The Osaka Hikari Renaissance illumination event is stretching from Osaka City Hall to Nakanoshima Park creating a festive atmosphere.
“Joya-no-kane” bell rings at Chion-in Temple
At Chion-in Temple, 17 monks work together to ring a massive, three-meter tall, about 70 tons great temple bell at 108 times on December 31st.
Nishinomiya To-ka Ebisu Festival
Nishinomiya-jinja Shrine is the home of the god of commerce. The Toka Ebisu Festival is always a lively event with many visitors and merchants.
Imamiya To-ka ebisu festival
Imamiya Ebisu-jinja Shrine in Osaka is known for “Ebessan”, the god of commerce.
It gathers more than a million “merchants” wishing for prosperous business.
Wakakusayama Mountain Burning Festival
Mt. Wakakusayama is rising about 350 meters above sea level,Just behind Nara Park. Burning up the entire hill, with fireworks is held every year.
The Setsubun Festival at Yoshida-Jinja
Yoshida-jinja, on the west slope of Yoshida-yama is one of the famous place for Setsubun festival. People gather to throw beans at performers dressed as “Oni”.
Kitano Tenman-gu Plum garden
Kitano-Tenman-gu Shrine grounds offer you to 50 kinds of 2000 plum tree blossoms. You can enjoy walking through the plum grove paths inside the plum garden.
Japanese plum blossoms viewing at Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine
Viewing plum blossoms is also popular attraction as well as Cherry blossoms. A festival featuring 800 plum trees in 80 varieties at Domyoji Tenmangu.
Osaka Expo Park Plum blossoms Festival
Japanese plum blossoms will be in their best at Osaka Expo park. There are 600 plum trees at natural culture park, and 80 plum trees are at Japanese garden.
Nijo Castle Sakura Festival
There are approximetaly 400 cherry trees of late blooming varieties in a cherry orchard. The special night illumination is on during the bloom.
Gion Shirakawa Sakura Lit up
Cherry blossoms lined on the Gion Shirakawa dori, one of the Kyoto’s iconic street will be lit up to create a fantastic atmospere.
Tatsuno Cherry Festival
Tatsuno park is one of the best place for cherry blossom viewing. There will be a parade of samurai warriors, a tea ceremony, food stalls during the festival.