Hanabi (fire works) festivals in Kansai

Unfortunately information about fire works events is not available in English.

http://hanabi.walkerplus.com/list/ar0700/

Events will be very crowded so it is very hard to find a toilet and I recommend you to bring some drinks and food.

7/13(Sat)19:25-21:15 Ise City in Mie prefecture
http://www.city.ise.mie.jp/3844.htm

7/25(Thu)19：30-20：50 Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka
http://www.tenjinmatsuri.com/tenjinmatsuri_navi

7/27(Sat)19:30-20:45 Himeji in Hyogo pref
http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/s60/2212506/_10016/_10017.html

7/27(Sat)19：50～20：30 Ashiya in Hyogo pref
 http://www.ashiya-hanabi.com/

7/27(Sat)19：50～20：30　Kishiwada in Osaka
http://www.city.kishiwada.osaka.jp/soshiki/43/minatomaturi61.html

8/1(Thu) 19:55-20:50 PL in Osaka
http://www.osaka-info.jp/jp/search/detail/event_6648.html

8/1(Thu) 19:30～20:30 Hikone Biwako in Shiga
http://www.biwako-visitors.jp/search/event_16195.html

8/3(Sat) 19:30～20:30 Minato Kobe in Kobe Sannomiya
http://hanabi.walkerplus.com/detail/ar0728e00764/map.html

8/4(Sun) 20:00-20:50 Awajisima island in Hyogo
http://www.awajishimamatsuri.jp/fireworks/index.php

8/4(Sun) 19：30-20：45 Kakogawa in Hyogo
http://kakogawa-matsuri.com/

8/7(Wed) 19：45～20：30 Takarazuka in Hyogo
http://www.kanko-takarazuka.jp/html/hanabi_2013.html

8/9(Fri) 19:45-20:45 Ujigawa in Kyoto
http://www.ujihanabi.jp/access2012.html

8/10(Sat) 19:50-20:40 Naniwayodogawa in Osaka
http://www.yodohanabi.com/html/guide/guide.html

8/10(Sat) 20:00-21:00 Shirahama in Wakayama
http://hanabi.walkerplus.com/detail/ar0730e00774/map.html

8/15(Thu) 20:00-21:00 Yoshinogawa in Nara
http://hanabi.walkerplus.com/detail/ar0729e00786/map.html

8/17(Sat) 19:20〜20:20 Inagawa in Ikeda city, Osaka
http://hanabi.walkerplus.com/detail/ar0727e00767/

8/17(Sat) 19:10～21:30 Kumano in Mie
http://www.ztv.ne.jp/web/kumanoshi-kankoukyoukai/2.fireworks/2-11.access.html

Scenes of summer

It is very hot and humid the Japanese summer so people try many way to cool off.

Green curtain (drape) - A sudare is a bamboo blind placed in front of the balcony doorway. This has been replaced by a new trend of growing vegetables like bitter melons or cucumbers on their balconies. When they grow, they will cut the heat and the sun's rays like a green curtain on the balcony and people can eat them too.



Fuurin - A wind bell (chime) is hung from eaves to create a cooling sound in the wind. This is one of the traditional ways that Japanese use to feel cool in summer. They are usually made of iron, glass or ceramics.



Kaya (Mosquito net) - This is put in the bedroom to avoid mosquito's bites in the summer because people keep windows and balcony doors open.  These days most people are living in an apartment which is smaller than house and use air-conditioners. This will mostly be seen in the country side.



Uchimizu - You will see people sprinkling water around their house in the evenings. As the water evaporates it cools the road and it is also a means of purifying the entrance for visitors and guests.


Using glassware - In Japanese culture, people often change their home's interiors such as curtains, cushion covers, bed lines etc. Being cooler is not enough, it also has to look cooler. Glass bowls and plates are often used in the summer for this reason.



Uchiwa, Sensu (fan) - There are many varieties of uchiwa and sensu. You may receive free uchiwa with an advertisement printed on it from someone on the street. Sensu (Japanese folding fan) come in many varieties from reasonable priced to very expensive crafted ones. The designs and size are different for women and men. It will be a good souvenir.



Parasol, gloves - You will see many woman wearing long gloves and carrying a parasol on a street. This phenomenon starts can be seen from April every year until late October. Many Japanese women don't like getting a suntan. ( I personally think that some women are overprotecting themselves from the sun.) It is said that black will cut the most UV so it is a popular colour for parasols in Japan.


Cool bottom quilt sheet - This modern technology is a cool sheet which you put on the bed mattress. According to the advertisement it will release your body heat to the air quickly. I've never used it but summer is becoming hotter each year so I might buy one and see how I feel.

Driving a car in Japan Vol.1

You don't need a car to look around big cities like Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. However, it is nice to drive in the country side occasionally.

Driving a car in Japan is a little tricky for foreigners so let me explain some road rules in Japan.


1. Drive on the left side on the road.

2. Follow the speed limit shown on road signs or markings. (You may think that it is too slow to drive but if you exceed the speed limits you can expect a huge fine and a hard time with the police.)

3.Park your car in the proper car parking spot. (There are many coin parking lots in Japan and you may face a 15,000 yen fine for just 5 minuets of illegal parking. )

3. Driving after drinking alcohol is very strictly prohibited. You'll be arrested and other passengers will also be fined knowing that the driver was drink driving.

4. All passengers have to wear a seat belt.

5. While driving a car, driver can't use a cell phone.


The minimum age for driving in Japan is 18 years old and you will need to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Japanese Driver's License.

Summer festival (Matsuri) in Kansai

Gion Matsuri 7/1-7/31 (main festival period is 7/14-7/16, 7/17)
Shijyo/Karasuma, Kawaramachi, Gion-shijyo station

To learn about Gion Matsuri
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3942.html 


Tenjin Matsuri 7/24 & 7/25 (The fire works on 7/25 night 7pm-9pm.)

Tenmabashi, Sakuranomiya, Minamimorimachi station (These are very crowded stations but close to the fire works.)
Osakajo-kitazume, Kyobashi, Osakajo-koen station (These are less crowded but a little distanｔ from the fire works location. )

To learn about Tenjin Matsuri
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/festival/tenjinmatsuri.html
http://www.tenjinmatsuri.com/tenjinmatsuri_navi



Both are very famous and popular festivals so it will be very crowded. Don't forget to bring water with you and watch your luggage.  Make sure you don't get seperated from your children.

Summer Sale in Japan

There are 2 big sale (People call it "Bargain" in Japan) seasons, summer and winter, in Japan.

The winter sale starts from 1/2.
The summer sale starts from 7/1.

It's going to be crowded but you may be able to buy cloths, shoes etc at a very reasonable price.

Main shopping areas are around Umeda, Namba and Shinsaibashi stations in Osaka.

Special Opening of Cultural Properties in Kyoto July 13 (Sat.) - Sept. 30 (Mon.)

 
This is a special event in Kyoto. Usually people are not allow to enter these places but this is a special occasion. So if you happen to be in Kyoto during the above period, you should visit some of these places. It is a very rare chance to get inside.


 http://www.kyoto-magonote.jp/en/topics/koyomi/koyomi201307.html

Weather News - Typhoon

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Typhoon No.4 is approaching Japan. 
Osaka will experience strong wind and high waves until late tonight and there are warnings of sudden heavy rain and lightning until tomorrow morning.   

For more information please check the following site.
http://www.jma.go.jp/jp/typh/1304.html


For information about weather in Osaka
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/week/331.html

Accommodation in Osaka Vol.4

Before you make a decision, you need to confirm the lease conditions, because after you give the Tetsuke-kin (initial deposit) to the realtor (to keep the room for you), it will not be return and will be kept as a cancellation penalty.

1. If you are a cat lover, check the house rules to see if tenants are allowed to keep pets.  Also, what kind of pets are allowed.

2. Japanese house leases are usually for 2 years. It will usually be automatically renewed but some owners require tenants to pay a lease renewal fee which is about 1 month's rent.

3. Is the house cleaning cost included in the non-returnable deposit or not.

4. If it is a furnished apartment, who is responsible for maintenance and repair costs.

Please be aware that the moving-out inspection is very severe in Japan. The damage you may think is small can lead to a big repair cost.

For example:

Holes in the wall (You cannot put nails or push pins into the walls.)

Deep scratches or dents on the floor.

Stains in the drawers, wall paper, floor etc.

If you lose a key, the owner may require a change of locks for security reasons and it will  cost around 15,000 yen.


You can request some support from public organizations.

Counseling on Housing Osaka Municipal Housing Information Center:
http://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/contents/wdu020/enjoy/en/housing/01.html

Osaka Prefecture Town Planing department.
http://www.pref.osaka.jp/jumachi/ansin/house03.html

Osaka Information Service for Foreign Residents.
http://www.ofix.or.jp/life/index.html#

Osaka International House
http://www.ih-osaka.or.jp/

Kobe International House
http://www.kicc.jp/kicc/kicc/index.html

Kyoto International House
http://www.kcif.or.jp/

Looking for an apartment (These are just examples.)

UR(Urban Renaissance Agency)
http://www.ur-net.go.jp/kansai/

J&F Networks
http://www.jafnet.co.jp/

Hydrangea (Ajisai)

It is the season to view hydrangea. There are many hydrangea shrubs around Osaka.


The renowned hydrangea-viewing spots:

・Osaka Prefectural Forest (Osaka Fumin-no-mori, Ikomasanjyo station) - Hydrangea festival (6/22-7/15)

http://osaka-midori.jp/mori/shisetsu/shisetsu16.html

・Yatadera (Ajisai temple) at Nara Kintetsu Kooriyama station. (6/1-7/10)

http://www.yatadera.or.jp/access.html

・Mimurotoji, Uji station（6/1-7/15）

http://www.mimurotoji.com/article.php?id=8

・Kobe municipal Arboretum (Kobe Shinrin Syokubutsuen) at Kitasuzurandai station (6/15-7/15)
http://www.kobe-park.or.jp/shinrin/contents/train-bus/

Accommodation in Osaka Vol.3

When you have found the room you like on the Internet, advertisement etc, you might need to visit a real estate agent and look around some rooms.  After you decide the place to move in, you need to put some pay an initial deposit (tetsuke-kin) to officially reserve that room for you for a while.

Please be aware that if you decided to not take that room the tetsuke-kin will not be returned to you, but once your contract has been completed, it will become a part of the Key money.
 
To preparing documents and money to rent the place, you will need the following things.

 
Documents:

1. IDs (Alien registration certificate, Passport copy, etc)

2. Proof of earning (Copy of monthly salary statement, Annual income certificate, etc)

3. Seal "Hanko"or"Inkan"

4. Seal certificate "Inkanshomei" issued by the local ward office

5. A guarantor "Hosho-nin"

6. Guarantor's income certificate

7. Guarantor's seal certificate

 

Some owners require you to join a guaranty company (Hosho gaisha) instead of having a guarantor. In that case, you need to pay some fees to the guaranty company.

 
The initial fee will be around 6 months' worth of rent.

1. Shiki-kin - Refundable Deposit (approx. 1-3 months' rent, but can be higher)

2. Rei-kin - Not refundable (approx. 0-3 months' rent, but can be higher)

3. Chukaitesu-ryo - Realtor's fee usually 1 months rent plus consumption tax (5% as of June 13, 2013)

4. Kasaihoken-ryo - Fire insurance (2 year's worth, equal to approx. 20,000 yen)

5. Maeyachin - Rent pay in advance

6. Kyoeki-hi - Maintenance Fee

7. Miscellaneous - Areal community fee, Car parking fee, Bicycle parking fee, etc


Depend on the place you may be required to pay more or less than the above.

Accommodation in Osaka Vol.2

There are several types of accommodation in Japan.

Usually furnished or partially furnished - Guest houses, Share houses, Gaijin houses, Service apartments, Monthly apartments.


Usually unfurnished - Apartments (Usually called "Manshon" in Japan), Houses


One room - only 1 room with combined kitchen, living and bed room.
3LDK - 3 bed rooms, living room and dining kitchen areas. (The number indicates the number of bed rooms, L-Living room DK-Dining kitchen)

Room size is measured by the number of tatami mats. (Tatami-mat size is about 190x80cm or smaller)
Land size is measured in tsubo (1 tsubo is about 3.3 ㎡).

  

Weather News - Typhoon (as of 14th Oct, 2013)

It is nice weather today in Japan but may rain tomorrow so please enjoy outing today. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Typhoon No.26 is approaching and may effect tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.

For more information please check the following site.
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html

Accommodation in Osaka Vol.1

If you are looking for a cheap accommodation for a short and medium length stay, you should check the Internet for "外人ハウス　Gaijin house - Foreigner house", "外国人ハウス　Gaikokujin house - Foreigner house", "ゲストハウス Guest House" or "シェアハウス Share house"

It will be shared bathroom, kitchen and toilet.

It is also a good idea for new comers to stay at those places until becoming familiar with the area.

These are just examples I found searching on Google.

http://www11.ocn.ne.jp/~otomari/
http://www.eigojoho.com/gaijinhouse.htm
http://www.whynotjapan.com/housing/japanese.html
http://www.all-fudousan.com/

「外国人ハウス」「外人ハウス」「ゲストハウス」「シェアハウス」

Kyoto Botacnical Gardens and Garden of Fine Art

Just next to Kitayama station on the Kyoto subwayline i s a nice botanical gardens. This time of the year all the roses in the garden were in bloom and covered the ground with colorful flowers like in the book, "The Secret Garden".

It is open from 9 am to 5 pm (last entrance is 4 pm), and closed from December 28th to January 4th.
The admission fee is only 200 yen for adults.
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/plant/

The Garden of Fine Arts is adjacent to the botanical gardens and displays famous paintings recreated in ceramics. The garden was quiet and peaceful because the water sound cut the outside traffic noises.

It's also open from 9 am to 5 pm (last entrance is 4:30 pm), and closed from December 28th to January 4th. 
The admission fee is 100 yen. (There is a 250 yen ticket to visit Botanical Gardens and Garden of Fine Art on the same day.)

http://www.kyoto-toban-hp.or.jp/index.html

Korea Town in Osaka

If you get off at JR or Kintetsu Turuhashi station, a flurry of Korean words will guide you to restaurants and shops which sell food, clothes and singers' goods from Korea. It called Korea Town. It is just like walking through Seoul.

The rules for living in Japan

You may want to know what the rules for living in Japan are before coming here. Each city and many organizations have living information sites in many different languages to help foreign residents.

The following sites are just some of many.

Osaka: Chinese, Korean, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese
http://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/contents/wdu020/enjoy/jp/index.html

Hyogo: Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, French, English, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Dutch,
http://www.hyogo-ip.or.jp/livingguide/

CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations): Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Dutch, Vietnamese, French, Russian, Indonesian, Arabic
http://www.clair.or.jp/tagengorev/ja/

Kansai JIGG gaming day

There are some board gaming groups in Kansai. If you like playing board games, check this site.

http://boardgamegeek.com/guild/752