INTRODUCTION:
Osaka has a rich traditional and cultural background dating back to some 1000
years. There has been a revolution and the cultural scene has witnessed many new
developments. Osaka Festivals and Events have a very variety that is a blend of
ancient and modern developments. Osaka Festivals and Events can be traced chronologically
according to the Christian year. Food and games with visitors thronging stalls
and enjoying games is a common feature of Osaka festivities.
The New Year's Holiday period (January 1to 3): There is a festive mood
that starts from the last three days of December. Offices , Banks and other
public agencies are closed down. People visit shrines to pray for better health
and happiness in the New Year.
Toka Ebisu January 9 to 11: It is celebrated for Ebisu, who is the deity
of Commerce. This is a three day festival celebrated by millions of visitors
every year. They buy the three things i.e. Kiccho-zasa, a bamboo branch decked
with models of tai, Koban, an old Japanes coin and Kome-dawara a straw rice
bag, which is symbolic of a flourish trade and commerce in Osaka, Japan.
Setsubun Festival, around February 3: It is a traditional event held
every year at Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine. This is marked by scattering of beans
by lucky male and female from the upper storeys of the gate to the worshippers
below.
Plum Blossoms early February to early March: it is a festival commonly
known as Ume Matsuri. It is celebrated every year since its beginning in 1986.
Kairakuen which is regarded as the best laid out garden in Japan is the venue
of outdoor events during this festival. Koto (Japanese harp) recital, a Nodate
Chai-kai (Tea Party), a folk song festival and a haiku competition is organized.
The 300 odd plum trees blossoms in red and white and displays a wide range of
about 100 species in this garden. It attracts a lot of tourists from all over
Japan during this time of the year.
The Spring Sumo Tournament The second and the fourth Sunday of March : The
traditional Sumo Wrestling of Japan is hosted at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
It is a ver y popular sporting event which is attended by celebrities.
Cherry Blossom Viewing, early April: This festival is celebrated to
mark the arrival of Spring. Osaka Castle Park, Expo'70 Commemorative Park and
Satsukiyama Park are the main spots for this festive occasion. Visitors picnic
outside admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms.
Golden Week: The period around April 29 to May 5 is called Golden Week.
This is a period having consecutive holidays which is utilized by the local
tourists to visit places. Due to rush there is a great demand for accommodation.
Airfares also remain high during this Golden Week.
Tenjin Matsuri Festival, July 24 - 25 : This is one of Japans three
most important festivals. The festival is inaugurated with the Fure-Daiko Drum
core and the portable shrine is set sail from Tenmangu Shrine to the port Tenjin-bashi
Bridge. The climax is marked with fireworks that brighten up the night sky and
colors the water surface.
The Bon Festival, Around August 13 to 16: This is one of the traditional
festivals during which many companies close their office. The travel lovers
go on a short tour and the air carriers make a good business out of it. The
hoteliers charge heavily during this short period.
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, September 14 and 15: It's a festival during
which a group of people with youthful spirits drag the Dangiri Floats across
the city of Osaka watched by enthusiastic people.
Midosuji Parade: Held on the second Sunday of October, about 100 groups
take part in the parade which is the biggest in Japan. The parade takes place
along Midosuji Boulevard Street in the Osaka City.
Shitenno-ji Temple Wasso Festival: The festival reflects Japan's historical
relationship with different Asian countries. On the 3rd of November people in
their ethnic costumes walk in the city district and around the temples playing
different folk music.
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