets can be purchased onboard the bus; reservations are not required.   For more detailed information, please check the official website of Minoh City.   If you take the bus, you will have to walk from the Dainichi parking lot to Minoh Falls. Please note that you will have to walk up and down a steep slope, just as in the case of a cab. If you are not sure how to enjoy it, we have a model course in a separate article. Please take a look at that article as well. ▼Click here for the model course of Minoh Waterfall▼ Minoh, Osaka-1 Day Trip｜Enjoy The Most Beautiful Nature in Osaka!   In summer, the Minoh Waterfall and the riverside path are illuminated at night, and “kawadoko,” a riverside dining experience where visitors can enjoy a meal at a quaint tatami room along the river, is also held every year. ▼”Summer Festa Minoh Park” Click here for details▼ 11 Summer Events in Kansai! Experience and learn about Japanese traditions and customs   The most people visit Minoh Waterfall during the fall foliage season. ▼Click here for articles on autumn foliage information▼ Special feature on places to see autumn leaves in Osaka and Kobe area     The Minoh Waterfall, approaching up close, is a powerful sight! Why not enjoy sightseeing not only in the central districts of Umeda and Namba, but also in spots familiar to locals from the perspective of “how do people in the Kansai region usually enjoy their holidays?

“CHIIKAWA×HANKYU” Let’s enjoy Kansai with Chiikawa and friends!

Hankyu Railway will operate decorated trains in collaboration with the popular character “Chiikawa” from August 4, 2023 (Friday) to March 28, 2024 (Thursday). “Chiikawago-go” train will run on the Kobe Line, Hachiware-go” train on the Takarazuka Line, and “Usagi-go” train on the Kyoto Line, and an oversized stuffed toy will accompany the train in the crew’s compartment. A special collaboration headmark will be displayed on the front of the train. The inside of the train will also be decorated with illustrations from the collaboration, and specially designed posters and stickers will also be displayed in the trains. In addition, Hankyu Bus will be running a wrapped bus, and photo spots will appear at Itami, Minoh, and Arashiyama stations. In addition, Hankyu Ekichika and Ekichika SHOP will sell collaboration foods only available at the stores. Don’t miss out on these cute gourmet foods only available here.  Chiikawa” is a Twitter-based manga by illustrator Nagano. The daily stories of the always hardworking Chiikawa and her friends Hachiware, Usagi, and other unique characters are popular. “Maroon-no-yoroi-san” will appear as a limited collaboration character. “Maroon-no-yoroi-san” is a character who loves Hankyu Railways and gently watches over your outings along the Hankyu line. Hankyu Railways has collaborated with various characters in the past. When you visit Kansai in the future, be sure to check out the collaboration trains.   Check here for more information! CHIIKAWA × HANKYU

Highlights and things to do at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

“teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka”, created by the popular art collective teamLab, is a permanent nighttime outdoor museum in an outdoor botanical garden. Plants and trees are illuminated by fantastic lights and float beautifully in the botanical garden at night. Here are some of the highlights of “teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka,” which has been gaining popularity both in Japan and abroad since its opening, among locals and tourists alike.   -INDEX- １．What is teamLab? ２．What is teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka? ３．How to buy tickets ４．Recommended Clothing and What to Bring ５．Required time ６．How to get around TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka ７．4 recommended spots (1) Sculptures of Dissipative Birds in the Wind (2) Camellia Garden Area (3) Forest of Autonomous Resonating Life – Eucalyptus (4) Floating Resonating Lamps on Oike Lake – Fire TeamLab is an art collective that has been active since 2001. It is an international interdisciplinary collective exploring the intersection of art, science, technology, and the natural world through collective creation. It is composed of artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, architects, and other specialists in a variety of fields. Team Lab’s works are in the collections of the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (Los Angeles), Art Gallery of New South Wales (Sydney), Art Gallery of South Australia (Adelaide), San Francisco Asian Art Museum (San Francisco), Asia Society (New York), Borusan Contemporary Art Collection (Istanbul), National Gallery of Victoria (Melbourne) and Amos Rex (Helsinki). This open-air museum at night opened in the summer of 2022 at the Nagai Botanical Garden in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. The Nagai Botanical Garden, which opened in 1974, reopened in March 2022 with an improved plant growing environment. It has evolved into a lush park with approximately 1,200 species of plants on 240,000 square meters of land, the largest in Japan. The botanical garden during the daytime becomes a space for artworks at night, and “teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka” is open as a permanent nighttime exhibition. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year, so please check the official website.   The exhibition transforms the botanical garden into a light art space, displaying a group of works that use the plants and trees of the garden itself and the behavior of the birds that inhabit it. TeamLab is working on a project called “Digitized Nature,” in which digital technology, which is immaterial, is used to “let nature become art. This is a project in which nature becomes art in its natural state through the use of immaterial digital technology. The artworks in “teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka” will be interactively transformed by the wind, rain, and the behavior of the people in the garden, making the environment and people a part of the artwork. The art space will change with the seasons of the Botanical Garden, spring, summer, fall, and winter. We recommend purchasing tickets on the official website in advance, as they may sell out.   【Online purchase and purchase at various play guides】 〇Adults High school student and older: 1,800 yen 〇Children Elementary/Junior high school students: 600 yen 〇Discounts for the disabled: 900 yen for a person with a passbook and up to one accompanying person 〇Preschool children free of charge   There are several ways to purchase tickets in advance, please refer to the following. Tickets are for a specific date and time of admission, and there is no limit to the amount of time you may stay after admission. (1) Purchase tickets from the official ticket website (2) Purchase tickets from Playguide ・LAWSON TICKET ・Seven-Eleven Ticket (3) Purchase tickets from the Travel Experience Booking Site ・klook ・KKDAY (4) Purchase same-day tickets on site The lighting in the park is dark because of the space to enjoy the light effects. Although the park is well maintained for easy walking, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothes such as sneakers and pants. If you are bringing children, a backpack that leaves both hands free is recommended. Insects are also a concern during the summer because the botanical garden is outdoors. Don’t forget to bring insect repellant spray. There are no restaurants in the park. During the summer, there may be lines at the vending machines, so bring a drink with you during the hot season. In winter, be sure to take adequate winter protection before heading there. If you want to visit all the works and take your time while taking pictures, you should have 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy the museum. The park can be crowded during long vacations in Japan and on weekends, so we recommend that you enter the park with plenty of time to enjoy yourself, rather than just before closing time. The park is largely divided into six areas from A to F, each with its own points of interest. Although there is an entrance, there is no fixed route. You are free to visit any area you like, so please enjoy yourselves by staying longer in the area you are interested in or going back and forth to your favorite areas. If the person you are going with changes, you may be able to see a different view of the area. Depending on the season, you can enjoy different atmospheres of the art space, such as fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and fallen leaves. The first is “Sculptures of Dissipative Birds in the Wind” in Area C. The light art projected on the three walls looks completely different during the day and at night. It is a huge group of sculptures that continue to depict the continuous energy that the birds actually give to the surrounding environment as they fly around the area. You will not see the art reflected in the current image twice; it is a work of art that should be visited two or three times to enjoy the differences. The second location is the Camellia Garden area in Area B. In the Camellia Garden, three works are exhibited: “Resonating Microcosms in the Common Camellia Garden – Solidified Light Color, Sunrise and Sunset,” “Resonating Microcosms in the Common Camellia Garden – Liquified Light Color, Sunrise and Sunset,” and “Resonating Common Camellia Garden.” The works are densely packed together in an oval shape called an Ovoid, which changes dramatically during the day and after sunset. The three pieces are different in size and light, and each has a different atmosphere, The three pieces are different in size and light, and each has a different atmosphere. The third location is “Forest of Autonomous Resonating Life – Eucalyptus” in Area C, which is independent yet responsive. Each ovoid of light standing densely in a square of eucalyptus is autonomous. When they are swept away by people or blown by the wind, they change the color of their light as they stand up, producing a unique tone. The ovoid responds to the surrounding ovoid one after another, changing to the same color and sounding the same tone in succession. The work is as dense as a person’s height, and as you wade through and into the work, you feel as if you are enveloped in light. The light’s echoes also make the viewer aware of the presence of people in the same space. Please enjoy shaking, touching, and interacting with the work. The fourth and final location is in Area F, “Floating Resonating Lamps on Oike Lake – Fire”. Numerous lamps float in a real large pond. The gentle light is soothing. When people stand still near the lamps, or when they are tilted by the wind, they shine strongly and sound a tone. The surrounding lamps also respond one after another, shining their light and sounding their tones, and the light continues on to the trees on the small island floating in the center of the pond. Like the “Forest of Autonomous Resonating Life – Eucalyptus,” this work also makes us feel the presence of other people in the same space. In addition to the permanent exhibits introduced above, the art space at “teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka” also includes exhibits that change with the seasons of the botanical garden: spring, summer, fall, and winter. So far, there have been exhibits of nemophila in the spring and sunflowers lit up in the summer.   Look forward to seeing more of your work with seasonal plants in the future!

11 Summer Events in Kansai! 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, Asayuka ５．[Osaka] Minoh Waterfall / Summer Festa Minoh Park 2023 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 35th 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 2023 Period: Saturday, July 1, 2023 – Monday, July 31, 2023   If you visit Kyoto in July, you cannot miss the Gion Festival! You will be overwhelmed by the gorgeous floats!   For more information, check out the article below! ＜Kyoto＞Gion Matsuri (July, 2023)｜Highlights of Japan’s Greatest Festival Period: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 – Sunday, September 3, 2023   Approximately 600 wind chimes will be displayed on the ceiling of the awarding ceremony hall and throughout the temple grounds. It is said that the tones of the wind chimes comfort the gods and purify sins and impurities. Write your wishes on strips of paper and deliver them to the gods. Period: Friday, July 1, 2023 – Friday, September 9, 2023   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, 2023 – October 31, 2023 (period varies by store)   Kawayuka is one of the traditional 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 “Asayuka. Why not start your day with a kawadoko? Period: July 15 (earth) – August 27 (sun), 2023   Minoh Waterfalls and other famous spots in Minoh Park are illuminated in this popular event! On July 29, “Minoo Candle Road” will be held to light up the park with candles, and on July 29 and August 12, projection mapping of Ryuanji Temple will be held. Also, until October 29 (Sun.), “Kawayuka (riverbed)” 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). Main Content Dates: Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, 2023   This is a large-scale event held in the Umeda area of Osaka, where you can enjoy Japanese summer culture all at once! In addition to the traditional “Bon Odori” dance, “Uchimizu” (sprinkling water on the streets to cool off), and “Ennichi” (fair) stalls typical of summer festivals, stations and plazas in the area will be decorated with “Tenugui”, a flat woven cotton cloth used as a festival accessory. The entire town will be decorated in summer! Period: Friday, July 7, 2023 – Monday, July 31, 2023   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 21, 2023 – Sunday, July 30, 2023   The Mitarashi Festival is an event to pray for good health by taking a knee-deep dip in the Mitarashi Pond within the shrine’s precincts to purify oneself of any illnesses. The participants hold candles in their hands and visit the Mitarashi-sha enshrined in the Mitarashi-ike pond. Date: Saturday, August 5, 2023   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▼ ＜2023＞5 fireworks shows in Kansai! This is how Japanese people enjoy fireworks! Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2023   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. See the website below for the lighting time and viewing locations. https://kyoto.travel/en/ Date: Saturday, August 19, 2023   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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