‘Kansai Culture’ Archives
Shigaraki Station Pottery Fair
Until May 6th, Shigaraki Station in Koka, Shiga is holding a pottery fair in front of the station in the square from 9am to 5pm. Shigaraki pottery is famous throughout Japan. It is one of "The Six Old Kilns", which consisted of Seto, Echizen, Tokoname, Bizen, Tamba, and Shigaraki. Shigaraki pottery is made from clay from the bottom of Lake [...]
Flower Fesitval
The Nagai Botanical Garden in Higashi-Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka will hold a flower festival from May 12 to 17 beginning at 10am until 4:30pm. Various events will be held during the festival. People attending the festival will be able to enjoy handicrafts and gardening lessons. Herbal tea will be served for free during the event. Admission is ¥200. [...]
Mankai Blossoms
The day the cherry blossoms reach their peak and come into full-bloom, the weather is warm, almost even hot if you are in a light jacket. It reached 20 degrees Celsius in some parts of the Kamsai region! Today, sakura cherry blossoms are completely opened at 100% and will from this point on begin to fall off the trees. Japanese call this period [...]
Kyoto Cherry Blossoms at 70%
For cherry blossom lovers, Kyoto is not yet in full bloom. Blossoms are currently at 60 to 70 percent. With the latest rain and warm weather cherry blossoms should begin opening up and be mankai, be in full bloom, soon.
Japanese Onsen: Hot Springs Everywhere in the Kansai Area
Do you like hot springs? If so, then if you visit Japan, you will feel like you are in Heaven...if you don't mind taking your clothes off and bathing with a bunch of other naked people; usually same-sex, not the opposite. Japan is loaded with hot springs. The country lies along the Rim of Fire and has several active volcanoes. Below the earth's [...]
Japanese Sake Festival
On July 27th from 12pm to 6pm the Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers will host a Japanese Sake Festival. The hotel is located in Higashi-Nada, Kobe. There will be over 100 types of Japanese sake for visitors to taste. An entrance fee of 2000 yen can be paid for in advance or 3000 yen at the door the day of the event. Food will also be [...]
Kyoto Gokagai Joint Dance
On June 21st and 22nd at 2pm Geiko and Maiko apprentice geiko from Kyoto's five entertainment districts will perform traditional dances at Kyoto Kaikan Hall in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. Tickets are 9000 yen and 5000 yen. For more information call (075) 561-3901.
