Exotic Metropolis with a Lot of Attractiveness
Some might argue “Osaka doesn’t have history.” or “Osaka is not cool.” Are they correct ?
In reality, Osaka is an exotic and attractive metropolis, never found in other part of Japan.
Historically, the metropolis has nurtured commoners’ culture among merchants from the Middle to the Modern Age. The most remarkable example is the Bunraku Puppet Theater, designated as the UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage. In addition, Kabuki and Noh have both been enhanced in Osaka.
The Modern Age saw Osaka turning into the biggest industrial city in Japan as the great drive force for modernization of the country, while fostering the tradition of the common culture. The richer this water capital became, the richer its culture got.
You can not find such common culture even in the latest guidebook. So, it is extremely difficult for a foreign individual tourist to experience “everyday life” or “subtle but extraordinary festivities” of Osakans.
In 2009, we conducted six free walking tours named “Let’s Walk around Osaka!!”. In 2010, we are also planning to handle more powerful six free walking tours named “Let’s enjoy walking tour from Shin-imamiya!!”. Experienced volunteer students of Proffessor Yoshihisa MATSUMURA’s seminar at Hannan Univesity will plan and guide the walking tours for you. Find and enjoy new charms of Osaka with volunteer student guides you can never experience in an ordinary tour!
In reality, Osaka is an exotic and attractive metropolis, never found in other part of Japan.
Historically, the metropolis has nurtured commoners’ culture among merchants from the Middle to the Modern Age. The most remarkable example is the Bunraku Puppet Theater, designated as the UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage. In addition, Kabuki and Noh have both been enhanced in Osaka.
The Modern Age saw Osaka turning into the biggest industrial city in Japan as the great drive force for modernization of the country, while fostering the tradition of the common culture. The richer this water capital became, the richer its culture got.
You can not find such common culture even in the latest guidebook. So, it is extremely difficult for a foreign individual tourist to experience “everyday life” or “subtle but extraordinary festivities” of Osakans.
In 2009, we conducted six free walking tours named “Let’s Walk around Osaka!!”. In 2010, we are also planning to handle more powerful six free walking tours named “Let’s enjoy walking tour from Shin-imamiya!!”. Experienced volunteer students of Proffessor Yoshihisa MATSUMURA’s seminar at Hannan Univesity will plan and guide the walking tours for you. Find and enjoy new charms of Osaka with volunteer student guides you can never experience in an ordinary tour!
1. Let’s enjoy walking tour for cherry blossom viewing in OSAKA!!
(Japan Mint, its Museum, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, and Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street)
Wednesday March 31st, 2010
Japanese love cherry blossom. So, we are looking forward to coming flower in full bloom. Cherry blossom viewing piknic is an old and historical Japanese culture. Japan Mint is the best place for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka. Let’s enjoy walking tour with us!
Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (scheduled), Wednesday March 31st, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
Wednesday March 31st, 2010
Japanese love cherry blossom. So, we are looking forward to coming flower in full bloom. Cherry blossom viewing piknic is an old and historical Japanese culture. Japan Mint is the best place for cherry blossom viewing in Osaka. Let’s enjoy walking tour with us!
Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (scheduled), Wednesday March 31st, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
2. Let’s enjoy the ancient capital NARA during the season of new green leaves!!
(Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, Nara Park, Museum, old-growth forest, and living space of Nara people)
Sunday May 30th, 2010
Heijyo-kyo was the capital of Japan during Nara period(710-794). There are many old temples and shrines in the central area of Nara city, and it is designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Atmosphere with integration of rich natural environment and historical sites, attractiveness of Nara people’s living space are quite different from Kyoto. Especially, because of 1,200th anniversary of the ancient capital of Heijyo-kyo, Nara is a very hot place for walking tour this year.
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (scheduled), Sunday May 30th, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
Sunday May 30th, 2010
Heijyo-kyo was the capital of Japan during Nara period(710-794). There are many old temples and shrines in the central area of Nara city, and it is designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Atmosphere with integration of rich natural environment and historical sites, attractiveness of Nara people’s living space are quite different from Kyoto. Especially, because of 1,200th anniversary of the ancient capital of Heijyo-kyo, Nara is a very hot place for walking tour this year.
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (scheduled), Sunday May 30th, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
3. Let’s enjoy Sumiyoshi Shrine and Sakai city!!
(Streetcar, Sumiyoshi Shrine, Shinto-style marriage ceremony, and traditonal artisans)
Sunday June 20th, 2010
The industrial city of Osaka, once called Manchester of the Orient, possesses a number of highly skilled businesses as well as artisans who make handicrafts with traditional techniques that have survived to this day. In addition, June is a popular wedding month throughout Japan.
This walking tour will visit Sumiyoshi Shrine in Osaka City, traditional house and musuem of knives in Sakai City. If we are lucky, we could happen to meet traditional Shinto marrages at the Shrine. In Sakai, you can experience to make Japanese knives and to join tea ceremony. This tour will conduct in collaboration with Midori HINO seminar of Kinjyo Gakuin University.
Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (scheduled), Sunday June 20th, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
Sunday June 20th, 2010
The industrial city of Osaka, once called Manchester of the Orient, possesses a number of highly skilled businesses as well as artisans who make handicrafts with traditional techniques that have survived to this day. In addition, June is a popular wedding month throughout Japan.
This walking tour will visit Sumiyoshi Shrine in Osaka City, traditional house and musuem of knives in Sakai City. If we are lucky, we could happen to meet traditional Shinto marrages at the Shrine. In Sakai, you can experience to make Japanese knives and to join tea ceremony. This tour will conduct in collaboration with Midori HINO seminar of Kinjyo Gakuin University.
Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (scheduled), Sunday June 20th, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
4. Let’s enjoy summer Danjiri festival in Hirano Town!!
(Hirano Town open-air museum, Kumata Shrine, and summer Danjiri festival )
Sunday July 11st, 2010
Hirano Town, located in the southeast of Osaka, has changed little since its founding in the middle ages. With its historical temples and shrines, walking in Hirano makes one feel as though time has stopped. July 11st is Hirano’s special day, as Kumata Shrine holds its exciting summer festival. This tour will explore the central area of Hirano and enjoy Kumata Shrine’s summer festivities. On the day, dozen of Danjiri floats will race around the town. You can understand Hirano Town spirits through cultural interaction with local Hirano citizens.
Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (scheduled), Sunday July 11st, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
Sunday July 11st, 2010
Hirano Town, located in the southeast of Osaka, has changed little since its founding in the middle ages. With its historical temples and shrines, walking in Hirano makes one feel as though time has stopped. July 11st is Hirano’s special day, as Kumata Shrine holds its exciting summer festival. This tour will explore the central area of Hirano and enjoy Kumata Shrine’s summer festivities. On the day, dozen of Danjiri floats will race around the town. You can understand Hirano Town spirits through cultural interaction with local Hirano citizens.
Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (scheduled), Sunday July 11st, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
5. Let’s enjoy summer Danjiri festival in Ikuno Town!!
(Korean Town, Shopping street, Miyukinomori Shrine, summer Danjiri festival, and Tsuruhashi international market)
Sunday July 18th, 2010
The outside of the Osaka Loop Line is home to one of Osaka’s multicultural areas. Japan’s largest Korean Town, located to the east of Tsuruhashi station, is where many Koreans residing in Japan and Korean-Japanese make their home. The culture of the area is neither Korean nor Japanese, but a unique culture which thrives alongside Japanese culture. In this area, Miyukimori Shrine holds its summer Danjiri festival on July 18th, during which dozen of local Danjiri floats are paraded through the streets. You can understand Hirano Town spirits through cultural interaction with local Hirano citizens.
Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (scheduled), Sunday July 18th, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
Sunday July 18th, 2010
The outside of the Osaka Loop Line is home to one of Osaka’s multicultural areas. Japan’s largest Korean Town, located to the east of Tsuruhashi station, is where many Koreans residing in Japan and Korean-Japanese make their home. The culture of the area is neither Korean nor Japanese, but a unique culture which thrives alongside Japanese culture. In this area, Miyukimori Shrine holds its summer Danjiri festival on July 18th, during which dozen of local Danjiri floats are paraded through the streets. You can understand Hirano Town spirits through cultural interaction with local Hirano citizens.
Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (scheduled), Sunday July 18th, 2010
Meeting Place: Shin-imamiya Tourist Information Center (1-1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002, Japan; next to Hotel Chuo)
Seats: approx. 15 persons
Language: English & Chinese
Cost: Free, only actual expenses
Application: Email your request to the Hannan University (Email address: matsumuy@hannan-u.ac.jp) with name, age and sex of applicants, and your email adress. The university will email you back for confirmation.
6. Let’s enjoy mystery tour from Shin-imamiya!!
Tour date is in the air. We will post up a tour notice at guesthouses in Shin-imamiya area one week before the day of the tour. Now we are planing to conduct it in this autumn. Tour course is also in the air. We guess it will be successful and you can enjoy it.