MATSURI CALENDAR
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June 29 (Wed) , 2011
July Grand Kabuki’s Funanorikomi
In 1978, “Association for Promoting Kabuki in Kansai” was formed (renamed as “Association of Kabuki Admirers” in 1992) to revive Kabuki performances in Kansai, the birthplace of Kabuki. Next year, before the first performance was given in Asahi-za, Funanorikomi (Boat Parade) made a come back after 55 years of its absence.
Funanorikomi is the traditional opening ceremony in which Kabuki actors from Edo or Kyoto parade along the river on board, greet Kabuki fans at the riverside, and head to the playhouse in Dotonbori. Actors and participants board a boat decorated with colorful flags and lanterns, land in Ebisu Bridge while greeting to their fans along the river, and parade to the theater along the streets where local residents welcome their visits. The event has become an early-summer tradition in Naniwa.
| Date | June 29 (Wed) |
|---|---|
| Description | Near Dotonbori River/Ebisu Bridge This year, July Grand Kabuki commemorates the 30th anniversary of Association of Kabuki Admirers (July 3 to 27). For the occasion, the performers of a July Grand Kabuki drama, the governor of Osaka Prefecture, the mayor of Osaka, and presidents of local shopping arcades will board a boat that docks near Dotonbori River and Ebisu Bridge. After delivering messages, they will parade from the promenade to Osaka Shochiku-za where the performance will be given. |
| Access | 2-1, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka (3 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from “Namba” station in Nankai line) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Visitors can enjoy the parade by one’s favorite Kabuki actors from Ebisu Bridge, Tonbori River Walk to Osaka Shochiku-za.
July 13 (Wed), 2011
Dotonbori Lantern Festival
Numerous lanterns decorated along Dotonbori River, the city’s symbol, create a seasonal charm of summer in Osaka. The event was planned by Junior Chamber International Osaka in 1999, with support from shopping arcades of Minami district in Osaka, associations, companies, and individuals. The future plan includes decorating blocks between Sakai-Suji Avenue and Minatomachi with 3,731 lanterns.
| Date | July 13 (Wed) |
|---|---|
| Description | The 250-meter-long riverside block between Ebisu Bridge and Aiau Bridge will be decorated with 800 lanterns. |
| Access | Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka (4 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from “Namba” station in Nankai line) |
| Website | http://www.ittoko-minami.net/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Walking along the riverside in yukata (light cotton kimono), visitors can feel the seasonal charm. Choose your favorite style to appreciate the view: arrange the visit when summer festivals are held across Minami district, have lunch or dinner at one of the riverside restaurants against the view, or board a Tombori River Cruise which provides a guided tour on Dotonbori River for 20 minutes. The night view of Minami after evening is especially recommended. (For more information about the cruise, visit http://www.ipponmatsu.co.jp/cruise/tombori.html
July 13 (Wed) to August 24 (Wed) , 2011
Ebisubashi Fukuzasa Route
In the Edo period (1603 - 1867) when Ebisu Bridge was built across Dotonbori River, Ebisubashi Shopping Arcade was crowded with visitors to Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. Decorated with LED lightening and a bamboo branch known as fukuzasa, the route inside the Shopping Arcade creates a beautiful summer illumination in Minami district.
| Date | July 13 (Wed) to August 24 (Wed) |
|---|---|
| Description | The route will be staged in Ebisubashi Shopping Arcade (from Ebisu Bridge to Osaka Takashimaya). We seek applications from women who are willing to participate in Hoekago Parade and other events as "Miss Ebisu Bridge", a representative of our Shopping Arcade. For more information, please visit our website. |
| Access | 1-3, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka (Within easy access of "Namba" subway station, "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, "Namba" station in Nankai line) |
| Website | http://www.ebisubashi.or.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Please enjoy shopping or dining in the Shopping Arcade that is beautifully decorated for the occasion.
July 11 (Mon) and 12 (Tue) , 2011
Namba Grand Shrine, Ikukunitama Shrine Ikutama Summer Festival
Procession to Osaka Castle, the old site of Ikukunitama Shrine, is counted as one of the three major summer festivals in Osaka. At its peak from the Meiji period to the early Showa period (before the war), more than 2,000 people used to parade through the city center. Despite the fact that many votive objects for the festival were destroyed in the Bombing of Osaka during the war, Ikutama Summer Festival remains a local's favorite, attracting 200,000 people each year.
| Date | July 11 (Mon) and 12 (Tue) |
|---|---|
| Description | 11th/ Yoimiya starts from 9:30. Drummers, portable shrines and lion dancers dedicated by Hideyoshi Toyotomi will parade through Uemachi Daichi including Hachikenya-hama and Teramachi before entering the shrine in the early evening. 12th/ At Honmiya, procession to Osaka Castle, the shrine's old site, will be staged from 10:00. Makura-Daiko (drum stands positioned in front of the portable shrines), lion dances, gold- and silver-colored portable shrines will parade to the old site of Ikukunitama Shrine inside the Osaka Castle (14:00). After taking a short break at Otabijyo (rest spot) on Hommachi Bridge (15:00), the procession will enter the shrine at 17:00. |
| Access | Ikukunitama Shrine, 13-9, Ikutama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka (7 minutes walk from Exit 8 of "Nipponbashi" subway station in Sakaisuji line, 4 minutes walk from Exit 3 of "Tanimachi 9 chome" subway station and "Tanimachi 9 chome" subway station in Tanimachi/Sennichimae line) |
| Website | http://www.ikutamasan.com/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
* The festival reaches its climax when procession is staged inside the grounds of the shrine at 19:00 on each day, especially with dynamic performance of Makura-Daiko.
* At Honmiya Festival on the 12th, visitors can enjoy the procession to Osaka Castle as well as 1,000 stalls along the route.
July 13 (Wed) , 2011
Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival Funatogyo
Funatogyo (Boat Procession) is a Water Metropolis festival both dynamic and elegant. Numerous boats, some Shinto-styled, others carrying shrine parishioners, and still others carrying drummers, sail up and down the Dotonbori River. In the Edo period (1603 - 1867), Funatogyo used to be one of the city’s greatest festivals along with Tenjin Festival and then was discontinued since the mid-Edo period. In 2001, the festival returned to the scene after 230 years of its absence with support of shrine parishioners and local companies.
| Date | July 13 (Wed) |
|---|---|
| Description | In the morning, a Shinto ritual will be held between Ebisu Bridge and Tazaemon Bridge on Dotonbori River. From 18:00 to 21:00 (planned), more than 20 boats will cruise between Hiyoshi Bridge and Nipponbashi (Bridge). |
| Access | Across Dotonbori River (4 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from “Shinsaibashi” subway station and “Namba” station in Nankai line) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
The festival reaches a climax before 19:00 when more than 20 boats cruise between Ebisu Bridge and Nipponbashi (Bridge) until 21:00 (planned).
Visitors can enjoy a close look at various Shinto-styled boats including Kagaribi Boat with blazing torches suspended over the sides, other Minami-styled boats carrying musicians who provide lively music such as jazz and dance, and powerful Dondoko Boat carrying drummers who exchange Osaka-jime (rhythmic hand clapping) from Ebisu Bridge and Tonbori Riverwalk.
July 14 (Thu) , 2011
Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival Rikutogyo
Namba Yasaka Shrine, the ancient guardian deity of Namba area, was once called Namba Shimonomiya. Rikutogyo (Land Procession), also known as Namba Gion Festival, is a summer festival of the shrine that features a parade by the shrine parishioners through the territory of the shrine, following Funatogyo on the day before. A Shinto ritual and dedication are held inside the grounds of the shrine.
| Date | July 14 (Thu) |
|---|---|
| Description | On the 14th, the parade will be staged in Sennichimae - Dotonbori (southern part) - Namba - Ebisubashi-suji Avenue, featuring the portable shrine, as well as drummers, lion dancers, and also local children who form a 100-meter-long line. Inside the grounds of the shrine, a Shinto ritual such as dances and rice cake making will be held at 18:00 on each day. |
| Access | 2-9-19, Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka (4 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from “Shinsaibashi” subway station and “Namba” station in Nankai line) Across the area from Sennichimae - Dotonbori (southern part) - Namba - Horie |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
On July 14, Rikutogyo procession will march through Sennichimae, Dotonbori, and Ebisubashi Shopping Arcade. Enjoy the parade during your visit to the area for shopping or dining.
July 14 (Thu) and 15 (Fri) , 2011
Mitsu Hachiman Shrine
Mitsu Hachiman Shrine is the ancient guardian deity of eastern part of Shimanouchi. Although surrounded by America Mura, the center of young culture of Osaka, the grounds of the shrine maintain a quiet atmosphere.
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and shops around America Mura have worked together to revive the summer festival of the shrine. Their efforts to stage Mikoshi (portable shrines) procession, set up food stalls, or play the dedicatory music on a special stage inside the grounds of the shrine lead to success and are attracting more visitors every year.
| Date | July 14 (Thu) and 15 (Fri) |
|---|---|
| Description | 14th/ Parade of portable shrines from 14:30 to 17:00, Food stalls from 16:00 to 21:00, Falk music evening from 19:00 15th/ Food stalls from 16:00 to 21:00, Night stalls (game) by local youth group from 18:30 to 20:30 (planned) * For more information for participants of portable shrines, please contact Mitsu Hachiman Shrine. |
| Access | 2-10-7, Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka (3 minutes walk from “Shinsaibashi” subway station, 7 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Mikoshi procession which used to be a big festival in the Edo period made a come back as a children’s parade on portable shrines, then due to a population decline, has been taken over by the shrine parishioners as well as female participants, the energetic volunteers from neighborhood shops since 2000. Ethnic atmosphere surrounding food stalls and dedicatory ceremony including music and dances increases the charm of America Mura.
July 15 (Fri) , 2011
Dotonbori River Floating Lanterns
For the past 400 years, Bon festival has been an occasion for people to light a bonfire at home and to float Toro Nagashi (floating lantern) down the Dotonbori River on August 15, together with offerings placed on the family altar, to commemorate their loved ones. After going through a period when the ritual was replaced by a simplified form where Buddhist Federation in Chuo-ku Osaka placed the offerings on board a ship, Toro Nagashi made a come back in 2009 after 50 years of its absence.
| Date | July 15 (Fri) |
|---|---|
| Description | 500 Toro (paper lantern) will be floated down the Dotonbori River. |
| Access | Across Dotonbori River (5 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Please enjoy the fantastic night view of Minami created by numerous lanterns decorated along Dotonbori River and floating lanterns on the river.
July 17 (Sun) and 18 (Mon) , 2011
Naniwa Kouzu Shrine Grand Festival (Summer Festival)
Kouzu Shrine, the setting for the classic Rakugo, “Lottery of Kouzu”, provides many events throughout the year and is popular among people.
Grand Festival is the most sublime and popular among all the events. Many people participate in the festival featuring a Shinto ritual for disaster prevention, a children’s parade on portable shrines that represents a ritual celebration, various types of entertainment dedicated to the gods of the shrine, or night stalls.
| Date | July 17 (Sun) and 18 (Mon) |
|---|---|
| Description | On the 17th, Yoimiya will start from 15:00. On the 18th, Honmiya will start from 10:00. The portable shrine carried by young children, elementary and junior high school students, technical college students, local residents of Kuromon Shopping Arcade and Karahori district will enter the shrine around 15:00. In the afternoon, dragon dances and floats carrying musicians who provide lively music will be performed at a hall for ema (votive tablet). The program from early evening features a dedication including dances, songs, the demonstration of martial arts, musical performances (admission free), an exhibition of children’s paintings inside the grounds of the shrine, Summer Festival Rakugo Performance (18th, admission charged) at the meeting hall, and many stalls until 21:00 on each day. |
| Access | 1-1-29, Kouzu, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from Exit 2 of "Tanimachi 9 chome" subway station) |
| Website | http://www.kouzu.or.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
At Honmiya Festival, “Ice” and “Gozaiba”, a plant that grows naturally in the shrine, will be offered to the gods, and the bamboo with lion masks which is believed to drive away bad air of summer will be offered to the visitors (admission charged). Various types of dedicatory performance will be featured on a special stage.
Together with many night stalls lined up in the shrine, the festival will create the atmosphere of summer festivals in the good old days.
July 21 (Thu) and 22 (Fri) , 2011
Nanba-Jinjia (Shrine) Himuro Matsuri (Festival)
Naba Jinjia was relocated to its current location during the Osaka castle fortification. On the premises, there is a camphor tree with an age of 400 years or more, the Osaka Preserved Trees No. 1; it survived the Showa's war damage and was worshipped as a source of strength. In addition, Bakuro Inari Shrine, a deity for prosperous business, is an Inari-san (god of harvest) that represents Osaka. Himuro matsuri (Ice storehouse festival) originated from a story: in one summer, a person found an ice storehouse in a field during his hunting, and he contributed this ice to Emperor Jintoku. The emperor was very happy and established the ice storehouse system thereafter. In the same day, ice-making companies will offer icicles, and crushed ices will be offered to shrine visitors in the evening (free). It is said that eating the ice prevents you from suffering from the summer heat.
| Date | July 21 (Thu) and 22 (Fri) |
|---|---|
| Description | 21st (Wed) = Yoimiya (festival's eve) from 15:30, 22nd (Thu)＝Kangyosai (return festival ) from 11:30 * The Nagoshi-no-oharai traditional Shinto music and dancing will be performed by miko (shrine maidens)on both of these two days. (Admission-paid / Accepted from 18:00 to 21:30). From 19:00 on the 21st, an amateur Taiko drum contest will be held. See passionate performances by those confident in their skills coming from across the country. From 19:00 to 19:30 and from 20:30 to 21:00, there will be a powerful performance by the professional Taiko player group "Wadaiko Hiryu" (May be cancelled due to rain). |
| Access | 4-1-3, Bakuroumachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5minutes walk from "Hommachi", 5minutes walk from "Shinsaibashi") |
| Website | http://www.nanba-jinja.or.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
July 22 (Fri) and 23 (Sat) , 2011
Soemon-cho Summer Festival
Soemon-cho in Minami district is an entertainment area in Osaka with a long history of 400 years. "Soemon-cho Summer Festival", which was organized to commemorate the establishment of shopping arcade, celebrates its 16th anniversary this year. This biggest annual event of the shopping arcade is crowded with more than 3,000 people every year at the festival site on Aiau Bridge over Dotonbori River.
| Date | July 22 (Fri) and 23 (Sat), 18:00 to 22:00 on each day (Carried out in case of a slight rain) Admission free (except foods and drinks in the beer hall) |
|---|---|
| Description | Soemon-cho Summer Festival consists of an "open-air live stage" where various musicians and performers will give the live performances and an "open-air beer hall" where many famous restaurants from Soemon-cho Shopping Arcade will serve their popular menus. Special guest for the "open-air live stage" includes Mr. Waka Yamamura, a performer of classical Japanese dance, who will introduce a part of traditional culture of the Naniwa entertainment area. Final selection for "Miss Soemon-cho Contest" to select a winner, the 'campaign girl', will be also made on an "open-air live stage". |
| Access | Special site on Aiau Bridge - Soemon-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka (6 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 5 minutes walk from "Nipponbashi" subway station) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Various musicians and performers on the "open-air live stage" will offer a complete entertainment from classical Japanese dance, Kawachi Ondo (festival dance), Enka (folk songs) to jazz, pops, and chansons. During the program such as Kawachi Ondo, we find many voluntary visitors participate in the dance performance every year. In the "open-air beer hall", visitors can enjoy popular menus of famous restaurants in Soemon-cho Shopping Arcade. For more information regarding applications to Miss Soemon-cho Contest, please visit our website.
July 22 (Fri) and 23 (Sat) , 2011
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine Children's Ebisu
Children's Ebisu, the summer festival that was organized together with Hirota Shrine to provide entertainment for children, commemorates the 33rd anniversary this year.
The program on the first day includes a special section where children can play in the snow in the middle of the summer, a Hoekago Parade, a handmade playground, an exhibition of children's paintings, a dance performance, a storytelling with picture cards, and an annual "Imamiya Ebisu Shrine's New Comic Duo Contest" on the stage. Night stalls will be also lined up along the route between Hirota Shrine and Imamiya Ebisu Shrine.
| Date | July 22 (Fri) and 23 (Sat) |
|---|---|
| Description | Yoimiya Festival on July 22 (Fri), Honmiya Festival on July 23 (Sat), 17:00 to 21:00 on each day * At Honmiya Festival, Yukagura (kettle dance) will be performed around kettles to pray for good health. * Snow section provides a 20-meter-long oversized snow slide and a special slope where children can play in the snow. * Handmade playground features a paper fishing, a darts, a paper Sumo match, a portrait, an Origami, a children's Ema (votive picture tablet), and the 'happy bazaar'. * At the exhibition, children's pieces that are painted in the big traditional Japanese papers will be displayed inside the grounds of the shrine. During the night, these paintings will be beautifully projected on lanterns. * The stage program includes various dance performances and a storytelling with picture cards. The 31st Comic Duo Contest, a competition where unknown duos or groups compete to receive the award, has been a gateway to many famous comic duos such as 'Down Town' or 'Kei and Shu'. |
| Access | 1-6-10, Ebisunishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from Exit 3 of "Daikoku-cho" subway station in Midosuji/Yotsubashi line, 5 minutes walk from Exit 5 of "Ebisu-cho" subway station in Sakaisuji line, within easy access of "Imamiya Ebisu" station in Nankai Koya line) |
| Website | http://www.imamiya-ebisu.net/htm/top.html |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
The festival features exciting programs for both adults and children from early evening to night: the oversized snow slide attracts many children every year, various handmade playgrounds make the time pass quickly, and together with night stalls, Japanese paper lanterns projecting children's paintings create a beautiful and dramatic night view.
July 24 (Sun) and 25 (Mon) , 2011
Dondoko Boat and Welcoming Doll Boat
On the day of Teijin Festival, "Dondoko Boat" carrying drummers or "Welcoming Doll Boat" decked out with life-size dolls create a gorgeous scene as they sail across the Dotonbori River to mark the beginning of the festival.
| Date | July 24 (Sun) and 25 (Mon) |
|---|---|
| Description | Dondoko Boat will play a role to mark the beginning and set a mood for the festival as they spread out of the Funatogyo (Boat Procession) line. The name of the boat derives from the sound 'dondoko' that drummers make while sailing across the river. Performances include a dynamic scene of boatmen pulling an oar in unison and also "Kowaka", a children's Dondoko Boat, pulled by elementary and junior high-school students. Origin of Welcoming Doll Boat dates back in the Genroku period (1688 - 1704) when people made a big welcoming doll as an object for Kabuki and No, displayed the doll in the town before the festival, and launched a boat decked out with the doll during the festival. There are now two boats, "Sennari Boat" carrying a Sennari gourd and "Kacchu Boat" carrying a doll of Sarutahiko, the god symbolic of strength and guidance, which raise the festival mood with festive music and dance as they sail up and down through the Funatogyo line. |
| Access | Dotonbori River (5 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 8 minutes walk from "Namba" in Nankai line) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Visitors can enjoy the boat procession from the promenade or shops along the river.
July 30 (Sat) , 2011
Hozen Temple Mizukake Fudo, Omotesando Festival
Lane in front of the statue Mizukake Fudo at Hozen Temple is lined up with restaurants and bars that are popular among Osaka locals. Since the renovation into a stone-paved lane in 2007, it holds a festival every summer featuring handmade night stalls organized by each shop.
| Date | July 30 (Sat) |
|---|---|
| Description | Each shop will serve elaborate dishes and organize a flea market at night stalls. Visitors can also enjoy a comedy performance or a live music including jazz and blues along the lane. Special incense of Mizukake Fudo will be offered to the first 100 visitors. |
| Access | 1, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 8 minutes walk from "Namba" in Nankai line) |
| Website | http://nanchinakasuji.com/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Please come out to the festival while visiting the statue 'Fudo-san'. Walking along the lane in yukata (light cotton kimono), you can enjoy the handmade night stalls.
August 6 (Sat) and 7 (Sun) , 2011
Sennichimae "Minyamin" Summer Festival
The place name Sennichimae derives from Sennichi Ekou (Buddhist memorial service) held at Hozen Temple and other temples in the Edo period (1603 - 1867). This is also the birthplace of the first motion picture production company in Osaka.
Every year during the Bon festival in August, the summer festival is held in Sennichimae featuring programs such as a free face painting to provide an entertainment for families with children.
| Date | August 6 (Sat) and 7 (Sun) |
|---|---|
| Description | Festival features programs such as a face painting (admission free) organized by drawing class members or a special corner selling "Minyamin" original goods between 13:00 and 18:00 on each day. |
| Access | In front of the old site of "Minami OS Building" inside Sennichimae Shopping Arcade - 1-3-1, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 8 minutes walk from "Namba" station in Nankai line) |
| Website | http://www.sennichimae.com/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
"Minyamin", mascot of the shopping arcade bringing happiness, will also appear during the festival.
August 10 (Wed) and 11 (Thu) , 2011
Hozenji Yokocho Festival
Hozenji Yokocho (Hozen Temple Lane) festival was organized in 1982 to commemorate the revival of a stone-paved lane which used to be paved with asphalt. Featuring a dedication such as performing arts or Bunraku (Japanese puppet show) staged inside the grounds of Hozen Temple and handmade night stalls where each shop enjoys contact with visitors, the festival creates a Naniwa-styled ambience.
| Date | August 10 (Wed) and 11 (Thu) |
|---|---|
| Description | Festival will start at 14:00 on the first day in front of the statue Mizukake Fudo where a rakugo master Harudanji Katsura III and the chief priest of Hozen Temple pray for safety, crack a barrel of sake and make rice cakes accompanied by festival music. Other programs include a dedication of Bunraku play by a national living treasure Minosuke Yoshida, Senryu (humorous poem) contest and the announcement of its winner, and a special stage of rakugo (storytelling) performance by volunteers from Kansai Performing Arts Association. Between 16:00 and 21:00, each shop will organize unique handmade night stalls. |
| Access | 1, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 8 minutes walk from "Namba" in Nankai line) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
In Hozenji Yokocho where the sentiments of Naniwa from olden days remain, visitors have an access to Kamigata (Kansai area) entertainment and can enjoy elaborate dishes at night stalls served by famous restaurants in Yokocho. You may also encounter well-known celebrities, writers, or TV personalities who are related to Hozenji Yokocho.
August 13 (Sat) , 2011
Dotonbori Festival
Last year, a new style of Bon dance festival was established at the "Aqua Metropolis Osaka 2009" - a Bon festival organized in the promenade "Tonbori Riverwalk", the main stage of Minami area, where many people danced along both sides of the Dotonbori River to Ondo (songs for festival dance) sung by musicians on board a ship. For it has been a great success, the festival will be held again this year.
| Date | August 13 (Sat) |
|---|---|
| Description | Festival will be staged in "Tonbori Riverwalk", the promenade along both sides of the Dotonbori River between Ebisu Bridge and Tazaemon Bridge. For more information, please check the blog of "Ittoko Minami". |
| Access | Dotonbori River (4 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from "Shinsaibashi" subway station and "Namba" station in Nankai line) |
| Website | http://www.dotonbori.or.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Participants can enjoy Bon dance along the Dotonbori River. Anyone can participate so please come and join the festival in yukata (light cotton kimono).
August 20(Sat) and 21(Sun) , 2011
Seika Bon Dance
It was held by 13 local town councils and was restored after 50 years in 2009. Please enjoy the summer festival in the center of the south!!
| Date | August 20(Sat) and 21(Sun) 18:00 to 22:00 at Original Seika Primary School Sports Fields |
|---|---|
| Description | A full-fledged bon dance will be held during which people dance on a raised platform built in the venue center where many lanterns are hung. There will also be food stalls around the venue. |
| 交 通 | 大阪市中央区難波3-2-2（地下鉄「なんば」駅1番または11番出口を出て徒歩3分、阪神・近鉄「大阪難波」駅1番または11番出口を出て徒歩3分） |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Enjoy dancing to the music at the Bon Odori with everyone.
The shops of the local shopping streets participate in the event as refreshment booths, and please enjoy the delicacies at each booth.
August 23 (Tue) and 24(Wed) , 2011
Shusse Jizo, Jizobon
Located on the west side of Mido-suji Avenue, today's Dotonbori 2-chome area has been called Kurouemon-cho and crowded with people as an entertainment area since the Edo period (1603 - 1867). Ojizo-san (stone statue) is an ancient symbol in the area. Its nickname "Shusse Jizo" (stone statue symbolizing success) derives from the fact that many geiko and actors have visited the statue to pray for their success. Although the statue was once lost in the Bombing of Osaka during the war, it was found in soil a few years after the war and situated in the present location. Many people still visit the statue today praying for their good fortune. Jizobon Festival is held every year to pray for local children's healthy growth.
| Date | August 23 (Tue) and 24(Wed) 9:00 to 18:00 on each day (The date may be limited to August 23) |
|---|---|
| Description | Jizo-do hall will be decorated with lanterns, sutras will be recited at 15:00, and cold drinks will be served at 17:00 for the occasion (admission free). |
| Access | 2-1, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka (3 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from "Namba" station in Nankai line) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Please visit Dotonbori lined with sacred zelkova trees and the Ojizo-san decorated with tasteful lanterns. Cold drinks will be served for children at 17:00 on August 23.
October 16 (Sat) to 23 (Sat) , 2010
Osaka Minami Film Festival
= The cradle of box-office movie, Minami =
| Date | October 16 (Sat) to 23 (Sat) |
|---|---|
| Description | Osaka Minami Film Festival screens as theme that autumn of Minami is colored by famous works. Since the film's inception as Osaka Minami Film Festival at Seika Little Theater, remain of Seika Elementary School in 2005, the film festival has been held at this time of year. The 6th film festival of this year will be held at six places for 7 days. |
| Access | See website |
| Website | http://ameblo.jp/osaka-minamieiga/theme-10027357739.html |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
There are several stages such free stages needed for ticket pass or not required it.
October 30 (Sat) , 31 (Sun) , 2010
Minami Jazz Walk
= Old capital of Jazz, Minami =
| Date | October 30 (Sat) , 31 (Sun) |
|---|---|
| Description | In 2000, "the town of jazz, Minami" came into being, the city was born as "Jazz City Osaka" at Seika Elementary School and has performed musical activities obtaining partnership with the local shopping malls, companies and volunteers. Now, the presence is known as "Minami Jazz Walk" in the whole city and the city is growing up into a festival combined street-walking, delicious foods and jazz by rich staging of Osaka. In the fiscal year, the city is going to increase the number of free stages and perform in six places. Various performance such as trad jazz, big band, modern jazz and performances by female vocalists will be held at each site of Minami including Seika Little Theater and the city will be filled with jazz. |
| Access | See website |
| Website | http://minami-jazz.jp/about/index.html |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
There are several stages such free stages needed for ticket pass or not required it.
There is no plan.
