Tsukigase Plum Valley Ume Festival
Now ongoing!
Thanks to the cold weather, the plum blossoms are likely to last longer✨
The area around Lakeside Village Tsukigase is at its best, too✨

Photo courtesy of yasunori okamoto

Himeji

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival
Now underway!
At its peak♪
Please come and visit!
This Sunday looks like it will be busy again.
Saturday, which we worried about weather-wise, looks fine✨

Photo courtesy of Yasunori Okamoto

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival
Now underway!
At its peak♪
Please come during a quiet weekday moment!
It looks like this Sunday will be crowded again.
The weather is a concern, but visitors who come on Saturday will likely be able to enjoy it more leisurely✨

Photo credit: Yasunori Okamoto

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival
Now on!
At peak bloom♪
Please come during a calm weekday time!
On the hill opposite the Plum Museum stands a splendid weeping plum tree✨

Photo courtesy: Yasuki Okamoto

#Untie the Ribbon Sakai 2026 MI-TE Sakai × Singapore Pavilion

Enjoy a special moment tasting the lingering excitement of the expo along with a spectacular 80 m high view 🍵

At Sakai City Hall’s 21st floor MI-TE Sakai, the Singapore Pavilion (@visit_singaporejp) brings the wildly popular limited wagashi (Japanese confections) from Saikai Housen Confectionery (takamotimoti)!
We will offer an adorable confection shaped like the official mascot Marley, a treat you can only find here 🦁🇸🇬

Plus, on Sunday the 22nd…
Shamisen performances by Tsuruya Musical Instruments (@suruya_music_instruments) will also be held ✨
Relax and enjoy a luxurious time with a panoramic view overlooking the Tomb of Emperor Nintoku♪

📅 Date and time: Friday, March 20th (national holiday) to Sunday, March 22nd, 10:00–16:00
📍 Location: MI-TE Sakai (21st-floor observation lobby, Sakai City Hall)
🍵 Participation fee: ¥800 (includes Marley wagashi)
✅ No reservation required (first-come, first-served on the day)
🪕 Shamisen performances: Sunday the 22nd at 11:30 / 13:30 / 15:30

🔍 For details, search “Untie the Ribbon Sakai 2026”!
🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435

#Himo Tokeba Sakai Sakai City Teahouse Shin-an × Jordan Pavilion

The sensibility of contemporary art and desert landscapes mingle in a historic teahouse🍵🏜️

At Sakai City Teahouse Shin-an, a limited wagashi confection made by Okashitsukasa Tenjinmochi ( @tenjinmochi ) served at a tea gathering hosted by the Jordan Pavilion ( @visitjordan ) makes its debut!🍡
Enjoy a dreamlike sweet inspired by desert spaces with special contemporary-artist tea utensils that were used at the Expo🌌

Plus, on Friday the 20th (national holiday)…
There will also be a shamisen performance by Tsuruya Musical Instruments ( @tsuruya_music_instruments )✨
Spend a luxurious moment amid the atmosphere of the nationally registered tangible cultural property Shin-an♪

📅 Date and time: Friday, March 20 (national holiday) and Saturday, March 21
📍 Location: Sakai City Teahouse Shin-an
🍵 Admission: 1,000 yen (includes wagashi themed on a desert space) ※cash only
✅ No reservation required (15 seats per session, first-come, first-served)
⏰ Zashiki tea service times: 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:30 / 13:30 / 14:15
🪕 Shamisen performances: 20th (Fri, national holiday) 10:00 / 12:30 / 14:15
⚠️ The contemporary-artist tea utensils are limited in number.

🔍 For details, search “Himo Tokeba Sakai 2026”!
🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435

Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Myakumyaku
Senri Banpaku Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture
Two Myakumyaku monuments, the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, have been relocated to Expo '70 Commemorative Park and are now on display.

📍 Exhibition Location and Period
Location
Inside Expo '70 Commemorative Park, near the Tower of the Sun
Two figures named "Irasshai" and "Wakuwaku" (literally "Welcome" and "Excitement")
Period
From February 21 to the end of May 2026

National Museum of Ethnology

Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, senri banpaku park
The National Museum of Ethnology (commonly known as Minpaku) was established in 1974 as a joint university research institute for cultural anthropology and ethnology, and it opened in 1977 on the site of Expo Memorial Park in Senri, Osaka. As one of the world’s largest ethnology museums, it integrates research in cultural anthropology and ethnology with museum activities.

The National Museum of Ethnology holds some 345,000 items—everyday tools, traditional clothing, and more—collected by researchers from around the world. Its exhibitions are organized into nine regional displays covering the globe, alongside cross-cultural exhibits on music and language.

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival
Now underway!
More areas are coming into full bloom♪
Please come and visit!

Photo credit: Yasunori Okamoto

📣 "Himo Toke ba" Sakai Cycle Stroll will take place 🚲

Explore the moated area and other spots by bike using the limited "Himo Toke ba Sakai 2026 Stamp Passport" ✨
🚩Meet the conditions and receive a "Myaku Myaku × Haniwa Chief collaboration pin badge" as a later gift! 🎁

📅 Date and time: Sunday, March 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
📬 Applications: Until Tuesday, March 10

🔍 For details, search for "Himo Toke ba Sakai Cycle Stroll"!
🔗 https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kurashi/doro/jitensha/sansou/himotokebasakaisansou.html

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival
Now ongoing!
More areas are coming into full bloom♪
Please come and visit!

Photo credit::Mr. Yasuki Okamoto

Our popular “Morning Yoga at the Temple”
Rental mats for the session on Sunday, March 8 are now down to only 2 slots left! 🧘‍♀️✨

Spend a luxurious, quiet moment in the main hall of Myohoji Temple,
listening to your own breath.

After balancing body and mind with yoga, the deputy chief priest will offer
・a gentle, warming morning rice porridge that’s kind to the body 🥣
・relaxing matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets) 🍵🍡
as a special treat.

“I’ve been feeling unusually tired lately…”
“I want to reset my body and mind for spring”
This is the perfect pampering plan for those feelings.

Only 2 slots remain with rental mats included—first come, first served! Hurry up 💨

📅 Date and time: Sunday, March 8 — Gather at 8:20 AM
📍 Venue: Myohoji Temple (4-1-3 Nakanocho Higashi, Sakai Ward)
💰 Fee: 5,000 yen (rental mat +100 yen)

🔍 For details, search “Sakai Morning Yoga”
https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/173

📣 Exhibition of works by artist Aju! ✨

We will display works by Aju, an artist living in Sakai City who designed the mural inside the Lawson Cafe at the Osaka–Kansai Expo venue, in Gallery Yanagi 2 at Sakai City Museum.

🗓️ Thursday, February 26 – Sunday, March 1
⏰ 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 Sakai City Museum, Gallery Yanagi 2
💰 Free admission

🔍 For details, search “Sakai City Aju exhibition”!
🔗https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/bunka/art_kanrenjigyo/expo_legacy/artist_tenzi.html

Good morning ☀
This morning in Tsukigase
Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival
Now on! In full bloom!
February 14, 2026 – March 29, 2026
Photo: Yasuki Okamoto

Daiichi Nagisa Park at Lake Biwa, where early-blooming rapeseed flowers blossom. The contrast between the white snow and the yellow flowers is striking.

Today I visited Tsukigase Plum Grove in Tsukigase, Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
The plum trees were about three to five percent in bloom.

🌈Sumo Wrestlers from Ajigawa Stable and Chanko Party After Morning Practice
❖Thursday, February 26 only!
Enjoy a post-practice social gathering with the wrestlers of Ajigawa stable, home to ozeki Aonishiki (a Ukrainian who won consecutive tournament titles), and share a bowl of chanko ahead of the Osaka tournament!✨
Before the chanko party, you will watch a bit of morning practice. After feeling the power of sumo, you can take photos and receive a commemorative shikishi board with Aonishiki’s handprint.
This event is organized with the cooperation of Matsubara City Tourism Association!✨

⭐Highlights
🔹Watch Ajigawa stable’s morning practice from seated chairs
🔹Take photos with the wrestlers
🔹Enjoy a social chanko hotpot with wrestlers after practice
🔹Includes a shikishi board with ozeki Aonishiki’s handprint

⭐Date and Time
📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:50 AM–12:30 PM
💰 Participation fee: ¥15,000 (includes a commemorative gift 🎁)
📌 Application deadline: Noon the day before the event (first come, first served)


🔍For details and to apply, search “Sumo Wrestlers from Ajigawa Stable and Chanko Party After Morning Practice”
🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/207
We also offer a limited number of accommodation package plans titled “Stay at Hotel Agora and Support Wrestler Agoura” for participants. (Transfers between facilities are not included)
🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/207

Imashirozuka Kofun Park is “imashirozuka kofun kouen”
48-8 Gunge Shinmachi, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture

Imashirozuka Kofun Park features a spacious park developed around the burial mound.
With haniwa clay figures and plenty of woodland, it’s a pleasant place for a walk.
The kofun has been restored to its former appearance.
You can get detailed explanations at the nearby history museum, but visiting the kofun itself is enjoyable as well.

This green park spans the equivalent of two Hanshin Koshien Stadiums (9 hectares).
The inner embankment that circles the mound measures about 1 km, making it ideal for walking or running, and on sunny days you’ll often see families picnicking.
The inner embankment also uniquely recreates the Great King’s haniwa ritual site (haniwa ritual place) in Japan, and the sight of some 190 clay figures representing houses, people, and animals is spectacular!
Some of these are available to touch.

Imajo Ancient History Museum "imashirozuka kofun rekishikan"
48-8 Gunge Shinmachi, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM).
Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a public holiday), the day after public holidays, and during the New Year holidays (December 28 to January 3).
Admission: Generally free, though special exhibitions or planned exhibitions may charge a fee.


This ancient history museum in Takatsuki City displays haniwa and other artifacts excavated from the adjacent Imashirozuka Kofun, offering a free way to learn about ancient history.
Staff members provide various explanations.

The Imajo Ancient History Museum also offers a variety of hands-on workshops that both children and adults can enjoy.

It is located next to Imashirozuka Kofun.

Shinike Haniwa Factory Historic Park (shiseki shinike haniwa kouba kouen)
Kamitsuchimuro 1-Chome, Takatsuki City

There is no parking. 😂😂😂


Hours: Haniwa Factory Museum 10:00–17:00 (park grounds open all day)
Closed: Haniwa Factory Museum December 29–January 3


This ancient haniwa workshop and kiln site has been recreated within a cluster of high-rise housing.
Shinike Haniwa Factory Historic Park preserves one of the oldest and largest haniwa production sites on the hills east of Shinike. Through manga-style ceramic panels and reconstructed haniwa, visitors can enjoyably learn about the Kofun period and the process of making haniwa.

Good morning ☀
#This morning in Tsukigase
#Satoyama landscape
#Blooming is progressing
#A village of flowers, greenery, and water
#I want to connect with people who like photography
#Nara Prefecture #Nara City #Nara tourism
#tsukigase baikei plum festival
February 14, 2026 to March 29, 2026
Photograph by Yasuki Okamoto

Expo Memorial Park Plum Festival
Senri Expo Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture

Schedule: From Saturday, February 7, 2026 to Sunday, March 8, 2026
※Closed on Wednesdays
※Open on Wednesday, February 11 (a national holiday); closed the following weekday, Thursday, February 12, as a substitute holiday
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Venue: Natural and Cultural Garden Umebayashi, Japanese-style garden Umebayashi, and other locations

The Umebayashi in the Natural and Cultural Garden spans about 5,500 square meters and features approximately 120 varieties and 600 plum trees, while the Umebayashi in the Japanese-style garden contains about 40 varieties and 80 trees, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a wide range of plum blossoms.

Tower of the Sun

1-1, Expo '70 Commemorative Park (Senri Banpaku Park), Suita City, Osaka Prefecture

Because the number of visitors and viewing times inside the Tower of the Sun are limited, entry is primarily by reservation (reservations accepted until the day before; however, same-day tickets may be sold if spaces remain).

The Tower of the Sun, the symbol of Expo '70 (the 1970 Japan World Exposition), was closed to the public for some time, but following renovation work its interior reopened to visitors in March 2018.
Inside the Tower of the Sun, photography is generally allowed only on the first floor (the Underground Sun Zone and the first exhibition floor of the Tree of Life).
On the routes to the upper floors, smartphones and similar devices must be kept in bags for safety to prevent items from falling. However, you can rent a special smartphone case that allows you to take photos safely even on the upper floors. The rental fee is 500 yen per case; payment is cash only.

Thirty-six types of living creatures are depicted.

There are 150 steps to the top of the tower, but an elevator is available.

Good morning ☀
This morning in Tsukigase
Tsukigase Plum Valley Ume Festival
Now on
February 14, 2026 – March 29, 2026
Photo: Yasunori Okamoto

＼ 14th Sakai Yosakoi Kaeru Festival is on 🐸✨ ／

A day when the city of Sakai comes together through dance
The "Sakai Yosakoi Kaeru Festival" returns this year🎶

Across generations and roles,
Change people, rejuvenate, revive, transform the city, return to hometown
This is a Yosakoi festival born in Sakai with those hopes🌱

At the venue,
✨ Powerful Yosakoi performances
✨ Friendly spaces full of smiles
✨ Programs that connect with the local community
Will be in abundance!

From children to adults,
Whether it’s your first time or you already love Yosakoi,
This festival offers fun for everyone 😊

📅 Date and time: Sunday, March 1 — 10:00 to 18:00
📍 Location: Daisen Park [Large Lawn Plaza], BiG-i Multipurpose Hall

For details, check @sakai_kaeru!

🔍 Search for “Sakai Yosakoi Kaeru Festival” for more information!
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/sakai_kaeru

Naritasan Osaka Betsuin Myooin (Naritasan Fudoson)
10-1 Narita-Nishimachi, Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture
Parking is free for the first 15 minutes; thereafter 200 yen per 60 minutes (maximum daily rate applies)
Those applying for a prayer service are free with a discount ticket.


When people think of Naritasan Fudoson, they picture the bean-throwing festival.
It bustles with crowds every year.
There’s excitement when guest performers appear.
No matter the reason, visiting for worship leaves you feeling refreshed.

Itami Sky Park

7-1-1 Morimoto, Itami

Itami Sky Park is a vast park adjacent to Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport). It is known for offering close-up views of aircraft taking off and landing, and there are many ways to enjoy it both day and night.


Itami Sky Park lets you watch aircraft take off and land up close, but there are several important precautions.
🚫 Prohibited Activities
The following actions are prohibited, so please be aware.

Ball games, frisbee, badminton, and similar activities: because they may interfere with aircraft operations.
Erecting tents, tarps, or similar shelters: because they may interfere with aircraft operations.
Bringing or riding motorbikes, bicycles, unicycles, etc.: please use the bicycle parking area.
Bringing or using balance bikes (Strider), kickboards, J-boards.
Fireworks.
Flying kites: because they may interfere with aircraft takeoff and landing.
Leaving trash behind: take your trash home with you. There are no trash bins in the park.
Smoking: the entire park is non-smoking (including electronic cigarettes).
Bringing pets: prohibited on lawns, in planting beds, and around fountains and water features.

Izanagi Shrine "Izanagi Jinja"
1-18-26 Saiji, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture

Izanagi Shrine also has a parking area for shrine visitors along the road.
There is a vending machine and space to park about seven cars.
A male deity who, together with Izanami, gave birth to the land of Japan.

One of the oldest divine couples, he is known as a god of marital harmony and matchmaking for having fathered many deities.

He is also known as a god of industrial and agricultural promotion for creating the world from the land and nature, and historically, because he performed the first ritual of purification (misogi), he is revered as a protector against misfortune.
On the grounds of Izanagi Shrine, there is a sign explaining the status of the main hall as "Yamada Izanagi Shrine Main Hall," designated as an Osaka Prefecture cultural property. According to the sign, the main hall was designated an Osaka Prefecture cultural property on January 17, 2011.

Discover Sakai as you visit and encounter its charms. “Himotoku Sakai 2026 ～OSAKA SAKAI EXPO～” is coming!

An interactive event that unravels Sakai.
This edition centers on the theme “OSAKA SAKAI EXPO”🔍
Enjoy tea service, hands-on experiences, and local gourmet treats to relive the Expo experience in Sakai!
Take part in a stamp rally using the limited "Himotoku Sakai" stamp passport to collect official pavilion stamps and more while touring Sakai!
Those who meet the conditions will receive a collaboration pin badge featuring Myakumyaku and Haniwa Bucho!✨

📅 Event dates: Friday, March 20th (public holiday) to Sunday, March 22nd
※The stamp rally runs from Sunday, March 1st to Tuesday, March 31st
📍 Location: Various locations in Sakai City

🔍 For details, search for “Himotoku Sakai 2026”!
🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435