Shitennoji Wasso

Nov 4

Naniwanomiya Ato Park, Osaka

'Wasso' means 'come' in Korean and arrived in this country with Korean visitors and ambassadors in the fourth to fifth centuries. On the day of this festival, about a thousand people dressed in colorful costumes parade to tradi- tional music in the park. The parade is divided into four parts representing each historical period of the fourth and fifth centuries. Back in the day, the Korean travelers were welcomed to Japan with a special ceremony, which is reproduced on the stage at this festival, complete with props, costumes and music. Ato Park used to be Japan's second biggest port town, and there are many foreign-style houses here. You can enjoy all sorts of Korean foods at stands, which will be tempting you with their delicious aromas.

Time: 1am–4pm
Getting there: JR loop-line, Morinomiya stn, Tanimachi line Tanimachi 4-chome, exit 4
Admission: free
06-6371-8703

International Community Event

Nov 4

Yodogawa Kumin Center, Osaka

The International Community Event in Osaka promises to be a lot of fun. There is dance music and cooking from all over the world. You can enjoy the traditional dances of India, Korea and Japan and there will be Turkish belly dancing. The performers will be wearing traditional costumes, which will create a colorful spectacle. There will be demonstrations of tai chi, which is slow for the beholder, but which demands supreme control for the practitioner. Last but not least you can hear music from Turkey played on a traditional instrument that is very similar to the Japanese koto. And there will, of course, be lots and lots of chow from the represented countries at numerous food stalls.

Time: 11am–5pm
Getting there: Hankyu line, Juso stn
Admission: free
06-6304-9120

Cycle Mode International 2007

Nov 24, 25

INTEX OSAKA Hall 1–3

This is the Exhibition of the latest 2008 model name-brand bicycles, parts, cycle wear, and accessories. For all the eco and health-ditherers out there, this might be the event to inspire you to a new lifestyle. There are three hundred brands and more than 1,400 bicycles on display. Just imagine whizzing along on two wheels with this fine autumnal wind your hair. If you are not satisfied with just riding, you can join races and put some adrenalin in your life. Test riding is also possible at the exhibition because once you have made that lifestyle choice, your bike is more than a pair of wheels, it is a partner.

Time: 10am–5pm
Getting there: Newtram Nanko Porttown line, Nakafuto stn
Admission: ¥1,200 (¥1,000 in advance) under high school age, free (student ID required)
06-6947-0284

5th Osaka Motor Show

Nov 30 - Dec 3

INTEX OSAKA Hall 1–6

More than three hundred thousand people visited the last Osaka Motor Show, which took place two years ago in 2005. This is the biggest motor show in the Kansai area - domestic car and motor cycle manufacturers, import agents and university researchers gather to show off their latest creations and technologies and to flatter the transport of the future. For example, there are pump vehicles for flood disaster relief, satellite GPS-aided cars, biofuel cars to alleviate global warming and more. It's not only about flash wheels - there's also check the newest techniques for motor pooling.

Time: 9:30am–6pm (closes 5pm on the last day)
Getting there: Newtram Nanko porttown line, Nakafuto stn
Admission: ¥1,700 (Disable person and one assistant: free)
06-6456-2777

Kansai Event Listings November

Saga Chrysanthemum

Daikakuji Temple, Kyoto
Nov 1–30
The Saga Chrysanthemum style was created in the eighth century. Three Saga Chrysanthemums are arranged together in one pot to represent the sky, the earth and humanity. The challenge is to create the best contrast.

Time: 9am–4:30m
Getting there: JR Kyoto stn, 28 bus, Daikakuji
Admission: Adult ¥500 child ¥300
075-871-0071

Asian Film Festival

Shinsaibashi SOGO 14F, Osaka
Nov 2–7
There will be little-known Asian films and collaborations by Japanese and Korean filmmakers and work from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and India. Big name Asian directors and actors may be dropping in on the SOGO Theater. Film buffs should
not miss this event.

Time: Nov 3 & 4: 10:40am-6:40pm
Nov 5: 12:30am-6:30pm
Nov 6 & 7: 12:30am-6:30pm
Getting there: Midosuji line, Shinsaibashi stn
Admission: ¥1,200
06-6242-8689

258 Market Festival

Higashi Omi City Hall, Shiga
Nov 3
A long time ago, people held a market whenever the numbers 2, 5 or 8 appeared in the date. Now, this is an annual autumn festival in Omi. There is a flea market set up around the city hall, and everything from food to antiques is on sale.

Time: 9am–3pm
Getting there: Omi Yokaichi line, Yokaichi stn • Admission: free
0748-24-5662

Horseback Archery

Omi Jingu Shrine, Shiga
Nov 3
Horseback archery is called yabusame in Japanese. On the day of this event there will be talks and demonstrations by skilled practitioners of the ancient art.

Time: 12:30pm
Getting there: Keihan line, Omi Jingu mae stn, JR Kosei line NishiOtsu stn
Admission: free
077-522-3725

Skyrocket Show

Mubara, Shiga
Nov 3
Skyrockets such as these were used by Mitsunari Ishida in the most famous Japanese civil war, the Sekigahara war of 1600. These skyrockets fly 200 meters, before exploding in a specta-
cular shower of lights.

Time: 2pm
Getting there: JR Biwako line, Maibara stn, 5 min walk to city hall
Admission: free
0749-52-0632

Autumn Procession

Sumisaka Jinja Shrine, Nara
Nov 3
This festival has been going on since the seventh century. The procession travels about 1 km and with the parti- cipants dressed in traditional costumes and armor. Men carry floats to the shrine.

Time: 2pm
Getting there: Kintetsu line, Haibara stn
Admission: free
0745-82-0114

Osaka Castle Festival

Osaka Castle
Nov 3, 4
There are special programs on the stage during the festival. Japanese drums played by high school students and the Osaka police band. Watch demonstrations of old style flintlock guns called hinawa ju.

Time: 10am–5pm
Getting there: Subway Tanimachi line, Tanimachi-4chome stn/Subway Chuo line, JR line, Morinomiya stn
Admission: free
06-6941-3044

 

Maple Tree Light Up

Eikando, Kyoto
Nov 8–30
There are three thousand maple trees in Eikando. It is said that Eikando has one of the most beautiful maple tree gardens in Japan. The place is ablaze with red maple leaves.

Time: 5:30pm–9pm
Getting there: JR Kyoto stn, 5 bus to Nanzenji Eikandomichi
Admission: ¥600
075-761-0007

Chinese Yang Chin Concert

Uzura Gallery, Kyoto
Nov 11
The Chinese Yang Chin is a musical instrument of Iranian origin. It has over 100 strings which are played by a pair of sticks. Whether you are familiar with this instrument or not, you will enjoy this performance by Tomoeda Ryohei.

Time: 1pm, 3pm
Getting there: Keihan line, Sanjo stn, 600m west
Admission: ¥1,500 (Pair for ¥2,500 for one stage)
070-5500-1011

The 50th Antique Festival Osaka

INTEX OSAKA Hall 1
Nov 16–18
This is an exhibition and sale of antiques and crafts. They say that art is long, life is short so why not investigate this flea market for rare treasures deposited here by Osaka's merchant heritage.

Time: 10am–5pm (closes at 4pm on the 18th)
Getting there: Newtram Nanko porttown line, Nakafuto stn
Admission: free
072-823-2256

Nursery Rhyme concert

Kyoto Kaikan
Nov 18
Famous Japanese singing sisters give a concert of old, nostalgic nursery rhymes and kids songs that people grew up with in this country. Their enchanting singing voices make this much more than a kids' sing-along.

Time: 3pm
Getting there: JR Kyoto stn, 31, 201, 202, 203, 206 buses to Higashiyama Nijo
Admission: S ¥5,500, A¥5,500
075-211-0261

Science Show

Kyoto Kaikan
Nov 24
Science producer Mr. Yonemura Denjiro, who can be seen on TV, is putting on this exciting show not only for children but also for adults.

Time: 11am, 3pm
Getting there: JR Kyoto stn, 31, 201, 202, 203, 206 buses to Higashiyama Nijo
Admission: ¥1,500
075-211-0261

EVENT section compiled by Kanako Tsuji

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