Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information The Rikyugura sake brewery is looking to the future as it taps into the thriving Japanese whisky market and opened Senshu Whisky Distillery in Kishiwada Kishiwada is also known as a production area of sweet peaches and there are plans to mature the whisky in casks made of peach trees The brewery has hired a blender trained at Suntory who is supervising the flavor spent about 300 million yen ($2 million) to install two types of stills used for distillation It plans to produce around 20,000 liters of single malt whisky a year and aims to increase the amount to 200,000 liters after five years Rikyugura exports 70 percent of its Japanese sake and plans to ship the whisky overseas as well After working as a bodywork therapist in Japan he launched a company selling acupuncture-related goods in Sakai He acquired Japanese citizenship and took over the management of Rikyugura in 2019 “Domestic consumption of sake is falling each year If we want to see the brewery being preserved 100 years from now we must start new things,” thought Kato and decided to make Japanese whisky The whisky is named “Senshu,” and the letters on the label were written by calligrapher Tansetsu Ogino who wrote the letter for Suntory’s whisky Hibiki A blender who trained at Suntory will oversee the flavor of Senshu “We aim to produce whisky that rivals the global brands,” said Kato Since it takes time to mature in the casks Kirin targets overseas markets for its Fuji whisky brand Niigata sake brewers turn to whisky to help bolster business Struggling sake breweries try to jump on whisky bandwagon Japan whiskies reach the top but face new hurdles Suntory marks 100 years of distilling whisky with upgrades Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages Copyright © The Asahi Shimbun Company. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission. HomeDestinationsInterestsTop Places to Travel by MonthSearchMenuBest time to go to Japan A truly wild festival with giant floats and hundreds of participants on the weekend before Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi) It features more than 30 hand-carved danjiri floats made by talented local craftsmen Each float represents a different area of the city and competition for the fastest float between neighborhoods is fierce This is definitely Osaka’s wildest festival similar to running of the bulls in Pamplona A danjiri is a Japanese wooden float that is decorated with ornaments so that the float resembles a shrine or a temple Weighing up to four tons and 13 feet (4 meters) high these giant wooden floats are pulled and pushed around the streets of Kishiwada city The impressive structures may weigh up to four tones and are elaborately decorated each year with flowers neighborhood emblems and various adornments Each of the city's neighborhood proudly displays their float and strength during the festival by pulling danjiri with all their might during the famous race not only pulling the floats but also dancing on them is a sight to behold are given the privilege of dancing at the float's roof the position of the daikugata is risky but well-respected The race is accompanied by powerful drum music and begins at the Kishiwada Station which will keep the spectators on the edge of their seats danjiris will set off in the traditional parade around the city The participants display extraordinary endurance by pulling the floats throughout the procession's route during the whole day Once all the excitement of the race and the parade dies down and the dark falls the danjiris are decorated with Chochin lanterns traditional paper lanterns made with a bamboo frame The floats are carried through the city to the sound of drums and rhythmical singing serving as a culmination to the thrilling events of the day The lantern parade takes place at 7 pm until 10 pm on both days and follows the same route as the race The main event takes place in mid-September but there is usually a repeat in late September a repeat event will unfold on October 12th and 13th The race begins at 6 am on the first day of the festival and isn't featured on the second day The traditional parade takes place at 9:30 am and 1 pm on the first day and at 1 pm on the second day The lantern procession is set to begin at 7 pm on both days While the most famous Danjiri Matsuri festival takes place in September around the Kishiwada Castle a similar festival is held in Kobe though it's not quite as grandiose Another danjiri festival takes place in Haruki Town near Nankai Haruki Station The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri took place in 1703 for the first time when the lord of Kishiwada Castle held a harvest festival for the Shinto gods for an abundant harvest The locals pulled danjiris to the castle to demonstrate the most extraordinary performances to the lord Kishiwada Castle Kishiwada StationKishiwada CastleKishiwada StationLast updated: June 17, 2024Authors: People interested A giant Danjiri float makes a turn in Kishiwada Participants speed giant 34-wheeled floats called Danjiri through the city At a crossing near Nankai Kishiwada Station spectators cheer at a “yarimawashi” performance as each 4-ton float makes a sharp turn without slowing down please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent Participants speed 34 floats with giant wheels called Danjiri through the city Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Osaka fireworks shows and art events on your itinerary One of the best places to get a taste of all these events is Osaka where you can enjoy vibrant traditional festivals incredible light-ups and many other unforgettable experiences. Here are some festivals you shouldn't miss while you're in Osaka this year.  When: June 30-July 2, 2024Where: Aizen-do Shoman-in Temple The main highlight of Aizen-do Shoman-in’s namesake summer festival occurs on the first day where eight women dressed in yukata are carried in their respective hoekago (literally means ‘treasure basket’) for a parade along Tanimachisugi street were traditionally geisha back in the Edo period (1603-1867) they consist of women selected by the organisers and occasionally include local celebrities.  When: July 24-25, 2024Where: Temmangu Shrine This traditional festival is one of the biggest in Japan It takes place annually in July over two days with the main events happening on the second day The festivities culminate with a vibrant parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by devotees in elaborate costumes The procession starts at the historical Temmangu Shrine before arriving at the Okawa River It then continues on boats accompanied by fireworks over the water.   Summer in Japan is synonymous with fireworks festivals So don’t miss Osaka’s biggest pyrotechnic display held along the Yodogawa River with a spectacular view of the city skyline in the background The hour-long festival is split into five sections each featuring a pair of songs played in sync with the fireworks.  When: September 14-15 and October 12-13, 2024Where: around Kishiwada Castle This awe-inspiring festival is a sight to behold especially with 34 danjiri (massive wooden floats) parading the streets around the historic Kishiwada Castle a landmark in the southern part of Osaka prefecture Each float belongs to a different neighbourhood in Kishiwada city and are crafted in ornate details by the residents themselves Make sure to arrive early to enjoy traditional Japanese street food like takoyaki When: November 10 2024Where: Creative Center Osaka which takes place at the Creative Center Osaka art complex in Kitakagaya is beloved for its 9.5m-tall giant rubber duck by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman pop-up shops and food stalls as well as performances.  This article was originally published on June 26 2023 and updated on July 1 2024 Tokyo neighbour Saitama is hosting three fireworks shows this summer The 55-minute fireworks at Lake Kawaguchiko is back this year Shinjuku’s projection mapping show now serves food and drinks on weekends Two Japanese carriers are in the world’s top 10 airlines of 2024 The life-size Gundam from Yokohama is moving to Osaka Expo 2025 Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! twittertiktokAbout us Contact us Traditional festivals in Japan have taken a significant hit due to the spread of COVID-19 Given the nature of events that naturally involve people gathering the governing body of the “Kishiwada Danjiri Festival” in Kishiwada City announced a plan to resume the traditional celebration of towing the danjiri (wooden portable shrine) on September 18 and 19 this year.  The festival involves a parade featuring large wooden shrine floats that are pulled at a high speed by a large team of men the event was canceled for the first time in 75 years while the rest of the festival was limited only to its Shinto rituals the festival governing body’s representatives exchanged views with Kishiwada Mayor Kohei Nagano The group explained they will be taking anti-COVID safety measures during the festival Not only will they ensure the participants are vaccinated but they will also make changes to the danjiri route in each town distributing the festivities more widely to avoid crowding.  Mayor Nagano urged participants to be thorough in their anti-COVID measures "We will call for the general public to refrain from coming to see them." to make sure that local traditions aren’t lost at the hands of the novel coronavirus.  (Read the related Sankei Shimbun article in Japanese at this link.)  You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " The public is invited to join the Sister Cities Committee as they host our exchange student from our Sister City This evening of dinner and entertainment will take place on Friday August 14 2015 at the Elks Lodge located at 920 Stonegate in South City The event will begin at 7pm with diner including Chicken The cost for this evenings event is $25 per adult and $15 those 18 and under Tickets can be purchased online CLICK HERE or by sending in your check payable to SSF Sister Cities Committee and sent to Megumi Amano 709 Larch Avenuen South San Francisco CA 94080 (Please indicate how many adults and youth will be attending) Please share this invite and information with other neighbors that might be interested Kishiwada is one of five Sister Cities in our City; Sister Cities International (SCI) is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between the United States and international communities in an effort to: SCI leads the movement for local community development and volunteer action by motivating and empowering private citizens and business leaders to conduct long-term programs of mutual benefit Tags: Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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Sign Up Weekly Digest A group for people with mental health concerns in Osaka Prefecture is setting itself apart by contributing to the community at a children's cafeteria and conducting other activities that give their life meaning The group "Aoitori" ("Bluebird") has been running a free meal service called "Kishiwada Kodomo Shokudo" every fourth Saturday of the month to help children and other people in need supporting patients who are hospitalized for lengthy periods in psychiatric wards and making radio appearances to address various concerns (Children and others eat lunch at the Kishiwada children's cafeteria operated by a group for people with mental health concerns.) the leader of the group who was once hospitalized himself with a mental disorder is helping in the effort to get many of his peers released from psychiatric hospitals to get them involved in community activities "I wanted to show that people with mental disorders can also contribute to society," he said explaining why the group engages in the program in the first place and continues to fight against prejudice and social stigma "Kodomo Shokudo," meaning children's cafeterias which provides free or reasonable meals to children from low income families and others is believed to have started around 2012 in Tokyo and spread to over 2,000 locations across Japan by local volunteers Now it also serves as a venue for community get-togethers in many places In late January at the Kishiwada children's cafeteria located in the western Japan prefecture and people with disabilities showed up for lunch and listened to music performed by professional and amateur musicians Some elderly men and women took turns looking after a little girl holding her and playing with her during the event A kitchen in the city's social welfare building is used for the events There is a lively atmosphere as many volunteers with mental disorders prepare dishes while chatting and cracking jokes A 7-year-old boy who came from Sakai in the prefecture with his mother said he frequents the cafeteria because he enjoys the food and likes the people who gather there pose for photos at the radio station in Osaka Prefecture.) The Kishiwada cafeteria started around two years ago with about 40 participants "We may need a bigger place in the future," Ono said stressing the need for local governments to get involved and lend support to the group's activities the group has been running the program through food banks and the support network of children's cafeterias has been assisting the "deinstitutionalization" of patients -- a process in which long-stay psychiatric hospitals are replaced by less isolated community mental services for those diagnosed with mental disorders a doctor who treats people with mental disorders at his clinic in Akashi the key to judge whether any system serves its purpose is whether it empowers people with such disorders to socialize Yamada believes involuntary or long-term hospitalization disempowers patients and said the group's activities benefit both themselves and other members of the community He pointed out that members of Aoitori are likely to have been empowered by interacting with visitors to the cafeteria while empowering those people in need at the same time "Effects are mutual and I think that is essential," Yamada said most people suffering from mental disorders are burdened by trauma inflicted by others but they also recover from it by the strength of people through positive relationships," Yamada said underscoring the importance of trauma-informed peer supporters who can build positive relations with them on an equal footing by caring for other people's trauma and their own Trauma-informed people have a basic understanding of how trauma can influence families according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration under the U.S Yamada also insisted Japan needs a system like peer-run respites stationed by trained staff similar to those in the United States where people with mental disorders can take refuge during times of increased stress or symptoms as an alternative to hospitalization "I have seen patients who will get better if they can go away from home and rest for a while but the only available option now in Japan is hospitalization," he said "I think one of the reasons for the current mental hospital system being maintained is because they have nowhere else to go So preparing another place to stay would be important (to change the current system heavily relying on hospitalization)," he said Japan notably lags behind the deinstitutionalization trend having the highest number of psychiatric beds at 269 per 100,000 people among the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development compared with the OECD average of 68 The number of psychiatric beds fell from 290 per 100,000 people in 1993 which can be perceived as testament to a recent commitment to change but Japan still falls short other countries by a wide margin according to the OECD Health Statistics 2013 And of the over 280,000 hospitalized psychiatric patients nationwide as of June 2017 more than 60 percent of them were staying at hospitals for a year or more according to data compiled by the National Mental Health Institute Also as part of its efforts to shift away from living in hospitals to living in the community an associate professor of Philosophy and Psychiatric Social Work at St have their own regular program at a community radio station run by the nonprofit organization Radio Kishiwada but she has been supporting and getting involved with the group's activities as a friend rather than a professional "Working with people at the studio and chatting for the broadcast gives people with mental disorders confidence," Saito said Radio Kishiwada is experienced in helping modern-day recluses (known in Japanese as "hikikomori") who sometimes shut themselves in their homes for years reconnect with society through work at the radio station "It is necessary to understand first that they have difficulties or disorders then both sides need to figure out how they can reduce or remove obstacles to get the job done," said radio chief Shotaro Kajino adding "benefits are mutual" once they can figure out how to neutralize the obstacles Saito said people with mental disorders still frequently face prejudice and hardships as they try to break the stigma in society On one occasion a passerby handed back a flyer in disgust during Aoitori's routine activity at the cafeteria "That's the reality we face every day and it hurts," she said while they have determined to lay down roots in the community despite adversity and get involved with the people there anyway "We are discussing how we can change the minds of such people and let them join us at the table someday," Saito said To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible Japanese version Osaka Prefecture--The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival famed for the boisterous tactics of its participants Sorya,” a total of 34 danjiri floats from various neighborhoods raced through the narrow city streets The participants are renowned for the way they fearlessly challenge tight corners as they haul the massive floats danjiri floats weighing approximately 4 tons were rolled out The highlight was the “yari-mawashi,” where the floats are swiftly maneuvered “Daikugata” roof dancers performing atop the approximately 4-meter-high floats use signals to point the way Loud cheers erupt from spectators lining the roadside each time a maneuver is executed with gusto A “miyairi” procession to a local shrine is scheduled on Sept the parade was voluntarily suspended for the first time in 75 years due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 3 hurt after float overturns during Osaka festival Takayama float returns to Gion Festival in Kyoto after 196 years ‘Nebuta’ floats themed on 7 gods of fortune on show in Aomori Lisa’s Wanderings Around Japan/ Nebuta Museum: Feeling frisky Aomori Nebuta Festival gets the green light after 2-year absence No reproduction or republication without written permission A wave of screams and rainbow colors sweeps the streets of Kishiwada Welcome to the festival of this small neighboring city of Osaka The tricentennial Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is characterized by the fervor and euphoria of its participants wooden floats of many finely crafted meters represent the different neighborhoods and carpentry guilds of the port city Those with courage and endurance pull these constructions at high speed using ropes A group of musicians of all ages plays drums where he risks his life in acrobatics to the cheers of the crowd Taking corners with these wooden structures where the deities reside is fairly difficult and it is not uncommon for some to end up in pieces on the road It takes plenty of breath and good calves to honor the gods for this crazy procession lasts more than four hours exhausted and happy festival-goers stop their floats and hang dozens of paper lanterns on them They then sit around their racing vehicle to eat and drink in its glow But the night has only just begun and they go to visit the different stores and stalls Osaka Discovery, full day Activities in Osaka Osaka Discovery, Half day Activities in Osaka Universal Studio Japan Activities in Osaka Gastronomic stroll through Osaka Activities in Osaka Japan In a Week Group Tours in Japan The Tokaido Road Group Tours in Japan Urban and Rural Japan Group Tours in Japan Kyocera Dome Osaka: a multi-purpose stadium in the heart of Osaka In the heart of the vibrant city of Osaka stands a building that never fails to attract attention: the Kyocera Dome Osaka Osaka Festivals & Events Osaka Festivals: see a listing of festivals in Osaka throughout the year from January to December including the Tenjin Festival and the Danjiri Matsuri Tenjin Matsuri (Tenjin Festival) Osaka Tenjin Matsuri (天神際) is one of Osaka's largest and most colorful festivals Tenjin Festival takes place annually on July 24 and July 25 around Tenjin Shrine Nightlife in Japan: Going out, seeing and drinking Temples and shrines in Japan Markets in Japan Onsen, Hot Springs and Public Baths Family Travel Parks and Gardens Outdoor Activities Museums and Galleries View more Sign up and be the first to hear our news and special offers Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp September sees the transition from summer into autumn although it can still be quite warm in many parts of Japan with the bonus of fewer crowds as the official beach season is declared over while in some areas in Hokkaido you can see autumn colours towards the end of the month Sports and culture enthusiasts may be interested in the annual September sumo tournament in Tokyo and there are also many noteworthy festivals celebrating traditional culture across the country We've highlighted a few festivals and events below that may be of interest for future trips to Japan They are selected from a list compiled by JNTO's Tourist Information Center and the full list is available at the end of the article NOTES: Many websites only have information in Japanese so you may need to use an online translation service such as Google Translate  or DeepL the Chrome browser allows you to translate many webpages from Japanese into English The information is correct at time of publishing times and functions are subject to change without notice and can vary slightly each year the schedule of outdoor events may change due to the weather Be sure to check the latest information in advance Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages Japanese version The Kishiwada Danjiri is a festival from the 18th century in which over 200 people pull a cart weighing around 4 tons at top speed through the streets National Report Osaka Prefecture--A 2-year-old girl whose father forgot to drop her off at a nursery school died of heatstroke after being left for hours in the family’s vehicle on Nov told officers he put his three daughters in the family’s minivan at around 8 a.m that morning to drive them to their separate nursery schools “I forgot to drop my second eldest daughter (at her nursery school) and went home,” the father reportedly told police Police believe Seira was locked in the vehicle for about nine hours before she was found unconscious They estimated the time of death was around 4 p.m According to the Japan Meteorological Agency 12 in various areas in Osaka Prefecture were above 20 degrees When the father went to the nursery school in the same minivan to pick up Seira just after 5 p.m. He searched the minivan and found the unconscious girl in a child seat at the back of the vehicle The father called emergency services at around 5:25 p.m He reported that he found his daughter limp in his minivan which was parked at the nursery school in Kishiwada According to prefectural police and the local fire department the girl was rushed to a hospital in Kishiwada after being found unconscious An autopsy was conducted on the morning of Nov 14 to determine the official cause of death Japan to require schools to do bus roll calls in wake of fatal accidents nurse indicted over death of boy trapped in bus Police search kindergarten after child left on school bus dies 2-year-old dies after father likely left her in car as he teleworked Osaka Prefecture--Yukisei Hirono felt a cold reality sweep over him as he watched the news coverage of the towering tsunami engulfing the townscape in the Tohoku region on March 11 The company head realized that a similar disaster as the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami could occur here and so sought out “to protect the lives of my employees.” A week after the catastrophe hit northeastern Japan head of the firm’s general affairs department were standing on a levee in the coastal industrial zone in Izumiotsu Hirono had a tape measure for commercial purposes in his hand The two men gauged how taller the levee is than the ocean surface and found the barrier was only 1.5 meters higher than sea level which produces parts for Kubota Corp.’s tractors and other agricultural machines was situated a few hundred meters from the levee If a long-anticipated powerful earthquake along the Nankai Trough off Japan’s Pacific coast strikes high waves were predicted to reach the company in 90 minutes after the tremor Wondering whether the enterprise’s 120 staff members on duty would be able to flee to safety during the emergency Hirono and Kawagoe visited the coastal barrier to examine its height They simulated a range of evacuation scenarios such as escaping to a nearby expressway or erecting a shelter tower on the company’s grounds “The only option for us was relocating our corporation and plant to elevated ground,” he said Hirono found a vacant plot some 13 kilometers away in an industrial complex in Kishiwada Hirono in 2015 told his employees about plans to relocate the company The general affairs department conducted a questionnaire survey and discovered all staffers wanted to continue working at the firm even following the envisioned relocation “I was most relieved to see the outcome,” said Kawagoe For the construction of the new company building 32 small and midsize businesses in the local Senshu region provided steel frames As younger craftsmen had been sent to areas heavily affected by the 2011 disaster for rebuilding work veteran artisans left behind were involved in the project Hearing that their client would like one resistant particularly to natural disasters they reinforced the south side of the structure to a level at which it can withstand any strong winds since “typhoons come from the south.” The two-story upgraded building was complete in 2017 It is outfitted with not only a Japanese-style room to double as an evacuation center in the event of a disaster but also emergency food Large lockers and a fitness chamber alike were installed within the new structure which was founded in 1945 and reported sales of 8.2 billion yen ($61.4 million) so what the operator touts as the “most delicious dishes in Osaka” would be offered to employees virtually free of charge Hirono Iron Works has succeeded in recruiting six to 10 new permanent staffers annually since its relocation sectional chief in charge of general affairs “My home is located farthest among all employees,” said Nakajima “It previously took 45 minutes for me to go to the office but arriving in the workplace currently takes an hour “Though my commuting time has become longer I am happy that I can work at a cleaner facility.” A connection bridge at Kansai International Airport was damaged and coastal areas along Osaka Bay were inundated by high tides Buildings around Hirono Iron Works on high ground had their windows broken and shutters blown away Hirono Iron Works was the only factory with no injuries reported there Hirono looked up at his company that remained undamaged reaffirming the effectiveness of the relocation “We moved to protect the lives of my employees,” he said Northern Japan towns struggle to prepare for event of a megaquake New hotel boom in Fukushima capitalizing on reconstruction Rebuilt areas underoccupied; community ties still shattered Osaka Prefecture--Kiichi Kitahama has pufferfish on the brain and even sees the celebrated seafood in his dreams is a top seafood chef and owner of renowned pufferfish restaurant Kitahachi where he tickles the taste buds of foodies with boiled milt and other delectable dishes Pufferfish is a sought-after delicacy but also notoriously deadly if not prepared correctly one of Japan’s largest pufferfish-consuming regions He took over the restaurant his father founded Kitahama has over the years become a famous blowfish researcher and even recently confirmed a previously unknown species that appears to have emerged through crossbreeding he helped promote ways to safely consume the otherwise dangerous fish Some 50 kinds of blowfish found in the waters near Japan have poisons in different parts of their bodies and the strength of their toxins can differ even among the same type depending on where they are born and raised resulting in many poisoning deaths nationwide from eating improperly prepared fish Kitahama began studying pufferfish on his own to promote ways to stop its toxins from killing consumers inspired by his father’s motto of “contributing to society.” When he found it difficult to research certain topics on his own Building connections with experts through his research Kitahama established a pufferfish society with academics from the University of Tokyo He stayed up late dissecting pufferfish from all over the world at his home laboratory to identify the poisonous sections and their toxicity When the government introduced its safe pufferfish consumption standards In his mission to make the fish safe to consume Kitahama has written textbooks for chefs who want to obtain a blowfish cooking license He employed simple wording to easily pass on knowledge about the species so it can be shared widely among the public He believes that straight-forward communication helps readers quickly develop expertise and leads to fewer instances where people become ill due to pufferfish poisoning He has spent his life becoming an expert on the fish and even dedicated a building to it by opening a museum across from his eatery “I do not think I have learned everything about the species,” Kitahama said Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. Osaka Prefecture--A man was killed and three others badly injured after a “danjiri” float overturned on a street here during the popular Tondabayashi Danjiri autumn festival The men in their 40s to 60s were pinned under the float shortly after it was brought to a stop and began swaying Float pulling was suspended in the district where the accident occurred around 9:45 p.m the festival that started earlier that evening will go on in other parts of the city until Oct.16 The accident occurred near a bus stop about 1.5 kilometers southeast of the Kintetsu Line’s Tondabayashi Station has had its share of accidents due to the speed with which the heavy floats are maneuvered around street corners Gion Festival parades canceled but floats built to pass down skills Test-pull held for massive float set to finally return to Gion Festival Giant floats run through Fukuoka streets for 1st time in 3 years Special 'nebuta' float created by 14 artisans on display in Aomori Japanese version Japanese version Kyoto Prefecture--Dishes and sweets prepared using the Oshima-zakura cherry blossom tree’s flowers and edible leaves are cropping up here and nearby who owns the Amano-Hashidate Yusai inn near the scenic Amanohashidate sandbar in Miyazu main course and even a dessert made using the leaves “Cherry blossom leaves from Yosano are reliable because they are grown chemical-free,” Kishiwada said “They are not meant to be the main ingredient but their faint bitter taste and refreshing green color are useful in dishes.” Sashimi slices processed with kelp and salt-pickled cherry blossom leaves are being served at the inn until the end of August Other items will be introduced between the spring and summer of next year To help increase employment in the community cherry blossom trees are grown on farmlands that have been lying fallow in Yosano The inn purchases leaves that are smaller and softer than those used for confectionary making The leaves are then pickled in salt for a relatively short period of seven to 10 days to retain their original green color before they are frozen has developed “udon” noodles kneaded with cherry blossom extract which offer a hint of a cherry blossom aroma The noodle product was the brainchild of Masato Ichida He passed away in May before seeing the packaged product delivered to the company in mid-June Each pack containing 300 grams (three servings) of Sakura Udon is available for 1,000 yen ($7) at the Yosano Yasai-no-Eki vegetable and souvenir shop in Yosano Yosano-based confectionary Otsuki Kaho will offer “mochi” sticky rice cakes and other sweets made with Oshima-zakura leaves again after the New Year holidays and until the end of April next year SAKURA SENTIMENTS: Woman reflects on regret Warmer weather pushes Aomori sakura festival up by 4 days By Takashi Kawaguchi / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer Osaka — A former manager of a conveyor-belt sushi chain restaurant has begun operating a sushi food truck in Kishiwada Food trucks are becoming a common sight thanks to growing public reluctance to eat out amid the novel coronavirus pandemic having grabbed the spotlight for its novelty of serving perishables continues to receive requests to appear at events and such worked part-time at a Western-style restaurant while he was a student in college and joined them after graduating who dreamed of becoming a company president ever since he was a teenager said he began to think about running his own restaurant After working about 3½ years at an advertising firm’s sales division Nishimoto returned to the restaurant industry He honed his skills at a conveyor-belt sushi chain and other food establishments before becoming the manager of a sushi chain restaurant When the number of customers at the restaurant plummeted due to the pandemic and takeout service became the main source of revenues he heard customers saying that they didn’t even want to wait in line inside the restaurant I myself should go out and serve them,” Nishimoto said He believed that people would come and buy meals at food trucks since they wouldn’t have to worry about infection as much while outdoors and decided to offer a menu including bluefin tuna Nishimoto also decided to hold tuna-cutting shows The biggest challenge was satisfying hygiene guidelines to handle raw food in cars with limited equipment Through many consultations with the public health center he decided to eliminate all gas appliances inside the car to prevent the temperature from rising he ordered a food truck with a refrigerator and water supply he got a permit from public health authorities to run the truck He named the food truck “at maguro,” playing on the expression “at-home” in the hopes of offering a relaxing atmosphere spiced with a fun and dazzling bluefin tuna-cutting show he started operating the truck on a trial basis on his days off from work Nishimoto was able to keep prices down thanks to lower fixed costs compared to those of conventional stores A tuna donburi bowl of rice topped with one slice each of otoro (most fatty) chutoro (medium fattiness) and two slices of lean akami as well as a set of sushi are offered for ¥1,296 each spread through social media and word of mouth attracting requests for the food truck to operate at events As it gradually became difficult for Nishimoto to satisfy both fulfilling food truck requests and working as a restaurant manager he quit the sushi chain where he was employed for roughly 11½ years at the end of September to focus on his food truck business Now at maguro has repeat customers who buy its food almost every day and Nishimoto started running another food truck in late October “I can go [and serve sushi] anywhere with a food truck so I want to increase the number of customers who come back,” Nishimoto said times and locations of the truck can be seen on his Instagram account (@atmaguro) Please Register or Sign in to view this content Quantum Commodity Intelligence is a premium paid subscription service for professionals in the oil Quantum Biofuels service subscribers have access to: Get in touch with us for subscription information on all Quantum platforms The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri takes place in western Japan featuring participants pulling shrine floats at high speeds through the streets of Kishiwada About Nippon Television Floats weighing 4 tons rushed through the streets of Kishiwada City in Osaka on September 16 and 17 The Kishiwada Danjiri festival has been held for more than 300 years since the Edo period in hopes of a bountiful harvest Drums pound and flutes play as people pull the behemoths around corners as fast as they can For more videos like this Japanese version Japanese version Classic parades complete with confetti cannons, marching band music, and normal-paced floats (which are usually motorized), have nothing on the 300-year-old Japanese tradition of Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (via Kyma) While we all look forward to seeing Snoopy and other beloved cartoon characters soar through the sky at conventional parades Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri involves 34 shrine-carrying floats — which are all man-powered These four-ton behemoths are piloted by local townsfolk from the coastal town of Kishiwada, sans machinery (via Osaka Info) each float carries a person who has to leap and maneuver themselves along with every sharp turn down the Southern Osaka city streets While the chaotic festival makes for an impressive visual The festival has existed for over three centuries but because it honors the true pride of the town Although the original castle was damaged by lightning in 1827 boasting impressive 360-degree views of the entire city and surrounding Osaka Bay The castle also features a unique stone garden which Japanese artist Mirei Shigemori created in 1953 with the intention of it being viewed from above This building is the pride of the city and in honor of it master carpenters from each neighborhood are recruited to make gloriously carved wooden floats The only other mechanisms used to safely and smoothly get the floats around each "yarimawashi" (a.k.a which break and help the wheels drift around turns (think Mario Kart but boasts informational exhibits on the craftsmanship clothing and fanfare that embody the festival Visitors can also hold the honorary role of float jumper in an immersive 3D video at the museum Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 marked the first time in over 75 years that the three century-old tradition of Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri was canceled (via Kyma) a much smaller version of the festival was held but without spectators to uphold social distancing precautions There were also rope pullers and lever operators from every neighborhood working at top speeds to create the excitement of it all I took a picture of "Kishiwada Danjiri Festival" in the aerial shooting & approaching game "Fifth Machi ★ Assobi Eve Festival" report on which more than 50 events were announced Sep 16, 2012 17:12:00 in Coverage Although it is a convenience store, over 10,000 yen, I tried Lawson's finest Christmas cake "Special Strawberry Christmas 6" Valuable color photographs of the Führer's Christmas, the 1941 Nazi Christmas party Dec 24, 2010 20:39:00 in Coverage,   Video,   Movie, Posted by logc_nt Kichijoji festival participants carrying their Mikoshi | Mithila Jariwala / © Culture Trip it’s an event that leads to numerous injuries per year and even the occasional casualty Danjiri float | © Lindsay Bernsten / Flickr Sapporo Autumn Fest, through September In Japan, autumn is said to be the season of hearty appetites, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than Sapporo City Hokkaido’s biggest food festival hosts a range of gourmet items including locally grown agricultural products Gourmet food stands | © takako tominaga / Flickr early October Nagasaki prefecture’s most famous festival The celebration incorporates a mixture of Dutch and Chinese traditions as both countries had a huge cultural impact on the region going back to Japan’s early days of foreign trade Look for colorful festival floats shaped like European ships and a frolicking performance of the “Ja Odori,” also known as the dragon or snake dance The head of the dragon-snake | © lensonJapan / Flickr early October The mountain village of Takayama boasts one of the three most beautiful festivals in all of Japan This autumn festival features gorgeous gilded floats that tower several stories above the crowd traditional puppets that are automated to act out a short scene and are decorated with hundreds of paper lanterns Takayama yatai float | © Francesco Giordano / Flickr Autumn Grand Festival, mid-October Shuki Taisai, the Autumn Grand Festival, is the biggest festival in the Nikko area. Enjoy displays of marksmen shooting targets on horseback and a parade of 1,000 samurai warriors The rituals offer a glimpse of 17th-century Japan and the traditional funeral rites conducted for Tokugawa Ieyasu Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy The 1,000 Samurai Procession | © Hetarllen Mumriken / Flickr Jidai Matsuri and Kurama Fire Festival A historical costume procession from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian-jingu Shrine the parade is an opportunity to see both local residents and geiko – Kyoto’s very own geisha – dressed in ancient garb from the 8th to the 20th centuries After catching the costume parade during the day hop on a train up to the nearby mountain village of Kurama for the excitement of the Kurama Fire Festival in the evening Jidai Matsuri | © Adrian Lawrence / Flickr Kamiari Festival, November All the gods are throwing a party and you’re invited, at the Kamiari Festival held at Izumo Grand Shrine. According to Shinto beliefs, all of Japan’s kami-sama and people flock to Izumo during this time hoping that their prayers will be answered The festival takes place from the 10–17th day of the 10th month based on the old lunar calendar so the dates vary by year but usually fall in November Izumo Grand Shrine | © teaoka / Flickr If you click on a link in this story All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip Read Next See & Do The Best Things to See and Do in Minami and Namba See & Do The Best Places for an Asian Spring Break See & Do The Best Places to Travel in April See & Do The Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Didn't Know Existed Where Tradition Meets Modern Urban Adventure Guides & Tips 10 Must-Visit UNESCO Sites in Kyoto See & Do The Best Things To Do in Fuji Five Lakes Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in November Guides & Tips The Most Unique Onsen Towns in Japan Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in October See & Do Incredible Day Hikes Near Osaka US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd Fall for Osaka: Your Ultimate Guide to Autumn Adventures in the Heart of Kansai Autumn in Osaka packs quite a lot with the season: it’s a mood As the air turns crisp and the leaves don their vibrant hues the city and its surrounding areas come alive with festivals or a foodie on the hunt for seasonal treats Osaka in autumn offers a wide array of experiences that are as diverse as they are unforgettable grab your coziest sweater and let’s dive into the top 10 ways to make your Osaka autumn truly exceptional *Please note that this article contains affiliate links Wondering where to go in Osaka for the ultimate leaf-peeping experience Look no further than Minoo Park (箕面公園) Katsuoji Temple (勝尾寺) or Osaka Castle (大阪城) Minoo Park is your go-to for a nature hike sprinkled with waterfalls and momiji (Japanese maple) leaves Katsuoji Temple is where you can find both spiritual enlightenment and a kaleidoscope of colors Last but not least,　Osaka Castle Park offers a historical backdrop to your autumnal Instagram shots Imagine golden gingko leaves framing the iconic Osaka Castle—talk about a double-tap magnet!  So grab your camera and a pumpkin spice latte; it’s time to fall in love with Osaka’s autumn!  More info: 5 Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Osaka If you’re looking for a festival that embodies the spirit and culture of Japan then the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival (岸和田だんじり祭) is your golden ticket adrenaline-pum_ping event that involves the entire community Teams of locals pull intricately designed wooden floats known as “danjiri,” through the narrow streets at breakneck speeds The floats themselves are marvels of craftsmanship featuring elaborate carvings and decorations The festival also showcases traditional Japanese performances including taiko drumming and dance routines adding layers of cultural richness to the spectacle It’s a festival that captures the essence of community spirit making it an unmissable experience if you’re in Osaka Prefecture during the autumn season Visiting Katsuoji Temple (勝尾寺) during its Night Illumination events feels like stepping into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur the temple is already renowned for its stunning autumn foliage But come nightfall on weekends and holidays the temple grounds undergo a magical transformation Illuminated by strategically placed lights The temple is famous for its “Fantasy World” light-up events These events offer a unique experience that contrasts the serene daytime atmosphere with an almost ethereal evening setting It’s not just a visual feast; it’s a spiritual journey that allows you to experience the temple in a whole new light—literally Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is about to change your mind and instead of the usual Minions and Hello Kitty The park transforms into a Halloween wonderland complete with themed rides limited-edition snacks (because what’s a festival without food?) If you’re a thrill-seeker looking to face your fears on a haunted roller coaster or a parent wanting to give your kids a Halloween they’ll never forget put on your best costume and head over to USJ—just be prepared for a few surprises along the way More info: Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2024 << Book your Universal Studios Japan Osaka e-tickets here! >> Come autumn, the surroundings of Osaka Castle (大阪城) take center stage with its gorgeous golden gingko trees. Picture this: a leisurely afternoon walk under a canopy of golden leaves, each one like a little sunbeam fallen to Earth. And as the day turns to evening, the castle park grounds become the perfect setting for Tsukimi (月見) the traditional Japanese moon-viewing ceremony Tsukimi is all about appreciating the autumn moon a practice rooted in Japan’s Shinto and Buddhist traditions It’s a time to offer rice dumplings to the moon and contemplate the ephemeral beauty of life.  With a cup of sake or tea in hand you can gaze at the moon and contemplate the fleeting beauty of life It’s a poetic experience that combines the best of Japanese tradition and natural beauty making it a must-do for anyone visiting Osaka in the fall More info: Osaka Castle: the Symbol of Warring States Period More info about Tsukimi in Japan: Tsukimi: Harvest Moon Viewing Festival in Japan If you’re looking to experience a festival that’s off the beaten path the Hiraoka Shrine Festival (枚岡神社祭り) is your jam this festival is a vibrant celebration of the autumn harvest Locals parade drum platforms through the streets shouting spirited chants like “Cho-sa-ja Cho-sa-ja” as they make their way to the shrine The festival reaches its peak when participants walk back and forth along the shrine’s approach It’s a festival that’s as much about community spirit as it is about giving thanks for the harvest making it a unique and enriching experience Osaka’s food scene takes a delightful turn highlighting local ingredients and flavors that are best enjoyed during this season you can enjoy dishes like Hakozushi (箱寿司) a pressed sushi variety that often features seasonal fish deep-fried skewers that get an autumnal twist with ingredients like shiitake mushrooms and sweet potatoes And let’s not overlook the seasonal variations of “Takoyaki,” Osaka’s iconic street food which might feature special toppings or sauces that celebrate the harvest season If you’re a fan of both nature and art the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (万博記念公園) in Suita City is your autumn paradise The park is already a year-round attraction it turns into an outdoor gallery showcasing the best of nature’s colors and even a Japanese garden that looks like it’s been painted with autumn hues But the real showstopper is the seasonal events and exhibitions that the park hosts there’s always something happening here It’s a place where you can enjoy the beauty of autumn while also enriching your mind More info: Osaka Expo Park: One of Osaka’s Most Attractive Parks Midosuji Boulevard (御堂筋) defies the typical autumn clichés becomes a dynamic space where the energy of the city meets the tranquility of nature the street takes on a dual role: a thoroughfare for daily commuters and a seasonal spectacle for those who pause to appreciate it What sets Midosuji apart is how seamlessly it blends into the urban fabric golden leaves serve as the backdrop for cyclists navigating their way through the city for street vendors selling local delicacies and for friends sharing a casual evening stroll The transformation of the ginkgo trees adds a layer of warmth and vibrancy to the city’s pulse making Midosuji Street a compelling destination for both its aesthetic appeal and its role in the daily lives of Osaka’s residents If you’re looking to experience a festival that captures the essence of local culture the Sakai Festival (堺まつり) is where you’ll want to be with a unique array of activities that showcase the city’s heritage The festival feels like a living museum of sorts with the grand parade featuring the city’s symbolic key figure and the traditional tea ceremonies that pay homage to Sen no Rikyu a historical figure who perfected the Way of Tea But it wouldn’t be a proper festival without its playful side: drum performances and even a flea market for those who love a good bargain It’s a festival that invites you to engage celebrate the multifaceted culture of Sakai City Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor this season promises a tapestry of experiences that will leave you falling in love with Osaka all over again.  check out things to do in Osaka in other seasons ▶10 Best Things to Do in Osaka in Spring ▶10 Best Things to Do in Osaka in Summer ▶10 Best Things to Do in Osaka in Winter For more information about travel and events Japan I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring