The Exhibition ATOM

The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, Hyogo
Thru Feb 20
Astro Boy, who was created in Japan, is today a worldwide recognizable animation hero. This exhibition will take place to celebrate the release of the 2009 animated 3D film Astro Boy. You can learn much about Astro Boy’s original storylines, and see early images of the character.
9:30am-5pm, closed Wed. ¥500 (adults). Nearest stn: Takarazuka-minamiguchi. Tel: 0797-81-2970.

The Osaka Fire Brigade’s New Year Ceremony

ATC O’s Park, Osaka
Jan 6
A spectacular performance by fire fighters, including a parade of fire engines, fireboats and helicopters. A vigorous hosing show and a thrilling rescue drill should rouse onlookers!
10am-noon. Free admission. Nearest stn: Trade Centermae. Tel: 06-6582-2854.

Modern Architecture & Art Collection

Shibagawa Bld., Osaka
Jan 6-16
Featuring female artists who have produced fine art works throughout the 20th century. All works are from the Osaka prefecture collection. Enjoy the artwork in this old building that will be interestingly decorated in Mayan and Inca themes.
11am-7pm. Free admission. Nearest stn: Yodoyabashi. Tel: 06-4790-8520.

Charity Ema Auction

Keihan City Mall, Osaka
Jan 7-15
Ema are small wooden plaques on which Shinto worshippers write their prayers or wishes. The Ema are then left hung at the shrine where the gods can receive them. At this auction, lots of valuable Ema will be sold in order to raise funds for charity. The event is extremely popular, so get there early to beat the long queue.
10am-8pm (10am-6pm Jan 15). Free admission. Nearest stn: Temmabashi. Tel: 06-6373-3577.

Hoe-Kago Parade

Soemon-cho, Osaka
Jan 9
This colourful parade will take place in the busy commercial area of Minami. Geisha, actors, comedians, puppets from Bunraku theatre and more will be carried in palanquins (hoe-kago) and paraded through Soemon-cho, as onlookers in traditional dress applaud and chant. The town will fill with festive atmosphere.
10am-1pm and 6:30pm-9:30pm. Free admission. Nearest stn: Namba. Tel: 06-6214-5925.

Karuta Matsuri

Omijingu Shrine, Shiga
Jan 9-10
Karuta is a Japanese card game, with the aim of the game being to quickly determine which card is required to make a set from an array of cards, and to grab it before your opponent does. There will be several karuta tournaments held over these two days, in which skilled players snatch the cards up with surprising speed.
Jan 9, 10am; Jan 10, 9am. Free admission. Nearest stn: Omijingumae. Tel: 077-522-3725.

Tora Ichi (craft market)

Kenninji Ryosokuin Temple, Kyoto
Jan 10
Fine art and traditional craft event in which artists from across the nation, and craftsmen and students who specialize in pottery, woodwork, glasswork, leatherwork, dyed goods and much more, will exhibit works and put them up for sale.
10am-4pm. Nearest stn: Gion Shijo. Tel: 075-561-3216.

Sakagura-biraki

Fushimi Meishu Kyodokumiai, Kyoto
Jan 11
A sake cellar will be open to the public, with sake tasting being held. There will also be a small market selling food made from sake; local vegetables produced in Kyoto; sweets, and sake cups and bottles.
11am-3pm. ¥200 (includes three tasting tickets). Nearest stn: Chushojima stn. Tel: 075-612-6006.

New Year Jazz in Toga

Toga Bunka Kaikan Hall
Jan 17
Seiichi Nakamura, a leading saxophone player in Japan; Mitsuru Nishiyama, a major jazz bassist in Kansai; and Michi, a New Orleans-trained trumpeter and singer, will offer a powerful performance of jazz music.
Door open 1:30pm. ¥3,500 (adv), ¥4,000 (door). Nearest stn: Toga Mikita. Tel: 072-252-3993.

Inoshishi Matsuri (wild boar festival)

Sasayama Castle Ruin, Hyogo
Jan 30
The wild boar is a renowned animal of Hyogo, with people enjoying these gifts of nature for centuries. Various dishes of the local delicacy–and local sake–will be served up for you to devour… while watching a wild boar race.
10:30am-3pm. Free admssison. Nearest stn: Sasayamaguchi. Tel: 079-552-0758.

The Osaka International Ladies Marathon

Nagai Stadium (start and finish), Osaka
Jan 31
Top runners from Japan and abroad race in the streets of Osaka. Starting at Nagai Stadium, passing through the Osaka Castle Park, past the Osaka Municipal Hall, down Midosuji Street, and back through the park to finish at the stadium.
From 12:10pm. Free admission. Nearest stn: Nagai. Tel: 06-6633-9632.