Osaka - Kita and Minami; 2 points of distinction in western Japan's largest city Map of the Kinki region Osaka has a population of approximately 2.65 million and is the third largest city in Japan with only Tokyo and Yokohama sporting larger populations. Osaka is today the largest city in western Japan and has come a long way from the castle town used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Many rivers run through and around the city and thus the city has been given the title of "a city of water." The presence of water notwithstanding however, the city today has 2 distinctive 'centers.' In the north, the Kita area around Umeda and to the south of Kita, running along the north-south Mido-suji Street, the Minami area around Namba are always filled with crowds. Kita plays host to many modern shops and various shopping-cum-entertainment complexes while Minami contains both fashionable stores and shops selling local Osakan goods and dishes all wrapped up in a lively, bustling atmosphere. When you talk about Osaka, you can't forget to talk about the food culture of Japan's 3rd largest city and supporting the well known European image that portrays Osaka as the kitchen of Japan is the local saying that people in Osaka will eat themselves out of house and home; the result of the city being host to a wealth of inexpensive restaurants.

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Zoheikyoku Sakura-no-Torinuke (Cherry blossom lane at the Mint) - Japan Mint, Temma, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture - Early to mid-April, 2010 (exact dates will depend on the cherry blossom forecast) The Sakura-no-Torinuke (cherry blossom lane) event held at the Japan Mint is very famous for its beautiful blossoms. Approximately 400 cherry blossoms of 120 varieties erupt into bloom along the length of the 560 meter path from the southern gate facing Temma Bridge to the northern gate facing Sakuranomiya Bridge. Although access to the area is normally prohibited, it is opened to everyone during this week and anywhere 700,000 and a million people will take the opportunity to visit. There are many yaezakura (double-petal cherry trees) that tend to bloom late, so visitors can enjoy the blossoms as late as mid-April. The cherry trees are illuminated at night. http://www.mint.go.jp/eng/sakura/

Yamato-Koriyama Oshiro Matsuri Festival - Ruins of Koriyama Castle, Yamato-Koriyama City, Nara Prefecture - March 26th (Fri)-April 9th (Fri), 2010 Various types of events are held at the ruins of Koriyama Castle in spring when about 1,000 cherry trees in the area are in full bloom. Yamato-Koriyama is famous for production of goldfish, and the Goldfish Fair, which first took place in 1907, is one of highlights of this event. Parades are also held and attract many visitors. At night you can see cherry blossoms illuminated by bonfires.. http://www.city.yamatokoriyama.nara.jp/topics/oshiromaturi/index.htm (Japanese version only)

Sakagura Tanbo in Nada 2010 (Tour of sake cellars in Nada) - Nadagogo, Nada-ku / Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture - March 6th (Sat)-April 11th (Sun), 2010 Nadagogo is the home area and most famous "source" of Japanese sake; a form of Japanese alcohol made from rice. As the time for shin-shu – the first sake of the year - is now upon us, the locals here celebrate by holding various events including the Sakagura (sake cellar) Visits and the Sakagura Rally and Stamp Collecting, which offers the chance to win wonderful presents such as hotel vouchers. Why not visit the sake cellars of Nada, where the freshest aroma of sake fills the air? http://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/information/press/2010/02/2010021007001.html (Japanese version only)

Todaiji Shunie - Nigatsudo of Todai-ji Temple, Nara City, Nara Prefecture - March 1st (Mon)-14th (Sun), 2010 In this annual Buddhist ceremony, 11 monks practice religious penance on behalf of ordinary people and pray to the 11-faced Kanzeon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) for bumper crops, world peace and the welfare of society. 2010 marks the 1,259th ceremony. Ascetic monks dynamically brandish torches on the stage of the hall, and send sparks flying around the stage. Many visitors crowd around the hall every year because it is believed that exposure to the torches’ sparks brings good fortune. http://www.todaiji.or.jp/ (Japanese version only)

Special Spring Exhibition -- Girls' Festival: hina dolls from Edo through Showa eras - Japan Toy Museum, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture - February 6th (Sat)-April 13th (Tue), 2010 About 50 sets of hina dolls for the Girls' Festival are displayed, including dolls made from the 17th century through to the 20th century, various decorations and accessories for the festival, and plates for the festive food. Chronologically displayed, the sets feature the traditional play of the Girls' Festival. http://www.japan-toy-museum.org/english/eindex.htm

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