Saturday’s Gonna Be a Great Day for Hanami
Rain is forecast for tonight and early into tomorrow morning. But by sunrise tomorrow, the rain should taper off and the sun should come out to dry up the rain-soaked grass and dirt where most people will sit to enjoy cherry blossoms. For diehard hanami participants, the rain is actually a blessing. Wet grass and dirt deter many from leaving their homes, which means those who do venture out will not have to beat the crowds to popular cherry blossom places. So if you are thinking that the rain...
Read MoreHanami: Late Start
Cherry blossoms got a late start this year. The season is about a weekend a half later than it has been in the past few years. The cherry blossoms right now are at about 20 to 30% bloomed. Mountain and hillsides are turning a light shade of pink. If you wish to see a mix of cherry blossoms and cherry blossom buds, now’s a good time to go. If you wish to see them in full-bloom, mankai, this weekend would be the best time to...
Read MoreRinging in the New Year Watching TV
How will you spend New Year’s Eve? People around the world spend the special evening celebrating the old year and the new year about to start in different ways. Some go to parties. Some will visit shrines or temples or even churches. However, as for Japanese, a vast majority will sit in front of their brand spanking new HD TVs this New Year’s Eve. Why? Japan is going completely digital in 2011. In November last month, a huge number of nihonjin (Japanese) bought HD TVs so they would...
Read MoreOsaka Hikari Renaissance 2010
Enjoy another year of illumination in Osaka thanks to the efforts of Osaka Hikari-Renaissance Executive Committee. This year’s show should be another beautiful display of lights for holiday goers to enjoy. Locations - Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka In front of Osaka City Hall, Miotsukushi Promenade road and surrounding area, Osaka Central Public Hall to Nakanoshima Park(Rose garden, Kensaki Park) and the north public square of Osaka Science Museum. Dates – Saturday December 11 to...
Read MoreFushimi Inari Momiji Report
The maples leaves in the Kansai region are beginning to change colors. Most of the trees that are changing, however, are those in direct sunlight. Trees set back in the forests are still vibrant green and have not begun changing their colors. Expect trees in the Kyoto area to be bright and colorful around the last week of November, a little earlier than the official momiji report predicted a few weeks ago. The photos below are from Fushimi Inari Shrine. Japanese M
Read MoreTrick or Treating in Suita Postponed to Sunday
The Osaka Loop Halloween event no longer exists. It was banned back in 2006. But that doesn’t mean people can’t have private Halloween parties and events. 200 kids will go trick-or-treating in their Halloween costumes this weekend in downtown Suita. Shops in the area have prepared for the event and will hand out candy and treats to the 200 participants. Because a typhoon will be passing by the Kansai region Saturday, the event has been postponed to Sunday.
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