Osaka Cuisine and Hidden Gems: A Family Guide to Local Food & Secret Spots

Art Park: A Photogenic Escape in the Heart of Nature For international travelers seeking new discoveries in Osaka, the hidden "Art Park" offers a unique experience. Nestled deep in the mountains, this park is where nature and art beautifully intertwine, creating an ideal photogenic destination. Let us delve into what makes this park a must-visit and why it should be on your travel itinerary. Art Park in the Heart of the Mountains Spanning approximately 7.8 hectares, Art Park is a vast landscape designed to embrace the natural terrain. The gentle undulations of the land offer breathtaking views from every corner, making it a perfect spot for sightseeing and photography. Despite its remote location, it is conveniently accessible, making it an excellent choice for a day trip from Osaka. Photogenic Spots Abound The park is filled with numerous photogenic spots, each offering its own charm. One standout feature is the "Spiral Waterway," where the ...

Obon season in Japan: Honoring Tradition and Family! Hello, everyone! As we hit mid-August, it’s that special time of year again—Obon season is upon us! While the exact dates can vary by region, Obon generally falls between August 13th and 16th. This traditional Japanese festival is all about welcoming and honoring our ancestors. During Obon, families come together to perform rituals like "Mukaebi" (welcoming fire) and "Okuribi" (sending-off fire). Mukaebi involves lighting candles to welcome the spirits of our ancestors into our homes, while Okuribi sees candles lit again to bid them farewell. These rituals help us feel connected to our ancestors and create a warm, meaningful atmosphere. Another important part of Obon is offering food and drinks that our ancestors enjoyed during their lifetime. We also decorate our family altars to show respect and deepen our connection with them. It’s a time for family members to gather, express gratitude, and pray for the souls o...

Pedal Through Osaka: Uncover the City’s Hidden Charms Fed up with the usual tourist crowds? Eager to experience Osaka like a local? Join our unique cycling tour and uncover the hidden gems of this vibrant city! Our expert local guides will lead you on a leisurely bike ride through charming neighborhoods, lively markets, and serene temples. Along the way, you’ll savor authentic Osaka cuisine, from mouthwatering takoyaki to delicious kushikatsu, all while delving into the city’s rich history and culture. **Why Choose Our Cycling Tour?** * **Local Expertise**  Our guides are passionate Osaka locals with an intimate knowledge of the city. They’ll share fascinating insights and stories, providing a truly authentic experience. * **Customizable Itineraries**  We offer flexible tours that can be tailored to your interests and preferences, ensuring a personalized adventure. * **Small Group Tours**  With our small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more...

A Unique Experience at Akashi Kaikyō Bridge: Breathtaking Views and Thrilling Tours Welcome! Today, we’re diving into a marvel of modern engineering that plays a crucial role in Japan's transportation network: the **Akashi Kaikyō Bridge**. This magnificent structure, which connects Kobe to Awaji Island, is one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, stretching a staggering 3,911 meters in length with main towers soaring about 300 meters high.   Sky-High Views on the Pedestrian Walkway One of the highlights of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is its pedestrian walkway. Elevated approximately 47 meters above the sea and about 150 meters above the land, this walkway extends about 317 meters beyond the bridge itself. Walking along it feels like a sky-high adventure, offering panoramic views of the stunning sea below. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that makes you feel like you’re floating in mid-air. Thr...

Where is Japan's "Center"?—The Secrets of Akashi City and Standard Time てぇ Japan's archipelago stretches long from north to south, and it's well-known that Tokyo is the center of the country's economy and politics. But where exactly is Japan's "center"? Let's delve into this intriguing question. Actually, the reference line for Japan's time standard, known as "Japan Standard Time" (JST), is located in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture! Yes, Akashi City, famously known as "the town of the meridian." The eastern longitude 135-degree meridian, which serves as the official time reference for Japan, runs through this city, passing near the Akashi City Planetarium. In 1886, Japan established its standard time based on a position 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in England. Therefore, the eastern longitude 135-degree meridian became the standard time reference for Japan. Akashi City was the first in Ja...

Hey everyone! I’ve got a story that I just have to share—I'm bursting with excitement! Yesterday, something straight out of my wildest dreams happened: aliens and a UFO appeared right in front of me! And where did this incredible event unfold, you ask? At my local pond. That’s right, a simple neighborhood pond turned into the stage for a little cosmic drama! Here’s the scoop: I was casually gazing at the sky when, out of nowhere, a UFO decided to take a nosedive. Splash! It landed right in the pond, and—surprise, surprise—so did the aliens! Talk about a “pond plop” of epic proportions. The aliens, I must say, looked quite puzzled as they floated on the water. I guess they weren’t expecting their interstellar journey to end with a watery detour! Now, the big mystery remains: what on Earth (or rather, what in space) were these aliens doing here? Were they here to check out our water quality, or was it just an intergalactic picnic gone awry? Maybe they were planning a “pon...