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

Children begin to develop an interest in letters around the age of 3 or 4, and learning calligraphy can help them develop self-confidence, concentration, and good manners. Advantages of learning calligraphy for children Learn to write beautiful letters Improve concentration Learn posture and etiquette Increases self-confidence and ambition Develops the ability to think and be creative It is one of the art forms that easily expresses individuality and allows you to hone your own sensitivity and expressiveness. #Calligraphy #kanji #kimono #SamuraiExperience #tatemG

- Students will learn the basic stance of the katana. 1) Middle stance 2) Upper stance 3) Lower stance 4) Eight-phase stance (5) Side stance - From these stances, swing the sword. Swing. Swing. Swing. When swinging down, do not use your arm strength, but swing with the weight of the sword. If you are swinging correctly, you will know if you are swinging correctly because you will hear a "hirun" sound. #katana #samuraiSword #bushido #kimono

Mt. Yoshino, cherry blossoms and Mt. Kinpu Temple It is a landscape that has begun to bask in the morning. 2025/4 Mt. Yoshino, Nara

When children learn calligraphy, they learn to write beautifully. The benefits are especially great if they start learning before they start developing habits, so if they start by around age 5, they may have beautiful writing for a lifetime. In addition, calligraphy, as an ancient Japanese art, also teaches manners such as greetings and respect. #kanji #kimono #calligraphy #OsakaCastle

🍀May 25th (Sunday) 【Morning Yoga at the Temple】 Participants Wanted🍀May 25th (sun) – Start a refreshing morning at Myohoji Temple🎪🌿🍀 Revitalize your mind and body in the temple grounds glowing with fresh green leaves🌿 At Myohoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Senshu with about 700 years of history, you will enjoy a welcoming morning rice porridge and tea service after yoga🍵 We look forward to your reservation😊🎶 Date: Sunday, May 25th 🎉Event likely to proceed soon🎉 Location: Myohoji Temple (4-1-3 Nakanomachi Higashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai City) Meeting time: 8:20 AM Fee: 5,000 yen ・ With rental mat 5,100 yen (2 spots remaining) For details, search “Sakai Morning Yoga”🔍 📢Event Notice📢 On the same day, the Daisen Tea Gathering will be held at Daisen Park’s Large lawn area, Dai-Shibafu Hiroba Plaza🍵🍡 It’s about a 15-minute bike ride or a 30-minute walk from Myohoji Temple to the venue. Why not spend the afternoon visiting Doigawa Park and Nansoji Temple along the way🌳 Please check the website for details about the Daisen Tea Gathering🔍

🎨 Special Exhibition "Mucha: The Mysterious Painting" ✨ 1 We present for the first time a new tapestry that weaves Alphonse Mucha’s painting Quo Vadis, a masterpiece by one of Czechia’s leading artists, using Sakai’s traditional craft Sakai Dantsu. This work marks a new chapter in the history of painting. 2 Alongside one of the world’s foremost Mucha collections, the exhibition unveils the full story of the enigmatic painting Quo Vadis. Exhibition Highlights Explore freely through five rooms designed like pavilions. A grand gathering of works related to the magnificent World Expo of 1900 Paris, held 125 years ago!

🎻 Osaka Symphony Orchestra Fenice Sakai Masterpieces Series Vol.3 🎼 The third installment of the "Masterpieces Series," in which the Osaka Symphony Orchestra based in Sakai selects and presents beautiful works🎶✨ 🌟 Conducted by Keiko Mitsuhashi, who was named one of Newsweek Japan’s "100 Japanese People the World Respects"🎼 🎻 Violinist Mariko Senju, who had a fateful encounter with the legendary Stradivarius "Duranti," appears🎶 Enjoy Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1, one of the cornerstones of the violin concerto repertoire, and Brahms’s Symphony No.1, a work he completed over 21 years with a strong awareness of Beethoven’s achievements. ●Performers Keiko Mitsuhashi (conductor), Mariko Senju (violin), Osaka Symphony Orchestra (orchestra) ●Program Bruch: Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.26 Brahms: Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.68

It is a hidden gem Spot that can be reached from the service area right next to the Ume Plum Akashi service area There is a Ishigaya Park, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture.

It is a hidden gem Spot that can be reached from the service area right next to the Ume Plum Akashi service area There is a Ishigaya Park, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture.

🔪✨ Knife Factory and Sakai Takayuki Knife Gallery Tour 🏭🔍 ~ Experience Sakai’s blade-making culture, where craftsmen’s skills shine! ~ Held on Thursday, May 29; Thursday, August 28; and Thursday, November 27! ✨ A special public opening of the factory that produces the world-renowned Sakai Takayuki kitchen knives! 🛠️✨ 🔹 May 29 is a special edition! Includes a Sakai Takayuki petty knife 🔥 ▶ Special plan for the JR Destination Campaign (DC)! 🔹 Highlights 🔹 Tour the Sanpou factory to watch knife-making processes (blacksmithing, rough grinding, etc.) 🏭 🔹 Visit the gallery displaying about 500 knives 🔍 🔹 Try a simple knife sharpening experience! ✨ 🔹 May 29 only: receive a Sakai Takayuki petty knife as a gift 🎁 💰 Participation Fee 🔹 May 29: ¥15,000 (includes petty knife 🎁) 🔹 August 28 and November 27: ¥4,000 📌 Application Deadline: Until 3 days before each event date! 🔍 For details and to apply, search for "Knife Factory and Sakai Takayuki Knife Gallery Tour with Simple Knife Sharpening Workshop"

From the end of the year to the beginning of the year, a large fishing flag was hoisted on a fishing boat at Kishiwada Fishing Port ... ( ˶>ᴗ<˶)🎌🚢 The colorful design is eye-catching and cool 🥰💙. The large fishing flag with various pictures such as sea bream expresses the wish for safe navigation and good fishing. It was ☀️✨ fluttering in the glittering sun and blue sky I wish for the safety of the fishermen in Kishiwada City and hope that the fishing industry will prosper this year ... 👏🐟 ・ ・ 📍 Kishiwada Fishing Port Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture Osaka Japan 2025.1

Brno National Theatre Mother Mother / Kansai debut! Brno National Theatre Mother Mother \ The famed work by Czech playwright Karel Čapek comes to Sakai! The cast from the Brno National Theatre will give passionate performances. (Japanese and English subtitles provided) Dates: Wednesday, June 4 and Thursday, June 5 Venue: Fenice Sakai Tickets on sale now📢

📢 Osaka Destination Campaign is here! 🎉✨ ✨Special Osaka DC experiences from April 1 to June 30 only! 📍Sakai offers a host of special experiences!📍 🛕 Kofun stroll｜Walk atop the normally off-limits Oritsuka Kofun!⛰️ 🌳 Japanese garden tour｜See a gardener’s craft up close🌿✨ 🍵 Tea ceremony experience｜Authentic thick and thin matcha services🍃🎁 🔫 Gunsmith (teppo blacksmith) house guide｜Romance of Edo-period history🏯 🖼️ Mucha exhibition｜Lost oil paintings paired with Sakai’s dantsu rugs🎨 🌷 Harvest Hill｜70,000 tulips in full bloom🌼 📖 Check the Osaka DC official website for details! Which one would you like to join? Tell us in the comments 💬

🔪✨Sakai Cutlery Festival 2025 is here! Experience two days of traditional craftsmanship! Exhibitions and direct sales of kitchen knives and gardening shears, sharpening services, and highlights including traditional forging demonstrations and signature engraving by artisans🎉 🍎An apple-peeling contest and cooking shows will also take place!👨‍🍳✨ 📅Dates: Saturday, April 12 – Sunday, April 13 ⏰Time: 10:00–16:00 📍Venue: Sakai City Industrial Promotion Center Event Hall (183-5 Nagasonecho, Kita Ward, Sakai), free admission!🎫 Please note parking is limited and parking lots and surrounding roads may be congested, so please use public transportation if possible🚋 🔍For details, check the official website of the Sakai Cutlery Commerce and Industry Cooperative Federation