✨Tea served in contemporary artists' teaware 🍵 – Art Tea Gathering in Sakai🎨– Sakai City will present a tea gathering using contemporary artists' teaware as part of Sakai’s program for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. We will host tea service events using contemporary artists' teaware at tea ceremony–related venues around the city so visitors can enjoy the Expo experience locally. Please see the Sakai City website for details.

📢 "Futari Demo Sakai" Special Experience✨ "Futari Demo Sakai" Special Experience🍃 A limited-time special program lets you touch Sakai’s history and culture!✨ Would you like to create a memorable experience for a special time spent together?💕 📅Period: March 14 (Friday) – May 31 (Saturday) 🚩Experience Plans 1. Tea ceremony for two – Putting love into matcha (Sakai Risho no Mori) 2. Matcha art for two – It’s matcha, not a latte (Saryo Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo) 3. Wagashi making for two – Let’s have fun and make them together (Sakai Densho-kan) 4. Shrine grounds cleaning for two – Start the day at Otorii Taisha (Otorii Taisha) 5. Romantic experience for two – Sakai Old Port picnic (AOINAPOLI UMISOBA, Sakai Old Port) 🔍For details, search "Futari Demo Sakai" on the Sakai Tourist Guide website!

Wakazono Park Rose Garden 2-4 Masago, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture Admission is free! During the rose season, I look forward to the rose garden in Wakazono Park every year. The view from there was spectacular. It is in full bloom twice a year, from the beginning of May to the beginning of June and from late October to mid-November.

I went to Kyoto for the first time! It's been a dream of mine for a long time to go to the Yasaka Tower in Kyoto, and I'm glad that my dream has finally come true. I was surprised to see it in the real world, which was bigger than I expected!

🫧 A soap-bubble show is coming to “Otohime no Kyujitsu.” 🫧 Guinness World Record for soap bubbles 🏆 Achieved the world record in the "Longest Bubble Garland Wand" category ✨ The Bubble Uncle will be appearing at “Otohime no Kyujitsu” ♪ He is a soap-bubble show specialist who has appeared on numerous media outlets 📺. He will likely fill the old Sakai Port 🌊 with soap bubbles 🫧 On Saturday, May 10th, from 3:30 PM for about 30 minutes. We look forward to seeing you there 🙌

“Solve the Mystery, Sakai” Leisure Ride 🚴‍♂️ 📢 The Sakai Convention and Visitors Bureau (public corporation) hosts a touring, real-world puzzle game called "Solve the Mystery, Sakai: The Spirit Kajira and the Vanished Legendary Blacksmith." Participants cycle around Sakai’s moat-ringed areas, visiting spots such as the Shimano Bicycle Museum and Sakai Densho-kan, among others, as they play along. ✨

📢 Monster Hunter Replica Great Sword Special Photo Event👀 A special photo event lets you pose as if you are holding a replica Great Sword❣ *You will not be able to touch the replica Great Sword.* Event period: May 3 (Sat) to May 18 (Sun) (closed on Monday, May 12) Session 1: from 10:30 Session 2: from 11:30 Session 3: from 12:30 Session 4: from 13:30 Session 5: from 14:30 Capacity: 5 people per session Fee: free Registration: On the day of the event, numbered tickets will be distributed at Sakai City Tea House Shin-an.

📢Introducing a new hands-on experience✨ Make matcha with a stone mill and learn how to whisk it at a long-established tea shop🍵 At Nishio Meikouen Tea Shop, a venerable establishment in Sakai where the tea ceremony tradition still lives, would you like to try making matcha from tencha? You will whisk and enjoy the matcha you grind with the stone mill yourself🍵 A lecture by the head of the shop is included, so even first-timers can feel at ease🔰😊 In the second half, you will learn how to brew sencha to bring out its best flavor and hear stories about tea🎀 The shop offers not only tea leaves but also tea-based products perfect for souvenirs, such as “Rikyu, Sakai and Wanichabi Chocolate,” which was selected as a representative Osaka product, and jams🎁 Please join us in the delicious new-tea season🌿 This is a recommended plan to introduce Sakai to friends visiting Expo from afar ✨🔔 For details, search “Sakai matcha making”🔍

This photo was taken at an annual festival held at Shinoda Shrine in Shiga Prefecture. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, Shinoda's Fireworks feature not only fireworks but also a variety of productions such as Japanese fireworks, gimmick fireworks, and Niagara. This moment, in which tradition and power are fused, was captured in a moment of brilliance

Today, 800 years after the time of the samurai, Bushido is still the spiritual prop of the Japanese people and still influences the politeness and manners of the Japanese people. Some aspire to Bushido from childhood, learning calligraphy and tea ceremony as spiritual training to become a respectable adult like a samurai, and swordsmanship as training in the martial arts. In the past, a "respected person" was called a "samurai. Others in general are simply samurai. Those who have learned bushido from abroad and aspire to become "Samurai" will be wielding Samurai swords tonight. #katana #bushido #samuraiSword

The average life expectancy a samurai in the Warring States period is said to be about 42 years. The average life expectancy for men in Japan today is about 81.5 years, and 87.6 years for women. With only about half the time compared to today's life expectancy, these Samurai ran through an era when they did not know what tomorrow's life would bring... #katana #bushido #osakacastle #samuraiSword #samuraiarmor

Fujiwara Palace Ruins in Nara Prefecture Due to work, I usually only have one Vacation a week on Weekdays, and most of the time I shoot when there are no people, but I can take a Sunday off only once a month, and it is a popular Spot Visit for family trips, so it was difficult to shoot like this. I gave instructions to my wife on my cell phone from quite a distance and waited for people to disappear, but I clicked the shutter at the moment when people stopped streaming more than I had imagined. I wanted to shoot in a horizontal composition, but I shot in a vertical position because people were reflected.

The ruins of Fujiwara Palace in Nara Prefecture I finally came to the place I wanted to visit and see, and it was Sunday, so I could imagine it to some extent, but it was a very popular Spot for tourists from overseas.

The famous Great Buddha of Tsubozaka Temple in Nara Prefecture was crowded with tourists from overseas with many languages flying around.

The famous Great Buddha of Tsubozaka Temple in Nara Prefecture was crowded with tourists from overseas with many languages flying around.

BICYCLE INN PARK 2025 BICYCLE INN PARK 2025 will be held to coincide with the Tour of Japan 2025 Sakai Stage! 🎉 With a flea market, bicycle test rides, music, art, and workshops, we offer a wide range of activities to help you discover new things and meet new people. Please come and join us! ✨ 📅 Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 10:00–16:00 (scheduled) 📍Daisen Park *Traffic restrictions will be in place on the 18th, so please refrain from coming by car. Access to the park will also be limited during the race. Allow extra time when planning your visit.* Bicycles come in many forms—the first bike you ever rode, one you bought as an adult, bikes built for speed, and bikes that carry lots of gear and toys. Through many experiences, the ways to enjoy cycling keep expanding and evolving. You’ll likely want a new bike or play equipment, and you may discover new places to go and play. 🚲

I took a picture of the bell against the backdrop of cherry blossoms blooming in the Precincts of Seijoshin-in, a Temple on Mt. Koyasan where the Head Shrine of Shingon Buddhism is located. The cherry blossoms here are also known as umbrella cherry blossoms because of their shape. It may be the most famous cherry blossom in Koyasan ...

Learning calligraphy is said to help children develop concentration, correct posture, etiquette and the ability to express themselves. It also helps children to learn to write beautifully, leading to increased confidence and ambition. - Benefits of learning calligraphy: Improved concentration➤ Writing requires attention to stroke order and balance, which can improve concentration. Correct posture➤ Calligraphy is done sitting on the floor, which helps to develop correct posture. Courtesy➤ Students can learn etiquette such as how to hold a brush, ink rubbing and paper handling. Improved self-expression skills➤ Allows students to express their feelings and thoughts through writing. Developing self-confidence➤ Being able to write well and achieving goals can boost your confidence and aspirations. Relaxation➤ Writing letters with a brush and ink in a quiet environment helps to relax and relieve stress. Preparation for primary school➤ It is also an opportunity to practise pencil holding and writing order before entering primary school. #Calligraphy #kanji #kimono #shodo

From Sakai to the Expo site by boat. No traffic, perfect views. Comfortable access via the water route✨ Departing from Sakai Old Port, it’s only 30 minutes to the Expo site. Take this boat and you’ll no longer worry about traffic jams or crowded crowds. No road congestion, no long lines on station platforms. Onboard, just enjoy the water-city scenery of Osaka as the breeze blows🏯 The evening sail is especially recommended. After enjoying the Expo, avoid the rush-hour trains and return to Sakai on a relaxing cruise. It’s travel that feels like a mini getaway even though it’s just transportation. With a slightly different way to get there, make your Expo experience more comfortable and more special. 🎫Search “Universal Cruise” to make a reservation!

Osaka Festival! — EXPO2025 Spring Showcase The Osaka Festival — EXPO Spring Showcase will take place at the Osaka-Kansai Expo EXPO Arena. Around 40 floats and platforms gathered from across Osaka, including danjiri, yagura, and taiko-dai, will come together in one place! A vibrant lineup of energetic festivals will open Osaka Week. From Sakai City, the Keana-cho danjiri and the Shinzaikehama futon taiko will be demonstrated and exhibited. 📅 Dates and times: Friday, May 9 — Danjiri Keana-cho (Naka Ward) Saturday, May 10 — Futon Taiko Shinzaikehama (Sakai Ward) 🔴 Registration: No advance registration required Anyone attending the Osaka-Kansai Expo is welcome to join. 🏠 Venue: Osaka-Kansai Expo EXPO Arena 🔍 For details, search “Re-Discover”! 🔍 Also be sure to check the Sakai Tourism Guide Expo special site (If you come to Expo, please come to Sakai too). We look forward to seeing you there!😄

The 3rd India DAY in Sakai✨3rd India DAY in Sakai🎉 😋 Booths will feature Indian food, spices, and sundries, and the stage will showcase a packed lineup including Bollywood dance and traditional Indian dance, as well as Japanese traditional arts such as Japanese taiko drumming!

On February 2, 2025, visit Heian Jingu Shrine to visit the festival ceremony of the Setsubshi Festival and pray for good luck for the year.

On February 1, 2025, I went to Yoshida Shrine to participate in the Setsubshi Festival, and the "ghosts" roared and chased and scared many children. #Cool Japan #Visit Japan #Photo contest

📍 “Futari demo Sakai” Heart-Pounding Darts Journey! 🎯🚶‍♂️ Decide destinations with a dart throw and solve challenges about each spot as you tour the city on this fresh travel experience.✨ Rediscover Sakai’s charms and set off on an exciting adventure.💡💛 📅 Event Period: March 14 (Friday) – May 31 (Saturday) ✅ Free to participate 🆓 ✅ No reservation required 📆✖️ ✅ Win prizes 🎁🎯 🔍For details, search “Futari demo Sakai” on the Sakai Tourism Guide website!

The azaleas along Asakayama Greenway are in peak bloom now. Enjoy the vibrant azaleas stretching about 600 meters along Asakayama Greenway. Take in the colorful display of azaleas along this roughly 600-meter stretch.

Nagaoka Tenmangu 2-15-13 Tenjin, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto Free Precincts A shrine dedicated to Sugawara Michishinko, who is believed to be the god of learning. In the Precincts, there are Ume plums, cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, lotuses, irises, oysters, butterflies, autumn leaves, etc., and you can enjoy walking around the Four Seasons. The land of Nagaoka, the seat of Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, is a place with which Sugawara Michishin often played and enjoyed poetry orchestration with Zaihara Gyohei and others during his lifetime. Along the approach to the temple, which is also the middle bank of Hachijogaike in the Precincts, about 100 plants and about 2.5 meters tall "Kirishima Azalea" bloom crimson flowers.

[Osaka/Kansai Expo] Koinobori Workshop🎏✨ At the Osaka/Kansai Expo Jordan Pavilion, we will hold a workshop using Sakai’s traditional industry, the Sakai May Koinobori (carp streamers)🎏 If you are visiting the Expo site that day, please join us 📅 Date and time: Thursday, April 24 <Session 1> 10:00 AM–12:00 PM <Session 2> 2:00 PM–4:00 PM 🔴 Registration: No advance registration required (about 20 participants per session on a first-come, first-served basis) Anyone attending the Osaka/Kansai Expo is welcome to participate 😊 ⭐ Program: Participants will write wishes for peace and hopes for the future on hand-painted Sakai May Koinobori over five meters long to create a one-of-a-kind original carp streamer. The completed koinobori will be flown at the Jordan Pavilion from Thursday, May 8 through late May. 🏠 Location: Osaka/Kansai Expo Jordan Pavilion If you cannot participate on the day, you can still see the Sakai May Koinobori at Sakai Densho-kan, so please visit Sakai City🎶 🔎 For details, search for “Sakai Densho-kan”! 🔎 Also be sure to check the “Sakai Sightseeing Guide Expo Special Site (If you come to the Expo, come to Sakai too)” and the “Sakai City website: 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo (collaboration with pavilions and information on local companies exhibiting).” We look forward to seeing you all 😄

Calligraphy is a hobby that can be enjoyed with friends. Calligraphy is a traditional Japanese culture and art. Exposure to a large number of calligraphy characters nurtures intelligence and sensitivity. It has also been proven that writing letters by hand has a positive effect on the brain. #Calligraphy #shodo #kanji

🌷✨ Seventy thousand tulips in full bloom! A spectacular spring view ✨🌷 At Harvest Hill, the tulips are now at their peak! 💕 A colorful carpet of tulips stretches across the fields, creating a beautiful floral landscape to enjoy 🌈💐 Step into the tulip fields to feel the arrival of spring and capture wonderful memory photos 📸 In addition, baby blue eyes (nemophila), north-pole daisies, and unique tulip varieties are also reaching their best viewing period 🌼 📍 Location: Village area flower field “Sun Hill” (about 3,000 m²) 🎟 Admission: Viewing is included with Harvest Hill park entry fee 🌷 Plus! A spring photo contest is being held ✨ 🌞 Come and enjoy the spring spectacle! 🌞 *The blooming period may vary depending on the weather, so please check the official website before visiting✅

~ Samurai Habits ~ Every morning a samurai prepares for death. In the quiet of the morning, he imagines himself being struck by lightning, doused by fire, or cut to pieces with a sword or spear. It is hard to remember that one step outside the doorway is the world of death. 〜Make this activity a memory of a lifetime ~ For activities where you can wear samurai armor and have your photo taken with Osaka Castle in the background: ➤Rise Plan ➤Honor Plan ➤Bushido Plan For tour guides: ➤Holy Land Pilgrimage Osaka Castle, Tamatsukuri Area, Tennoji Area