Sports in Osaka

Osaka can be considered as one of the most sports-minded cities in Japan. Osaka is fast growing into an international sports city. Sports centers with the latest equipments are being built and many important athletic competitions are being held here. In case, you didn’t know, Osaka has put in a bid to hold the Olympic Summer Games in 2008. Check out the various sports which are becoming popular in Osaka. Apart from the age-old traditional Martial arts, sports like golf and winter sports are gaining familiarity in Osaka.

Martial arts

Sumo and judo are Japanese ceremonial wrestling and also, Japan’s national sports. There are six 15 days-long sumo tournaments a year. One of them takes place in Osaka. There are opportunities for the visitors to buy costumes and learn some of the tricks. Separate classes for men and women are held. Karate, the most popular art of self defense, was introduced in Japan in 1922 and is taught at several schools. Kendo, Japanese fencing, is practiced in legions of clubs and college halls. Kyudo or Japanese archery is one of the oldest martial arts and closely associated with Zen Buddhism. Yabusame or archery on horseback is performed by horsemen in colorful attires who gallop down a narrow 250 meter course shooting at small wooden targets set up at 80 meter intervals.

Winter Sports

Winter Sports are gaining much popularity in Osaka. There are several major ski resorts with good transport facilities to connect them. Skiing equipments are easy to hire.

Diving

Apart from the Kerama Islands near Okinawa which is one of the world’s clearest sea areas, Osaka is a good place for diving and snorkeling. Between January and March it is also an area for whale watching.

Fishing

Osaka can be anglers’ paradise with its excellent fishing locations. Freshwater fishes include trout, funa or silver carp and ayu or sweet fish. Go for ukai or cormorant fishing where cormorants are used to catch fish. The cormorants and the crew do the trick for the anglers. There are arrangements for food and drinks. Night expeditions can be arranged through hotels and tourist boards in the Osaka area.

Cycling

April and May, during the cherry blossom season and October-November are the time for cycling. Snow and ice are the risk factors and cycling in the northern area of Honshu is not recommended between December and March. Cyclists must follow the traffic rules while riding and should avoid heavy traffic, especially on the national highways.

Football

Recent years have seen a craze for football in Osaka, thanks to the introduction of the Japanese soccer J-League and the participation of the Japanese national team in the World Cup of 1998.

Golf

Japan Golf Association is doing a good job and courses in and around Osaka feature among some of the excellent courses in the world. Although, memberships and invitations are still prevalent, one is welcome to witness the golf scene in Osaka. Some courses have the additional attraction of hot spring baths and mahjhong rooms.

Whether you are a sports enthusiast or not, Osaka is sure to delight you with its amazing array of wonderful games and sports. For more information on Sports in Osaka:

- Sumo Wrestling in Osaka
- Jogging in Osaka
- Tennis in Osaka
- Boating in Osaka
- Water Sports in Osaka