Joya-no-kane (night watch bell) at Chion-in Kyoto The temple bell at Chion-in in Kyoto is
well known as one of largest scale of temple hanging bells. 17 monks stroke the
bell poured into all energy for each stroke with calling out “E-i, hitotsu” “So-re”.

They stroke 108 times which represent the
108 worldly desires that human being are born with. Stroking 108 times is
traditional event in Japan to remove all those desires to start New Year.

Unfortunately you cannot stroke a bell at
Chion-in but you can do this at some other temples.

Ice Skate Rink has opened!

It is turned Osaka pool in Minato-ku Osaka
into skate rink until March.

Term: until March

Hour: 9:00-18:45

The largest Christmas tree which is officially recognized in the Guinness book, hasbeen appeared in the middle of the park, in the lagoon. It is approximate 30 meters.

“Forever love Christmas” which are light fantasy lagoon show at night and “Happy snowparty” which is funny Christmas show at daytime just like scattering a huge toy box are programmed on the water stage.

Not only that, Santa Clause who is approved by Santaclause village at Lapland in Finland is in USJ for you to make wonderful Christmas memories.

Term: 8th November 2011- 9th January 2012

Contact: Universal Studio Japan 06-6465-3000

A Santa Clause diver at Kaiyukan

A Santa Clause diver has been appeared at
Kaiyukan aquarium.

This is annual event at the end of the
year, the divers are in “Pacific Ocean” tank, which has whale sharks and pacific
white-sided dolphins. They wave to visitors or they do paper-rock-scissors with
visitors through acrylic plate. You can take photos with them.

< Term> Fri. 11th November
2011 – Sun. 25th December 2011

< Time> 13:15- , 15:30-, show time approximate
30 minutes each.

Candle night with 1,000,000 people @ Osaka
City 2011 Winter (Chayamachi)

Two days of 7th (Nishi-umeda) and
14th (Chayamachi), there are events to participate candle night at
the day of “Winter Solstice day”. Cooperated facilities will light off for two
hours, exhibit some arts lighted up by candles, paperback lanterns, and message
candles are shown at each area.

The one of world’s largest Christmas tree
and 100,000 of light bulbs enhance the annual event’s mood. Approximate 25 huttes(stalls
in German) are built as stalls, traditional crafts from Germany, Christmas ornaments,
woodworks, accessories, are sold. So are gluhwein (mulled wine) and grilled
sausages.

You can have a look atmosphere of the
market, concerts, Christmas tree and process of how the market prepared through
its live webcam.

Main stage: Wonder square at Shin-Umeda city

Lighting time:
17:00- 22:30 (Thu. 22nd December –Sun. 25th December 2011,
lighting time is until 0:30)

For more
information click here

This 9th annual event of Osaka Hikari-Renaissance which are located centering around Nakanoshima-park surrounded by river. It had approximate 2860000 visitors last year and it creates and shows us beautiful harmony of light and water more this winter. “France de Lumiere” in front of Osaka central public hall, “Nakanoshima illumination street” and “wall tapestry” and more illumination, event and food at stalls are waiting you. The light festival comes this year again!
Main stage: Nakanoshima area, Osaka city hall, Nakanoshima library, Miotsukushi promenade etc.
Term; Wed. 12th Dec. 2011 - Sun. 25th Dec 2011
*preview Thu. 1st Dec – Tue. 13th Dec. → Starlight city square and Nakanoshima illumination street only)
Time; 17:00-22:00 (it can be different depends on contents)
Fee; Free

Gingko trees on Midosuji street, Symbol of Osaka will be glittering with millions of lamps.
Illumination has extended 500 meters longer than last year, and it became the longest illumination street in Japan of 1.9 km long. Various kind of colored LED lamps are used such as “Midosuji yellow” which are image of colored gingko leaves, or “Sakura pink”. Strong Ginko trunks are used for “light pillars”, and branches are used for “star dust”, which make best illumination than any other country. Besides, red/ white illumination, image of Japan flag, will be made this year, to pray for recovering the stricken area.
Main stage; Yodoyabashi intersection (Tosabori street) – Sinbashi intersection (Nagahori street)

Term; Wed. 14th Dec. 2011- Sun. 22nd Jan. 2012
Lightning time ; 17:00- 23:00 (approximately)
Fee; Free

Seeing the mountains beautifully covered trees,it is easy to understand why autumn is considered Japan's most attractive season. The Japanese have long enjoyed a culture of viewing autumn leaves,and the parks and forests here offer an unrivalles variety of tones and colors.Below are number of carefully selected locations known for their beauty of their clored leaves and also for their local sightseeing spots.

	Arashiyama	One of best spot in Kyoto. Especially, Cherry blossom(April) and red maple leaves are stunning tourists. Every second Sunday of November, “Arashiyama Momiji Maturi (Arashiyama Maple leaves festival) is held above Togetsu-kyo bridge, showing a part of dynasty. Middle of November until early December is the best time.
	Kiyomizudera temple	Brilliant red of maple is blended in to landscape with main temple which is national treasure. Especially view of backward is beautiful. From 11th of November until 14th of December are special days to enter at night. Night viewing of illuminated trees is excellent.　 Middle of November until early December is the best time.
	Kodaiji temple	It is built for mourning Hideyoshi Toyotomi who is the most famous warrior in Japanese history by Nene who is his wife. Utilize the view of mountains and trees makes maple leaves more impressive. Illuminated trees are held on 21st October until 4th of December. Late October until early December is the best time.
	Minoh Park	2.7 kilometers of walking pass from Hankyu Minoh station till Minoh waterfall is called “taki michi(waterfall pass)”, whole pass is turned to be red by maple leaves in this season. Combination of stream and red leaves shows us different atmosphere. Minoh waterfall changes scenery season to season and each season is unique. Especially in this season, sound of falling down water echoes in clear sky which is surrounded by burning red maple leaves is stunning us. Middle of November until December is the best time.

In late October when leaves begin to turn red or yellow, one of largest scale city marathons will be held.

During marathon run of 42.195 kilometers, you can see several best spots of Osaka. Course starts from Osaka castle and then go through Dotombori area, Nakanoshima public hall, Kyocera dome, Tsutenkaku tower and so on. Most of all, Midosuji would be the best spot since at this season it changes to golden avenue by gingko leaves.This is absolutely beautiful.
The course is relatively even road with only 30 meters difference in height, a new record may be expected.

http://www.osaka-marathon.com/

Jidai matsuri is one of three biggest and famous festivals in Kyoto.
There is a parade and it is the most fascinating part of this festival which is showing celebrities and events between Heian era and Meiji era.
Ishin-kinno-tairetsu (Sangoku-tai troops from the Tamba area of Kyoto), is the top of the parade, then going back to old era through Oda-joraku-retsu (Oda Nobunaga, Hashiba Hideyoshi; famous warriors) with over 2000people made by 2000 kilometer-long. This is just like seeing historical delicate rolling pictures in your face.

2011 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX


F1 Japanese Grand Prix will be held at Suzuka Circuit as below;
7th -9th October 2011
For more information visit its website →
http://www.formula1.com/races/in_detail/japan_852/circuit_diagram.html

Midosuji KAPPO 2011
Let's stroll Midosuji street!
Main street in Osaka ,“Midosuji street”, will be pedestrian's paradise during the date and time as below. Various events will be held meanwhile.

Sunday 9th October
12:00- 16:00
Shine or Rain
Area : Between Yodoyabashi – Shinbashi on Midosuji street

Visit its official website http://www.pref.osaka.jp/toshimiryoku/kappo/ for more information.