Hagoromo with 200 People
Feb 12
Yamamoto Noh Theater, Osaka
 Hagoromo with 200 People is a golden opportunity for Noh fans, as the audience is invited to take part in an actual play of the oldest existing theatre performance in Japan by singing utai, the corresponding speeches in Noh. The famed play Hagoromo will be performed after an explanation of the subject, the costumes and the musical instruments. There will be a rehearsal for those singing in utai, culminating in the actual performance of Hagoromo, a collaboration of the actors, musicians and the audience. The text of the utai will be translated into the Roman alphabet, with English explanations provided. Snacks and Japanese tea will also be served.
From 7pm. ¥3,000 (adv), ¥4,000 (door). Tel: 06-6943-9454. Email: info@noh-theater.com (English/Japanese). Nearest stn: Tanimachi 4-chome.
Japanese Lesson
& Walking Tour
Wednesdays
Japanese Space Kyoto, Kyoto
Japanese Space Kyoto offers an alternative learning program consisting of short Japanese lessons combined with walking tours. Whether you are visiting Kyoto for a day or you have known the city for years, there are so many stories that are best told whilst walking around. Experience Kyoto with guides who love the city and who love to show you why! There are lots of opportunities to discover the secret corners, with tours on foot going off the usual tourist trail. Kyoto is proud of its historical past, and expresses itself through a fascinating combination of old and new. Enquiries beforehand essential.
10am-4pm. ¥2,000 (including textbook and Kyoto guidebook. Other expenses and admission to venues not included). Tel: 090-9165-1393 (English/Japanese). http://j-space.sakura.ne.jp/w-frame.html
Kinoshita Circus
Until Mar 1
Fushimi-Momoyama Jo Undo-Koen Park, Kyoto
The Kinoshita Circus has been voted one of the three best circuses in the world, and it is coming to Kyoto! With stunning and intricate acrobatic-aerial techniques, the performers will thrill and excite you. Brave stunt riders will have you holding your breath as they ride in the cage of death. Catch the exotic animal shows featuring elephants, giraffes and zebras, while ligers and lions will be handled like tame pets. These animals, trained and looked after with great care, act impressively, and add to the fun of this traditional Japanese acrobatic act.
Mon-Wed 11am and 1:50pm; Fri 1pm and 3:50pm; Sat, Sun and national holidays 10:10am, 1pm & 3:50pm; closed various days. Adv: ¥2,500 (adults), ¥1,500 (children); door: ¥2,800 (adults), ¥1,800 (children). Tel: 075-604-0333. Nearest stn: Momoyama.
Shikayose
(calling together deer)
Until Mar 6
Nara Park, Nara
This is a unique opportunity to see hundreds of wild deer appear from nowhere, to be fed in a crisp, cold but beautiful morning at Nara Park. Every day at 10am, a French horn plays a verse of the Pastoral Symphony to alert the deer. Watch as the deer run forth to be fed with acorns. It is astonishing to see how tame and well behaved the animals are–as they form a line to be fed! This event dates back to 1892 when it was held as a special attraction for Emperor Meiji in 1907. Nowadays, it is a highly enjoyable annual winter event, and a great place to escape from hectic everyday life!
From 10am. Free admission. Tel: 0742-22-2388. Nearest stn: Nara, loop bus to Kasugataisha Omotesando.
Kansai Event Listings
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Ume Matsuri
Situated in the gentle hills of the largest plum grove in Japan, this festival provides millions of white blossom for our viewing pleasure, and that’s not mentioning the sweet-and-sour scent. Catch a range of joyful events held every weekend during this festival.
Until Mar 7, 10am-4pm. ¥250 (adults), ¥100 (children). Minabe Bairin (Plum grove) Wakayama. Tel: 0739-72-4949. Nearest stn: Minabe.
Onibi no Saiten
Onibi no Saiten is a celebration of the traditional beginning of spring. A variety of attractions will be on offer including a lottery; a competition for special dishes among local restaurants; an ogre’s parade; live jazz and Japanese music; and a market selling local produce and other delights.
Feb 1-3, from 11am (subject to change). Zaodo Temple, Nara. Tel: 0746-32-1007. Nearest stn: Yoshino, ropeway to Yoshinoyama.
Juhyo (soft rime) Matsuri
There will be a jolly lottery at the log house. Show your ropeway ticket to get warm refreshments (the first 1,000 people accepted). Why don’t you join a guide walk from Chihaya Hoshi to the Shizen no museum? The reward is breathtaking views of trees, silvered with hoarfrost.
Feb 7, from 9:30am. Free admission. Chihaya Enchi Mt Kongo, Osaka. Tel: 0721-74-0056. Nearest stn: Kawachinagano, bus to Ropeway-mae, ropeway to Kongo-san.
Hinamatsuri Kiko
The old town of Hino is usually quiet, with houses on its streets, from Okubo to Murai, beautifully preserved in traditional Japanese style. During Hinamatsuri Kiko, around 130 houses put their hina dolls (a set of figurines for the Girls’ festival) on exhibition. So please come meet the beautiful Japanese dolls!
Feb 7-Mar 7, 9am-4pm. Free admission. Hino-cho, Shiga. Tel: 0748-52-6577. Nearest stn: Hino, bus to Nishinomiya.
Koyasan no Shomyo
Shomyo is a style of Japanese Buddhist chant. Although it is similar to Gregorian chants or gospel music, it is with no music. It is said that Shomyo is the origin of Japanese classical performing arts. Observe Buddihist chants a cappella.
Feb 11, from 4pm. ¥4,200/¥3,150. Izumi Hall, Osaka. Tel: 06-6942-7478. www.izumihall.co.jp/english/index.html Nearest stn: Osakajo-Koen.
Rokkosan Kori no Saiten (ice sculpture exhibition)
Engraved ice works of art and gigantic sculptures are put on display at this exhibition, which also features a demonstration on how to make ice sculptures. Check out the booths for gourmet food, while the hot spring for feet will sooth those aching soles!
Feb 11-14, 10am-9pm. ¥500. Rokko Garden Terrace, Hyogo. Tel: 078-894-2090. Nearest stn: Rokkomichi, bus to Rokko Cable-sita, cable car to Rokkosanjo, bus to Rokko Garden Terrace.
Ningen Hina Matsuri (living hina doll)
A set of figurines for Japan’s traditional Girls’ festival will be put on display. Moreover, real–or should we say human–dolls will appear at the Tonomura Shigeru house. Why don’t you witness this amusing attraction?
Feb 13 and 14, 10am-3pm. ¥500 (adults), ¥250 (children). Omishonin Museum, Shiga. Tel: 0748-48-2100. Nearest stn: Notogawa, bus to Ikiikikan-mae.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Welcome in the Year of the Tiger in spectacular style, with Chinese entertainment, divination and firecrackers. Chinatown will be ornately decorated, with stalls selling Chinese paraphernalia and delicious food. Dragon dances, lion dances, Chinese opera, acrobats and much more should entertain you and then some!
Feb 14-21, from 10:30am. Free admission. Kobe Chinatown, Hyogo. Tel: 078-332-2896. Nearest stn: Motomachi.
Charity Auction, Art Work from Artists and Culturati
An auction will take place to raise funds. There will be lots of valuable artwork presented by many prominent people, but of course, you can enjoy it as an art exhibition if you don’t want to spend.
Feb 19 and 20, 10am-8pm; Feb 22nd, 10am-6pm. Free admission. JR Kyoto Isetan, Kyoto. Tel: 075-241-0674. Nearest stn: Kyoto.
“Cradle” & “Salt” by Seiryutheater International
Based in Kansai, Seiryutheater comprises foreign and Japanese actors, dancers, writers, and other creatives who are trying to support the local art scene. They are putting on a play about the trials and tribulations of adapting to a new culture.
Feb 25-28, various times. ¥2,800/¥3,500 (adv), ¥3,000/¥3,800 (door). Artcomplex Osaka. Tel: 06-6955-1066. Email: info@seiryu-theater-international.com Nearest stn: Senbayashi-Omiya.
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