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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
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