Kyoto Cherry Blossoms Just Starting to Open
Cherry blossoms in Kyoto are opening a little later than last year, but they are opening. It’s Monday, April 2nd and April Fool’s Day is over. So no fooling around when I say the cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom. Yesterday, April 1st, was a rather warm day in the afternoon. Tonight will be cool and tomorrow even warmer than today. So sakura, cherry blossoms, should begin to open a bit faster from tomorrow. Look to see cherry blossoms at about 40 to 50% opened by this...
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Traveling to Japan in Spring
Spring is a great time to visit Japan! As the weather begins to warm in March, rain begins falling more often and the grass begins to turn green. This clears the air and opens up beautiful blue skies. Florally speaking, plum blossoms are the first to bloom. Birds fill the branches as they sip the nectar from the flowers. A few weeks later, cherry blossoms make their presence known. After cherry blossoms (sakura), peach blossoms begin their process. They are somewhat temperamental and bloom...
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Unbelievable English in Japan
Even though Japan has come a long way from the days when foreigners were seldom seen and English was a language that most Japanese could only read and write, Japanese people still have a hard time using English, as is apparent in this recent sale sign created by a company located in the Shinsaibashi area of Osaka. Can you believe there is a sign like this being displayed in a store in Osaka, the second largest city in Japan where millions of people live? Believe it! It’s something...
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2011 Renaissance, Midosuji and Aquarium Illuminations in Osaka
Hikari-Renaissance and Midosuji Illumination The OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2011 will be from December 14 (Wed), 2011 to December 25 (Sun). The 9th OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance is a symbol of Aqua Metropolis Osaka. Building the light display is a way to show the energy of Osaka via Nakanoshima, Osaka. Dates 12 days, December 14 (Wed) – 25 (Sun), 2011 Time 17:00-22:00 This year, numerous plans have been prepared for the “Central Venue” around Osaka City Central Public Hall and the...
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Costco Yawata Officially Opens Today
As of today, Kyoto can boast of having a Costco located within the prefectural boundaries! Yawata City, which lies just along the northeastern border of Osaka prefecture, is host to one of the latest Costco stores to be opened in Japan. Tons of people will be flocking to the store today to get a glimpse of the latest addition to the Costco Japan family. Roads leading into the Yawata Costco will most likely be jammed with cars as members and visitors head to the store to shop on Opening...
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Correction to the Momiji Process
Cold weather has finally made its way to Japan, but it has been a slow change. Japanese maple and ginko trees have been slow changing colors. Last year, the process was just as slow though. The previous prediction that maple leaves would be ready for viewing unfortunately was incorrect. Maple leaves are still green in many areas around the Kansai region. Some are red. Some are yellow. Finding really bright red maple leaves is getting easier as winter approaches, but they are few and far...
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