Shinichiさんのガイドブック
観光
Towering 300 meters over Osaka, Harukas is Japan’s tallest building and one of Osaka’s newest tourist attractions. It’s a symbol of the revitalized Tennoji area and worth a visit if you follow Wes Lang’s insider tips.
Harukas towers over the neighborhood of Tennoji - image © Wes Lang
Tennoji has long been known as a seedy, run-down part of town with an overflowing homeless population and a neglected feel to the aging architecture, but it has recently undergone a modern overhaul and become home to Harukas, Japan's tallest building. Here’s why: It all goes back to the year 2000, when department store sales were stagnant and retailers were struggling to shake off the decreased spending of the prolonged recession. Sogo department store was one of the hardest hit , and in a last-ditch effort to fend off bankruptcy, the retailer completely demolished their Shinsaibashi flagship store and rebuilt it from scratch. This set off a massive chain reaction, with other competitors soon following suit. The rebuilt Sogo store opened its doors in 2005, the same year that rival Hankyu started the demolition and reconstruction of their giant complex in Umeda.
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One year later, Tokyo-based retailer Marui completed construction of their flagship department store just opposite Takashimaya department store near Namba station. This put Takashimaya on their toes, resulting in a complete overhaul and expansion of their historic 1932 building that was completed in 2009, the same year that, oddly enough, sent Sogo into insolvency. The failed Sogo store was acquired by next-door neighbor Daimaru, who doubled their retail space and forced Tennoji-based retailer Kintetsu into action. Kintetsu called and raised their bet by completely demolishing their department store and building the 300-meter-tall monolith Harukas, the largest department store in Japan and the country’s tallest building. It opened in March 2014.
Harukas is easily twice the height of neighboring buildings, which really puts its scale into perspective. - image © Wes Lang
I opt for a weekday visit to take in the panoramic views over Tennoji district and the rest of Osaka from the observation deck. The subway ride from Umeda Station takes just 15 minutes, so at Tennoji Station I follow the large crowds up through the ticket gates towards exit #9, where the main entrance of Kintetsu department store dominates the entire left wall of the underground concourse.
Signposts to the observation deck point visitors toward the escalators upstairs, but the secret basement entrance to the 16th floor ticket counter for the observation deck can be found through the glass doors just to the right of the grey facade of the department store entrance. Look for the stylish letters reading ‘Abeno Harukas‘ suspended from the ceiling in front of the sliding glass doors. The right elevator bank takes you to the ticket counter, while the elevators on the left whisk you nonstop to the 17th floor, where it’s a simple escalator ride down to the ticket gate on the 16th floor. This information is important if you’re visiting on a crowded weekend, but since there is no one else in the queue on this quiet morning, I board the regular tourist elevators on the right and enjoy the pleasant glass-walled ascent above Tennoji’s low-rise jungle of concrete.
Visitors take in the views from the 16th floor observation deck. - image © Wes Lang
Upon exiting the elevator, I am immediately drawn to an outdoor observation deck lined with benches facing the sea of skyscrapers to the north. I step outside and admire the wonderful vistas that are completely free-of-charge to the public. In fact, cash-strapped visitors can enjoy a leisurely rest in the sunshine and later partake of a cheap cup of coffee in the upstairs cafe.
The views spread out before me have only whet my appetite for a much broader panoramic view from the top of Osaka, so I slide over to the ticket counter to weigh the options. The cheapest choice (¥1500) is a one-time ticket for the observation deck, but the all-day pass (¥1950) is also quite tempting. The day pass allows unlimited access to the observation deck, meaning you could go up to enjoy the morning views, descend to ground level for lunch and shopping, and climb back up to watch the sunset and night scenery. Another option is to stay in the Osaka Marriott Miyako hotel that occupies the upper third of the building, as entrance to the observation deck is included in the room price.
There’s also a special discount ticket that allows access to both the observation deck and the art museum, so inquire about the current exhibition schedule at the ticket counter when you make your choice. As luck would have it, there is a Renoir exhibition in full swing, so I buy the combo ticket (¥2450 for this particular exhibition) and proceed to the front of the line for the observation deck elevator. During weekends and holidays there can be a several hour wait for entry, but luckily there are hardly any other visitors on this quiet morning in mid-March.
You can also purchase Harukas 360 Observatory tickets online at Klook.com. If you intend to visit the Universal Studios Japan theme park during your time in Osaka, you can buy a USJ VIP Wristband which gets you entry into Universal Studios and Harukas.
The views from the 60th floor observatory are some of the best in Kansai. - image © Wes Lang
The back half of the elevator is completely lined with glass, and as the cabin rises to the 60th floor of the high rise, a modern light show ensues on the back wall, resembling a scene out of the Matrix. The doors open up to the glass-encased observation platform, where the vistas are truly jaw-dropping. It’s best to proceed in a counter-clockwise direction, starting with the eastern views out to the mountains of Nara. Turning north, the buildings of Kyoto city are visible on the horizon on days with clear visibility. In fact, before purchasing a ticket, do a quick check of the weather and air quality while on the 16th floor in order to save yourself some disappointment. If no mountains can be seen from there, then you’re better off saving your trip to the top for another day.
The top floors appear to float in the sky and are not for the acrophobic. - image © Wes Lang
The name Harukas comes from the Japanese word harukasu meaning ‘to brighten or clear up’ and the inspirational views will surely brighten up your day as long as you don’t suffer from acrophobia. The flooring on the western side of the building is lined in glass, which is absolutely frightening for those with an aversion to heights. Kintetsu teamed up with Argentine American architect César Pelli to create a feeling of floating on air as you navigate around the open atrium enclosed by the glass and steel of the transparent rectilinear building footprint.
Pelli is best known for his design of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, once the highest building in the world. With such ever-changing viewpoints, it is well worth doing a few laps, as each repetition reveals subtle details of Osaka’s streets that you may not catch the first time around. For instance, when facing south, the flying saucer shape of Nagai Stadium hovering over the surrounding park is sure to catch your eye, but if scan your eyes downward towards the high-rises hovering just under your feet you can see a massive cemetery stretching nearly a kilometer in length through what must be some prime real estate.
The ball pit set for the 3rd-anniversary celebrations. - image © Wes Lang
While the views are impressive to say the least, if you really want to say you’ve been to the tallest building in Japan, you need to climb to the heliport on the roof, which is exactly 300 meters off the ground. You see, for the longest time, 296-meter tall Landmark Tower in Yokohama was the highest building in Japan, and the Harukas observation deck on the 60th floor is around the same height as its rival. Fortunately, access to the heliport can be yours for an additional 500 yen but it requires you to sit through a 40-minute guided tour in Japanese. The information desk on the eastern side of the observation deck sells tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Dreadfully, the tours were cancelled due to high winds during my visit, which only serves as an excuse for me to come back in the future. In addition to taking the heliport tour, you can also upgrade to the day pass if you have originally purchased a one-time ticket and want to come back later that day for another look.
All of this walking is making me thirsty, so I drop down the escalator to the atrium entrance and the large cafe serving food and drinks. The coffee sold here if your typical mass-produced machine coffee, so I go for a tapioca milk-tea beverage and settle into one of the outdoor tables on the atrium. Due to the 3rd anniversary, a huge ball pit of bright pink balls occupies the entire center of the spacious atrium, so I observe children of all ages frolicking among the sea of rubber orbs. Apparently the space is host to a variety of seasonal events, so hopefully there will be something just as exciting during your visit.
The view from the top of Osaka. - image © Wes Lang
The tea sets the digestion in motion, and what better way to relieve myself that at a restroom with the best view in Osaka. It must surely be difficult to look yourself in the mirror when you have half of the city reflected into your eyes, so enjoy the unique angle and natural light in the surprisingly comfortable space. Feeling better, I make my way back to the elevator and descend back down to the 16th floor. Grasping my ticket to the art museum, I drop off the jacket and bag in a coin locker and step inside.
This particular exhibition is centered around the work of Ryuzaburo Umehara, a Japanese artist who traveled to Paris in the early part of the 20th century to study under Renoir. In addition to Umehara’s artwork, the exhibit features several hand-written letters from Renoir as well as around a dozen original Renoir pieces. The gallery is well designed and the 880 square-meter floor space holds up to other larger art museums in the city, especially in terms of its permanent collection of original Picasso, Matisse, Rouault, and Degas works. Exhibitions rotate every six weeks or so, and the upcoming Studio Ghibili installation is sure to attract large crowds.
The 17th floor cafe makes a great place for a light lunch - image © Wes Lang
By now it is nearing lunch time, so after exploring the museum gift shop, I take the escalator up to the 17th floor and grab the last available counter seat at Cafe Ciao Presso, a chain-coffee shop serving simple sandwiches and Italian espresso drinks. The cafe is popular with the corporate lunch crowd as well as with locals wanting a great view without spending the money for the observation deck. An added bonus is the free wi-fi that Kintetsu department store has generously made available to its customers. Patrons have clearly taken advantage of this, as every third customer is absorbed in their laptops instead of admiring the views.
Now that Harukas has completely transformed the struggling neighborhood of Tennoji, it’s only a matter of time before an area in Tokyo takes a page out of its westerly neighbor and builds an even taller skyscraper to reclaim the title of Japan’s highest building.
About Wes Lang
Wes Lang is a freelance writer based in Osaka whose work has appeared in the Japan Times, Kansai Scene, and Outdoor Japan. He runs the website Hiking in Japan, which provides comprehensive English-language hiking information for Japan's mountains. He is currently writing a guidebook to the Japan Alps scheduled for release in 2018.
178 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Harukas 300
1-chōme-1-43 AbenosujiTowering 300 meters over Osaka, Harukas is Japan’s tallest building and one of Osaka’s newest tourist attractions. It’s a symbol of the revitalized Tennoji area and worth a visit if you follow Wes Lang’s insider tips.
Harukas towers over the neighborhood of Tennoji - image © Wes Lang
Tennoji has long been known as a seedy, run-down part of town with an overflowing homeless population and a neglected feel to the aging architecture, but it has recently undergone a modern overhaul and become home to Harukas, Japan's tallest building. Here’s why: It all goes back to the year 2000, when department store sales were stagnant and retailers were struggling to shake off the decreased spending of the prolonged recession. Sogo department store was one of the hardest hit , and in a last-ditch effort to fend off bankruptcy, the retailer completely demolished their Shinsaibashi flagship store and rebuilt it from scratch. This set off a massive chain reaction, with other competitors soon following suit. The rebuilt Sogo store opened its doors in 2005, the same year that rival Hankyu started the demolition and reconstruction of their giant complex in Umeda.
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One year later, Tokyo-based retailer Marui completed construction of their flagship department store just opposite Takashimaya department store near Namba station. This put Takashimaya on their toes, resulting in a complete overhaul and expansion of their historic 1932 building that was completed in 2009, the same year that, oddly enough, sent Sogo into insolvency. The failed Sogo store was acquired by next-door neighbor Daimaru, who doubled their retail space and forced Tennoji-based retailer Kintetsu into action. Kintetsu called and raised their bet by completely demolishing their department store and building the 300-meter-tall monolith Harukas, the largest department store in Japan and the country’s tallest building. It opened in March 2014.
Harukas is easily twice the height of neighboring buildings, which really puts its scale into perspective. - image © Wes Lang
I opt for a weekday visit to take in the panoramic views over Tennoji district and the rest of Osaka from the observation deck. The subway ride from Umeda Station takes just 15 minutes, so at Tennoji Station I follow the large crowds up through the ticket gates towards exit #9, where the main entrance of Kintetsu department store dominates the entire left wall of the underground concourse.
Signposts to the observation deck point visitors toward the escalators upstairs, but the secret basement entrance to the 16th floor ticket counter for the observation deck can be found through the glass doors just to the right of the grey facade of the department store entrance. Look for the stylish letters reading ‘Abeno Harukas‘ suspended from the ceiling in front of the sliding glass doors. The right elevator bank takes you to the ticket counter, while the elevators on the left whisk you nonstop to the 17th floor, where it’s a simple escalator ride down to the ticket gate on the 16th floor. This information is important if you’re visiting on a crowded weekend, but since there is no one else in the queue on this quiet morning, I board the regular tourist elevators on the right and enjoy the pleasant glass-walled ascent above Tennoji’s low-rise jungle of concrete.
Visitors take in the views from the 16th floor observation deck. - image © Wes Lang
Upon exiting the elevator, I am immediately drawn to an outdoor observation deck lined with benches facing the sea of skyscrapers to the north. I step outside and admire the wonderful vistas that are completely free-of-charge to the public. In fact, cash-strapped visitors can enjoy a leisurely rest in the sunshine and later partake of a cheap cup of coffee in the upstairs cafe.
The views spread out before me have only whet my appetite for a much broader panoramic view from the top of Osaka, so I slide over to the ticket counter to weigh the options. The cheapest choice (¥1500) is a one-time ticket for the observation deck, but the all-day pass (¥1950) is also quite tempting. The day pass allows unlimited access to the observation deck, meaning you could go up to enjoy the morning views, descend to ground level for lunch and shopping, and climb back up to watch the sunset and night scenery. Another option is to stay in the Osaka Marriott Miyako hotel that occupies the upper third of the building, as entrance to the observation deck is included in the room price.
There’s also a special discount ticket that allows access to both the observation deck and the art museum, so inquire about the current exhibition schedule at the ticket counter when you make your choice. As luck would have it, there is a Renoir exhibition in full swing, so I buy the combo ticket (¥2450 for this particular exhibition) and proceed to the front of the line for the observation deck elevator. During weekends and holidays there can be a several hour wait for entry, but luckily there are hardly any other visitors on this quiet morning in mid-March.
You can also purchase Harukas 360 Observatory tickets online at Klook.com. If you intend to visit the Universal Studios Japan theme park during your time in Osaka, you can buy a USJ VIP Wristband which gets you entry into Universal Studios and Harukas.
The views from the 60th floor observatory are some of the best in Kansai. - image © Wes Lang
The back half of the elevator is completely lined with glass, and as the cabin rises to the 60th floor of the high rise, a modern light show ensues on the back wall, resembling a scene out of the Matrix. The doors open up to the glass-encased observation platform, where the vistas are truly jaw-dropping. It’s best to proceed in a counter-clockwise direction, starting with the eastern views out to the mountains of Nara. Turning north, the buildings of Kyoto city are visible on the horizon on days with clear visibility. In fact, before purchasing a ticket, do a quick check of the weather and air quality while on the 16th floor in order to save yourself some disappointment. If no mountains can be seen from there, then you’re better off saving your trip to the top for another day.
The top floors appear to float in the sky and are not for the acrophobic. - image © Wes Lang
The name Harukas comes from the Japanese word harukasu meaning ‘to brighten or clear up’ and the inspirational views will surely brighten up your day as long as you don’t suffer from acrophobia. The flooring on the western side of the building is lined in glass, which is absolutely frightening for those with an aversion to heights. Kintetsu teamed up with Argentine American architect César Pelli to create a feeling of floating on air as you navigate around the open atrium enclosed by the glass and steel of the transparent rectilinear building footprint.
Pelli is best known for his design of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, once the highest building in the world. With such ever-changing viewpoints, it is well worth doing a few laps, as each repetition reveals subtle details of Osaka’s streets that you may not catch the first time around. For instance, when facing south, the flying saucer shape of Nagai Stadium hovering over the surrounding park is sure to catch your eye, but if scan your eyes downward towards the high-rises hovering just under your feet you can see a massive cemetery stretching nearly a kilometer in length through what must be some prime real estate.
The ball pit set for the 3rd-anniversary celebrations. - image © Wes Lang
While the views are impressive to say the least, if you really want to say you’ve been to the tallest building in Japan, you need to climb to the heliport on the roof, which is exactly 300 meters off the ground. You see, for the longest time, 296-meter tall Landmark Tower in Yokohama was the highest building in Japan, and the Harukas observation deck on the 60th floor is around the same height as its rival. Fortunately, access to the heliport can be yours for an additional 500 yen but it requires you to sit through a 40-minute guided tour in Japanese. The information desk on the eastern side of the observation deck sells tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Dreadfully, the tours were cancelled due to high winds during my visit, which only serves as an excuse for me to come back in the future. In addition to taking the heliport tour, you can also upgrade to the day pass if you have originally purchased a one-time ticket and want to come back later that day for another look.
All of this walking is making me thirsty, so I drop down the escalator to the atrium entrance and the large cafe serving food and drinks. The coffee sold here if your typical mass-produced machine coffee, so I go for a tapioca milk-tea beverage and settle into one of the outdoor tables on the atrium. Due to the 3rd anniversary, a huge ball pit of bright pink balls occupies the entire center of the spacious atrium, so I observe children of all ages frolicking among the sea of rubber orbs. Apparently the space is host to a variety of seasonal events, so hopefully there will be something just as exciting during your visit.
The view from the top of Osaka. - image © Wes Lang
The tea sets the digestion in motion, and what better way to relieve myself that at a restroom with the best view in Osaka. It must surely be difficult to look yourself in the mirror when you have half of the city reflected into your eyes, so enjoy the unique angle and natural light in the surprisingly comfortable space. Feeling better, I make my way back to the elevator and descend back down to the 16th floor. Grasping my ticket to the art museum, I drop off the jacket and bag in a coin locker and step inside.
This particular exhibition is centered around the work of Ryuzaburo Umehara, a Japanese artist who traveled to Paris in the early part of the 20th century to study under Renoir. In addition to Umehara’s artwork, the exhibit features several hand-written letters from Renoir as well as around a dozen original Renoir pieces. The gallery is well designed and the 880 square-meter floor space holds up to other larger art museums in the city, especially in terms of its permanent collection of original Picasso, Matisse, Rouault, and Degas works. Exhibitions rotate every six weeks or so, and the upcoming Studio Ghibili installation is sure to attract large crowds.
The 17th floor cafe makes a great place for a light lunch - image © Wes Lang
By now it is nearing lunch time, so after exploring the museum gift shop, I take the escalator up to the 17th floor and grab the last available counter seat at Cafe Ciao Presso, a chain-coffee shop serving simple sandwiches and Italian espresso drinks. The cafe is popular with the corporate lunch crowd as well as with locals wanting a great view without spending the money for the observation deck. An added bonus is the free wi-fi that Kintetsu department store has generously made available to its customers. Patrons have clearly taken advantage of this, as every third customer is absorbed in their laptops instead of admiring the views.
Now that Harukas has completely transformed the struggling neighborhood of Tennoji, it’s only a matter of time before an area in Tokyo takes a page out of its westerly neighbor and builds an even taller skyscraper to reclaim the title of Japan’s highest building.
About Wes Lang
Wes Lang is a freelance writer based in Osaka whose work has appeared in the Japan Times, Kansai Scene, and Outdoor Japan. He runs the website Hiking in Japan, which provides comprehensive English-language hiking information for Japan's mountains. He is currently writing a guidebook to the Japan Alps scheduled for release in 2018.
【OBON FESTIVAL】
When you think of Osaka, Dotonbori or Kuromon market would come up to your mind first. On the other hand, Osaka has relatively serene tourist spots like traditional temples or shrines. Shitennoji temple is one of them. This famous temple hosts a sacred memorial candle service for ancestors – Urabon-e Manto Kuyo Hoyo every year in August. If you would like to learn more about this traditional Japanese celebration, please keep on reading this article!
The temple has a special candle festival – Manto Kuyo Hoyo in mid-August. In mid-August, local people usually conduct an annual memorial service – Urabon-e or Obon. People believe that ancestors’ spirits return to this world during this season. They show their respect by entertaining the spirits. This candle festival is one of the ways to show respect to the spirits. How about visiting the Shitennoji temple? It’s very close to Dotonbori or Kuromon market.
In the evening, you will notice a few thousand candles are surrounding the central complex of the temple. Before the main ceremony, around 6:15 pm, all the candles are lit up. Then, Buddhist monks walk around the compound reciting sutras. Local people follow the monks or pray for ancestor’s happiness in the other world.
The ceremony takes place at least four times a day (on August 15th is more than four times a day.) It is said that ten thousand candles are burnt in one night.
If you would like to join the festival, you can do the same as local people do. Usually, when the residents get candles, they write their ancestors’ Buddhist posthumous name on a candle, then bring it to the temple. Next, the temple’s staff sets your candle in the central complex. When the monks come to the central complex, you can follow the group together with local people.
The highlight of this festival is thousands of candle lights in the evening. The atmosphere that it creates is overwhelming and hypnotic indeed. The views of the Five-story pagoda and the main hall with candle lights are picturesque!
Shitennoji temple was established about 1,400 years ago by Prince Shotoku, and this temple is older than famous temples in Kyoto such as Kiyomizu temple or Golden Pavillion. The highlight of the temple is the central complex with the five-story pagoda and the main hall. Besides, the Paradise gate donated by Panasonic founder, the Turtle pond or other interesting spots are dotted in the compound.
Today, the temple is dedicated not only to Prince Shotoku but also other great Buddhist monks. Besides, the temple accepts every Buddhist sect, so today local people who belong to various Buddhist sects use this temple for memorial service as well.
【DOYA DOYA FESTIVAL】
This festival is sometimes called the Naked Man Festival because they strip young men down to their fundoshi (underwear) and have some good natured competition to burn off steam!
Shitennoji Doya Doya Festival takes place at Shitennoji Temple in Osaka every January, which is considered the coldest month of the year. More than 600 men participate, wearing red or white Fundoshi. You must be wondering why Japanese men like to wear Fundoshi, especially in such a cold winter? What’s the point of wearing Fundoshi? For what is this festival? Where did this name of the festival come from? I will satisfy your hunger in this knowledge further in this article.
At Shitennoji Temple, from January 1st to 14th, they have a series of religious events when priests pray for peace and good harvest every year. On the last day, January 14th, you can witness the Doya Doya Festival. In one of the halls, Rokuji hall, during this festival, participants try to seize paper charms to which prayer was given. A lot of people from different generations and with different backgrounds used to come together and participate in this jostling. However, in order to avoid accidents and chaos, only students and teachers from designated schools can participate now. Surprisingly, this festival has been taking place for more than 1000 years.
The name of the festival, Doya Doya, comes from the noise that people make when they get into the Rokuji hall or even faces provoking other participants. (Also, Doya is a common word for Japanese people indicating a state when they are proud of themselves for something.)
A long time ago, people were supposed to appear as they were born, when they try to negotiate with God. This is the main reason men are still wearing Fundoshi. At Doya Doya Festival, red Fundoshi team and white Fundoshi team compete to grab paper charms in a vigorous jostling competition which is so exciting to watch.
The Way to Enjoy the Festival
Even though you cannot participate in the jostling competition in Fundoshi, even though some of you want, you shouldn’t miss the very first and the most exciting moment when participants enter the Rokuji hall. When hundreds of paper charms are thrown into the crowds which wear only Fundoshi, they start catching them fiercely. This is a very energetic and breathtaking scene indeed!
Moreover, the participants get splashed with water from the people around them. And at the same time, when you see the water evaporating and the steam coming from the surfaces of their bodies, you will truly feel how spectacular and mysterious this festivity is.
Besides, as there are a lot of high school students participating in Doya Doya, it is also enjoyable to see how excited they get. If you have more interest, try to find a difference between normal high school students and religious school students.
On the other hand, there is also something very adorable at this festival. Not only vigorous men but also charming kindergarten pupils join the festival (not the main one). We actually have a children version of Doya Doya. You’ll enjoy seeing small children in half short pants, boys are naked to the waist and girls wear half sleeves. It is enjoyable to see them yelling “Doya Doya” indeed. If Doya Doya festival is on Saturday, a great number of people will probably come to see, including children’s parents. I suggest you secure your space just after the children version finishes and their parents leave.
1112 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shitennoji
1-chōme-1-11-18 Shitennōji【OBON FESTIVAL】
When you think of Osaka, Dotonbori or Kuromon market would come up to your mind first. On the other hand, Osaka has relatively serene tourist spots like traditional temples or shrines. Shitennoji temple is one of them. This famous temple hosts a sacred memorial candle service for ancestors – Urabon-e Manto Kuyo Hoyo every year in August. If you would like to learn more about this traditional Japanese celebration, please keep on reading this article!
The temple has a special candle festival – Manto Kuyo Hoyo in mid-August. In mid-August, local people usually conduct an annual memorial service – Urabon-e or Obon. People believe that ancestors’ spirits return to this world during this season. They show their respect by entertaining the spirits. This candle festival is one of the ways to show respect to the spirits. How about visiting the Shitennoji temple? It’s very close to Dotonbori or Kuromon market.
In the evening, you will notice a few thousand candles are surrounding the central complex of the temple. Before the main ceremony, around 6:15 pm, all the candles are lit up. Then, Buddhist monks walk around the compound reciting sutras. Local people follow the monks or pray for ancestor’s happiness in the other world.
The ceremony takes place at least four times a day (on August 15th is more than four times a day.) It is said that ten thousand candles are burnt in one night.
If you would like to join the festival, you can do the same as local people do. Usually, when the residents get candles, they write their ancestors’ Buddhist posthumous name on a candle, then bring it to the temple. Next, the temple’s staff sets your candle in the central complex. When the monks come to the central complex, you can follow the group together with local people.
The highlight of this festival is thousands of candle lights in the evening. The atmosphere that it creates is overwhelming and hypnotic indeed. The views of the Five-story pagoda and the main hall with candle lights are picturesque!
Shitennoji temple was established about 1,400 years ago by Prince Shotoku, and this temple is older than famous temples in Kyoto such as Kiyomizu temple or Golden Pavillion. The highlight of the temple is the central complex with the five-story pagoda and the main hall. Besides, the Paradise gate donated by Panasonic founder, the Turtle pond or other interesting spots are dotted in the compound.
Today, the temple is dedicated not only to Prince Shotoku but also other great Buddhist monks. Besides, the temple accepts every Buddhist sect, so today local people who belong to various Buddhist sects use this temple for memorial service as well.
【DOYA DOYA FESTIVAL】
This festival is sometimes called the Naked Man Festival because they strip young men down to their fundoshi (underwear) and have some good natured competition to burn off steam!
Shitennoji Doya Doya Festival takes place at Shitennoji Temple in Osaka every January, which is considered the coldest month of the year. More than 600 men participate, wearing red or white Fundoshi. You must be wondering why Japanese men like to wear Fundoshi, especially in such a cold winter? What’s the point of wearing Fundoshi? For what is this festival? Where did this name of the festival come from? I will satisfy your hunger in this knowledge further in this article.
At Shitennoji Temple, from January 1st to 14th, they have a series of religious events when priests pray for peace and good harvest every year. On the last day, January 14th, you can witness the Doya Doya Festival. In one of the halls, Rokuji hall, during this festival, participants try to seize paper charms to which prayer was given. A lot of people from different generations and with different backgrounds used to come together and participate in this jostling. However, in order to avoid accidents and chaos, only students and teachers from designated schools can participate now. Surprisingly, this festival has been taking place for more than 1000 years.
The name of the festival, Doya Doya, comes from the noise that people make when they get into the Rokuji hall or even faces provoking other participants. (Also, Doya is a common word for Japanese people indicating a state when they are proud of themselves for something.)
A long time ago, people were supposed to appear as they were born, when they try to negotiate with God. This is the main reason men are still wearing Fundoshi. At Doya Doya Festival, red Fundoshi team and white Fundoshi team compete to grab paper charms in a vigorous jostling competition which is so exciting to watch.
The Way to Enjoy the Festival
Even though you cannot participate in the jostling competition in Fundoshi, even though some of you want, you shouldn’t miss the very first and the most exciting moment when participants enter the Rokuji hall. When hundreds of paper charms are thrown into the crowds which wear only Fundoshi, they start catching them fiercely. This is a very energetic and breathtaking scene indeed!
Moreover, the participants get splashed with water from the people around them. And at the same time, when you see the water evaporating and the steam coming from the surfaces of their bodies, you will truly feel how spectacular and mysterious this festivity is.
Besides, as there are a lot of high school students participating in Doya Doya, it is also enjoyable to see how excited they get. If you have more interest, try to find a difference between normal high school students and religious school students.
On the other hand, there is also something very adorable at this festival. Not only vigorous men but also charming kindergarten pupils join the festival (not the main one). We actually have a children version of Doya Doya. You’ll enjoy seeing small children in half short pants, boys are naked to the waist and girls wear half sleeves. It is enjoyable to see them yelling “Doya Doya” indeed. If Doya Doya festival is on Saturday, a great number of people will probably come to see, including children’s parents. I suggest you secure your space just after the children version finishes and their parents leave.
エリアガイド
Osaka Castle, or “Osaka-jo” in Japanese, is certainly one of the most famous landmarks in Japan, and for good reason. This five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country, with a history that dates back almost 450 years!
One of the most fascinating features of Japanese culture is the sheer breadth of its rich history – across the country there are thousands of shrines, temples and castles dating back literally hundreds of years, each with an interesting story to tell. Year-round, travellers from within Japan and abroad make pilgrimages to many of these cultural landmarks to either pay respects, learn about Japanese history, or merely appreciate the stunningly intricate architecture for which Japan is globally renowned. Osaka Castle, or “Osaka-jo” in Japanese, is certainly one of the most famous landmarks in Japan, and for good reason. This five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country, with a history that dates back almost 450 years!
Built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi
In 1583, Hideyoshi Toyotomi (1537-1598), a powerful feudal lord and warrior during the Sengoku period, built Osaka Castle during a period of unrest which had followed numerous wars over the previous decades. Obsessed with gold, Hideyoshi insisted that gold be applied to much of the castle’s interior furnishing, with this motif also appearing on the exterior awnings to this day. Upon completion, Hideyoshi held the castle as a stronghold, which led to a secession of the wars that were raging in Japan at that time – essentially unifying the country and bringing temporary peace.
As history tends to prove, peace did not last forever, and numerous wars broke out over the coming centuries. Osaka Castle was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, and not always by war – in 1665 the main castle tower was in fact destroyed by fire as a result of a lightning storm. After this period the castle stood for another 200 years, before again being destroyed during the Boshin War. The most recent (and hopefully permanent) iteration of Osaka Castle was reconstructed in 1928, and while it did suffer some minor damage during World War II, the main structure lived on, and after being recognised as a “Historic Site” by the Japanese Government in the 1950s the castle lives on to this day. The current Osaka Castle is a beautiful testament to traditional Japanese architecture, from the subtle balance of colour to the delicate patterns and shapes that adorn each level.
Visitors to Osaka Castle can enter inside, which currently operates a historical museum, for a small fee (15 years and younger can enter for free), with group discounts available. On each floor inside the castle are a wide variety of artefacts detailing the extensive history of Osaka and the castle itself. While not all the artefact information is available in English, there are leaflets available that explain much of the exhibits. On the top floor visitors can catch a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas, taking in the parks and cityscapes.
Osaka Castle Park
While the castle itself is indeed beautiful, the surrounding parks are also worth exploring. Osaka Castle Park was opened in 1931, and has become an incredibly popular destination for its changing foliage in the spring’s ‘sakura’ (cherry blossom) season, as well as the autumn’s ‘koyo’ (falling leaves) season.
It is quite easy to spend hours roaming around and enjoying a beautiful day underneath the trees, imagining the amazing things that occurred there in the past. In fact, there are still structures that have managed to escape the wars, having existed intact since the Edo period (1603-1868).
Certainly the best views of Osaka Castle can be seen from the parks area, with the structure itself towering over the stunning natural landscape which envelops it. It is even possible to take a short boat ride around the surrounding moat! Osaka Castle is also famous to some for its incredibly well-built stone wall, which is impressive in its sheer size, with an estimated 500,000 to 1 million large stones (up to 12kg) having been used in its construction. The moat walls stand at up to 20 metres tall and 90 metres wide.
Access
Osaka Castle is surrounded by five different train stations, but the best access is via either Morinomiya or Osakajokoen Station. Coming from either station affords visitors a unique pathway towards the castle through the gardens, and for curious visitors it’s certainly worth arriving by one and departing by the other. It is highly recommended to allocate at least two to three hours at Osaka Castle, which will allow a decent amount of time to really soak in the scenery, from the man-made to the natural.
For first-time visitors to the Kansai region of Japan, Osaka Castle is an absolute must-see destination. It is a perfect half-day trip where one can appreciate both serene nature, in the many areas filled with beautiful trees, and marvel at the rich and intriguing history of Osaka. As Hideyoshi would surely appreciate, this experience is certainly worth its weight in gold!
1376 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Osakajo
Osakajo Chuo WardOsaka Castle, or “Osaka-jo” in Japanese, is certainly one of the most famous landmarks in Japan, and for good reason. This five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country, with a history that dates back almost 450 years!
One of the most fascinating features of Japanese culture is the sheer breadth of its rich history – across the country there are thousands of shrines, temples and castles dating back literally hundreds of years, each with an interesting story to tell. Year-round, travellers from within Japan and abroad make pilgrimages to many of these cultural landmarks to either pay respects, learn about Japanese history, or merely appreciate the stunningly intricate architecture for which Japan is globally renowned. Osaka Castle, or “Osaka-jo” in Japanese, is certainly one of the most famous landmarks in Japan, and for good reason. This five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country, with a history that dates back almost 450 years!
Built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi
In 1583, Hideyoshi Toyotomi (1537-1598), a powerful feudal lord and warrior during the Sengoku period, built Osaka Castle during a period of unrest which had followed numerous wars over the previous decades. Obsessed with gold, Hideyoshi insisted that gold be applied to much of the castle’s interior furnishing, with this motif also appearing on the exterior awnings to this day. Upon completion, Hideyoshi held the castle as a stronghold, which led to a secession of the wars that were raging in Japan at that time – essentially unifying the country and bringing temporary peace.
As history tends to prove, peace did not last forever, and numerous wars broke out over the coming centuries. Osaka Castle was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, and not always by war – in 1665 the main castle tower was in fact destroyed by fire as a result of a lightning storm. After this period the castle stood for another 200 years, before again being destroyed during the Boshin War. The most recent (and hopefully permanent) iteration of Osaka Castle was reconstructed in 1928, and while it did suffer some minor damage during World War II, the main structure lived on, and after being recognised as a “Historic Site” by the Japanese Government in the 1950s the castle lives on to this day. The current Osaka Castle is a beautiful testament to traditional Japanese architecture, from the subtle balance of colour to the delicate patterns and shapes that adorn each level.
Visitors to Osaka Castle can enter inside, which currently operates a historical museum, for a small fee (15 years and younger can enter for free), with group discounts available. On each floor inside the castle are a wide variety of artefacts detailing the extensive history of Osaka and the castle itself. While not all the artefact information is available in English, there are leaflets available that explain much of the exhibits. On the top floor visitors can catch a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas, taking in the parks and cityscapes.
Osaka Castle Park
While the castle itself is indeed beautiful, the surrounding parks are also worth exploring. Osaka Castle Park was opened in 1931, and has become an incredibly popular destination for its changing foliage in the spring’s ‘sakura’ (cherry blossom) season, as well as the autumn’s ‘koyo’ (falling leaves) season.
It is quite easy to spend hours roaming around and enjoying a beautiful day underneath the trees, imagining the amazing things that occurred there in the past. In fact, there are still structures that have managed to escape the wars, having existed intact since the Edo period (1603-1868).
Certainly the best views of Osaka Castle can be seen from the parks area, with the structure itself towering over the stunning natural landscape which envelops it. It is even possible to take a short boat ride around the surrounding moat! Osaka Castle is also famous to some for its incredibly well-built stone wall, which is impressive in its sheer size, with an estimated 500,000 to 1 million large stones (up to 12kg) having been used in its construction. The moat walls stand at up to 20 metres tall and 90 metres wide.
Access
Osaka Castle is surrounded by five different train stations, but the best access is via either Morinomiya or Osakajokoen Station. Coming from either station affords visitors a unique pathway towards the castle through the gardens, and for curious visitors it’s certainly worth arriving by one and departing by the other. It is highly recommended to allocate at least two to three hours at Osaka Castle, which will allow a decent amount of time to really soak in the scenery, from the man-made to the natural.
For first-time visitors to the Kansai region of Japan, Osaka Castle is an absolute must-see destination. It is a perfect half-day trip where one can appreciate both serene nature, in the many areas filled with beautiful trees, and marvel at the rich and intriguing history of Osaka. As Hideyoshi would surely appreciate, this experience is certainly worth its weight in gold!
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