Japan Osaka Travel

13/02/2024

Whether you are looking for a special place for a date, a viewing spot not yet crammed with tourists, or if you’re like me and just need a place to sit and feel classy while taking in the world, I highly recommend taking some time and stopping by.

Located on the top floor of Maraiza’s Landmark Square, the terrace offers panoramic views over Osaka Castle as well as a Japanese-style BBQ.

12/02/2024

Take the train to Tsuruoka, the town being the platform for travel to the 1400 year old Dewa Sanzan. These three Shrines are like the three-prong power point of the Shugendo sect, an ascetic derivative of Shinto-Buddhism. They signify our life cycle. Haguro is the world of the present; Gassan, the past, and Yudono, the future. I only managed Haguro. Well, they do say "Live for the present."

Tsuruoka's history makes it an interesting place. Better still, there's nothing touristy about it.

10/02/2024

Be the first to discover underground lakes that shine cobalt blue when illuminated, or a chance to witness a wind tunnel (kaze-ana) that connects the surface down through to the main Shumisen cavern when this is open for the first time in summer 2024.

Mine City, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is gearing up to launch new caving experiences at its famed Akiyoshido cave system — the largest limestone cave network in Japan.

07/02/2024

Every wrinkle on a villager’s face tells a story, and every sunrise softly echoes the Lotus Sutra.

Mount Minobu is a time portal! Here, life isn’t measured in years but in centuries and millennia, it’s engraved into the rocks, whispered down streams, and celebrated generation after generation. Every wrinkle on a villager’s face tells a story, and every sunrise softly echoes the Lotus Sutra....

31/01/2024

Onkochishin or 温故知新 is a philosophy that is often associated with the artisans of Osaka and Kyoto. Confucius explains, “Exploring the old and deducing the new makes a teacher.” It means one needs to first learn the basics, learn the accumulated wisdom and only then can one create the new, food for thought in a time of environmental or cultural sustainability. What a wonderful way to bring in the new year!

Onkochishin is a philosophy that I often associate with the chefs of Osaka. Confucius explains, “Exploring the old and deducing the new makes a teacher.”

22/01/2024

From its debut in the eleventh century to its portraits of the working classes in Dotonbori in the seventeenth century, puppet theatre has a sense of relatability and intimacy, highlighted by its development outside the imperial court and its oral traditions, with each performer adding to the richness of the composition of the play and the articulation of the music.

Bunraku’s contribution throughout time, and to modern entertainment, has been recognized by UNESCO, granting it Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003.

22/01/2024

For anyone who grew up in the early to mid-1990s, the exciting world of the arcades was the place to go. Now relive those glory days in this Japanese arcade.

For anyone who grew up in the early to mid-1990s, the exciting world of the arcades was the place to go to see the latest and greatest in gaming. Whether it was the bright lights and noise or the adrenaline-pumping action on offer, young adolescents were drawn in like moths to a flame looking to pla...

14/01/2024

The mountaintop Chogosonshi-ji Temple, in Heguri Town, is an ancient Buddhist sanctuary dating back to the 6th century perched on the southern slopes of Mount Shigi. It’s nicknamed the “tiger temple” given the strong associations here with this animal — an auspicious image that dates back to Prince Shotoku’s historical visits here seeking victory in his war with Mononobe Clan (it is said he prayed in the year of the tiger, on the day of the tiger and on the hour of the tiger).

The West Nara area is a cultural pocket of rich historical and cultural significance, located in the northwestern part of Nara Prefecture, just 30 minutes from Osaka.

01/01/2024

Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo + Snow and backcountry cuisine and culture. Experience it all on the new golden route, with the Hokuriku Arch Rail Pass

Guests to Japan may as of now be mindful of the incredible esteem advertised by the Japan Rail Pass, it may be more than essential for those not traveling past the Kanto locale that includes Tokyo and the Kansai locale that envelops Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Kobe.

22/12/2023

We whose hearts are heavy, seek the joy of your presence. Join us as we prepare for Christmas, this Sunday at 10am or 6pm

Osaka International Church has Bilingual (English & Japanese)services on Sun at 10am. It is approximately a 5 minute walk from Tamatsukuri subway station.

20/11/2023

Eat now! The chef barked. I looked at him sheepishly, my attention darting between the exquisite marzipan like floral creation and his eyes, torn as to whether to obey his command, or to look away, mesmerised by this miniature sculpture.

Wagashi is as synomous to Sakai, as the first harvest of gyochoro tea is to Uji or Shizouka. While these sweets were originally limited to the aristocracy, they became more popular when they were introduced to the tea ceremony.

04/11/2023

The word itadakimasu literally means “I humbly receive”, and is often said in thanksgiving before a meal. While sometimes said with abandon, the word itself carries a lot of meaning, expressing gratitude to the farmers and the grocers for bringing nature’s goodness from paddock to plate. In the book of Ecclesiastes, it says “for everything there is a season, a right time for every matter under heaven: a time for giving birth and a time for dying, a time to plant and a time to gather.” When you sow and see the crops grow, you are thankful for the bounty in its time, ripening in the sunshine, rain and heat.

Every morning in the old town, the fresh scent of the red beans in the kitchen makes its way to the chirping birds above. Take a journey to Kishiwada Confectionery Lane.

24/09/2023

Elevate your mind in Japan.

Are you looking for some heart-pounding fun to enliven your Japanese experience? From Tokyo’s ever-evolving city streets to Niigata’s unspoiled nature, Japan is full of activities that are sure to satisfy your inner adventurer.

16/09/2023

Where Ancient meets Modern in this outdoor Noh play….

https://www.facebook.com/100070951916013/posts/339410391767355/?mibextid=I6gGtw

A two-day event in which Noh, the world’s oldest active theater tradition, is combined with projection mapping to create a one-of-a-kind and immersive viewing experience.

01/08/2023

Do you remember when you first fell in love? What can you remember? The voice? The scent? Scent can be such an evocative sense, and at the Hotel Inter-continental Osaka, they really want you to fall in love with this five-star hotel.

The Inter-continental Hotel is a welcome addition to the luxury hotel circuit, and along with other 5 star hotels in the area, like the Ritz Carlton and St Regis, has put Osaka on the map for first class travel.

23/07/2023

It is better to be the head of the chicken than the tail of the bull. Watanabe san had always wanted to own a bookshop, even if it was the smallest one in Kanda. That dream was all-encompassing, occupying him day and night.

Take a friend from the baby boomer generation and reminisce at this labour of love.

04/07/2023

Noh plays are an abstract form of performance that blends dance, music, and acting, all into one spiritual whole. Like many abstract forms of expression, there is a Zen-like emptying of yourself, the noise that goes on in your mind when you watch, and indeed, participate in Noh. It is somewhat akin to viewing the stone garden at Ryoanji and either trying to work out what the stones represent, or not try to work it out at all.

Noh plays are an abstract form of performance that blends dance, music and acting, all into one spiritual whole. Like many abstract forms of expression, there is a Zen like emptying of yourself, the noise that goes on in your mind when you watch, and indeed, participate in Noh. It is somewhat akin t...

04/07/2023

Once the home to merchants and warlords, Osaka is now known as the kitchen of Japan. What better place to take in its culinary heritage, than at Uemachi restaurant, one that pays tribute to the cultural plateau with the same name.

It is said that we first eat with our eyes, and the appetisers served in three round closhes resembling Temari, a handcrafted ball used in children’s games or kimono ornaments, give a sense of the joy of New Year celebrations.

01/07/2023

Saki dreamt of being a normal teenager, dancing and joining the volleyball team, but was staring at the prospect of back surgery.

People from around the world have discovered there is hope for Scoliosis sufferers, in Osaka City, Japan

29/06/2023

So what is it about Sakai and knives? The good folk in one of Japan's oldest craft cities have been making knives for hundreds of years, and as you can see in the Sakai Knife Museum, there is a knife for every occasion, hundreds of different knives in fact, this is how specialized it is. Of course, they have a special menkiri knife just for cutting the soba noodles, and this is one of the keys to getting the perfect cut of soba noodles.

Note to be confused with Hiro Sakai in Frankfurt, this family-sized eatery's full name is Te uchi soba hiro, or Hiro's hand-made soba, the star of Sakai in Osaka.

13/05/2023

A great day trip from Osaka.

Part of the charm of visiting the ancient capital of Nara is to slow down to the pace of life here. When you put off the stresses of urban life and breathe in the fresh air from the surrounding mountains and tea plantations, you can sense the peace and tranquillity of the old houses and gardens that...

21/04/2023

Nakanoshima may be an oasis of calm today, but what would the riverbanks tell us about the history of the trading houses from the 17th Century, when it was dubbed the kitchen of Japan for its rice warehouses.

A southern breeze brings forth good hope for sailors coming back from the maritime silk route. It may feel balmy by the time it reaches Nakanoshima, but for ancient traders, it is one that brings back treasures and riches. Today, feel the breeze over a drink at Riverside.

21/04/2023

Since the shop’s opening in March 2014, Naniwa Tomoare's friendly service and the unique fare has placed Matsubara on the map. Its appearance on a TV program has further added to its popularity, and so they have added to their family-friendly menus.

Naniwa Tomoare is known for its duck ranch called Tsumura Honten. The Aigamo meat is tender and tasty, and was given a brand name of Kawachi Duck.

16/04/2023

Where would you go to see the best ceramics collection in Asia? Would you go to Taipei, Seoul, Bizen, or Beijing? Actually, it is all here in an understated purpose built museum in the heart of Osaka.

Osaka, the original merchant city of Japan is a natural home for this museum. Founded in 1982, its original collection of Ataka and Chinese ceramics has been expanded.

07/04/2023

From broken to beautiful. Join us for a time of healing and reconciliation this Easter Sunday, 10am at Osaka International Church at Tamatsukuri.

Osaka International Church has Bilingual (English & Japanese)services on Sun at 10am. It is approximately a 5 minute walk from Tamatsukuri subway station.

24/02/2023

Gazing at the solitary fishing boat outside, it is not hard to imagine the brave seafarers in the 14th century, venturing in small sailing ships to as far as Fuzhou, Java and Siam

This is Ryukyu and Tokyo fusion cuisine served kaiseki style, and set in a calm, refined restaurant with mesmerising sea views from every table, making it one of the best restaurants in Okinawa.

17/02/2023

Discover a Tokyo you've never heard of: Tama, the west side of Tokyo, and Shima, islands in the far south of Tokyo.

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28/01/2023

If you have ever experienced a Japanese festival, chances are that you have seen a Yakitori stall. Just pick up one skewer and take a bite, then the umami of the freshly baked grilled chicken spreads in your mouth. It’s truly mouth-watering, and because of the ease of eating, Yakitori has fascinated people since the Edo period, when it was first served to the lord of Komoro Castle from game.

Naniwa Tomoare is known for its duck ranch called Tsumura Honten. The Aigamo meat is tender and tasty, and was given a brand name of Kawachi Duck.

05/01/2023

Be in the running to win a free night ticket at Hotel Banso of Yunokawa Onsen in Hakodate, or over 140 other prizes, just by buying ¥3.000 (tax included) or more at participating Osaka Itami Airport shops.

https://www.aci-asiapac.aero/media-centre/news/happy-new-year-a-new-year-s-gift-campaign-at-itami

04/12/2022

The jewel in the crown on the Tokyo waterfront is the mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection, which only opened two years ago in the spring of 2020. A rich and artistic collaboration between Marriott's Autograph Collection and East Japan Railway Company, mesm has become one of the most-sought after stays in the beating heart of the capital. With spacious balconies that look over the stunning Hamarikyu Gardens and unrivaled views of the riverside, port, and landmarks such as Tokyo Skytree, it is a genuine upscale and luxurious experience.

Only two stops from Shimbashi on the quirky Yurikamome Line, or a six-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote Line is the quaint port town of Takeshiba.