Osaka basic tourist route in winter!

I recommend making a bicycle trip in Osaka, showing you a tourist route in winter.
Please rent a bicycle at J-hoppers Osaka in the morning. (500yen per one day)

Please cycle to the East starting from J-hoppers, then arrive at "Tenjinbashisuji food street"soon.
Here is the longest shopping street in Japan. Please try Japanese food, especially
trying Osaka food will be a good experience!

Go to the South, then you can see the river!Actually this river is running along the Osaka
castle park! The castle is stunning. It looks strong and grace.
You can cycle in the park. If you are interested in history of Osaka, please visit
" Osaka history museum". It is close to the Osaka castle park.

Go back to the West, you arrive at " Maccyamachisuji shopping street".
This street is known as poppets, toys, stationery, snacks and so on..
Japanese traditional snacks will be a good presents!

Head to South-West, "Namba"comes up! Namba is a downtown in Osaka!
MANY people, MANY stores, MANY restraints!
You can find whatever you want!
"Hozenji-Yokocho alley" , "Kamigata Ukiyoe museum"
and " America mura" are also worth to visit!
Please try Takoyaki, or octopus dumplings. You can make them by yourself in some restaurants.

There is a big street , names Midohsuji between "Namba" to "Umeda" .
It is a symbolize in Osaka, then ginkgo trees are along the street.
Actually these trees are illuminated until JAN 16.

Please go to north through this street in the evening!
You can be happy even you are down as you see them!
Look at traffic lights as well or you got crashed by car,, ha ha.

End of this street, it is a place of Hikari-Renaissance!
It is an annual festival at Nakanoshima area that symbolizes Osaka Aqua Metropolis.
Old buildings are illuminated until DEC25, especially the central public hall is illuminated amazing. This area becomes different! Although you are familiar with this area, I recommend going there during this festival!

Go to the North again, you come back to J-hoppers Osaka.
However if you have time, please visit "The sky building".
Christmas market is held there until DEC 26th.

I hope you do a great trip in Osaka.
Having a beer after this travel must be tasty!
Almost all bars or pubs around J-hoppers Osaka are open until over-midnight.
I hope you have a good time here in Japan!!

*The picture is related to Hikari-Renaissance.

Candle night 2010★Winter

Turn off the light, and light a candle.


then,


Write a letter to your familiy, friends, lover..

Take a long bath ..

Read a book ..

Enjoy nice dinner with special person ..

Save energy and think about peace ..


Go slow. Enjoy this quiet peaceful time.



Very relaxed, beautiful and peaceful event is held in Osaka.
One of them, Nishiumeda night is close to J-Hoppers Osaka, it's only 10 minutes walk.

Candle Night in Osaka

*Chayamachi night : 2nd of December (Thursday) 18:00 - 22:00
*Nishiumeda night : 9th of December (Thursday) 18:00 - 22:00


http://www.candle-night-osaka.jp/about/

kobe luminarie 12/2(THU)～12/13(MON)

I introduce Kobe luminarie which is a beautiful illuminations although this is a autumn leaves season.

Kobe luminarie - stands for the requiem for the victims at the Great Earthquake in Kobe - January 17, 1995.
This a great illumination event in short!

This scale is amazing and known as sculpture art of lights.

They call the street with illuminations toward the main event frontone, or front door adornments made by lights.
As you pass the street, you might feel to reach the Haven.

I recommend visiting there anyway!

This event is held in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture.
Please get off at JR Motomachi station (East exit).

Sannomiya station is also close to it, however
you need to head to Motomachi station on food because frontone is one-way street.

From Motomachi station, please go to the south and turn left at the corner of Mitsubishi
UFJ trust bank.
Frontone appears soon!

Heading there on weekdays is recommendable.
Admission fee is free!

However they are in the red... so please donate to them if you like.

Held on DEC 2(THU)~13(MON) in 2010 from evening to night.

Many stands are placed around the main park.
I bought luminarie's stamps last year.

I m sure you have a good time there!

Christmas Party at J-Hoppers Osaka 2010

It's getting cold here and the town started to be illuminated with Christmas decorations.. they're romantic and beautiful, and makes us excited.

There will be a lot of Christmas events in Osaka, so we also decided the date of our Christmas party.


Date : the 22nd of December ( Wednesday)
in the evening, around 7 pm.
Place : our Kitchen on the 1st floor
Fee: Free
but please bring your own drink, and your motivation to have fun with us!

Evenings of Traditional Osaka Performing Arts

Every 1st and 3rd Saturday evening, there is the show which you can enjoy 4 kinds of traditional arts in Osaka, for example, Noh, Bunraku, kyogen, Rakugo, Geisya dance etc. ..
They are difficult to understand for even our Japanese people, but in this show, an comedian(Rakugo-ka) translates each show, so you can understand easily with laughing!
Also, they give you a reference materials in English,Chinese and Korean, and free right food(steamed rice and green tea).

Why don't you try to learn them, instead of night clubbing??

Place: Yamamoto Noh gakudo
Access: Walk from Subway Tanimachi 4 chome station
Admission fee: from 3500 yen

http://kamigata-night.com/

Hiraoka Festival Oct.14th&15th

Largest class autumn festival with 20 taiko drum stands entering the shrine and 3 floats parading.

Every year approx. 150,000 worshippers and numerous stalls fill the shrine premises during the two-day festival.

This is a MUST!!

Date : October 14th and 15th
Time : 15:30 - 23:00
Admission : Free
Place : Hiraoka Shrine (072-981-4177)
* The nearest station is Kintetsu Hiraoka station.

International Beer Summit

Are you missing your country"s beer, or getting fed up to drink Japanese beer, though we have really nice beer in Japan though..

Here is the event which you shouldn't miss, the name is "International Beer Summit 2010"!
You can see/buy more than 100 kinds of beers from all over the world, and not only beer, they also do many attractions .. flamenco,Bali island dance, Japanese drum etc., and of course some cuisine from the world,too !!
So, everybody would be able to enjoy it, even you're not a big fun of beer.


Date: the 1st of October (Sat.) 12;00-22;00
the 2nd of October (Sun.) 12;00-21;00
Place : Itami city Hakkenderamae
*Walk from Hankyu railway Itami station or JR Itami station
Admission : Free

Official HP : http://www.ibws-npo.org/

Kansai Music Conference 2010

Kansai Music Conference (KMC), through co-sponsorship with Osaka Museum of History, brings together musicians from all over the world to network and perform in downtown Osaka with workshops about traditional music and instruments of different cultures for the general public as well as presentations and discussions about the music industry.

KMC２０１０ is the opportunity to have an exchange of cultures, make new friends, contacts and advance musical carrers.

If you are interest in music, why don't you join them?

Date : ２０１０ September １９th and ２０th
１０：００－１６：００

Place : Osaka Museum of History
〒５４０－０００８, ４－１－３０ Otemae Chuo-ku Osaka city
TEL　０６－６９４６－５７２８

Admission Free

Inquiry : KMC　（０６－６８２９－７９７６）
http://www.kansaimusicconference.com/conference.html

Gangara Fire Festival

Gangara Fire Festival is the Ikeda city's most traditional annual event, to wish for safety in the house and fire prevention.　Every year on August 24th, the 4-meter-long and 100-kilogram of torches are carried by young men. The torchlight procession marches around the city and goes up to Atago Shrine (on the Mt. Satsuki).

On the same night, the Daimonji and the Dai-ichimonji Fires are to be lit on the slopes of Mt. Satsuki. This fires are the simbols of the prayer for the inner satisfaction and the world peace.

Date : August 24th 19:00 - 22:00
Place : Walk north from Hankyu Ikeda station.

Osaka Castle Takigi Noh(Performance by firelight)

From tomorrow, the 21st, some attractive night events will be held in Osaka castle, and I'll pick up one of them today, "Osaka Castle Takigi Noh　大阪城薪能" on the 25th.

Osaka Castle Takigi Noh attracts more than 3,000 visitors every year. “Takigi Noh” is a type of noh performed outdoors with light supplied by bonfires. It is performed at night, usually in summer, at a noh theater or on an outdoor temporary stage. For Osaka Castle Takigi Noh, a temporary stage will be installed in front of Osaka Castle.

Enjoy a summer night of traditional Japanese performing art, the world of Yugen, with the illuminated Osaka Castle in the background.

Date: the 25th (Wed.)
18:00 -
*In case of rain, postponed to the follwing 26th.
Place: Nishinomaru Garden of Osaka Castle
Fee: Adult 4500 yen (advance ticket 3600 yen)

Art performance by Tabaimo

Tabaimo is the nickname of a prominent young japanese artist from Hyogo prefecture. Her works are based on video and drawings, and will be in exhibition at the National Museum of Art in Osaka until the 12th of September.

Entrance fee : 420 yen
from 10am-5pm
Access to the Osaka National Art Museum.

Upgraded the backyard

Midsummer greeting!


We introduced the backyard of J-Hopppers the other day, and we're telling more because it's been upgraded with beautiful lanterns!!



They ere collaboration work between sort of a construction coordinator of J-Hoppers Osaka,Mr.Yano and talented Japanese painting artist, Sawako !!


Mr.Yano suggested this idea and made flames, and Sawako draw amazing pictures..　
She draw different paintings on each side, and showing four seasons. Yes, it means that we can enjoy them all year long, not only summer.
her sense of painting is always beyond our imaginings!!


"Is there any place to drink beer ?"

Yes, now we have.. it's too hot to be on the rooftop in daytime, and we can open the backyard from 7:30 am to the midnight until the end of August, as the elementary school is closed for summer holiday.

USJ Summer Twilight Pass

As the rainy season ended, why don't you go to Universal Studios Japan?

Universal Studios Japan is now offering a special ticket called "Summer Twilight Pass". This ticket is for anyone entering the park after 15:00 and valid until the closing time.

The price is 4,500 yen for adults (compared to 6,100 yen for an ordinary Studio Pass), and 3,300 yen for children (compared to 4,100 yen for an ordinary Studio Pass).

This ticket is now on sale at Universal Studios Japan Ticket Booths, Official website at www.usj.co.jp, Lawson convenience stores, and JR Reservation Ticket Offices (Midori-no madoguchi). You can purchase it at JR Fukushima station, which is the nearest station from J-Hoppers Osaka Central as well. There are both advance sale and on-the-day sale.

Summer Twilight Pass will be available for a limited time until September 6th, 2010. Enjoy the Magical Starlight Parade and the limited edition Summer goods and food!

Events in Osaka in mid July

If you haven't planned something for your week end of 17-18th of July, come to Osaka for an unforgettable two days !

* "Great Japan Beer Festival 2010 in Osaka" held in Kyosera Dome Sky Hall, Osaka
4,500 beer lovers was attended last year.
advance ticket 4,100 Yen & at door 4,500 Yen
Door open & close:
17th Jul 14:00-18:00
18th Jul. 13:00-17:00
19th Jul. 11:30-15:30

* The "Suma Beach Party 2010" held on the Suma Beach west of Kobe.
4,000 music lovers are expected.
On 17th and 18th Jul. from 15:00 to late.
You can also participate thanks to the open mic.

Tanabata Party

Have you heard about "Tanabata 七夕"?
Tanabata is Japanese star festival,derived from Chinese one.

There is the legend of Orihime(Vega) and Hikoboshi(Altair).
They are separated by the Milky way, a river made from stars that crosses the sky, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar, the 7th of July.

When you walk around in this season, you would see decorated bamboo trees often, because people write their wishes on strips of colorful paper and then hang them on bamboo branches to celebrate the festival.

Well, let's get to the point. We're going to have the first summer party on the 6th of July, though not on the 7th.. we hope you can enjoy summer evening in upgraded our backyard with our nice guests and new staffs.


Date: 6th of July (Tuesday)
Start about 19:00-19:30
Place: J-Hoppers Osaka Backyard and Kitchen

Photo Exhibition of Body Tattoos [Body inc.]

An photo exhibition oｆ Body Tattoo by Rob Walbers, [Body inc.], is being held at Flanders Center in Osaka.

Rob Walbers is well known as a photographer who is dealing with famous musicians, fashion models whose names we have all heard. He is now based in Osaka where his interests were sparked in.

This exhibition is made up of 45 photographs of body tattoos, shot in Japan after his arrival from Belgium. Here you will able to see another Japan through the eyes of Rob Walbers.

2010 June 4th - 2010 June 30th
Open : 10:00-17:00 (Saturday 12:00-18:00)
Close : Sunday and Holidays
Admission Free

Place : Flanders Center (International House Osaka 3F)
8-2-6 Uehonmachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0001

Access (approx. 30 minutes from J-Hopppers Osaka)
・5 minutes walk from Kintetsu Uehonmachi Station
・10 minutes walk from Subway Tanimachi 9-chome Station.

We wish you a fresh summer !

Temperature got back to 30 degrees Celsius, the japanese scary summer is back !

I can yet hear you screaming, despairing, preparing a map of the nearest fresh drink vending machines, fan and deodorant shops...

Stop, we have THE solution !

Designed in our high tech laboratories by Sir Yano (whose competences now range from magic show, story telling, googlemaping and advance building engineering), the exclusive, oblique, and necessarily somehow magic, ...

J-HOPPERS OSAKA'S ROOF-BLINDED GARDEN !!!

You are now free to enjoy our little garden at any time of the day without fearing sunburn !
We're waiting for you numerous and wish you a fresh and relaxing stay ... :-)

Candle night in Osaka

Turn off the light, and light a candle.


then,


Write a letter to your familiy, friends, lover..

Take a long bath ..

Read a book ..

Enjoy nice dinner with special person ..

Save energy and think about peace ..


Go slow. Enjoy this quiet peaceful time.


Candle Night in Osaka

*Chayamachi night : 3rd of June (Thursday) 18:00 - 22:00
*Nishiumeda night : 10th of June (Thursday) 18:00 - 22:00


Event schedule

*Twinkle love-live(live music) 19:00-22:00 *Light off 2 hours 20:00-22:00 *March (fresh vegetable market) 16:00-20:30, 10th of June
(Nishiumeda night only)


http://www.candle-night-osaka.jp/about/

Renoir: Tradition and Innovation

An exhibition called "Renoir: Tradition and Innovation" is being held at the National Museum of Art, Osaka, until June 27th.

The impressionist master, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919) is beloved throughout the world as "the painter of happiness."

This exhibition is made up of approximately 80 works from major collections inside and outside of Japan, including works from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the National Gallery of Art, Washington, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute and Musée d'Orsay, Paris. Some of them are being exhibited in Japan for the first time.

Don't miss out!

Opening Hours : 10:00–17:00, Fridays until 19:00
(Admission until 30 minutes before closing)
Closed : Mondays
Admission Fee : Adults : 1500 Yen

The National Museum of Art is just a 15-minute walk from J-Hoppers Osaka!

Official Site : http://www.nmao.go.jp/english/home.html

One day trip to Koya-san

Recently I went for the second time to Mounts Koya (Koya-san in japanese) as a one day trip...

The first time was 4 years ago during the Golden Week. Everything was so crowded there ... It didn't really looked like a quiet journey in a peaceful place. However I kept good memories of the hiking we made in the surrounding mountains to escape the crowd, and of the impressive graveyard.

This year we could experience a completely different Koya-san. Middle of April, middle of the week, bad weather, ... There was no-bo-dy, and the few monks and tourists walking through the fog looked more like ghosts escaped from the stones of this mystic forest.

Having avoided most of the town and seen only half of the graveyard on the first time, we decided to start with the graveyard and walk up to Oku-no-in. Here rest in peace the souls of numerous Japanese, and amongst them many very famous ones such as Takedo Shingen, Ishida Mitsunari, Oda Nobunaga ... Due to the fame of the bodies lying here, most of the gravestones are splendids and enormous. And there are so many ! It's simply the biggest graveyard in all Japan.

A paved walkway goes through this forest of stones and trees up to the Oku-no-in, the mausoleum of Kukai (also called Koubou Daishi). He was impressed by the configuration of the mountains of the Koya area : it looked like the eight petals of a lotus flower, and reminded him a sacred mountain in China where he went to study. Then he ordered to consecrate this place as the main retreat for Shingon Buddhism. Later Toyotomi Hideyoshi constructed the head quarter of this sect : the Kongoubuji temple.

Oku-no-in is surrounded by an area where pictures can't be taken. It starts from a bridge over a small river. When we walked through, there was votive plaques hammered in the stream. Some pilgrims were heading to the mausoleum to receive their 'noukyou' (calligraphy delivered in each temples of a pilgrimage). Oku-no-in is quite simple when seen from the outside, it doesn't impressed with some fancy architecture. But from the inside, the hugeness of the hall, and the wealth in furniture command respect.

Three Japanese were receiving a service from a monk singing in front of a calligraphy of 'Koubou'. Two other monks were writing the kanjis of the four seasons on small papers. We could pray after washing our hands with ashes, an alternative way to the more common water running from a fountain at the entrance of the temple. I loved the smell of my hand when I prayed and kept attention few seconds on my breath...

After passing back the small river we had a little rest in a building prepared for pilgrims and visitors. A huge cauldron keeps some hot tea, tables and benches surround an altar, a large tv screen displays a promotional video on Koya-san.

And then we came back to the entrance of the graveyard. Until we caught the bus toward the 'downtown' we could eat some delicious mochi and sweets in the cafe in front of the bus stop. The city is so small we could easily go by foot but we had a bus pass, it's always funny to take the bus when you are alone inside, and it made us save some time.

We went then to visit the Kongoubuji. It is the must-see as it is the main temple of the city. The building as some interesting architectural particularities and a wide mineral garden. You can also have tea in a large room where a monk gives a lecture. The first time we went there, it was about the meaning of the sentence we use at beginning of each meal : "itadakimasu". The second time there was no lecture.

After some shopping of souvenirs (including delicious sesame flavored tofu), we went to the Joufukuin. This one has a very special underground walkway into pitch blackness. Walk through without fear to prove your faith !

And finally it was time to come back home. During all the day we used the Nankai Koya Pass. It gives you access to Mounts Koya (train and ropeway) from Namba station in Osaka, and covers the bus lines in Koya, as well as offers many reductions in souvenir shops, temples, and museums, for 3310 yen. It takes 1h30mn to go from Namba to Koya.

A new and fun restaurant in Osaka

Recently we have noticed a new restaurant in the neighborhood of J-Hoppers Osaka. It's a restaurant of Tsukemen, it means cold noodles that you pour yourself in a bowl of soup and vegetables and meat, in opposition with ramen where you receive the noodles hot and poured in the bowl of soup yet. The soup of Tsukemen can also be cold, and the noodles served with icicle in summer. This is a meal I'm always happy to rediscover each year, as it makes me feel that summer has come.
But this new restaurant has something special : you have to eat your tsukemen in a very particular way ... First you receive the noodles (hot or cold) and the hot soup with pork meat and some vegetables (and eggs in option). Then you add minced onion to the soup, mix, and eat as usual. Once you've had a third of it, you're asked to press half of a lemon on it. Then you can start enjoying a new taste ! Another third of noodles later, it's time to try with a supplement of spices ... Take care to don't use to much ! Finally when you're done with the noodles, you generally still have some soup left. At this point, if it surely got cold. You could then just leave it but it would be a waste.

Then they simply thought about warming it up once again, in a funny way ... First you can dilute a little the soup to make it easier to drink, with hot dashi (kind of clear soup), then you receive a burning stone which is to be put in the soup. The stone is *very* hot and your soup will be soon bubbling furiously. Few seconds are enough to have it properly heated. Then take out the stone (still hot, take care !) and enjoy your soup till the last drop ... :-)

The restaurant's name : Tsukemen Misawa, open from 11:30 to 14:30 and from 17:00 to 24:00, open everyday, google map, around 800 yen.

The Mint Bureau under cherry blossoms Apr.14-20

There is the Mint Bureau in Osaka city, near Osaka castle and it's famous for cherry blossoms with approx. 120 species, 370 trees in bloom.
They open their garden for 1 week in only this season, so thousands of people come to enjoy the last cherry blossom - because this place is the last one where we can see them,as they are all late blossoms.
You can enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms, and also you will a lot and a lot of food stalls beside the river.. and again, with tons of people..

But it's worth to visit for both enjoying cherry blossom and yummy foods. Don't miss it!!

Open : April 14 - 20
Weekday 10:00-21:00
Weekend 9:00-21:00
Access : Walk from JR Osaka Temmangu station or Keihan/Subway Temma station
Admission : Free

http://www.mint.go.jp/eng/topics/new/page26.html

April Bunraku Performance

BUNRAKU is the modern name for the traditional puppet drama of Japan which developed in the Kansai region, particularly Osaka, in the seventeenth century.

This time they perform full Lenghth "Imose-yama Onna Teikin".

The story is set in the Taika Reform in ancient Nara in 645.
I can highly recommend it, to those who have yet to see Bunraku or who are interested in Japanese history, tradition and culture.

April 3rd - April 25th, 2010

First Part : 11:00- (till 15:20)
Second Part : 16:00- (till 21:00)

Place : National Bunraku Theatre

Price : 1st Grade : General 5800 yen / Students 4100yen
2nd Grade : 2300yen
One Day Pass (1st Grade only) : 9800yen

About National Theatre of Japan
http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/english/index.html

About April Bunraku Performance Tickets
https://ticket1.ntj.jac.go.jp/Play

Events in Osaka in early April

Waiting for the sun ... some more suggestions to get out while staying dry !

* Traditional Osaka Performing Arts

On Saturday 3rd at the Yamamoto Noh Theater, 4 kind of arts will be performed from 19:00 with subtitles in English, Chinese and Korean. Tickets from 3500. Website here.

* Cherry blossom by boat and night

Enjoy a special dinner while cruising on the Okawa river in Osaka which has many cherry on its riverbank. Until April 11th, from 18:30, 50mn, 4200 yen. Website here.

* Sakura Party at Club Pure

Wear in Pink or White and enjoy all you can drink for 3 hours at Club Pure on the 10th of April. From 19:00, 3000 yen. Website here.

Events in Osaka until end of March

Well, the weather these days is quite demoralizing, then lets look for some indoor activities ...

* Concert of Galactic :



The group Galactic will be on air on the 26th at Club Quattro from 19:30. 6000Y. Tel 06-6535-5569

* Concert of Europe :



A Swedish rock group will play at Namba Hatch on the 28th from 17:00. 7500Y or 9500Y. Tel 06-7732-8888.

* Mustache party

At Club Pure, 2500Y or 3000Y, on the 27th from 19:00, all you can drink.

Nippombashi Street Festa 2010

DENDENTOWN in Nippombashi.
This area is one of the most famous electronics quarters in Japan.

Nowadays it is also well-known as a town of Otaku (:nerd) culture.
Its street is lined with miscellaneous shops selling video games and
merchandise featuring cartoon characters.

"Nippombashi Street Festa 2010"
This is a big annual event which transmits attractive information of DENDENTOWN.

Various popular characters of animations and pretty maids parade in the street.
Enjoy cosplay festival, club-like event of animation songs and more!
You would watch unique robot's performance as well.

You cannot miss this event where participants and spectators lift their spirits together!

DATE : MARCH 21TH (SUN) 2010

PLACE : DENDENTOWN, NIPPOMBASHI

WEBSITE : http://nippombashi.jp/festa/2010/

Sumo Practice Tour

Ｇrand Sumo Tournament will start in Osaka on the 14th of March.
It would be so exciting and good experience to watch it, but we will organize "Sumo Practice Tour"
from tomorrow, the 8th of March!
There is one of place where some sumo wrestlerｓ practice till the 14th near J-Hoppers Osaka, so you can go there and watch their training.

Here is the details;

Date : every morning 8th(Mon.) - 11th(Thu.) and the 13th(Sat.)
Departure time : 9:30 am
*Maximum 5 persons / day
*Fee : 300 yen
*Approximate time ：1.5 hours
*Photo with Sumo wrestler is available
*Tour guide : Fumi (our night worker)


Would you like to join??
Please sign up at the reception RIGHT NOW !!!


Grand Sumo Tournament information:
http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/index.html

Backyard Open!

We started to open the backyard of J-Hoppers Osaka for our guest!
It's been used by only staff,but we changed a half of the backyard to open space with some benches.
Though not many guests have used yet and no decorating because it's been still cold since we opened, but we expect that it would be a good place for our guests to relax in the sun, without climbing upstairs to the rooftop!
Also, we will have BBQ party there.. can't wait!!

*Opening hour*
(Because there is the elementary school right behind of us and we should care of them.)
Mon-Fri. 19:00-24:00
Sat.,Sun.and holiday 7:30-24:00

Open Mic Night @ Bamboo Club

You can join to play any styles of music! Preferably your original music!

This is a joint event of Elixir Cafe & Bar and Kansai Music Conference. Open Mic Night is a chance for musicians to come out and play a song, jam together or just socialize.

Enjoy all kinds of music such as folk, rock, blues, jazz and Karaoke! All the singers, songwriters, solo musicians and percussionists are welcome!

Date: 2010 March 12th, Friday

Time: 19:00 - 22:00

Door: 500JPY (1 drink incl.)

Place: Bamboo Club

Address : 12-17 Kurosakicyo Kitaku Osaka

Tel: 06-6371-6403

URL: http://www.kansaimusicconference.com/

Plum blossom in Osaka

The plums started to blossom in Kansai ! If you are looking for some places to enjoy their sweet fragrance, you will of course think about Osaka Castle's park. But here comes some others recommendations in Osaka area :
* The Hiraoka Plum Garden, containing 400 trees. You can go there by Kintetsu train, in around 45mn from Osaka (440 yen, from Tsuruhashi St. to Hiraoka St.)
* The Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine, containing 800 trees. You can go there by Kintetsu train, in around 20mn from Osaka (340 yen, from Osakaabenobashi St. to Domyoji St.)
* A little bit farther, the Minabe Bairin Ume Festival, the largest plum grove in Japan : 80.000 trees. You can go there by JR train, in 2 hours from Osaka (4510 yen, from Nishikujo St. to Minabe St.)

SETSUBUN in OSAKA

Here I introduce an event called Setsubun, the bean-throwing holiday which comes on the 3rd of February.



On February 3rd, some costumed men, wearing oni (demon or ogre) masks, go around scaring everyone by sneaking up on them from behind and shouting “aaarrgghh” loudly into their ears.

Another amusing part of this holiday is, anime heroines, sexy nurses, Geisha, Maiko and Kabuki costumes can be seen after dark on the brightly lit streets of Kitashinchi in Umeda. This is a very special tradition which is unknown outside the Kansai area. Something like Halloween, wearing variety of costumes during this time is meant to ward off evil spirits.



DATE : February 3rd

PLACE : Around Dojima Yakushido (Dojima/Kitashinchi Area)
*20 minutes walk from J-Hoppers Osaka Central

PARADE STARTS AT 14:00

DOYADOYA festival

What is "DOYADOYA" ??

"DOYADOYA" is one of the three major Japanese unusual festivals carried on in Shitennoji Temple
in Osaka. Ritual held on the wish summation (last) day of Shushoe (Buddhist ritual to pray for good luck in the year) starting from Jan 1.
A solemn ritual in the temple hall, while young men clad only in loincloth and headband bravely struggle for banknotes in front of the hall.

Here are photos which one of our guest took last year.

It's definitely rare chance to look such tons of semi-naked Japanese guys and feel their soul in so cold winter..

It's held on the 14th of January, Thursday, in Shitennoji Temple.
Start from 14:30.

http://www.shitennoji.or.jp/oshirase/koutu/koutu2.htm