Sakura no Toorinuke - Cherry Blossom Viewing

Apr 16-22

Osaka Mint, Osaka

What Japanese people do every April is t go out to enjoy the cherry blossoms - Hanami. "Sakura no Toorinuke - passing through among the cherry blossoms" is the most famous Hanami custom in Osaka - the name means you cannot go back or picnic under the trees. This seasonal tradition has continued since 1883. The start was the proposal of the director at that time to share the beauty of sakura not only with employees in the Mint but also with Osaka citizens. There are about 120 kinds of cherry trees all along the road inside the Mint such as Yaezakura and other rare kinds of trees. About 370 cherry trees are in bloom for a week. This is a must-see in this season if you are in Osaka. Every year the annual entertainment attracts about 800,000 visitors coming from around the Kinki region.

The 560m of cherry blossom arches are a spectacle. Those who love nature will enjoy walking among the spring trees.

Time: 10am–9pm (weekdays), 9am–9pm (weekends)
Getting there: JR loop line/Keihan Railway, Temmabashi stn
Admission: free
Tel: 06-6351-5105

25th National Confectionary Exposition 2008

Apr 18-May 11

Around Himeji Castle, Hyogo

This confectionary exposition has been held roughly every four years since 1911 and is held in a different city each time. The association of local confectioners organizes the event and the municipality also supports it to make sure it is a big success. Sweets from around Japan will be on display and for sale too. As professional and excellent sweets can be given awards, confectioners try to make a great effort to get the best honor in the confectionary field. Himeji is the symbol for the 25th exposition - it is 400 years since it was built and it is the 15th anniversary of being designated a world cultural heritage. As there are many facilities where the related events are held, please make inquiries beforehand.

Time: 9:30am–5:30pm
Getting there: Around Himeji Castle, JR/Sanyo Electric Railway,
Himeji stn, 15 minute-walk
Admission: Adults ¥2,000/Senior (Over 65) ¥1,800/High school
¥1,400/Junior high ¥800
Tel: 079-225-5151/5161

Funky Biology: Let's talk about cancer

Apr 19, May 17, 31

Green e Books, Kyoto

Guest Speaker is Amy Longhurst from Australia, an ex-researcher for breast cancer progression and all-round gynecological lab woman. We all know that cancer is a scary topic, but it's something that affects almost everyone at some time in our lives, so at this event, people are getting together to talk about the nitty-gritty. What is it, how does it happen, how can we prevent it and how can we treat it? Topics such as cancer development, progression, risks and chemotherapy will be discussed, with a little information on different kinds of cancers. The organisers say the event is designed to inform, not to scare. Funky Cancer biology 1 in April 19th: 'Let's Talk About Boobs!' Funky Cancer biology 2 in May 17th: 'Immunity - why your body just refuses to die' Funky Cancer biology 3 in May 31st: 'Smoking - when it comes to cancer, you have to have seen this one coming.'

Time: 7pm–9pm (1hr fun lecture and with discussion and plenty of time to ask your own questions) • Getting there: Keihan, Marutamachi stn, exit 4
Admission: ¥1,000 including 1drink (Wine or coffee/tea)
Tel: 075-751-5033 • www.greenebooks.net/menu/e.top.html

Tomica Exposition in Osaka

Apr 25-May 6

ATC Hall, Osaka

The miniature toy cars known as tomica were first launched in 1970. Skillful design experts make use of real cars when creating the toys and in addition to faithful imitation of the real thing, child safety is a big consideration in making the toys. Despite their small size, some come with moving parts, such as doors. Visitors that pay for the entry can get a TDM Build Tornado, a souvenir gift tomica. The theme this year is "Manual labour cars are gathering!" This will entertain both children and adults and will make a day out during Golden Week.

Time: 10am–5pm (Enter by 4:30pm) • Getting there: Nanko Port Town line, Trade Center-mae stn • Admission:
Adults (Over junior high) ¥600/Children ¥400/Under 2 free, day tickets plus ¥200 • Tel: 06-6325-5777

Old Town Walking Tour in Nara

Apr-July, Sep-Nov

Kofukuji Temple, Old Machiya Houses, etc., Nara

This tour started in April 2007 by Yoshiko Hatcho, a professional English-speaking guide. She really wants foreign tourists to know about the interesting historic old town called Nara-machi, and not only the huge statue of Buddha and the tame deer. In Nara-machi you will experience the atmosphere of old times created by historic merchant townhouses and small alleys full of interesting sights. As she knows the area well with the knowledge of Japanese customs and tradition of an area, foreign tourists cannot easily explore by themselves. The tour is arranged to end in the vicinity of Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine around 12:30pm. Please meet your guide and fellow walkers in front of the tourist information center on the first/ground floor of Kintetsu Nara Station by 9:25am. The tour starts at 9:30am.

Time: 9:30–12:30 (every Saturday)
Getting there: Kintetsu Nara line, Nara stn • Admission: Adults ¥2,000/University & High school ¥1,500/ Under Junior high free
Tel: 0743-55-6609 • www.eonet.ne.jp/~naramachiwalk/index.htm

Kansai Event Listings April