🔴Special Exhibition: “Fenice Sakai × Gashibaru Discovery! Sakai”🔵


🔷〈Encounter the active arm movement in Sakai today—people, things, and happenings〉🌈

■Dates: Tuesday, February 3, 2026–Thursday, February 19, 2026
■Hours: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM)
*Final day only: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
*Closed: Monday, February 16
■Admission: Free
■Venue: 📍Fenice Sakai (@fenice_sacay)
Exchange and Creation Galleria (2-1-1 Okinabashicho, Sakai Ward, Sakai City)

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1. Nostalgic Record Jacket Exhibition💽
From the owner of jazz cafe cafe RVC (Sakai Ward, Sakai City), we present over 30 record jackets that colored the era, centered on jazz, drawn from a collection of more than 3,000 records.


2. My Bookcase📚
From the share-style bookstore HONBAKO (Sakai Ward, Sakai City), lively personalities of “box owners” bring a one-box bookstore—"bookcase"—to the event♪ (Sales on weekends only)
Experience building your own "bookcase," enjoy storytelling sessions, and visit the book exchange corner!


3. Visual Artist Yusen Yoneda and the Mansion Midori Renovation Project🎈
Showcasing woodblock prints by Yusen Yoneda, registered with the Sakai City Emerging Artists Bank, and the exchanges between young creators and local residents fostered through activities at Mansion Midori.
On February 15, Yusen Yoneda will hold a woodblock print workshop. (Advance registration required; details on the website)


4. Special Exhibit: Large Sheet Metal Roof Ring✨
A large-scale craft art piece—2 m in diameter and weighing 130 kg—previously exhibited at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, comes to Sakai.
Manufactured by Modern Industrial Co., Ltd., supervised by architect Sou Fujimoto.


5. Special Exhibit: Oceano⛓️
An artwork created in Sakai reusing the distinctive exterior ship ropes from the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, expressing the sea that connects Portugal and Japan.
(By Vanessa Barragan / Owned by Sakai City)


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🔷Fenice Sakai × Gashibaru Collaboration Event
This year again, about 80 eateries and shops in the Sakai Higashi area participate in the food and drink festival🍴☕️
Collaborating with the 18th Gashibaru (February 17–20)!
・Gashibaru
🔗https://e-sacai.com/gashi-bar
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💁For more details
🔗https://www.fenice-sacay.jp/event/33048/
Search “Gashibaru × Fenice Sakai”
https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/event/detail/850

🔪✨ Knife Factory and Sakai Takayuki Knife Gallery Tour 🏭🔍
~ Experience Sakai’s blade culture and the craftsmen’s skill! ~


Held on 2/26 (Thu), 5/28 (Thu), 8/27 (Thu), and 11/26 (Thu)! ✨
A rare public opening of the factory that produces the world-renowned Sakai Takayuki knives! 🛠️✨

🔹 For an additional option fee of 18,000 yen, add a tour-exclusive Sakai Takayuki ‘‘meat deboning knife’’ souvenir valued at about 30,000 yen! 🔥

🔹 Highlights
🔹 Tour the Sanpo Factory and watch the knife-making process (forging, rough sharpening, etc.) 🏭
🔹 Visit the gallery displaying about 500 knives 🔍
🔹 Try a simple knife sharpening experience! ✨
🔹 Optional knife ‘‘meat deboning’’ add-on available 🎁

💰 Participation Fees
🔹 Tour only: 4,000 yen
🔹 Tour with the exclusive souvenir knife: 22,000 yen
📌 Registration deadline: up to 3 days before each event date!

🔍 For details and registration, search for "Knife Factory and Sakai Takayuki Knife Gallery Tour with Simple Knife Sharpening Workshop"
https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/183

💠⋆⸜ Sakai Tourism Concierge reported on 【O
osaka Sakai Balloon】 ⸝⋆💠

Before boarding the balloon, learn some tips, sights, and history that will make your experience more enjoyable, presented clearly on the website with photos💚
Please refer to it --ꕤ

▶️Check the website for more👀
〈 Sakai Tourism Guide Website 〉
🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/107

🔍Search for "Sakai Tourism Concierge Experience Report"!

#Sakai City #Sakai Tourism Concierge #Tourism PR #Experience Report
#Oosaka Sakai Balloon #Balloon #Experience #Spectacular Views
https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/107

There was a Statue of Liberty in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture.
Its purpose is unclear, but similar statues seem to be found in many places across Japan.
If you are interested, please look it up.

Attention moms and dads! 🌸 Why not make spring memories by running the Sakai City Marathon? 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

The event takes place beside the World Heritage Tomb of Emperor Nintoku, in the verdant Daisen Park. 🌳 The popular Family Category is a short 2.5 km course, ideal for those returning to exercise or for little ones making their race debut. ✨

The sense of achievement from “I finished!” becomes a lifelong treasure that boosts your child’s confidence. 🏆 Hold hands with your child and aim for the finish line with your best smiles. 🤝💕

Seeing your child run with all their heart might just move moms and dads to tears… 🥺💖 After the race, enjoy a picnic in the park or stroll through Sakai—both are wonderful. 🍱🍡

This spring, let the whole family aim for a joyful finish line! 🏁✨ We look forward to your entries! 🤗🌈

Check the website for detailed rules and how to enter. 🔍✨

📅 Date and time: Wednesday, April 29 (national holiday)
📍 Location: Daisen Park, near Nintoku-tenno-ryo-mae — loop course

Search “Sakai City Marathon” for more details!
🔗 https://sakaicitymarathon.com/

Kousanji, a Koyasan Shingon temple in Inaricho, Tanabe City, is in Wakayama Prefecture’s southern region, where cold days continue, but a single hikanzakura planted on the temple grounds has reached its peak bloom. Plum blossoms are also beginning to open here and there, letting you feel spring drawing closer little by little.

🐬✨Half-price Admission for Sakai City Residents!✨🐬

One day only: Sunday, February 1, 2026
With thanks for your continued support
＼ Sakai Citizen Appreciation Day ／ celebrates with you🎉

On this day only, residents of Sakai City receive half-price admission!
Enjoy thrilling dolphin training sessions and paid hands-on programs suitable for both adults and children✨
It’s a special day the whole family can enjoy💙
We look forward to welcoming you😊

[Eligibility]
Residents of Sakai City
*Please present proof that confirms your residence in Sakai City.
*Discount applies only to the person shown per one form of ID presented.
*This offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
*The dolphin interaction experience program requires a separate regular fee.

[Admission Fees]
◯ Regular admission
Adult (junior high school age and older): ¥1,210
Child (age 4 to elementary school): ¥770
◯ Nighttime (admission from 5:00 PM onward)
Adult (junior high school age and older): ¥770
Child (age 4 to elementary school): ¥550
*Free for children age 3 and under all day

[Hours]
10:00 AM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM)
🔍 For details, search “Noah Dolphin Dome”!

https://www.dolphindome.jp/

HIPPO to MOCA Valentine Chocolates Reservations Now Open!

We are HIPPO to MOCA, a chocolate and rice-flour chiffon cake shop in Sakai.
Announcement: HIPPO to MOCA Valentine Chocolate Reservations Now Open

We offer a wide selection of chocolates perfect as Valentine’s gifts or treats for yourself, including bonbon chocolates made with ingredients tied to Sakai, smooth melt-in-your-mouth nama chocolate, candied orange peel, and simple chocolate pieces.

[How to Reserve] Instagram DM, in-store, or by phone (business days only)
[Pickup Period] February 1 (Saturday) – February 14 (Friday) ※Closed: February 3, 4, 5, and 10

For details, please check HIPPO to MOCA’s Instagram (@hippotomoca).
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/hippotomoca

Winter camellias and the star trail
I spun the stars for about an hour
Shooting outdoors in winter is cold, but the air is clear and the stars look beautiful
The bright glow below is the city lights of Tanabe City

Good morning!
The blooms are advancing!
What will this week's cold snap do?!
Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival
February 14, 2026–March 29, 2026

♬ Sophia Sakai Starry Teller keisuke’s Planetarium Laugh Show ♬

We invite starry teller keisuke, owner of Hoshi Cafe SPICA in Osaka City, who blends comedy into his motto of “making the starry sky entertainment” to present a laugh-filled starry sky entertainment show.✨
Apply via the web 😊

📅 Date and time: Saturday, January 24, 6:00 PM–6:45 PM
📍 Venue: Sophia Sakai Planetarium (@sophiasakai_pla)
💰 Fee: Adults 600 yen, Children 250 yen
👥 Capacity: 140 people (first-come, first-served sign-up)

🔍 For details, search “Sophia Sakai Starry Teller”!

https://www.sofia-sakai.jp/events/スターリーテラーkeisukeのプラネタリウムで笑いまshow/

The incense of agarwood favored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Have you been watching the Taiga drama “Toyotomi Brothers!” (Sundays at 8:00 PM)?
The incense made from agarwood, which Hideyoshi—older brother of the drama’s protagonist Toyotomi Hidenaga—loved, is gaining popularity✨
Regarding Hideyoshi’s fondness for agarwood,
it is said that the missionary Luís Fróis, who was close to him, recorded this in his writings, and you can experience that scent across the ages with this incense
Baieido, a long-established incense maker in Osaka and Sakai, planned and produced the Taiga drama “Toyotomi Brothers!” title logo licensed product “Limited Edition Toyotomi Hideyoshi Incense.” Why not try it while watching the drama?

🔍For details, search for “Limited Edition Toyotomi Hideyoshi Incense”!

https://www.kokoudo.jp/?pid=189254243

📣 The Candle Night that was hugely popular last year returns as "Chapter 2" 🕯️

Inside the dimmed restaurant, candlelight flickers gently.
A night theater is projected across an entire wall 🎥
This year we have amplified the production to create an even more immersive and special evening for you to enjoy 🍝
Perfect for dates and anniversaries, and also recommended for anyone who wants to spend a slightly more luxurious weekday night💕

🕯️ Candle Night Chapter 2
📅 Event period: January 13 (Tue) – February 28 (Sat)
🗓 Mondays through Thursdays only (excluding public holidays)
📍 AOI NAPOLI UMISOBA
We look forward to welcoming you.

A commemorative ema and goshuin designed by Kobukuro Kuroda-san of "Kugatsu Youka" have been created!✨ Heartwarming news has arrived from "Kugatsu Youka" in East Sakai!👀

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Kugatsu Youka in East Sakai has, with the cooperation of the local Hochigai Shrine,
prepared special ema and goshuin.
As it happens, there is a story from a mother who used to visit Hochigai Shrine when she moved from Harumidai to Makizukadai in third grade,
and we once again felt how deeply the shrine is rooted in Sakai.
When we consulted with Hochigai Shrine, who share this connection,
they said, “We have long known that Kugatsu Youka has been working hard to enliven the streets of Sakai. We are happy to cooperate.”
With those warm words, this initiative became a reality.
Visitors may write their wishes on the ema and dedicate them on the ema racks set up at Hochigai Shrine and at three locations within the Sakai Higashi Shopping Street.
Please come by and receive these special ema and goshuin along with your heartfelt wishes.
Details will be announced at Kugatsu Youka’s counter (@kugatsu.youka) and on their social media.
Look forward to it.
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The time has finally come!!
Tsukigase’s major event that draws about 200,000 visitors over roughly three weeks!!
The Tsukigase Plum Grove Plum Festival!!
Tsukigase Plum Grove was designated as Japan’s first nationally recognized Place of Scenic Beauty!!
We look forward to welcoming many visitors again this year!!

🦀 A luxurious, reservation-only winter delicacy to savor❄

From Natural Garden in Naka Ward, Sakai City comes the winter reservation-only Crab Extravaganza Bento🍱✨
This indulgent bento is packed with the season’s crab, concentrating savory and sweet flavors
One bite delivers an unforgettable taste…!🤤
It’s a perfect treat for special occasions or a thoughtful gift for someone dear✨

At the shop, in addition to the Crab Extravaganza Bento,
you’ll find many items made with trusted ingredients and great taste!
Customers often say, “Natural Garden’s bentos offer a flavor you can’t buy elsewhere!”
They are very popular🍱

Natural Garden also hosts a much-loved buffet restaurant featuring seasonal vegetables and tofu🥦🍲✨

Experience these winter-only flavors at Natural Garden!
We look forward to your reservation✨

If you’re interested, check the details below👀
📅 Crab Extravaganza Bento sales period
Sunday, January 4 – Saturday, February 28
💰 Price: 2,900 yen (tax included 3,132 yen)
*Available for order from 5 boxes*
*Please reserve at least 3 business days in advance*

🚩 Store information Natural Garden
🕒 Business hours
Restaurant (90-minute seating)
▶︎ First seating: 11:00–12:30
▶︎ Second seating: 12:45–14:15
🍴 Shop hours
10:00–19:00
✖ Closed: Tuesdays (open on public holidays)
🚃 Access: 9-minute walk from Fukai Station on the Nankai Senboku Line; parking available

🔍 For details, search “Natural Food Restaurant Natural Garden”
https://sakai-natural-garden.jp/

This is the nighttime view of Kaiyukan Aquarium at Mount Tenpō in Osaka. The winter night breeze chilled the air and sharpened the scenery, making it feel just right.

📣 A chocolate seminar at Sakai Risho no Mori💕🍫

Presented by HIPPO to MOCA, a chocolate specialty shop in Sakai Ward, this seminar invites you to taste and compare chocolates while hearing stories—“A Chocolate Tasting and Talk: Learn to Tell the Differences.”

You will enjoy both learning and tasting as the program includes accounts from a cacao farm, hands-on encounters with specialty beans, and a sampling of bonbon chocolates made with ingredients tied to Sakai. We look forward to your participation✨

🔍 For details, search “A Chocolate Tasting and Talk.”


https://sakai-rishounomori.com

Izumo Taisha Kyoto Branch
37-5 Shimoyata-cho Nakayama, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture

Izumo Taisha Kyoto Branch is a branch of Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture, located in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture.

The shrine enshrines Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, widely revered as the kami of matchmaking and the god of good fortune.

Izumo Daijingu Shrine "Izumo Daijingu"

Chitose-cho, Chitose Goda, no street number, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture

Izumo Daijingu Shrine (Izumo Daijingu) is a shrine located in Chitose-cho, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture.
It is listed in the Engishiki as a Myojin Taisha and serves as the ichinomiya of Tanba Province. The shrine held the former rank of Kokuhei Chusha and is now an independent shrine not affiliated with the Association of Shinto Shrines. Its former name was Izumo Shrine. It is also referred to as Moto Izumo and Millennium Shrine.

Takakura Jinja
2283 Higashi Ashida, Aogaki-cho, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture

Start the New Year smiling with an extra-large omikuji.
Takakura Jinja in Higashi Ashida, Aogaki-cho, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture will begin handing out omikuji larger than an opened newspaper from 12:00 a.m. on January 1.
Visitors draw the fortune by shaking a cylinder about the height of a child and pulling it out.
“Come with family and friends and take home great fortune and laughter,” they say. The offering runs through January 4.


The omikuji measures A1 size: 59.4 cm tall and 84.1 cm wide. It claims to be the largest omikuji in Japan. Making use of its size, the fortunes are divided into detailed categories. For example, “love” is broken down into meeting someone ▽ unrequited love ▽ marriage prospects ▽ being popular ▽ dates ▽ compatibility.

New Year Greetings

Happy New Year. We sincerely thank you for your warm support and cooperation in promoting the charms of Tsukigase over the past year. Tsukigase, which has grown alongside its plum trees, reveals a new face with each season and has nurtured itself as a countryside that quietly soothes the hearts of its visitors. This year as well, we hope it remains a place where nature and people live side by side and calm exchanges flourish.

The annual Tsukigase Baikei Plum Festival, which heralds the arrival of spring, will be held again this year. Some 13,000 plum trees paint the mountainside, and with river mist rising in the valleys, a scene like a page from a picture scroll unfolds. During the festival, you can stroll the walking trails and enjoy locally made specialties for sale, savoring peaceful moments close to nature. The gentle scent of plum blossoms swaying in the breeze will quietly restore energy to bodies and minds that have passed through a long winter.

This year, the Tsukigase Tourism Association will continue to cherish warm connections with visitors while protecting the region’s attractions. We ask for your continued support, and we sincerely pray that the coming year will be peaceful and fruitful for everyone. With that, we offer our New Year greetings.

Chairman: Toshiaki Nishioka

Photo credit: Kuraya eto Shuji

kyoto ebisu shrine

125 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

In Kyoto there is a shrine where visitors throw offerings upward to get them into the offertory box.
That shrine, located in Gion, is the ebisu shrine (Ebisu Shrine), and for some reason an offertory box is installed above the torii gate...



The Toka Ebisu festival at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is held over five days each year from January 8 (Thursday) to January 12 (Monday). It is believed to bring blessings for prosperous business and traffic safety, and the shrine is affectionately known locally as “Kyo no Ebessan.”

On a clear autumn day, a leisurely, blissful moment gazing out over Osaka Bay from Iwaya Beach on Awaji Island.

On November 30, 2025, many monks gathered at Sumadera Temple in Suma, Kobe, and were singing in chorus.

On November 30, 2025, at Suma-dera in Suma, Kobe. The fall foliage and the red beneath the eaves were gorgeous.

Uenoshiba Station East Side Illumination

When night falls, a glittering tree bathed in light welcomes you at JR Uenoshiba Station🎄✨
Enjoy the warm illumination created by local residents and volunteers❄

📣Share your beautiful photos of the illumination in Nishi Ward on Instagram with #Nisshii-chan attached!💫

📅Event period: Until Saturday, January 31
🕐Lighting hours: 5:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
📍Location: East side of JR Uenoshiba Station (3-1 Uenoshibacho, Nishi Ward, Sakai)