‘Kansai Living’ Archives
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.
Japan Toll Road Fee for the Next Two Years
Do you drive a car in Japan or want to but are afraid of the high toll road fees? Well, at least for the next two years, you will be able to drive anywhere outside the Kansai region for a total of 1000 yen. That's right, 1000 yen! Japan has decided to give drivers a break in normal driving fees on toll roads and will cap the toll charges at [...]
Take the Torroko Romantic Train in Arashiyama
The famous Romantic Train in Arashiyama begins running its scenic tour along the Hozugawa river on March 1st and will continue running until December 29th. The Torroko trolley travels 7.3 kilometers in distance along the river and through 8 tunnels between Torroko Saga and Kameoka stations. The duration of the trip is 25 minutes and costs 600 [...]
Preparing For Christmas in Kansai
Are you ready for Christmas? Even though the main reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, many people, however, cannot deny feeling the need to focus on shopping for presents to give their loved ones, coworkers and friends. There are many other things to do besides shopping for gifts. There are parties to prepare for, [...]
Counseling for Foreigners
On December 7th, Kyoto International House in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto will hold a free counseling service on legal matters, visas, social insurance, labor, health and taxes. Interpretation assistance in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Thai will be available. Consultations will be from 1pm to 5pm. To apply for a consultation call [...]
The New Nakanoshima Keihan Line
The Keihan train company opened up a new train line October 19th leading to Nakanoshima, the south end of the Keihan line branching off from Temmabashi station into another area of Osaka away from Yodoyabashi station. In the process of adding the new train line, train schedules were changed and many new trains were added. Many new and very [...]
