Hiroaki Umeda Contemporary Dance
Jul 11
Hyogokenritsu Geijutsu Bunka Centre, Hyogo
Hiroaki Umeda is a choreographer, dancer and designer of sound, image, and lighting. Having studied photography at university, he started dancing. One of his representative works “While going to a condition” was performed at the Rencontres Choregraphiques Internationales in France, and was hailed as “a visual and sensorial experience.” Umeda has also presented his work “Accumulated Layout” at major festivals in many countries. With his innovative performances, he is now recognised as a visual artist rather than a choreographer.
Time: 4pm
Getting there: Hankyu Railway Kobe line, Nishinomiya-kitaguchi stn.
Admission: ¥2,500
Tel: 0798-68-0255
www.gcenter-hyogo.jp
Happy Maker 2009
JuL 5-12
Around Koyasan, Wakayama
 Japanese Buddhist Mecca Koyasan is an art museum on a mountain exhibiting rare treasures of paintings and calligraphy, with beautifully preserved traditional architecture. During Happy Maker 2009, a huge variety of artworks from here and abroad will be on show in ancient temples usually closed to the public. Featuring artist talks, live music, vegetable markets, guided tours, workshops, and much more, the event promises a happy eight days. The information centre Atelier Totnes provides English services about the event. Most of Happy Maker’s activities are free, but some are charged.
Time: 10am–4pm.
Getting there: Nankai Railway, Koya line, Koyasan stn.
Admission: Various
Email: terakoya.totnes@gmail.com (English/Japanese)
Tel: 0736-56-1301 (English/Japanese)
Tokui Noh
Jul 23
Yamamoto Nohgakudo, Osaka
 Although many people feel self-conscious about visiting noh (a more inaccessible Japanese classical performing art), this particular show is designed for beginners. Tokui noh features a programme of Tsuchigumo (a ground spider), and is popular because of its dynamic action. The parabolic arch of the spider web flying through the air is especially spectacular. There will be explanations of noh before the programme starts, and a question-and-answer session afterwards. A tea ceremony will start at 6pm (first 50 people accepted). Visitors wearing kimono will receive a raffle ticket. Top prize is a boarding ticket on the noh boat at the Tenjin festival. Commentary is conveniently provided in English during the performance.
Time: 7pm
Getting there: Subway Tanimachi line, Tanimachi 4-chome
Admission: ¥3,000 (¥4,000/door) including snack and tea.
Email: info@noh-theater.com (English / Japanese)
Tel: 06-6943-9454
O Uo Yoichi
JuL 31
Ohama Park, Osaka
Enjoy a one-off gala evening in the historic city of Sakai, formally a highly active trading port. One of the highlights of this event is a fish auction, complete with fresh fish and shouting auctioneers. Another unique ceremony called hocho-shiki features a professional chef in traditional costume demonstrating his remarkable knife skills as he dresses a large fish. There are also exciting outdoor events planned including stalls selling interesting goods, a stage performance by girls in yukata, a competition of glove karate, and much more. It should be a truly memorable evening.
Time: 4pm–9pm
Getting there: Nankai Railway Honsen line, Sakai stn, 5 min walk
Admission: free. Tel: 072-228-7493
Kansai Event Listings
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Britain and Rose Fair
Rokko Garden Terrace, Hyogo
July 13–Jul 20
A resort development in Mt. Rokko started 100 years ago when an English trader built holiday cottages on the mountaintop. There will be Rose tea and jam in the café, Sunday lunch in the restaurant, British goods in shops, and charming country cottages with roses around the doors. It will all be very British.
Time: 9am–9pm
Getting there: JR Kobe line, Rokkomichi stn, bus to Rokko Cable Shita stn, cable car to Rokko Sanjo stn.
Admission: free
Tel: 078-894-2281
Ukai
Arashiyama, Kyoto
July 1–Sep 15
The traditional cormorant fishing method will be shown at Togetsukyo. This ancient fishing performance will be viewed from boats. Please get to the jetty that is on the north bank upstream from Togetukyo Bridge. (Cancelled if rainy weather.)
Time: 7pm & 9pm; September 6:30pm & 8:30pm.
Getting there: Keihuku Railway Arashiyama line, Arashiyama stn.
Admission: adults ¥1,700 (wear a yukata ¥1,500), children (4-12) ¥850.
Tel: 075-861-0320
Twilight Concert 2009
Osaka Castle Park Open Ari Concert Hall, Osaka
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
There will be a concert by brass bands performed in twilight during the event. Brass bands from local institutions will offer all sorts of music, from movies, J-pop, jazz, disco music and more. (Cancelled if rainy weather.)
Time: 6:30pm (venue open 6pm.)
Getting there: JR Loop line, Morinomiya stn, 5min walk
Admission: free
Tel: 06-6947-1195
Tanabata no Yube in Shitennoji
Shitennoji Temple, Osaka
July 4
Tanabata no Yube is a one-day romantic celebration. The star festival depicts a legendary story of Vega and Altair in the Milky Way. There will be a large bamboo ornament shaped like a tunnel in the precincts. Visitors can write wishes on pieces of paper and hang them on the bamboo, and look at stars through telescopes prepared for visitors.
Time: 4pm–9pm
Getting there: Subway Tanimachi line, Shitennoji-mae, Yuhigaoka, 5 min walk
Admission: free
Tel: 06-6771-3332
Dragon Canoe Young Festival
Notogawa Suisya Canoe Land, Shiga
July 12
The Doragon canoe race will be held at Lake Ibanaiko. Ninety teams will enter in this fiercely competitive event. It is great to see dragon boats gliding at speed on the surface of the water. (Cancelled in stormy weather.)
Time: 8am–4pm
Getting there: JR Biwako line, Notogawa stn
Admission: free
Tel: 0748-42-3200
Yoiyama Kengaku to Gion Matsuri no Settai
Shiori-An, Kyoto
July 14–16
Shiori-an is a museum built in Japanese traditional architecture 80 years ago. Excellent Kyoto cuisine will be served, and geisha and maiko will entertain customers. Booking is essential.
Time: 6pm–8pm, July 14 & 15; 5:30pm–7pm & 7:30pm–9pm, July 16.
Getting there: Subway Karasuma line, Karasuma Oike stn, 5 min walk.
Admission: ¥20,000.
E-mail: shiorian@shiorian.gr.jp
Tel: 075-241-0215
The Great Japan Beer Festival 2009
Kyocera Dome, Osaka
July 18–20
This is the biggest beer festival in Japan. Over 120 different Japanese local beers and foreign beers will be waiting for you during the event. All-you-can-drink.
Time: 2pm–6:30pm, July 18; 12:30pm–5pm, July19; 11:30am–4pm, July 20.
Getting there: Hanshin Railway Nanba line, Dome-mae stn
Admission: ¥3,800 (¥4,300/door).
Tel: 0497-34-7751
www.beertaster.org/index-e.html
Tenjin Matsuri Hunatogyo Kanranseki
Tenmabashi OMM (Tenmabashi Aqua-Liner Jetty), Osaka
July 25
This is the grandstand of the Tenjin festival. Enjoy a wonderful view of hundreds of boats going up and down the river.
Ticket sales contact: Ticket Pia (P-code 615-435), Family Mart and Circle K Sunkus.
Time: 6pm–9pm
Getting there: Subway Tanimachi line/Keihan Railway Tenma-bashi stn.
Admission: ¥7,500
Tel: 06-6282-5910
Light up Baikamo
Samegai in Maibara City, Shiga
July 25–Aug 9
Baikamo waterweed only inhabits clear streams. These pretty white flowers, which look like plum blossoms, will be in full bloom. During the event, Baikamo in a stream running through this atmospheric and old town will be illuminated. Do not miss this romantic scenery. (Cancelled if stormy weather.)
Time: 7:30pm–9pm
Getting there: JR Tokaido-honsen line, Samegai stn, 10 min walk.
Admission: free
Tel: 0749-58-2227
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