Latest news with #Edo
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
6 best summer and year-end festivals happening in Osaka in 2025
There's no shortage of festivals to enjoy throughout the year in Japan. Summer is famous for its traditional festivals and fireworks displays, the cooler months are brought to life through colourful illuminations, while excellent art exhibitions take place year-round. 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. Aizen Festival When: June 30-July 2, 2025 Where: Aizen-do Shoman-in Temple The main highlight of Aizen-do Shoman-in's namesake summer festival occurs on the first day, when eight women dressed in yukata are carried in their respective hoekago (literally means 'treasure basket') for a parade along Tanimachisugi street. These women, also known as Aizen Musume, were traditionally geisha back in the Edo period (1603–1867). Today they're selected by the organisers and occasionally include local celebrities. Tenjin Festival When: July 24-25, 2025 Where: Tenmangu Shrine This traditional festival is one of the biggest in Japan, dating back over 1,000 years. 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 Tenmangu Shrine before arriving at the Okawa River. It then continues on boats accompanied by fireworks over the water. Kishiwada Danjiri Festival When: September 13-14 and October 11-12, 2025 Where: 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 the city of Kishiwada, and are crafted in ornate details by the residents themselves. Make sure to arrive early to enjoy traditional Japanese street food like takoyaki, grilled squid, yakisoba and more. Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival When: October 18 2025 Where: Yodogawa Park Summer in Japan is synonymous with fireworks festivals, but Osaka's biggest pyrotechnic display has been moved to October this year to coincide with the finale of the World Expo. The Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is 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. Suminoe Art Beat When: November 9 2025 Where: Creative Center Osaka One of Osaka's premier art events takes place at the Creative Center Osaka art complex in Kitakagaya and is beloved for its 9.5m-tall giant rubber duck by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. Additionally, there will be a series of exhibitions, pop-up shops and food stalls as well as performances. Festival of the Lights When: November 2025-January 2026 For this year-end celebration, Osaka's most popular landmarks and attractions are lit up in colourful illuminations after dark, especially the Midosuji avenue between Umeda and Namba, which currently holds the Guinness World Record for having the 'most illuminated trees on a single street'. Also, don't miss the Osaka City Central Public Hall, which will serve as the backdrop for a spectacular projection mapping display. Festival of the Lights also sees many other locations across Osaka prefecture lighting up for the occasion, including the Expo '70 Commemorative Park. This article was originally published on June 26 2023 and updated on June 2 2025. teamLab is opening a permanent immersive art museum in Kyoto You can now enjoy gluten-free and plant-based ramen at Expo 2025
Japan Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Uji matcha tea specialist from Edo period releases a range of sweets for hydrangea season
By Oona McGee, SoraNews24 Ever since matcha began to boom in popularity around the globe, green tea lovers from overseas have had Uji in Kyoto on their bucket list. This region is renowned for its top-quality matcha, and one of the oldest tea purveyors in the area is Itohkyuemon, which can trace its history back to 1832, towards the end of the Edo period (1603-1868) when samurai roamed the land. In the centuries since its founding, Itohkyuemon has been constantly adapting to meet the changing demands of customers, and these days it's become particularly well known for its matcha ice creams and seasonal parfaits. Its most popular seasonal offering is the Hydrangea Parfait, created in honour of Uji's famous Mimurotoji, commonly known as 'Hydrangea Temple' due to its abundance of flowers. ▼ Hydrangeas, or ajisai as they're known in Japanese, bloom during the rainy season. Image: Pakutaso This year, to mark the 13th anniversary of the Hydrangea Parfait, Itohkyuemon is going all out with a campaign called the 'Uji Matcha × Hydrangea Festival 2025'. The highlight of the festival is the Hydrangea Parfait (1,390 yen) which features ingredients like matcha kinton (a sweet bean confection), hydrangea-hued crushed jelly, leaf-shaped matcha cookies and blueberries — all inspired by hydrangeas glistening with raindrops. ▼ Joining the parfait is a limited-time Hydrangea flavor (740 yen) in the popular 'Matcha Parfait Ice Cream Bar' series. There'll also be a 'Hydrangea Mini Parfait', which can be upgraded from the regular mini matcha parfait for an additional 200 yen when ordered with a meal… ▼ …and a Hydrangea Panna Cotta (590 yen) and Hydrangea Kinton (two for 990 yen). All items can be purchased at the Uji Main Store and the JR Uji Ekimae Store, except for the Panna Cotta, which is only available at the Main Store. The Mini Parfait and the Hydrangea Parfait will also be available at the Gion Shijo Store, while the Parfait Ice Cream Bar will have a wider release, available at the Gion Shijo location, as well as the branches at Kiyomizuzaka, Sanjo Teramachi, Byodoin, JR Uji Ekimae, and Kyoto Ekimae. The parfaits and ice cream bars and Kinton are currently on sale, while the Panna Cotta will be available from June 1. That's a whole lot of matcha hydrangea sweets to choose from, but they'll only be available in limited numbers while stocks last, so you'll want to stop by the festival soon to avoid missing out. Related: Itohkyuemon store locations Source, images: Press release (unless otherwise stated) Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Japanese cafe's gorgeous hydrangea sweets celebrate most beautiful flower of Japan's rainy season -- Japanese Kyoto matcha sweets look gorgeous on Instagram, feel gorgeous on the tongue【Taste Test】 -- Gorgeous matcha ajisai parfait ice cream bars appear just in time for hydrangea season External Link © SoraNews24
Tokyo Weekender
3 days ago
- Tokyo Weekender
What To Do in Kyoto on a Rainy Day
If you're traveling to Japan during the rainy season, checking the weather app can be mildly upsetting — popular areas like Kyoto and Tokyo may display a continuous streak of drizzly cloud icons. But a little rain in Kyoto can actually be a blessing in disguise, offering a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the city's rich culture and hidden gems, away from the usual crowds. From ancient temples to hands-on traditional crafts, Kyoto has a plethora of captivating indoor activities. Here are a few. List of Contents: Explore World-Class Museums Engage in Traditional Japanese Experiences Indoor Shopping and Culinary Gems Temples and Shrines with Indoor Appeal Practical Tips for a Rainy Day in Kyoto Related Posts Explore World-Class Museums As the nation's cultural capital, Kyoto is home to some of Japan's most impressive museums and art galleries. From the vast collection of Japanese art in Kyoto National Museum to the treasure troves at the Kyoto International Manga Museum, there is no shortage of wonders to admire indoors. Below are some great options: Kyoto National Museum One of Japan's most well-known museums, Kyoto National Museum showcases traditional Japanese art and artifacts across various eras. Its vast collections provide an excellent overview of the nation's artistic heritage. Boasting an extensive collection of over 12,000 items, including sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, pottery, fabrics, lacquerware, metalworks and archaeology, the museum is a must-visit landmark. Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art Opened in 1933 and recently renovated, Kyocera Museum is a landmark for modern and contemporary art in Kyoto. It houses a diverse collection of around 4,400 pieces of Kyoto art from various eras and genres, including Japanese paintings, Western paintings, sculptures, prints, crafts and calligraphy. Its new wing, Higashiyama Cube, focuses on contemporary art. The museum is known for its excellently curated special exhibitions. Fukuda Art Museum Perfect for those visiting Arashiyama, Fukuda Art Museum offers picturesque views of the river and a more peaceful atmosphere than some of Kyoto's larger museums. It boasts a collection of approximately 2,000 works by Japanese painters from the Edo period to the modern era, including rare pieces. Kyoto International Manga Museum Housed in a former elementary school, this museum is a must-visit for manga enthusiasts. It features a vast collection of over 300,000 manga volumes (many available for reading), exhibits on the history and evolution of manga, interactive experiences and even opportunities to get a personalized portrait drawn by a manga artist. Kyoto Railway Museum Perfect for train lovers of all ages, this museum delves into Japan's railway history with interactive exhibits and impressive train displays, including steam locomotives and bullet trains. Raku Museum Dedicated to the esteemed Raku family of potters, this museum provides a deep dive into their unique style of tea ceremony ceramics, which have been produced since the 16th century. It features an impressive collection of handmade Raku ceramics and seasonal exhibitions. Engage in Traditional Japanese Experiences Tea Ceremony A quintessential Kyoto experience, traditional tea ceremonies provide people with the opportunity to learn the art of matcha preparation and appreciate Japanese hospitality in a serene indoor setting. Many tea houses, like those in Kiyomizu, offer English-friendly sessions, some even with kimono rental options. Traditional Crafts Workshops Get hands-on with Kyoto's heritage. Options include: Pottery workshops , such as making Kyo-yaki. Wagashi-making classes using ingredients like red bean paste, rice flour and agar. Origami and calligraphy classes with easy steps and guidance. Woodblock printing ( Karakami ) , which involves carving an image in reverse onto a wooden block, inking it and then pressing it onto paper or fabric. The Samurai Ninja Museum with Experience: Located near Nishiki Market, this interactive museum offers insights into Japan's warrior culture with engaging exhibits and opportunities to try ninja tools or samurai sword performances. Cooking classes: From sushi and ramen to bento boxes and traditional Kyoto dishes, you can learn to recreate your favorite Japanese flavors. Many classes also include a trip to Nishiki Market for ingredient sourcing. Nishiki Market Indoor Shopping and Culinary Gems Rainy days are perfect for exploring Kyoto's vibrant covered shopping arcades and cozy cafés, offering a chance to discover souvenirs and local flavors. Browse Shopping Arcades Nishiki Market (Kyoto's Kitchen): While often bustling, the majority of Nishiki Market is covered, making it an ideal rainy-day destination. Explore over 100 stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, traditional Kyoto delicacies and souvenirs. Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Streets : These two interconnected, covered shopping arcades run parallel to each other and offer a fantastic mix of traditional and modern shops. You'll find everything from clothing, cosmetics and souvenirs to quirky anime goods and delicious street food. They're also home to several small temples and shrines. Department Stores : For a more modern shopping experience, Kyoto's department stores offer multiple floors of fashion, homewares and exquisite food halls that are a feast for the senses. Cozy Cafés Cafés with a View : Seek out cafés that offer serene garden views, even on a rainy day. Many traditional machiya (townhouses) have been converted into charming cafés with inner courtyards. Nittodo Kyoto Cafe and Inoda Coffee are some beautiful options. Local Coffee Shops : Kyoto has a thriving coffee scene. Check out places like Weekenders Coffee or Walden Woods Kyoto for a relaxing brew. Kenninji Temple Temples and Shrines with Indoor Appeal While many temples are known for their outdoor gardens, several in Kyoto offer significant indoor areas for contemplation, art appreciation, or to simply to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The Thousand-Armed Kannon at Sanjusangen-do. Sanjusangendo Temple An impressive temple that is home to 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, all housed in a magnificent wooden hall. Kenninji Temple Located in Gion, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple offers beautiful dry gardens visible from inside its main halls. You can also experience sutra copying or zazen meditation here. Higashi Honganji Temple This vast temple complex near Kyoto Station features immense halls that provide a peaceful and uncrowded indoor experience. Tofukuji Temple Known for its stunning autumn foliage, Tofukuji also has impressive indoor areas, including its main hall and various sub-temples, offering serene spaces for reflection. Nijo Castle While the castle grounds are outdoors, the Ninomaru Palace offers a fantastic indoor exploration with ornate sliding doors, 'nightingale floors,' which chirp to warn of intruders, and historical exhibits. Practical Tips for a Rainy Day in Kyoto Wear Appropriate Footwear Comfortable, waterproof shoes are recommended. Carry an Umbrella While most accommodations offer umbrellas, having your own is convenient. You can also purchase affordable umbrellas at convenience stores, or purchase one of Japan's famously high-quality and quirky designs. Consider Public Transportation Buses and subways are excellent for navigating Kyoto on a rainy day, keeping you dry between destinations. Embrace the Atmosphere Rain can add a slower-paced beauty to Kyoto's sights, especially around temples and gardens, highlighting the lush greens and damp stone. Check Opening Hours Always verify the operating hours of attractions, as some may have reduced hours or specific closing days. Related Posts Alternative, Less Crowded Temples and Shrines in Kyoto Rainy Season Style: How To Stay Both Dry and Fashionable During Tsuyu The Best Indoor Things To Do in Tokyo When It's Raining
Axios
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Hokusai's Japan comes to Chicago in new exhibit
Immerse yourself in the rich world of historical Japanese art and culture this summer just an hour's drive from the city. Why it matters: For the first time, the " Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World" exhibition is visiting the U.S. At the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in Glen Ellyn, you can see artifacts, paintings and original works by Hokusai as well as handcrafted objects from the Edo period. The vibe: You can also explore an immersive, comic-inspired room by Vanessa and Kevin Vu, owners of Chicago's 2d Restaurant. The space is great for photo-ops and takes you through the evolution of manga-Japanese comics. There are hands-on activities for kids inside the discovery center, and you can step outside to explore the Great Wave Gardens. Context: A record 3.3 million foreigners traveled to Japan in July 2024, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Americans made up about 8% of inbound tourists last July. What they're saying:"Japanese Ukiyo-e artists have had a profound influence on global visual culture, and although these works are centuries old, they continue to resonate powerfully with counterpart audiences," curator Justin Witte said in a statement. My thought bubble: This exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring other cultures or fascinated by Japan's shogun era. You can also try Edo-inspired food and grab some memorabilia at the gift shop. If you go: The exhibit opens Saturday at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
It's not just kissing swans anymore. Towel art has risen to a whole new level.
As any traveler can attest to, it's the unique touches in hotel rooms and cruise cabins that make a trip that much more memorable. For both adults and children, there's nothing more uplifting than walking into your room to find a towel folded into the shape of a lovable animal. But how did the art form of origami make its way to the hospitality industry? The history of origami is as complex as the intricately folded paper. Many scholars believe that the invention of paper in China, around 100 B.C.E., coincided with the first attempts at paper folding. It was the Japanese who made origami, originally known as orikata, a large part of their culture. Because paper was very expensive, the art form was mostly used for religious rituals by the wealthy, including wrapping offerings to the gods. It wasn't until the Edo period (1603-1868) and the cost reduction of the washi paper that origami became more widespread. With the end of sakoku, the isolationist foreign policy, and the opening of trade, origami began seeing more foreign influence. Friedrich Froebel, the man responsible for kindergarten, used paper folding between 1851 and the 1920s to teach children mathematical knowledge. The art form didn't stop at paper. As early as 1529, high courts of Europe folded linen and other fabrics for decoration. Today, the art of origami inspires advancements in fields like architecture, medicine, biology, and robotics. Some modern-day inventions that are in debt to origami engineering are the ability for rapid rebuilding of structures following natural disasters; and for creating a small, flexible tool that attaches to laparoscopes and endoscopes that can quickly expand and contract so that surgeons can clean the scope without having to remove it from the surgical site. (Origami is revolutionizing technology, from medicine to space) As for towel origami, according to Stefan Christoffersson, vice president of housekeeping and logistics at Carnival Cruise Line, it was first popularized by a lieutenant of the cabin in the 1980s, and as it gained popularity, became an official part of the cruise line's stay in 1991. The popularity of towel art has maintained its appeal and Carnival even went as far as offering on-board classes for guests and publishing a book of 40 designs people could try at home. Royal Caribbean Cruises has also embraced towel art as an immersive activity for guests, offering classes and a how-to pamphlet. The possibilities are seemingly endless, and websites like Pinterest and Youtube are proof that people are loving every creation and eager to learn the art form for themselves. Even today, towel folding is one of the anticipated highlights of cruise trips. Towel art has now migrated to land and has become a common sight in hotels with a large tourist population, like the Caribbean. Towel origami can be found at larger resorts, like Club Med and Beaches, to smaller hotels like the eco-friendly Black Rock Lodge in Belize. What originated as a show-stopping, elaborate housekeeping trick evolved into something even as small as the clam shell-shaped hand towel in the showers at the Cliff House on the rocky shores of Maine. Towel art goes beyond aesthetics. For some resorts, it adds a more immersive experience for the guests. Felicia Allen-Myers, group manager of butler services at Beaches Resort, says that she once had hotel guests who saved each towel art creation throughout their stay, and by the end of the week, had a complete zoo. The art form has become so integral to guests' stays that Beaches Resort has included towel folding in their butler training. Allen-Myers says that the resort's butlers learn towel art techniques from a senior butler, and also do their own research on YouTube or Pinterest to generate ideas. Most important, says Allen-Meyers, are the conversations that butlers have with their guests. 'We have to understand who the guest is before we can actually create solid art for them.' Depending on the complexity of the design and the skill level, 'basic folds like a heart and swan can take five-to-10 minutes, but for other designs like the butterfly, octopus, dinosaur, or peacock, it may take 10-to-15 minutes—sometimes as much as 30 minutes to an hour,' says Allen-Meyers. Christoffersson notes that while there isn't an official classroom for Carnival employees, 'if you're a housekeeping attendant, your next position would be state assistant, and when they're in the cabins learning with the state of attendants, they will teach them how to create the designs.' The earliest origami designs were butterfly figures used to decorate sake cups at special events like weddings, and of course, the well-known crane design. The crane holds a special role in Japanese culture as a national treasure and is considered the bird of happiness. What originated as a paper crane has now evolved into more diverse designs. (Traditional Japanese crafts are at risk. Here's how travelers can help.) Christoffersson agrees that the designs have become more ambitious. "We just launched for the Australian market, and we took the Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter down there, so the team decided to come up with kangaroo towel animals, even including the baby kangaroo in the pouch.' For the 50th anniversary of the Carnival's creation, the staff wanted to create a towel macaw. 'We chose the macaw because it lives around 50 years, so they came up with the various different samples for it, and it turned out really nice.' From cruises to hotels, travelers are excited to enter rooms to find anything from towel monkeys, elephants, kissing swans, and even towel people lounging on beds or even sitting on the toilet reading the newspaper. According to Christoffersson, a false rumor began a few years ago that Carnival was putting an end to towel art in their guest cabins. The staff created a group of towel animals, all holding signs like 'we're not leaving.' The towel animals have spoken, and they're not going anywhere. Megan Margulies, an author and journalist based outside of Boston, writes about health, motherhood, travel, and the natural world.
