Kansai Scene #217 June 2018 by Kansai Scene Magazine

FREE MONTHLY GUIDE COVERING OSAKA • KYOTO • HYOGO • NARA • WAKAYAMA • SHIGA

JUN 2018 / ISSUE 217

Summer in Kyoto River rafting, quaint towns, scenic hikes

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OSAKA’S RAMEN ROUTE SHIKOKU’S 88-TEMPLE PILGRIMAGE

INCLUDING

SHINMACHI’S VEGETARIAN INDIAN CUISINE FIND OUT WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Look out for the exciting festivals kicking oﬀ the month of June! The Ise Lobster Festival is happening on Sunday the second at Hamajima Kaihin Koen in Mie. Make a

Kansai Scene provides monthly English articles, information and listings for visitors and residents of the Kansai area. Publisher.......................................................Daniel Lee Managing Editor..........................Celia Polkinghorne Editor.........................................................Jason Haidar Production Manager............................... Misa Matsui Production Assistant......................... Miyoko Morita Accounts Manager..................................Michiko Lee Art.........................................................Peggy Holsclaw Cinema.................................................. Miyoko Morita Event & Festival.....................................Tomoko Ishii Live Music.............................................Phillip Jackson Club........................................................Saiko Fujiwara

Contact Kansai Scene General ...........................mailbox@kansaiscene.com Editorial...............................editor@kansaiscene.com Advertising .......................... sales@kansaiscene.com Tel. ............................................................06-6539-1717 Fax. ...........................................................06-7635-4791 Address........................................Osaka-shi, Nishi-ku, ............................................................ Shinmachi 3-5-7, ................................................................... Eiko Bldg. 2F ................................................................ Mojoworks KK Website............................................. kansaiscene.com

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day trip or weekend of it and eat as much delectable Ise ebi (Japanese spiny lobster) as you can get your hands on. On the third, Hyogo Prefecture hosts the Yumura Onsen Festival – Yumura is the small village where Japan s hottest hot springs can be found (temperatures reaching 98 degrees Celsius!). While there are plenty of opportunities to relax in an onsen, the highlight of this festival is the Shobu Tug of War where locals and tourists band together to wrestle with a 100-meter-long 40-ton rope! If that s not enough excitement for you, head out to Kyoto s eccentric festival in the dark – the Agata Festival in the town of Uji where the main ritual takes place in the middle of the night. As temperatures rise in the lead-up to summer, shrines all over Japan host rice-planting ceremonies to pray for a plentiful harvesting season. Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka hosts the largest ceremony in the nation on June 14th. If the humidity starts to take its toll, the best way to beat the heat is in a refreshingly cold Japanese river. On page 04, our writer Randy Poehlman takes us rafting down the Hozugawa . Wherever your Kansai travels land you this month, we hope you have a wonderfully adventurous rainy season.

Events & Festivals.......................................................10 Art ........................................................................................... 16 Live Music ......................................................................... 19 Photo: Jason Haidar

About Kansai Scene

Club ........................................................................................24 Cinema.................................................................................26 Classifieds.........................................................................27 Getting Around / Maps............................................29

ON THE COVER: This month’s cover image was taken by Jason Haidar in Kameoka, Kyoto.

Kyoto Summer Adventures Paddle downstream on the river Hozugawa this summer. FEATURE Text: Randy Poehlman

DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. We take no responsibility for the quality or content of advertisements. Public and private parties appproached by those claiming to work for or on behalf of Kansai Scene should call this office to confirm the truth of any such claim, especially where money may be involved.

Osaka’s Ramen Route Slurp your way around the city.

A BIT OF HISTORY Kansai Scene was founded by Peter Horvath and Nishikawa Keiko in 2000 and published by Jatin Banker between 2003 – 2011.

FEATURE Text: Brooke Larsen

Find a Guiding Spirit Setting oﬀ on Shikoku s 88-Temple Pilgrimage. TRAVEL Text: Alena Eckelmann

18 Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Foodspotting Check out Osaka s vegetarian and vegan Indian, Tibetan, and Nepali cuisine. FOOD & DRINK Text: Sydney Solis

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FEATURE

Kyoto Scenic Summer Adventures Head to the river Hozugawa to make the most of summer in Kyoto. Text & Images: Randy Poehlman

ARASHIYAMA IS ONE OF KYOTO’S MOST POPULAR NEIGHBORHOODS WITH HORDES OF TOURISTS FLOCKING TO THE TOWNSHIP, BAMBOO FORESTS, AND MONKEY PARK. IF THE CROWDS ARE TOO MUCH TO CONTEND WITH, CONSIDER ESCAPING TO ONE OF THESE THREE NEARBY SCENIC TOWNS.

Kameoka Located a short train ride from both Arashiyama and Kyoto stations, Kameoka is a launch point for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking activities. The Sagano Scenic Railway, or so-called romantic train, is the picturesque way to get there as it runs parallel to the river Hozugawa, providing passengers with stunning nature views through the open windows. This railway line is also commonly known as the Torokko, and the station in Arashiyama is a short walk from the bamboo forest. The fare is ¥620 each way and the ride to Kameoka takes about 30 minutes. The train runs hourly and is busy during peak periods, so advanced tickets are recommended (note that the train does not run on Wednesdays). The Hozugawa river is surrounded by mountains and forests and is home to some whitewater rapids, making it a choice location for water sports. There are several rafting companies in Kameoka and Big Smile seems to be the most

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English-friendly. The company offers half- or full-day rafting tours and bookings can be made on their website in English. The half-day tour begins at 1:30 pm and costs around ¥4,000. After changing into the provided wetsuit and life jacket, the group takes the short walk to the riverside launch point next to Kameoka Torokko Station (JR Umahori Station is also close by). Following a brief practice session, the paddlers take off downstream. After dropping a few exciting rapids and giving customary paddle highﬁves, there is a rest point where crews can play games or jump out for a swim. After three or four kilometers, or an hour and a half on the water, you reach the goal and proceed to board the JR train dripping wet in full rafting kit for the return trip. June and July rafting tours are offered daily and at various start times. Visit the Big Smile website for more information: www.gekiryu. com/en/hozu

Feature

Maiko performance at Momijiya in Takao

Kiyotaki Kiyotaki is the next small town of note, just northwest of Arashiyama. It takes around 90 minutes to hike there from the bamboo forest. You can follow the Kyoto Trail signposts from the front of Hankyu Arashiyama Station or Arashiyama Torokko Station. In the summer months, waterside barbecues and splashing around in the river at Kiyotaki is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of vending machines there for drinks, and some simple snacks are available, but there are no convenience stores or major grocery stores. So, if you plan to have lunch at Kiyotaki, remember to bring it from Kyoto City or Arashiyama. From Kiyotaki, if you are so inclined, there is another hiking adventure to embark on; access to the trailhead for Mt. Atago can be found here but this trail splits from the main Kyoto Trail, meaning the signposts will change. The recommended time to set aside for this hike is ﬁve hours. Mt. Atago is just over 900 meters high, and the relatively steep slopes

Rafting on the Hozukawa river

will test your endurance, but the trail is well maintained with many man-made steps and even periodic signs in English. There is a lovely shrine on top of the mountain with some delicate wood carvings of wild animals that are particularly captivating. There is a bus route back to Kyoto and Arashiyama from Kiyotaki.

Takao Option three is to continue along the Kyoto Trail toward the next town along the river, which is Takao – best known for temples Kozanji, Jingoji, and Sainyoji. It is roughly four kilometers from Kiyotaki to Takao and takes about two hours of walking. The highlight of Takao is Kozanji, with vast forest gardens and far fewer tourists and distractions than many of Kyoto s other renowned temples. It is easy to take your time walking the temple grounds, breathing the fresh air, and taking in beautiful forest views. Another unique experience in Takao is dining at Momijiya Restaurant on the riverside. It is an

expensive treat with maiko (apprentice geisha) performances and a detailed course menu that features tasty ﬁre-grilled river ﬁsh. This experience is best enjoyed from the riverside patio in summer months. The restaurant also features a unique wiresuspension bridge entrance. It is recommended to make reservations in advance. There is a city bus that travels along Route 162 that takes passengers back to the city. The bus back to JR Kyoto Station takes the better part of an hour.

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FEATURE Menyataku

Osaka Ramen Quest Slurp your way around the city following the Osaka Ramen Route. Text & Images: Brooke Larsen

t started as a hobby, if not a necessity; Benjamin Weber had just moved to Japan and he needed to eat on the cheap. Jobless in Tokyo after moving on a whim, he had a little money and a lot of free time, so he started searching for the best ramen, a meal that s always affordable. After doing this awhile (and getting a job), Ben, a self-proclaimed completionist, decided to challenge himself further; he decided to eat at every ramen shop featured in the Ikebukuro section of a magazine called Ramen Walker. And he did. By the time he moved to Osaka, eating on a budget was less of a concern, but the compulsion to try local ramen remained. He scoured so many shops and slurped so many noodles, photographing each bowl before devouring it, that he began to feel like his efforts should be put toward something more productive. Back in Tokyo, there had been countless English-language blogs about ramen, but in Osaka, no one was writing about the subject in English. It wasn t long after this revelation that a blog was born. Ben started Friends in Ramen in 2011 and has been consistently posting reviews of ramen in

Osaka ever since. There are over 500 posts on the site, each one detailing the flavor of the broth, ingredients used, whether or not he d visit the shop again, and a handy map. Each post is descriptive, but short and concise, making them easily digestible. Ben tries new ramen multiple times a week and says he has a backlog of about 150 reviews waiting to be transcribed. I eat faster than I write, he admits. Other Osaka-based ramen blogs have appeared since, but Ben isn t worried; he bites down the competition like chashu (stewed pork). As a completionist, Ben is obsessed with stamp rallies (he calls them dangerous ), and even created one of his own. The Osaka Ramen Route is for English-speaking tourists and expats to have more access to ramen in the city. English-language information about local ramen is still scarce, so it s likely many worthy shops are getting overlooked. The rally features five shops located in and around popular areas like Umeda and Horie. The prize for visiting all five is a certificate and, of course, a guided tour of some of the best ramen in town.

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Feature

Kikuhan

Me-cha-ku-cha

For more information, check out osakaramenroute.com. The stamp rally is on until the end of July. Friendsinramen. com is available to peruse year round if you can t get enough. Happy slurping! Mitsuka Bose Kamoshi

Noodleya ME-CHA-KUCHA Mechakucha has a quirky, hipster vibe not normally felt in the average ramen-ya. The atmosphere has nothing on the soups, though – Mechakucha specializes in unique fusion-ramen flavors like Thai Tom Yum and the Taiwanese-inspired bowl made with flavors like star anise and clove. Not only is this ramen unlike any other, it s damn good too. OPEN: Mon–Sat 12pm–3pm, 6pm–10pm • Price RANGE: ¥700– ¥1,900 • ACCESS: Metro Nishiohashi Stn, about a 7-min walk • FACEBOOK: @noodleshop. mechakucha

Menyataku

Menya Taku There might be a bit of a wait to get into this ramen shop in Horie, but it s worth it. The soup awaiting you inside features a creamy broth made of fish and chicken, two flavors which compliment each other surprisingly well. The atmosphere is friendly and lively, and the staﬀ wear matching T-shirts styled like the iconic MTV logo, except the letters are MTK to represent the shop. They also have a tasty tsukemen (dipping ramen). OPEN: Thu–Tue

11am–3pm, 6pm–10pm • Price RANGE: ¥730– ¥1,130 • ACCESS: Metro Nishinagahori Stn, about a 6-min walk • FACEBOOK: @menyataku

Mazenibo Junkie

Mitsuka Bose Kamoshi

This is a somewhat unusual shop located in Nippombashi (where else?), otherwise known as the hub of all things geek. The ramen is soupless and features a range of customizable toppings, including dried sardines. This spunky shop is represented by a noodle tornado as its mascot and is very proud of its support of working women – all its staﬀ and managers are female!

This cozy shop is located just down the road from the Umeda Sky Building, making it a good stop while sightseeing. This also happens to be Ben s favorite ramen in Osaka! He recommends keeping it simple and trying the standard miso (white or red) on your first visit, but says there are often interesting seasonal variations on the menu, like squid ink. They also serve the awardwinning local Minoh craft beer.

OPEN: Mon–Sun 11pm– 3pm, 6pm–9pm • Price RANGE: ¥600–¥1,000 • ACCESS: Namba Stn, about a 3-min walk • FACEBOOK: @マゼニボジャンキー轍

OPEN: Tue–Sun 11:30am–

2:30pm, 6:30pm–11pm • Price RANGE: ¥880– ¥1,380 • ACCESS: Osaka/ Umeda Stn, 12-min walk • mitsukabose.com

Kikuhan Another shop featuring a bowl combining two flavors is Kikuhan, where pork and chicken mix to create a tasty, frothy broth that is sure to satisfy. Add creamy eggs, large chunks of chashu, and gingery pork balls, and you ve got yourself quite the meal. Kikuhan is located in Nakazakicho, a cute neighborhood known for a plethora of independent coﬀee shops and art galleries, that should be recognized for ramen, too! OPEN: Tue–Sun 11:30am– 2:30pm, 6:30pm–10pm • Price RANGE: ¥750– ¥1,080 • ACCESS: Metro Nakazakicho Stn, about a 5-min walk • TWITTER: @ramenkikuhan

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TRAVEL

Get Spirited Away in Shikoku

n the smallest of Japan s four large islands, you become an Ohenro, or Honorable Pilgrim, when you walk all or part of Shikoku s 1,200 km circular pilgrimage route dedicated to Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, the Great Teacher. Kukai was a Buddhist monk who lived in the 9th century and is considered one of Japan s greatest Saints. His mausoleum and monastery on Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture are visited by millions each year. Many also come to Shikoku year after year to pay homage to O-Daishi-san, visiting sacred sites where Kukai trained as a monk and spent time during this life. They come for many reasons: to receive the monk s blessings, in memory of someone who has passed away, for healing and reﬂection, or for self-discovery. Of course, outdoorsy travelers to Japan are also drawn to Shikoku s 88-Temple Pilgrimage. The temples are numbered,

Discover sacred sites and scenic spots and pay homage to Japan s greatest saint on Shikoku s historic pilgrimage trail. Text & Images: Alena Eckelmann

and pilgrims usually follow the route clockwise through the four prefectures of Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa. Walking this trail is a serious exercise but what counts more is the cultivation of your mind. Each prefecture is considered to be a Buddhist dojo (a place for training) to progress on your path to enlightenment, or at least to become a better person. It would take a month and a half on foot to complete the whole circuit. As this is a long time away from home, and a lot of time to take off work, as well as a considerable expense, the majority of pilgrims conduct the pilgrimage in stages. If you have 10 days and a budget of ¥150,000, you can manage a third of the route. Of course, it can be done in smaller steps. The traditional way is to walk, but nowadays, it is perfectly okay to cover long stretches of the trail by local bus, highway bus, or train. Doing it this way makes daily walking distances a manageable 10 to 20 km.

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Your ﬁrst call of action is to select the temples that you would like to visit and then connect their locations by public transport. Then you will have your rough itinerary.

Example Itinerary Temples 1 to 6 and 11 to 12 in Tokushima Prefecture, temples 24 to 26 and 31 to 33 in Kochi Prefecture, temples 51 to 53 in Ehime Prefecture, and temples 66 to 69, 71 to 75, and 85 to 86 in Kagawa Prefecture. At Ryozenji, temple no. 1, wannabe pilgrims get decked out in traditional pilgrimage gear – a white vest, a pilgrim staff, and a sedge hat. This is not just for vanity reasons, however – wearing this gear allows for locals to recognize you as a pilgrim and offer you Osettai. These are gifts to pilgrims of food and drinks, which you should accept with gratitude. From temples 1 to 6, you walk on paved road through urbanized countryside whereas the trail from temple 11 to 12 is all

Feature

in the mountains. A mysterious and larger-than-life bronze statue of Kukai will greet you deep in the forest where monk once practiced meditation. Temples 24 to 26 follow the dramatic coastline of Cape Muroto on the southern tip of Shikoku with sweeping views of the ocean. Temple 31 in Kochi City has superb gardens, and temple 51 in Dogo Onsen features many Buddhist statues with an artistic take of the head monk. Temple 66 is set on top of a 950m mountain, one of the highest elevations on the pil-

TRANSPORT Most pilgrims visit Mount Koya first before starting their Shikoku pilgrimage. You can make your way by train from Mount Koya to Wakayama Port where a ferry departs several times per day to Tokushima City. After completion of your pilgrimage, take the Marine Liner, an express train that connects Takamatsu City (the capital of Kagawa Prefecture) with Okayama City on Honshu Island via the Great Seto Bridge. For travel between major cities on Shikoku, the highway bus is recommended. JR train lines run around the island, and there are also several private rail operators.

grimage. You can marvel at the sight of 500 stone figures of Rakan, the disciples of the Buddha. Each one looks different, and if you step amongst them, you get the strange sensation that they are alive. At temple 71, Buddhist statues and images carved in rock line the steep flight of stairs uphill through the forest. Temple 85, also atop a mountain, has a panoramic view over the surrounding land. To find your way, you follow the little red pilgrim, a common trail marker, as well as the pointing finger, an old stone trail marker. Signage in English, except for road signs, is few and far between. The main motto of the pilgrimage is dogyo ninin ( we walk together ). Kobo Daishi, represented by the staff which pilgrims handle with utmost care, is always with you! At each temple pilgrims visit, the Main Hall is the first stop to worship the main deity of the

temple, followed by the Daishi Hall to pray to Kobo Daishi. There is a set of prayers that pilgrims recite, including a short mantra and the hannya shingyo, or heart sutra. Don t feel bad if you don t know it by heart; even many Japanese pilgrims need to read them from a book. Pilgrims can choose from different types of accommodations. Stay at a shukubo (temple lodging) or minshuku (pension) in the countryside where dinner and breakfast are included. In the cities, you can sleep at cheap business hotels and find food at nearby supermarkets and restaurants. Convenience stores are your best friend for lunch on the go. Popular temple lodgings are at Anrakuji (temple no. 6) and Zentsuji (temple no. 75). The Buddhist prayer ceremonies at these temples are a feast for the senses and will be a highlight of your pilgrimage. March to May and October to November are recommended seasons for walking. The temperatures are comfortable, and there are scenic views of cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and flowers in spring, and of colorful leaves in autumn. A pilgrimage is not your ordinary trip but rather a journey of spiritual significance. With each step and each prayer, you might get a little closer to finding your true self ! Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo. KS

INSIDER TIP Your best guide is a booklet in English called {Shikoku Japan 88 Route Guide}. It contains comprehensive maps and detailed information on transport and phone numbers for accommodations near each temple.

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Events  Cultural

Yabusame Shinji – Japanese Horseback Archery 流鏑馬神事

JUN

Oumi Jingu Shrine, Shiga • Jun 3

Traditional Japanese mounted archery, known as yabusame, will be performed to honor the ancient emperor Tenji at Omi Shrine. Both rider and horse will be decked out in full samurai regalia as they charge full speed, shooting arrows at three consecutive targets that sound with a thunderous crack when hit. Come and watch the skilled mounted archers from the Takeda School of Horseback Archery reenact this traditional martial art that has its origins at the beginning of the Kamakura period.

Otaue - Rice Planting Ceremony 御田植神事

Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka • Jun 14

As temperatures rise in the lead-up to summer, shrines all over Japan host rice-planting ceremonies to pray for a plentiful harvesting season. Located in the southern part of Osaka city, Sumiyoshi Taisha hosts the largest ceremony in the nation. In the ceremony, puriﬁed rice seedlings are planted one by one in the rice paddy. As the planting continues, a sequence of performances begin on the central stage featuring the yaotomemai dance by female kagurame dancers, samurai rituals by armored men, and dances by local children. The ﬁnale is the Sumiyoshi-odori, a dance that marks the completion of the ceremony, characterized by children dancing with fans.

TIME: 12:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Omijingu-mae Stn, 9-min walk • oumijingu.org

JUN

TIME: 1pm–3:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 • ACCESS: Hankai Uemachi Line, Sumiyoshitoriimae Stn; Nankai Line, Sumiyoshi Taisha Stn, 3-min walk • sumiyoshitaisha.net/en

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Events  Cultural

Kansai Temple Markets Explore Kansai s wonderful monthly temple markets and grab a bargain. You ll find a lot of antiques, including old kimono, ceramics and lacquerware, but you may also unearth some more contemporary curiosities. Perfect as souvenirs or gifts for friends and relatives back home.

JUN

30 Candle Night at Osaka City: Chayamachi Slow Day 2018

» Shitennoji Temple Flea

Market:

Jun 21 & 22 • Shitennoji Temple Grounds, Osaka • Access: 5-min walk from Shitennojimae Stn, Tanimachi Line

1,000,000人のキャンドルナイト＠OSAKA CITY 茶屋町スロウデイ2018

» Toji Market Kyoto:

Jun 21 • Toji Temple • Access: 15-min walk from JR Kyoto Stn » Kitano Tenmangu Market:

Jun 25 • Kitano Tenmangu Shrine • Access: Tenmangu-mae bus stop

JUN

Umeda Chayamachi Area, Osaka • Jun 1

Turn off the lights, ignite your candles, and watch as thousands of ﬂickering ﬂames burn to life in the busy commercial district of Umeda. The two-hour lights-out period (8pm–10pm) in and around Umeda will be an excellent opportunity to see a very different view of the city. Candle installations by artists of various disciplines will occupy the Umeda Loft and the Chayamachi area. This event encourages the general public to perform their own Candle Night by turning off the lights in their homes for two hours to save power and appreciate a summer evening with the candlelight. TIME: 6pm–10pm (postponed to Jun 2 in case of rain) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn; Subway Line / Hanshin Line / Hankyu Line, Umeda Stn • facebook.com/chayamachicandle

Summer Passing Purification 夏越の大祓式

Kifune Shrine, Kyoto • Jun 30

Summer Passing Purification, also known as June Purification, is carried out in many shrines across Japan. This summer ritual often features the use of a large ring made of thatch plants; people cleanse their sins by passing through the holy ring. Situated on a quiet hillside, Kifunejinja carries out the ancient ritual according to the old protocol. Following the holy ring ceremony, they perform another old rite, which is to let paper dolls (believed to have received impurities from people) float down the stream running through tranquil valleys. Enjoy these ancient traditional events performed in this picturesque mountain area. TIME: 3pm • ADMISSION: Free to observe, ¥200 to take part • ACCESS: Eizan Dentetsu line, Kibuneguchi Stn, bus to Kibune • kifunejinja.jp

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Events  Cultural JUN

JUN

Yumura Onsen Festival 湯村温泉まつり

Jun 3 • Yumura Onsen Neighborhood, Hyogo Japan s hottest hot springs can be found in this small village, Yumura, where the water temperature goes up to 98 degrees Celsius. Once a year, the community gets together to give thanks to the Buddhist monk Ennin (Jikaku-Daishi), who discovered these hot springs in the 9th century. The highlight is the Shobu Tug of War where locals and tourists together pull the 40-ton rope that is 100 meters long and 50 centimeters thick. This rope is handcrafted by local residents the day before by weaving together the sweet flag plant shobu, which signifies good health. TIME: 4pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Express bus available from

Osaka Stn or Kobe Stn to Yumura Onsen • global.yumura.gr.jp

Event organiser? List your event online for free at

Kansaifinder.com

Aoba Matsuri 宗祖降誕会（青葉祭）

Jun 15 • Koyasan, Wakayama

On June 15th, many temples celebrate the birth of Kukai (KoboDaishi), the Buddhist monk who established Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Kukai also founded Koyasan, the large temple settlement residing on Mount Koya that houses many temples, pagodas, and other structures. The festival frequently uses aoba or green foliage to represent the abundance of ﬂora and fauna during this season. A Buddhist memorial service will take place from 9am. Later at noon, a procession lead by an altar hanamido that carries the newborn Buddha will tour around the neighborhood followed by music and dance performances by the local community. TIME: 9am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nankai Line, Gokurakubashi Stn, Cable car to Koyasan Stn, bus to the town • eng.shukubo. net

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JUN

Ise Lobster Festival 伊勢えび祭

Jun 2 • Hamajima Kaihin Koen (Seaside Park), Mie Whether you prefer to eat it raw or cooked, the Japanese spiny lobster, or Ise ebi, is a delicacy in Japan that does not disappoint. They are frequently presented in celebratory dishes as a symbol of good fortune because their long antennae is seen as a symbol of longevity. Once a year, the town of Hamajima gets together to appreciate this gift from the sea. Following a traditional ceremony at 2pm, upbeat music and festive jakoppe dancing begins at 3pm. From 4pm, the longevity Ise ebi soup will be available for a fee. After the sun sets, floats that replicate gigantic lobsters will join. The festival s finale has everyone participating in the jakoppe dancing and fireworks light up the night sky. TIME: 2pm–9pm (postponed to Jun 3 in case of rain) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Ugata Stn, bus to Hamajima • iseebi-onsen.com/iseebi

Image: Shima-City Tourist Association

Osaka Firefly Viewing

chance to appreciate this traditional form of Japanese literary entertainment!

新梅田シティ • 中自然の森に蛍舞う

TIME: 2:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥500 •

Umeda Sky Building • Jun 2–10

ACCESS: Dobutsuen-mae Subway Stn, 5-min walk • rakutopia.jp/ tennojimura-yose

Enjoy romantic scenes of fireflies in a green oasis in the heart of the city. Two thousand lightning bugs are released throughout the week as they flit about under the Umeda Sky Building. TIME: Dusk to 10pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn, 7-min walk • skybldg.co.jp/event

Balinese Dance Festival 第10回関西バリ舞踊祭

Kishiki Shrine • Jun 2 A Japanese Shinto shrine is transformed into the island of Bali! Watch a contest of traditional Balinese dances performed by Japanese troupes. Stalls of Balinese food and goodies set the tropical island atmosphere.

Gagaku Concert – Japanese Imperial Court Music 雅楽演奏会大阪楽所

The National Bunraku Theatre • Jun 2 The traditional music commonly heard in Japanese shrines is called gagaku, an imperial court music developed in the Heian period. Feel the grace and elegance of these tunes from old Japan showcased by the skillful orchestra, Osaka Gakuso. TIME: 2pm & 6pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000 • ACCESS: Subway / Kintetsu Line, Nippombashi Stn, Exit 7 • osakagakuso.com/frame-ensoukai1. htm

Belgian Beer Weekend

TIME: 4:30pm–8pm • ADMISSION: Free

• ACCESS: Nankai Line, Takojizo Stn, 5-min walk • kishikijinjya.com

Minpaku Music Day 音楽の祭日2018 in みんぱく

The National Museum of Ethnology • Jun 17 The National Museum of Ethnology hosts an international concert to celebrate Music Day – Fete de la Musique. Enjoy world music performed by both professional and amateur bands. TIME: 10:30am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Osaka Monorail, Koen-higashiguchi Stn, 15-min walk • minpaku.ac.jp/museum/event/ fetedelamusique/2018/index

Tennojimura-yose English Rakugo 第13回てんのじ村寄席 • 英語落語の会

Sano Fukushi-Kaikan • Jun 30 Traditional Japanese comic storytelling will be performed in English. Sitting on the stage, an entertainer tells comical stories in the rakugo style. This is a subtitle-free

Jun 13–17 • Osaka Castle Savor a diverse range of Belgian beers at the gigantic open terrace unfolding at Osaka Castle. A wide selection of beers will be available along with Belgian side dishes such as frites and sausages. Don t forget to have some tasty Belgian chocolates for dessert! TIME: 4pm–10pm Jun 13–15; 11am–10pm Jun 16; 11am–9pm Jun 17 • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Osakajokoen Stn • belgianbeerweekend.jp

Kyoto Hydrangea Garden あじさい苑公開

Fujinomori Shrine • Early Jun–early Jul Take a stroll among 3,500 hydrangea plants in full bloom at this large Japanese garden. An ancient Japanese ball game kemari, old imperial court music gagaku, and other forms of traditional Japanese entertainment will be held on weekends during this month-long event. The duration of the event will

Events  Cultural ﬂuctuate depending on the blooming of the plants. TIME: 9am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥300 • ACCESS: JR Fujinomori Stn, 5-min walk • fujinomorijinjya.or.jp

Shinen Garden Open Day 神苑無料公開

Heian Shrine • Jun 8 Known for its gigantic torii gate, Heian Jingu also boasts a beautiful Japanese garden designed in ancient court style. On this day the garden is open to the public for free, and visitors can enjoy the 2,000 sweet ﬂag plants in 200 varieties in full bloom. TIME: 8:30am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Subway Higashiyama Stn, 10-min walk • heianjingu.or.jp

Ceremony of Releasing Living Things 祗園放生会

Gion Shirakawa Tatsumi Bridge • Jun 3 This is a golden opportunity to meet maiko (geisha apprentices) and to give thanks for the blessings of nature. Around noon, maiko will perform a Buddhist ceremony in which they release 2,000 ﬁsh into the river Shirakawa from the bridge. TIME: 11am–1pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Gion-shijo Stn,

This festival has its origins in a legend from the 9th century about a monk named Buen who was attacked by two large serpents and ended up killing one of them. In this millenniumold ritual, mountain priests compete to cut broad bamboo poles measuring four meters in length and 10 centimeters in diameter, which represent the evil serpents. TIME: 2pm • ADMISSION: ¥300 • ACCESS: Eizan line, Kurama Stn • kuramadera.or.jp

Heralding summer in Himeji, the Summer Kimono Festival returns! With a variety of exciting events, people in their yukata (summer kimono) ﬂock to the center of Himeji to celebrate. During this period, people wearing yukata can get free access to Himeji Castle and other facilities in the surrounding areas. TIME: 4:30pm–9:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Himeji Stn, 5-min walk • city.himeji.lg.jp/contents/ yukatafes

Spanish Food Festival

International Yoga Day in Kansai

スペイン料理祭

国際ヨガDAY 関西2018 in 神戸

Kyoto International Community House • Jun 2 & 3

Kobe Meriken Park • Jun 24

The savory aroma of Spanish cuisine will take over Kyoto International House on the ﬁrst weekend of June. Approximately 20 vendors will showcase their delicacies. The food stalls are divided by the different regions in Spain: Northern Spain, Central Spain, the Mediterranean, and Andalucia. Relish the two-day ﬁesta of food, drink, and dance. TIME: 11am–6pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keage Subway Stn, 5-min walk

Enjoy yoga at Kobe s favorite waterfront park! To celebrate the International Day of Yoga, a free 1,000-person yoga class starts at 10am (reservations start at 9:15am). Other yoga classes (¥1000 yen/class) will be available in the afternoon along with dance performances and other festivities. Remember to BYOM (bring your own mat)! TIME: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR/Hanshin Motomachi Stn, 13-min walk • yogadaykansai.com

• taiken.onozomi.com/sf18

Hyogo

Nara Nara Oktoberfest 2018

5-min walk • kyoto-kankou.or.jp

Tanba Japanese Tea Festival

Fireflies & Tea Ceremony

大国寺と丹波茶まつり

Nara Park • Until Jun 3

Ajima in Sasayama City • Jun 2&3

Enjoy authentic German beer and sausages with the famous ﬁve-story pagoda of Gojunoto Kofukuji in the background. The ofﬁcial Oktoberfest Munichbased band will be playing live.

蛍火の茶会

Shimogamo Shrine • Jun 9 At this large, annual tea ceremony held in the evening, there will be a Japanese court dance and a ceremonial kimono dressing. There will be a junihitoe (a twelve-layered kimono worn by ladies of Imperial court) demonstration at 6pm. The 600 ﬁreﬂies will be released at 8pm. Stalls of quality Kyoto goods and food will be open from 1pm. TIME: 5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS:

Keihan Line, Demachiyanagi Stn, 10-min walk • shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/ english

Bamboo Cutting Ritual 竹伐り会式

Kurama Temple • Jun 20

奈良オクトーバーフェスト 2018

TIME: 10:30am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Nara Stn, 5-min walk • isagawa-jinja.jp

Denden Festival 神剣渡御祭（でんでん祭）

Isonokami Shrine, Nara • Jun 30 In a serene location surrounded by Japanese cedar trees, Isonokami Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine houses multiple national treasures and historical artifacts including the seven-branched sword (not open to the public). In this ceremony, a holy sword is passed from Isonokami Shrine to Kanda Shrine. At 5pm, the June Puriﬁcation Ooharae will take place. TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu Tenri Stn, bus to Isonokami Jingu Mae • isonokami.jp

Shiga Nobunaga Festival あづち信長まつり

Azuchi Castle Ruins, Shiga • Jun 3 This is a great family day out with a costumed procession from the samurai period, a large market of local products, a demonstration of matchlock troops, a sword demonstration, a falconry show, and much more. TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free •

Ajima, the tea capital of Hyogo, begins its tea harvesting season by offering tea leaves to the local temple, Daikokuji. During this two-day festival, visitors can experience tea picking between 10am and 1pm. Enjoy freshly picked tea and local goodies while tea picking yourself in the pleasant surroundings of this picturesque farm area. TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION: Most events free • ACCESS: JR Sasayamaguchi Stn, free shuttle bus to the venue • tourism.sasayama.jp

Himeji Summer Kimono Festival 姫路ゆかたまつり

Osakabe Shrine & Surroundings • Jun 22–24

TIME: 4pm–9:30pm weekdays, 11am–9:30pm weekends • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu Nara Stn, 5-min walk • oktober-fest.jp/nara

Yuri Matsuri – Lily Festival ゆりまつり

Isagawa Shrine & Surrounding • Jun 17 This festival dates back to the early 8th century when Princess Isuzu dedicated lilies to the gods. Following a solemn ritual, a colorful procession of ancient princesses will parade through the neighborhood.

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ACCESS: JR Azuchi Stn, free bus to the venue • azuchi-shiga.com/nobunagamaturi.htm

Otaue Sai – Rice Planting Ceremony お田植祭

Taga Shrine • Jun 3 An important religious ceremony to celebrate farming and to pray for a good harvest, 70 saotome (young maidens) in colorful costumes walk into the sacred rice ﬁeld to plant the seedlings. Traditional farming songs and dances will be enjoyed next to the ﬁeld. TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: ¥500 • ACCESS: Omi line, Tagataisha-mae Stn, 10-min walk • tagataisya.or.jp

JUN

Agata Festival あがた祭（まつり）

Jun 5 & 6 • Agata Shrine Uji, Kyoto Known to the locals as the eccentric festival in the dark, Agata Festival s main ceremony takes place in the middle of the night. During the day, approximately 700 stalls fill the streets leading towards Agata Shrine, conveniently located near Byodo-in. Stalls close around 10pm, and around 11pm, the street lights are dimmed as men carry bonten, a wooden ornament adorned with hundreds of white rectangular papers that form a ball-like shape. The highlight of the ceremony is the bunmawashi ritual where the bonten is aggressively shaken. TIME: 11pm–1am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Uji Stn, 10-min walk; Keihan Uji Stn, 8-min walk • agatajinjya.com

Rokoku Festival 漏刻祭

Jun 10 • Oumi Shrine

Wakayama Beach Rugby Japan Tour 第23回ビーチラグビー白浜大会

It is said that Emperor Tenji devised the water clock (Rokoku) 1,300 years ago. To celebrate all things clock-related, the latest styles of clocks and watches will be offered up for blessings. The shrine also has a clock museum in its precincts that will be free admission on this day. TIME: • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Omi-jingu-mae Stn, 9-min walk • oumijingu.org

Shirahama Beach • Jun 23 & 24 This action-packed rugby competition takes place at the beautiful Shirahama beach. More than 100 teams from all over the country will wage heated battles on the long, white stretch of sand. TIME: 8:30am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Shirahama Stn, bus to Shirahama • beachrugby-shirahama. com/top.html

Hiroyuki Nisougi《Nashi》Inkjet print, pen, spray, marker, paper 2013 / TALION GALLERY

The 150th Anniversary of his Birth: Yokoyama Taikan The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto This retrospective exhibition marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Yokoyama Taikan, as well as the 60th anniversary of his death. This trailblazing painter left the Tokyo School of Fine Arts with his teacher, Okakura Tenshin, to found the Japan Art Institute upon completion of his studies. Yokoyama endeavored to pioneer a new age of art characterized by a free-wheeling style to fit the era as Japan opened up to the artistic influences of the West during the late 19th century. The artist became known for his non-traditional works deeply imbued with spirituality. This exhibition includes well-known works like Metempsychosis, Cherry Blossoms at Night, and Autumn Leaves, as well as pieces that have yet to be displayed to the public.

ART OSAKA 2018

Yokoyama Taikan Retrospective • Until Jul 22 • OPEN: 9:30am–5pm, Fri & Sat 8pm (Jun 8-30), 9pm (Jul 6-21) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1,500 • ACCESS: Tozai Subway Line, Higashiyama Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 075-761-4111 • momak. go.jp/English/index.html

Hotel Granvia Osaka

Art Osaka 2018 Fair • Until Jul 8 • OPEN: Jul 7, 11am–8pm; Jul 8, 11am–7pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500 (1-day pass) • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn, direct access • TEL: 06-7506-9338 • artosaka.jp/en

The Myriad Forms of Visual Art: 196 Works with 19 Themes The National Museum of Art, Osaka This exhibition provides guests of the National Museum of Modern Art, Osaka with an opportunity to think about art from a variety of new angles. In our increasingly interconnected global environment that s flooded with information in every possible field, art museums attempts to store and exhibit art by region are becoming ineffective. Instead, many are choosing to organize exhibitions by theme. In this exhibition, works displayed under 19 different themes are presented, inspiring viewers to pause and find new meaning in iconic, well-known pieces, as well as some 50 new acquisitions. Varied works of art are combined, juxtaposed, and highlighted to offer opportunities for fresh discoveries by art-loving guests. The Myriad Forms of Visual Art • Until Jul 1 • OPEN: 10am–5pm (until 8pm Fri & Sat) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥900 • ACCESS: Keihan Nakanoshima Line, Watanabebashi Stn, 5-min walk • TEL: 06-6447-4680 • nmao.go.jp/en/index. html

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Kodai Nakahara, Lego, 1990-91, The National Museum of Art, Osaka

ART OSAKA, one of Japan s largest annual contemporary art fairs, will be holding its 16th installment the weekend of July 7th and 8th on the 26th ﬂoor of the Hotel Granvia Osaka in Umeda. The venue will transform 68 of its hotel rooms into exhibition booths where 54 galleries from Japan and abroad will display the ﬁnest works from their representing artists. This year, fair organizers will set up U-35 Sections to introduce solo exhibitions by artists under the age of 35. Exhibition PLUS sections will also be set up to highlight the individual styles of artists representing participating galleries in solo exhibitions. Guests at the fair will have an opportunity to purchase the gallerists' hand-picked Japanese contemporary artworks by both upcoming and established artists.

Adachi Museum of Art

《Autumn Leaves》1931（Right vessels）,

Events  Art

Events  Art Aeneas Wilder: Until the End of Time ARTCOURT Gallery •  Until Jun 23 This solo exhibition presents the works of Aeneas Wilder, an Edinburgh sculptor who specializes in creations assembled from thousands of pieces of wood precariously held in place solely by the natural forces of gravity, friction, and balance. OPEN: 11am–7pm (until 5pm Sat) • CLOSED: Sun & Mon • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Kanjo Line, Sakuranomiya Stn, 8-min walk • TEL: 06-6354-5444 • artcourtgallery.com/eng/exhibitions

Kyoto Yayoi Kusama: PUMPKIN FOREVER Forever Museum of Contemporary Art •  Until Feb 28, 2019 Forever Museum celebrates its one-year anniversary with a solo exhibition by pop-art queen Yayoi Kusama, a painter and sculptor acknowledged as one of Japan s most important living artists. Guests will have an opportunity to view 123 of Kusama s works, including her famous gigantic yellow pumpkin.

Studio Ghibli Grand Exhibition 2018: From Nausicaa to Marni Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art Fans of the world-famous Studio Ghibli, the award-winning Tokyobased film studio founded and formerly run by director Hayao Miyazaki, will have a chance to view numerous artworks based on its revered anime creations spanning the past 30 years, including Nausicaa, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and many more. Guests will examine how these beloved, imaginative, and colorful works were produced and sent out into the world upon production. Items on display at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art in Kobe include posters, ads, character-based goods, original illustrations, movie trailers, and valuable unreleased materials rarely shown to the public. Studio Ghibli Exhibition • Until Jul 1 • OPEN: 10am–6pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥500 • ACCESS: Hanshin Line, Iwaya Stn, 8-min walk • TEL: 078262-0901 • ytv.co.jp/ghibli-expo/english/ index.html

OPEN: 10am–6pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500 • ACCESS: Hankyu Kyoto Line, Kawaramachi Stn, 10-min walk • 075532-0270 • fmoca.jp/index.html

Big Comic 50th Anniversary Exhibition – Big footprints from half a century

Showcase #7 “PHOTO & SCAN”

Kyoto International Manga Museum •  Until Sep 2

En Arts •  Until Jun 11

This exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of Big Comic manga magazine with a collection of its most esteemed artworks. Featured are some 200 pieces that have appeared over time since the magazine s launch in 1968.

This exhibition, curated by leading contemporary art critic Minoru Shimizu, showcases works by Hana Sawada and Hiroshi Takizawa, two award winners of The New Cosmos of Photography, an annual competition held by CANON. OPEN: 12pm–6pm Fri–Sun • CLOSED:

Mon–Thur (except by appointment) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Gion-Shijo Stn, 10-min walk • 075-5252355 • en-arts.com/en2

Osaka

OPEN: 10am–6pm • CLOSED: Wed • ¥800 • ACCESS: Karasuma Subway Line, Karasuma Oike Stn, 2-min walk • 075254-7414 • kyotomm.jp/en

Hyogo Velázquez and the Celebration of Painting: The Golden Age in the Museo del Prado Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art •  Until Oct 14 The Prado Museum opened in Spain in 1819 with the Spanish Royal Collection as its main feature. This exhibition includes seven works by Diego Velázquez, one of the museum s representative master artists, along with selected masterpieces by Titian, Rubens, and other artists from the royal collection. OPEN: 10am–6pm • CLOSED: Mon •

Nara Taisho Roman Showa Modern Kobe Fashion Museum •  Until Jul 1 As part of its spring calendar, the Kobe Fashion Museum presents a selection of artworks by notable painters, printmakers, and other artists active during the Taisho and Showa periods, including Yumeji Takehisa and Kobayashi Kiyoshi. OPEN: 10am–6pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥200 • ACCESS: Rokko line, Island Center Stn, short walk • TEL: 078-858-0050 • fashionmuseum. or.jp/english

ADMISSION: ¥500 • ACCESS: Hanshin Line, Iwaya Stn, 8-min walk • TEL: 078-262-0901 • artm.pref.hyogo.jp/eng/ index.html

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Food & Drink

/ GREAT PLACES TO EAT

FOODSPOTTING

If you re in Osaka searching for vegetarian or vegan Indian, Tibetan, and Nepali cuisine, look no further than Shinmachi. Text & Images: Sydney Solis

Siddhartha Healthy and Spicy is the motto of Nepal-Curry s second-floor Siddhartha restaurant that opened a year ago in Shinmachi, Osaka, oﬀering many options for vegetarians and vegans. At dinner, crispy lentil-floured papads come as a complimentary starter in this clean, modern Indian restaurant. The bite-sized vegetable onion-and-potato pakoras (¥590) are a light and crispy fried treat that come with ketchup and mayo, or a variety of chutneys if requested. The hearty dish of vegetable biryani (¥850) is jasmine rice cooked with red and green bell peppers and lotus root blended with aromatic spices, including cardamom and coriander, and topped with almond slices. Several vegetable curries and dals are available. The alu began (¥890) is a smooth blend of soft potatoes and eggplant chunks, and the palak paneer (¥1,050) is the classic dish of spinach with homemade cheese chunks. All items come with your preferred spice level. There are also soups and unique salads, including a soybean salad called bhatmas sadeko (¥350), and even chomin (chow mein) for ¥750. The restaurant is available for private parties. OPEN: Lunch 11am–2:30pm; Dinner 5pm–11pm • Price RANGE: ¥750–¥2,500 • ADDRESS: Shinmachi 1-31-17 2F • ACCESS: Nishiohashi Subway Stn, 5-min walk north (near the Naniwasuji Shinmachi Post Office) • TEL: 06-6531-6877 • nepal-curry. com

Delhi This simple, cozy restaurant with upbeat, modern Indian music in the background and images of Indian gods on the walls makes you feel like a guest in the home of the friendly staﬀ. The lunch set always has a vegetable curry option – chunky bits of potato and cauliflower, peas, carrots, and green onions topped with yogurt and cooked to your spice preference. A clay oven turns out enormous pieces of puﬀy, fresh naan bread, and the set comes with cabbage salad, rice, red chutney, and a lentil papad (¥880). For dinner, crispy deep-fried vegetable samosas of potato and peas are a treat. Chana masala curry (¥900) with its chickpeas and tomatoes blended with spices, including cumin and garam masala, is an excellent and hearty choice. There is also a vegetarian dinner set (¥1,550) that includes aloo gobi curry, potatoes, and cauliflower cooked with onion, tomatoes, and spices or sag paneer curry with spinach and cheese chunks. The set comes with naan, rice, salad, papad and a lassi or chai. OPEN: Lunch 11am–3pm (LO 2:30 pm); Dinner 5pm–11pm (LO 10pm) • Price RANGE: ¥250–¥1,550 • ADDRESS: Shinmachi 1-29-18 • ACCESS: Nishiohashi Subway Stn, 2-min walk • TEL: 06-6535-8662 • TABLELOG: tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2701/ A270201/27017844

Snow Lion The dazzling array of golden Buddha statues, Buddhist thangka paintings and other Tibetan ornaments and artworks that pack this unique restaurant makes it feel like you re eating in a fine art gallery. Sit low on cushions and woven rugs at ornately painted tables or at Western tables beneath strings of colorful Tibetan flags, prayer wheels, and lanterns. For dinner, try the veggie momos – steamed dumplings with spinach and onion filling served with spicy red chili sauce (¥700). There s a fresh tomato salad drizzled with olive oil, rock salt and herbs (¥480), and their bhatmas sadeko (¥480) (a salad of crunchy toasted soybeans) is loaded with ginger, garlic, spices, cucumber, red peppers, and onions. The Nepali Set (¥1,500) features a serving of dahl and a rich stew with lotus root, chard, and green beans flavored with orange. It comes with seasoned vegetables and basmati rice with a colorful medley of delicate shaved carrots, cucumber, peppers, onions and a hint of rose and bay leaf. A small store sells chakra bowls and fine statues, music, and jewelry. OPEN: Lunch 11:30am–3pm; Dinner 5pm–11pm (LO 10:30pm) • Price RANGE: ¥480–¥1,500 • ADDRESS: Shinmachi 1-14-2 2F • ACCESS: Hommachi Subway Stn, 4-min walk; Yotsubashi Subway Stn, 5-min walk • TEL: 06-6585-9592 • snowlion.jacklist.jp

Need more dining options? Check kansaifinder.com/places to search all of our food and drink spots 18

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Events  Live Music Herve Samb

JUN

Herve Samb is a guitarist from Senegal that has graced over 100 albums with his virtuoso playing. He has played with the likes of Pat Metheny, Jimmy Cliff, and Meshell Ndegeocello to name just a few. He sums up his philosophy on music by saying, All that I ve done is to sound like I want to, who I am: a multicultural musician. Playing jazz-electrobop and a good mix of Senegalese dance, Samb released the album Teranga in January of this year. Calling himself an urban African man at 11 years old, he was deep into the blues and rock. He later grew an interest in jazz. At 19, he moved to Paris where he jumped straight into any musical opportunity he could ﬁnd.A talented musician who brings a different vibe to the jazz genre.

Sengalese jazz guitarist • Mister Kellys, Osaka • Jazz • 7pm/9pm • ¥4,000/¥6,000 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Jun / Jul Rock & Pop Pia-no-jaC Jun 3

Helluva Lounge, Kobe • Power Pop • 7pm • ¥1,800/¥2,300 • TEL: 078-331-7732

Asian Kung-Fu Generation

Namba Hatch, Osaka • Hybrid Instrumental • 5pm • ¥5,000 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

Tetsuya Kakihara Jun 9 & 10

Zepp Osaka Bayside, Osaka • Alt Rock • 7pm • ¥5,400/¥5,900 • TEL: 0570200-888

Namba Hatch, Osaka • Pop • 6pm • ¥7,344 • TEL: 06-6344-3326

Little Murders Jun 15

Helluva Lounge, Kobe • Indie • 7pm • ¥1,800/¥2,300 • TEL: 078-331-7732

Park Junyoung Jun 19 Korean pop vocalist

Australian 70 s and 80 s power pop

Muse, Kyoto • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,966 • TEL: 075-223-0385

The Dead Daisies Jun 26 US-Australian heavy-rock supergroup Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Jun 17 Australian indie band

Japanese voice actor and singer

Jun 21

Big Cat, Osaka • Funk rock • 7pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 06-6882-1224

Jun 15

The Delicates & Donny Love

Japanese four-piece rock band

Popular Japanese funk-rock band

Japanese alternative-rock band Japanese piano and cajón instrumental duo

Crazy Ken Band

Muse, Osaka • Pop • 2:15pm/5:45pm • ¥6,000 • TEL: 06-6245-5389

Nakamura Emi Jun 30 Japanese pop vocalist and songwriter Big Cat, Osaka • Pop • 6pm • ¥4,500 • TEL: 06-6882-1224

Brainchild’s Jun 30

Sakanaction

Japanese rock band

Jun 26 & 27

Muse, Kyoto • Rock • 5:30pm • ¥5,100 • TEL: 075-223-0385

Japanese alternative-electronicrock band Zepp Osaka Bayside, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 06-6882-1224

The Bawdies Jun 28

LiSA Jun 30 & Jul 1 Japanese rock-pop vocalist Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka • Pop rock • 5pm • ¥7,560 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Events  Live Music

JUN

26 The Dead Daisies The Dead Daisies are an Australian-American rock band and musical collective formed in 2013 by businessman-come-rockstar David Lowy. Since its formation, the super-group has involved a number of high-proﬁle members. The current lineup includes guitarists David Lowy and Doug Aldrich, bassist Marco Mendoza, vocalist John Corabi, and drummer Deen Castronovo. As well as their performing own shows, they have opened for great acts like Aerosmith, Alice In Chains, Jane s Addiction, and ZZ Top, and in January 2018, the band announced the April 6 release of its pending album Burn It Down, which would be followed by an intensive touring schedule. Rolling Stone magazine of The Dead Daisies, Rock n Roll like this is a rarity these days: dirty, passionate, full of anger and lust for life, without irony or distance. With band members visiting Japan previously, there has been a following from the outset. As to what Japanese fans can expect in the current setlist, the band said, We mainly play our original songs as well as selected cover versions of classic rock songs that the band grew up with and love.

Sakanaction

Tchavolo Schmitt

Jun 26 & 27

Jul 4

Sakanaction is a Japanese rock band from Sapporo. Their sound is a mix of alternative rock, electronic, pop, and new wave. The band members are Ichiro Yamaguchi, Motoharu Iwadera, Ami Kusakari, Emi Okazaki, and Keiichi Ejima. The unusual band name is apparently a joining of two words, fish ( sakana) and action. They are enjoying increasing popularity, having hit mainstream success with their releases consistently achieving positions within the Top 10 on Japan s Oricon charts. The band s latest release was this year s album Sakanazukan. The album is a three-disc best-of album. The album covers tracks from 2007 to 2018 and the package design features artwork that looks like a classic fish guidebook.

Tchavolo Schmitt first took up the guitar when he was just six years old. Learning and developing in the manouche (gypsy jazz) style, by the time he had turned 25 in 1979 he had become a full-time musician. It wasn t until the early 90s, though, that Schmitt s career got going in earnest after he joined the band Gypsy Reunion with other gypsy jazz legends, Dorado Schmitt, Patrick Saussois, and Gino Reinhardt.

Japanese rock-electronic band • Zepp Osaka Bayside, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 066882-1224

US-Australian supergroup • Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

The year 2000 saw the release of his first solo album Alors?...Voilà!, and he has continued to record and perform solo and with others since. Tchavolo Schmitt is considered to be one of the most talented and purest heirs of Django Reinhardt in the gypsy jazz guitar genre and really takes the guitar in this field to another level. French gypsy-jazz guitarist • Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Gypsy Jazz • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,500/¥7,500 • TEL: 06-63427722

Live Music Silent Siren Jul 1 Japanese pop-rock band Zepp Osaka Bayside, Osaka • Pop rock • 6pm • ¥4,800/¥5,800 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 7:30pm/9pm • ¥4,800 • TEL: 066342-5821

Herve Samb Jun 17 Senagalese jazz guitar

Elephant Kashimashi

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 7pm/9pm • ¥4,000/¥6,000 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Jul 1 Japanese rock band formed 1981

Mr. Waricomets Jun 18

Zepp, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,900 • TEL: 0570-200-888

Japanese blues quartet

Donavon Frankenreiter

Taku Taku, Kyoto • Blues • 7pm • ¥2,400/¥2,800 • TEL: 075-351-1321

Jul 2 US singer-songwriter and surfer Club Quattro, Osaka • Soft Rock • 7:30pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • TEL: 036692-0939

The 50 Kaintenz Jul 7 Japanese garage-punk trio Club Quattro, Osaka • Punk • 6pm • ¥3,800 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

The Muggles Every Fri & Sat Mellow ballads, classic rock, and dynamic rock n roll from Osaka-based jamming band Woodstock Café, Ashiya • Group Sounds • 7pm • Admission Free (¥2,000 for two drinks and snack) • TEL: 07-9734-1044

Windjammer Jun 22 Japanese funk-blues four-piece Taku Taku, Kyoto • Funk Blues • 6:30pm • ¥2,500/¥3,500 • TEL: 075-351-1321

Yosuke Yamashita Jun 23 Special big band concert Biwako Hall, Shiga • Jazz • 6pm • ¥2,000/¥6,000 • TEL: 077-523-7136

Nozomi Takazawa Jun 29 Japanese jazz vocalist s debut release party Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz and R&B • 7:30pm/9pm • ¥6,500/¥6,800 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Tchavolo Schmitt

Jazz & Blues

Jul 4

Mirei

French gypsy jazz guitarist

Jun 10

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Jazz • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,500/¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Japanese jazz-pop folk violinist Gallery Miki, Kyoto • Jazz pop • 6:30pm • ¥1,500 • TEL: 075-201-5457

Trisonique Jun 16 Japanese jazz trio

Tsubo-Ken Quartet Jul 6 Japanese saxophonist TsuboKen Café candle, Kyoto • Jazz • 7pm • ¥2,300 • TEL: 075-971-2111

Events  Live Music

Summer Music Festivals Kyoto Daisakusen Music Festival Mission Impossible For the Kansai area, we kick oﬀ with the Kyoto Daisakusen Mission Impossible (Jul 7th & 8th). Usually a three-day music festival, this year the event will only be held for two days. The bands performing on the opening day include 10 Feet (rock trio from Kyoto), Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Rottengraﬀty, and Brahman. The second day brings in some big rock names in Acidman and Dragonash, along with Dustbox (melodic punk), and punk trio Dizzy Sunfist. Last year the event was marred by a thunderstorm so remember to come prepared for the possibility of rain! The event is held in the large Yamashiro Undo Sogo Park next to Ritsumeikan High School in Uji. Driving to the event is not advised, but from JR Uji Station, it s either a 10-minute bus ride or a 30-minute walk. Yamashiro Sogo Undo Koen, Uji, Kyoto • 11am • ¥6,200 (1-day pass); ¥12,000 (2-day pass) • kyoto-daisakusen.kyoto/18

Summer Sonic Osaka

ALBERT HAMMOND JR plays Fuji Rock Festival on Jul 27

On August 18th and 19th, Summer Sonic Osaka will be held at Maishima Sonic Park. Top of the bill on the opening day is Beck. Also on the bill are One OK Rock, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), Greta Van Fleet, and Nickelback. Noel Gallagher s High Flying Birds will be performing on the 19th, as will be Shawn Mendes, Nine Inch Nails, Mastodon, and The Charlatans. Summer Sonic is a popular event and also runs in tandem with a Tokyo version on the same days.

Soul & RnB The Original James Brown Band Jun 4

Maishima Sonic Park, Osaka • Mixed-genre • 11am • ¥14,500 (1-day pass); ¥25,500 (2-day pass); ¥25,000 (Platinum 1-day ticket) • summersonic.com

Ft. Danny Ray, Fred Thomas, Tony Cook, and others

Fuji Rock Festival

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Soul-Funk • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥9,000/¥10,000 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Not in Kansai, but probably the most well-known music festival in Japan is the Fuji Rock Festival running from Jul 27th to 29th. Top of the bill on the three days are N.E.R.D. (Jul 27), Kendrick Lamar (Jul 28), and legendary folk artist Bob Dylan and his band (Jul 29). Also on the bill are Albert Hammond Jr of the Strokes, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, reformed Irish rock-folk band Hothouse Flowers (celebrating 30 years), British singer and guitarist James Bay, and Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.

Frendel Jun 26 Scandanavian folk music group Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • World • 8pm • ¥2,800/¥3,500 • TEL: 075-241-0446

Shen Lin Jul 5 Chinese erhu player

World Music

Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • World • 7:30pm • ¥3,280/¥4,100 • TEL: 075-241-0446

Murat Aydemir & Christos Barbas Jun 13

Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzuwa-cho, Niigata • ¥20,000 (1-day pass); ¥36,000 (2-day pass);

Turkish tanbur stringed instrument and ney (Middle Eastern reed ﬂute)

¥45,000 (3-day pass) • Campsite ¥3,000 • Parking ¥3,000 • fujirock-eng.com

Horie Arte, Osaka • World • 6:30pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • TEL: 080-9731-8124

Fuji Rock main stage © Yasuki Kasagi

Who’s playing? Check Kansaifinder.com for the latest live music listings...

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Events  Club Intex Osaka

JUN

EDM fans – this is the party you ve been waiting for! The Chainsmokers are coming to Chiba and Osaka. This American EDM DJ duo – Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart – had their breakthrough single #Selfie in 2013. LA record label Dim Mak Records re-released it in 2014 to international acclaim. Since then, they have released several singles and EPs, and in 2016 they won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording with the song Don’t Let Me Down featured the American singer Daya. Last year they released their debut album Memories...Do Not Open, which debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 and featured a collaboration with the British rock band Coldplay (Something Just Like This). They ve also collaborated with major artists such as Dutch DJ Tiësto, (Split in 2015) and the American chart-

topper Halsey (Closeer in 2016). This is sure to be a night to remember! The Chainsmokers Japan Tour in Osaka (EDM/Pop) • DJS: The Chainsmokers + more • OPEN: 6pm • ADMISSION: ¥10,000 • WHERE: Nanko • TEL: 0570-200-888 • creativeman.co.jp

June 1 (Fri) Alzar Psychedelic Friday (Psychedelic Trance) • DJS: “Go” Altz, Atesh. Tamtam, Yusuke Hisada + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 090-6960-8527 • alzar.jp

Triangle Air D n B (Drum n Bass) • ACTS: Fetus, Haruki, Hiraku, Kantaro, Kurosu_core, Small Face, Yanmah + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500/1D (FOREIGNERS: Free) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

World Kyoto World Peace Love #4 Porter Robinson Japan Tour (EDM) • DJS: Porter Robinson, Beatman, Sa!d + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥4,500/1D (ADV: ¥4,000/1D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto. com

• DJS: Nao Nomura, Junichi Kuwata, Ashikaga, Yuichiro Miyamoto, Yuta Aoki, Tamo, Naluu + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥1,500/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 090-6960-8527 • alzar.jp

Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge

• DJS: Max Pela, Yoshihiro Okino, Ageishi, Mightwhales, Ebo + more • OPEN: 11am–8pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000/1D • WHERE: Sumiyoshi, Osaka • TEL: 06-6615-7795 • iflyer.tv/ja/nanko_ sankaku_park

En:Core (Hip Hop/Open Format) • DJS: Minami, B=Ball, Malu, Jun Tanaka + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: Gentlemen ¥1,500/1D; Ladies & FOREIGNERS: ¥700/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Triangle Dawn (Bass/Techno) • ACTS: Kimists, Mcd, Hmen, Jin Arvio, Hyposhin, Aqb, Shoko-Bons + more • OPEN: 11:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62122264 • triangleosaka.com

3 (Sun) Ghost Ultra Lounge Way Up Sunday (Hip Hop/R&B/ Reggae)

2 (Sat) Alzar Alazar Saturdays (Techno/House)

• DJS: Tact, Guri, Taishi, Lisa, Cero + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: Gentlemen ¥2,000/1D; Ladies & Foreigners ¥1,500/1D • WHERE:

Nanko Sankaku Koen Nanko de la Soul Outdoor Music Festival (Soul/Funk/Crossover)

Noon + Cafe Cu + Ubp presents Kuf in Osaka (Tech Funk/Bass) • LIVE: Kuf, Compufunk, 909state, Hideo Nakasako, Barium • DJS: Ryoma Sasaki, Ouchi-S + more • OPEN: 5:00pm11:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,300/1D • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com

7 (Thu) Hokage Hokage presents Naniwa Ambient (Ambient/Noise/Electro) • ACTS: Okahashi Nobuhiro, The Birth for Nil, Nmsy + more • OPEN: 7pm–11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,300/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62112855 • musicbarhokage.net

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

8 (Fri) Alzar Cio D or in Osaka supported by Osaka Jamaica (Techno) • DJS: Cio D’or, D41, Dk-Baseline, Baikamo, Hogeko + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 090-6960-8527 • alzar.jp

Circus Nightbirds presents Tmu2ki (Electronica/Techno) • DJS: Bigted, U2ki, Kafuka, Masahiko Takeda, Mightwhales + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,600/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Joule Absolute Music presents - Nexus with Cid (Progressive House) • DJS: Cid, Beatman, Addict, Yuichi + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.com

Metro Club Snoozer x Sunny Sunday Smile (Dance/House) • DJS: Soichiro Tanaka, Hisashi the Kid, Ohno Shinsuke, Iwasaki Shin + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D

Events  Club (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

¥3,500/1D) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 066373-4919 • noon-cafe.com

ADMISSION: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) •

House Bar Muse

WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 •

L4b#32 - Love 4 Beats - (House/ Techno)

noon-cafe.com

Noon + Cafe Vinyl Session vol. 93 -With Japanese Groove- (Jazz/Crossover/Deep House) • LIVE: Shu Suzuki • DJS: Mayshi, Nakaji, Natsuko, Daisuke Matsumoto, Shinji Okano, Shigema, Yohei Okamoto + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D (FOREIGNERS: ¥500/1D) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com

Triangle Break Down feat. Match in Box (Bass/Drum n Bass) • ACTS: Match in Box, Naga, Dor4chan, Linda, Momo, Senna, Yanmah + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500/1D (FOREIGNERS: Free) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

Triangle

12 (Tue) G.R.Cafe Terrace Tuesday Deep Dubstep Lounge vol.3 (Deep Dubstep) • DJS: Shohei, Awa + more • OPEN: 8pm–11pm • ADMISSION: Free • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-6707 • grcafeterrace.com

14 (Thu)

Trippin Factory 9th AnniversaryT.f.c. b.d!!!- (Drum n Bass/Psychedelic Trance/Bass) • ACTS: Tetsuji Tanaka, Fullmoon Mondo, Horn, Shaka-itchi, Naga, Yanmah, Mi-Bou + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D, FOREIGNERS: ¥1,000/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

18 (Mon)

Socore Factory Socore Factory 4th Anniversary West Village (Dubstep/Bass) • LIVE: Cam Lasky, Kuroi Opal • DJS: Tuttle, Sumio Iwase, Memento, Noa, Yuji • OPEN: 7pm–12am • ADMISSION: ¥1,500/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

Metro Sequence...Sous-sol (Electro/ Techno/House) • DJS: Shin, T△k△, Sota, Ouchi-S, Hisashi Aochi + more • OPEN: 9pm–3am • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

9 (Sat) Alzar Soundgram 7th Anniversary (Techno) • LIVE: Overmono • DJS: Technoman, Ka4u, Naco, Methodd, Portal + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 090-6960-8527 • alzar.jp

22 (Fri)

Alzar Space #10 (Experimental/Industrial/ Electronic) • ACTS: Pact Infernal, Eexxppoann, C-Kay, Aon, Syncilow • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥3,000/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 090-69608527 • alzar.jp

16 (Sat)

Rooftop Bar OO & Alzar Rooftop Bar OO 5th Anniversary Day 1 presents Francois K. Japan Tour (House) • DJS: Senda, Hman, Momo + more • OPEN: 6pm–3am at Rooftop • DJS: Francois K, Ageishi, Mitsuyas + more • OPEN: 10pm at Alzar • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 080-4974-4835 • oo-u.jp

Orange Milk Showcase Japan Tour 2018 in Osaka (Electronic/ House)

Circus

Triangle

• ACTS: Giant Claw, Seth Graham, Fulltono + more • OPEN: 4pm–11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,600/1D (ADV: ¥3,100/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Circus Loves Drum&Bass feat. S.p.y in Osaka (Drum n Bass) • DJS: S.p.y + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Suncaq 2nd Anniversary × Laxenanchaos New Album Release Bash (Breakcore/Juke/ Drum n Bass/Hardcore)

G.R.Cafe Terrace Heavyweight Meets Fre4knc & Posij- Osaka s Underground Bass Music Party (Drum n Bass/ Dubstep/Grime/Breakbeats) • DJS: Fre4knc, Posij, Yutaka, Shohei, Tomishi, Ritzzz, Sony + more • OPEN: 5pm–11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62126707 • grcafeterrace.com

Noon + Cafe Milestone (Soul/Funk) • ACTS: Soulflex, Showmore, Think, Fleur + more • OPEN: 6pm-11:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥4,000/1D (ADV:

Noon + Cafe Zettai-Mu (Reggae/Dub/Dubstep) • LIVE: Banyaroz, Shin Kokawa • DJS: Doppelgenger, Ka4u, Kuranaka a.k.a 1945 + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-63734919 • noon-cafe.com

Troop Cafe Club Venue/ from Seoul in Kobe (House) • DJS: W3, Takeshi Kouzuki, Masafumi Ohnishi, Pf, Towl + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

24 (Sun)

15 (Fri)

10 (Sun) Circus

• DJS: Sekitova, coolsurf, Yanagi, Naoki + more • OPEN: 4pm–10:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • WHERE: Nishi Temma • TEL: 06-6361-1035 • barmuse. blog10.fc2.com

Metro Epistroph Night Kyoto (Jazz/Hip Hop/Beat) • ACTS: Wonk, Melraw, Sweet William, Phennel Koliander × Daichi Yamamoto, Ballhead, Dhrma, Kosuke Harada × Matzuda Hiromu, Masaki Tamura + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥4,000/1D (ADV: ¥3,500/1D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Noon + Cafe Rebellion - Rankin Pumpkin Jahpan Tour in Osaka - (Reggae/ Dub) • ACTS: Rankin Pumpkin, Papa U-Gee, Masazaburro + more • OPEN: 10pm •

• ACTS: Meow Meow, Meatchopper18, Fulltono, Laxenanchaos, Iserobin, Yuko Urameshi, Kenko Taiji, Yanmah + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000, FOREIGNERS: ¥600) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

23 (Sat) Circus

Wa⦿ (Techno/Tech House) • DJS: Metome, Shogi, Masaaki, Naoto, Seiichi Takamatsu + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,100/1D (ADV: ¥2,600/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Circus Music Land Key presents Synthesizer Dig Neugier 2018(Synthesizer/Electronica) • ACTS: Arakawa Shin, Ueno Koji, Toru Ikemoto, Unyo303, Phennel Koliander + more • OPEN: 2:30pm–9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,600/1D (ADV: ¥3,100/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

29 (Fri) Circus Franck Roger Japan Tour in Osaka (House) • DJS: Frank Roger, Senda, Shirakawa, Idiot Yuuka + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,600/1D (Enter by 1AM: ¥1,600/1D, Under 23yrs OLD: ¥1,600/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Metro Diamonds are Forever presents Psychedelic Night (House/ Disco/Drag Queen Show) • DJS: Lala, kor • Drag Queen SHOW: Simone Fukayuki, Fracoir Aldente, Afreeda O Blart, Chocolate de Chocolate + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D (STUDENTS: ¥2,000/2D; FOREIGNERS: ¥2,000/2D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Events  Cinema Note: for show times and ticket information, please contact the cinemas directly

Toho Cinemas Umeda Now showing: Marvel Avengers: Inﬁnity War, Ready Player One, 12 Strong, Molly s Game, Stronger, I Tonya, Coco, Peter Rabbit, Rampage, All the Money in the World, Isle of Dogs • From Jun 1: Lady Bird, Deadpool 2 • From Jun 15: Wonder, Maze Runner: The Death Cure • From Jun 22: Only the Brave • From Jun 29: Solo: A Star Wars Story, Winchester, American Assassin Tel: 06-6316-1312 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Umeda Burg7 Now showing: The Florida Project, Marvel Avengers: Inﬁnity War, Ready Player One, Paciﬁc Rim Uprising, Coco, Rampage • From Jun 1: Deadpool 2, You Were Never Really Here • From Jun 16: 24 Hours to Live • From Jun 23: Future World • From Jun 29: Solo: A Star Wars Story Tel: 06-4795-7602 • burg7.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Cine Libre Umeda Now showing: Darkest Hour, On Body and Soul, The Square, Patti Cake$, In the Fade, The Last Waltz, Leatherface, The Young Karl Marx • From Jun 2: Citizen Jane: Battle for the City, I Can Quit Whenever I Want 2: Masterclass • From Jun 9: Maurice • From Jun 16: Jill and Joy, Mine, April s Daughter, Kill Switch • From Jun 23: Brigsby Bear, Wonder Wheel • From Jun 30: A German Life, Z for Zachariah Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/cinelibre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100

Theatre Umeda Now showing: Dangal, I Am Not Your Negro, Schumann s Bar Talks, Hampstead, Eye on Juliet, The Only Living Boy in New York, Dalida • From Jun 2: Return to Montauk • From Jun 9: Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

• From Jun 23: Based on a True Story • From Jun 30: Degrade Tel: 06-6359-1080 • ttcg.jp/theatre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100 © 2018 20th Century Fox Film Corporation

Osaka

Osaka Station City Cinema Now showing: Peter Rabbit, Rampage, Phantom Thread • From Jun 1: Deadpool 2 • From Jun 8: Last Flag Flying • From Jun 15: Maze Runner: The Death Cure • From Jun 29: Solo: A Star Wars Story, Winchester Tel: 06-6346-3215 • osakastationcitycinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Toho Cinemas Namba Now showing: Marvel Avengers: Inﬁnity War, Ready Player One, 12 Strong, Molly s Game, Stronger, I Tonya, Call Me by Your Name, Coco, Peter Rabbit, Rampage, All the Money in the World, Isle of Dogs • From Jun 1: Lady Bird, Deadpool 2, Last Flag Flying • From Jun 15: Wonder, Maze Runner: The Death Cure • From Jun 22: Only the Brave • From Jun 29: Solo: A Star Wars Story, Winchester, American Assassin Tel: 06-6633-1040 • tohotheater.jp • Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month – ¥1,100, every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Namba Parks Cinema Now showing: Peter Rabbit, Rampage, All the Money in the World, Phantom Thread • From Jun 1: Deadpool 2, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion • From Jun 15: Maze Runner: The Death Cure, Wonder Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Cinem@rt Now showing: Darkest Hour, American Valhalla • From Jun 15: Scream For Me Sarajevo • From Jun 16: Looking Glass • From Jun 23: This Is Spinal Tap, Mom and Dad Tel: 06-6282-0815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon

Isle of Dogs. From May 25.

(men); Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; 25th of the month – ¥1,000

Kyoto Movix Kyoto Now showing: Midnight Sun, Suburbicon, 12 Strong, Marvel Avengers: Inﬁnity War, Coco, The Greatest Showman, Peter Rabbit, Rampage, Dalida, Isle of Dogs, All the Money in the World, Phantom Thread • From Jun 1: Deadpool 2, Lady Bird, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Tel: 075-254-3215 • smt-cinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st and 20th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Kyoto Cinema Now showing: Schumann s Bar Talks, Lucky, The Secret Scripture, Safari, The Big Sick • From Jun 2: Whisky Galore!, Orbiter 9 • From Jun 9: Hampstead, Centaur, I Am Not Your Negro, Sarah's Key • From Jun 16: Three Billboards • From Jun 23: Brigsby Bear, Félicité, The Last Word • From Jun 30: The King's Choice, The Young Karl Marx, A Perfect Day Tel: 075-353-4723 • kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women & men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100

Toho Cinemas Nijo Now showing: Marvel Avengers: Inﬁnity War, Ready Player One, 12 Strong, Molly s Game, Stronger, I Tonya, Call Me by Your Name, Coco, Peter Rabbit, Rampage, All the Money in the World, Isle of Dogs

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

• From Jun 1: Lady Bird, Deadpool 2, Last Flag Flying • From Jun 15: Wonder, Maze Runner: The Death Cure • From Jun 22: Only the Brave • From Jun 29: Solo: A Star Wars Story, Winchester, American Assassin Tel: 075-813-2410 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Hyogo OS Cinema Mint Kobe Now showing: Marvel Avengers: Inﬁnity War, Ready Player One, Coco, The Greatest Showman, Rampage, Peter Rabbit, All the Money in the World • From Jun 1: Deadpool 2 • From Jun 15: Wonder, Maze Runner: The Death Cure • From Jun 22: Only the Brave • From Jun 29: Solo: A Star Wars Story Tel: 078-291-5330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 16th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku Now showing: Midnight Sun, Suburbicon, 12 Strong • From Jun 1: Lady Bird, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion • From Jun 16: 24 Hours to Live • From Jun 23: Mom and Dad Tel: 078-230-3580 • smt-cinema.com • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 20th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

the best routes in the region and meet some fellow weekend warriors. Rides will start/end in Osaka for the time being. Join us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/ clubs/kansaisceneCC

JOBS Teaching

MOVE TO OSAKA? FURNISHED APARTMENT IN OSAKA CITY 59,000YEN. Furnished Studio Apartment in Osaka city.JR Mitejima Riverside residence. Convenient & Safe.Only 7min to Osaka Umeda area by JR. No key money, No fee.No cleaning charge. 1 m refundable deposit is required. Furnished:￥58,000-￥64,000 Call Passage Apartment:090-2591-9960 http://passage-apartment.com/ Contact: kr_toa@po.twin.ne.jp

Community Clubs and Groups FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS. OFFERED BY O.C.C.I. and Osaka Abacus Assoc. to promote int l goodwill. Individualized lessons taught in Japanese or English. Saturdays 10-12 am. Course material provided for free. Near Sakaisuji-Hommachi and Kitahama. Call: Moritomo Ken 066572-6877. Website: https://sites. google.com/site/osakasoroban/ abacus-classes • Contact: mail@ osaka-abacus.com KANSAI SCENE CYCLING CLUB. Join like-minded cyclists for gentle jaunts into the Kansai countryside. Sometimes. Hey, we're all busy people right? Why suffer alone when you can suffer together? Share and discover

TEACHER WANTED IN NISHINOMIYA. Part-time. Kite English School in Koshienguchi, Nishinomiya, Hyogo is looking for an experienced P/T English teacher for Thursday classes from 14:30-21:00 (4 to 6; 45 minute lessons a week). 1,800-2000 yen per class + transportation. Please send a covering email and resume to kiteenglish@ hotmail.co.jp. Salary: 1,800-2000 yen per class + transportation • Company Name: Kite English 英会話カイト • Contact: kiteenglish@ hotmail.co.jp

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Getting Around

MAPS & INFORMATION / INTRODUCTION

The Kansai area covers the prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Wakayama, Nara, Mie, and Shiga. There is so much to explore, so you ll need to prioritize your time wisely. Its main travel hubs are Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, all of which are well connected by high-speed rail networks, including the shinkansen (bullet train). On regular trains, you can travel between Osaka and Kyoto in about 45 mins, and between Kobe and Osaka in about 30 mins. If you are here on holiday, pick up a convenient travel pass, such as the Kansai Thu Pass (surutto.com) or Kansai One Pass (kansaionepass.com), to avoid having to negotiate the ticket machines. Use a website such as HyperDia (hyperdia.com) to check train times and platforms from your smartphone.

Get Kansai Scene Kansai Scene is available from the following major outlets in the Kansai region:

OSAKA Hotels and Guesthouses

Hyogo

Kyoto

Osaka

Shiga

Hyatt Regency, Nikko Hotel, St. Regis, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, Ritz Carlton, Hilton Osaka, Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka, InterContinental Hotel Osaka Tourist Information Centers

Nara

Mie

Wakayama

Osaka Visitors Information Center (JR Osaka), Hankyu Tourist Center Umeda, Osaka Visitors Information Center (JR Namba), Kansai Tourist Information Center (KIX), Kansai Tourist Information Center (Shinsaibashi), Nankai Information Center (Namba) Shops

Trains and Subways

Airport Transfers

There is an excellent rail network connecting all corners of Kansai. As well as JR (Japan Rail), there are numerous private railway companies servicing the area, including Keihan (Osaka/Kyoto), Hankyu (Osaka/Kyoto), Nankai (Osaka, Wakayama, Koya), Hanshin (Osaka/Kobe), and Kintetsu (Osaka/Nara/Mie/Nagoya). Each line operates several types of train. For the fastest trains, look for the Limited Express service trains. Be aware that Local trains stop at every station on the line, so only take them if no other type of train stops at your station. Subways operate in Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto and are an extremely efficient way to get around the cities.

To/from downtown Osaka, the most convenient option is the Nankai Rapi:t Express service (KIX <> Namba 42mins) or a Limousine Bus. To/from Kyoto, take the JR Airport Express HARUKA service (75 mins).

» Tip: Pick up a Railway Network

map from a major station or Tourist Information Center.

Buses For out-of-the-way locations, or in certain cities such as Kyoto, you may need to take a bus. A travel pass usually includes travel on municipal bus services.

Taxis Fares start from ¥500. The drivers wearing white gloves and official hats tend to be the most courteous, but don t expect English to be widely understood. Have your destination name and address on hand in Japanese.

Kinokuniya Bookstore Umeda, Kinokuniya Honmachi, Tower Records Umeda, Junkudo Namba, Hard Rock Cafe

KYOTO

ATMs and Credit Cards If you re using Visa, you will be able to withdraw cash at most bank or convenience-store ATMs. If you re using Mastercard, your best bet for withdrawing money is at 7-Eleven ATMs. Most other ATMs in Kansai do not accept Mastercard. It is not common to make in-store payments using credit or visa-debit cards in Japan, even for expensive purchases. Many shops and restaurants do not oﬀer this service, so be sure to carry plenty of cash with you.

Wi-Fi Getting connected in Kansai can be tricky. Renting a smartphone or SIM card at the airport is the safest option, to connect to the internet over a 3G or 4G network. In Osaka, you can access the Osaka Free Wi-Fi service at train and subway stations, stores and facilities throughout the prefecture.

Accidents and Emergencies » Ambulance/Fire service: Tel: 119 » Police: Tel: 110

Hotels and Guesthouses

Royal Hotel, Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto, Kyoto Nikko Hotel Tourist Information Centers

Kyoto Tourist Information Center, Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto, Kyoto International Community House Shops

Junkudo Kyoto, Maruzen & Junkudo Kyoto Main Store, GEAR

KOBE Hotels and Guesthouses

Kobe Bay Sheraton, Kobe Portopia Hotel Tourist Information Centers

Kobe International Community Center, Hyogo International Plaza Shops

Junkudo Nishinomiya, Junkudo Sannomiya, Kinokuniya Kobe

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Osaka North (Kita) MAPS & INFORMATION ho

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Theater Umeda

da Ume

Shin Midosuji

Higa

Nishi Umeda

eda

m shi U

Mid

Fukushima

ji Lin

osu

Kita Shinchi

Nishi Tenma

hi Line

Yotsubas

Dojima

Grand Cube Osaka

APA Villa Hotel

YMCA

a Tos

Edobori Craft Beer Base Garden

Utsubo Park

Daiichi Group Kitamido APA Sōai Hotel High School Honmachi

OSTEC Exibition Hall

Honmachi Dori

Hanshin Expressway B

Elmers Green Cafe

il Bar Central Banco

Utsubo Tennis Center

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kitahama

Starbucks

Chuo Odori C Honmachi

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

St. Regis Hotel Osaka

Hooters Osaka

Hard Rock Cafe Osaka 0 Chuo Line

Sakaisuji Line

Naniwasuji

suj ike ida

TAKAMURA Wine & Coffee Roasters

Nii Fine Arts

Maekawa Law Firm

Midosuji

ri Do

Yotsubashisuji

Sumitomo Hosp.

Honmachi

Rihga Royal Hotel

Kitahama

Higobash

n ka a N

Yodoyabashi

h os

Starbucks 6

N 200m

D Sakaisujihommachi

Osaka South (Minami)

Shinmachi Kita Park

Shinmachi Life

Hearton Hotel

Mizuho Bank Nagahori dori

Nishiohashi

7-ELEVEN

Hotel Via Inn

bi-grace nail Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

MinamiHorie Orange Street (shoppin

Tezukayama Gallery 2F Westwood Bakers

g street)

a-suji

3 Naniw

Triangle

The Suite

River

Ghost Ultralounge

a. a St

Junkudo

AEON MaxValu

Casa Lapichu

Motomachi

2F Murphy’s Comfort Minami Hotel Police The Blarney Station Stone B1F Suomachi-dori (Europe street) JANUS Bar Jaai

Higashi- soma Shinsaibashi Vanity

Fujiya Hotel

Soemon-Cho

Burlesque B1

Pure Osaka

Osaka Shochikuza

Kokopelli

Namba Hips

Dotonbori

Nipponbashi sta.

Sennichimae line BIC Camera

Namba

Toho Cinemas Namba annex

Toho Cinemas Namba

Visitors Information Center

Takashimaya Dept. Store

Maruzen

Fraser Residence

MUJI/LOFT Tower Records

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka Nankai Namba Station

Namba Oriental Hotel

Misono Building

Namba Plaza Hotel

K2 record

NAMBA PARKS CINEMA

Naniwa Sports Center

Otaroad

Pub Bar 30 2F

Jack & Queen Naniwa Ward Office

Kuromon 5 Market

Sofmap

Animate Nihonbashi Shop

Toys”R”Us

Jazz Bar B-Roxy

NipponBashi

Namba PARKS

Naniwa Post Office

Singh’s Kitchen

APA Hotel

McDonalds

Namba Washington Hotel

Hozenji Temple Osaka Floral Inn

Absinthe Solaar 8F

Namba -naka

ibis Styles Kaneyoshi Ryokan Osaka

Don Quijote

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Naniwa Park

Cinquecento

Zerro

Namba

Hotel Ichiei

Kinryu Ramen

Little Long Beach

Inari

Ark Hotel

3F GS Travel

Mexico New Japan Spa Plaza ALZAR Rooftop Bar OO

Namba Sta.

amb

Don Quijote

JR N

Kansai Tourist Information Center

Nam

OCAT

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

Cross Hotel

Slices

Dotonbori Hotel

Namba Hatch

Tominaga Hospital

Balabushka 4F Mustang

APA Hotel

Nagahoribashi

Shinsaibashi

FootRock &BEERS

2F Daimaru Dept. South

Sun Hall

Coolabah L&L ROR Comedy

Music Bar S.O.R.a

Apple Store

Joule

Moonshine Moon Tower

Dotonbori

Cinem @rt

Triangle Park

Ohno Memorial Hospital

The Silver Ball Planet

Big Step

5F Boy

Yamaya

Daimaru Dept.

Vano

Circus

Horie Park

OPA

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Granknot Coffee

Banco

Cafe Absinthe

Nest Hotel

GAP

Uniqlo

Daimaru Dept. North

Nikko Hotel

Via Inn

EXODUS

Craft Burger

TABIJI Kitchen

Critters Burger

Midosuji line

Covent Garden

Saboten

Tokyu Hands

Hearton Hotel

Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line

Ali’s Kitchen El Pancho 8F

Yotsubashi

Bistro New Orleans

Sauce Boss

Minami-semba

Arthur Murray

Shinsaibashi

El Zocalo

Louis Vuitton

Toyoko Inn

KitaHorie

D & Dept.

MoeJoe

Big Beans Supermarket

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

Namba Shrine

Maharaja

Yotsubashi line

Daiwa Roynet Hotel

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Sakaisuji line

MAPS & INFORMATION

Yamada Denki LABI1 Namba

100m D

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Osaka Tennoji Area MAPS & INFORMATION

e Osak

a Lo op L in

Tanimachi Line

Abeno Q’s Mall

Lin

Kansai Kyoiku University

Hoop

Abeno

way i Tram

Hanka

Abeno Harukas

ROCKTOWN 4F

Han

Language School

CocoMomo&Co.

Tenn oji Sta.

Tenshiba Kans ai M ain L suji ine Line

Mido

Osaka Municipal University Hospital

Imaike

Line

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odan i

ress R ou

n-ma

Te r

Nank

miya

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i Main Nanka S

in Exp

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Dobu

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Shitennoji

Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Art

Tennoji Zoo

e ashi Lin Yotsub

Tsutenkaku

Shitennoji Honbo

Tennoji Sta.

Shin

Sta.

a i Sh in-Im amiy a

Shin Sekai

D Tennoji Ward Office

Hansh

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

Ebisucho

Mom

Nipponbashi

Zepp Namba

te 1

re g

a.D

400m

Osaka Castle Area

o Koen

Osaka Castle

Osaka Museum of History

Osaka Castle Park KKR Hotel Osaka Route Morinomiya Q’s Mall BASE

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Morinomiya

Hanshin Expressway Higashi Osaka

2 Subway Im azato Line

Subway Tanim ac Tanimachi 4-chome

Osaka-j

Hanshin Expressway

Kitahama

ine

Sakaisuji Honmachi

Tamatsukuri A

Subway Sakaisuji Line

Lin

Osaka-jo Hall

Osaka Prefectural Government Office

Subway Chuo Line

Kyobashi

iha

a nM

Tenmabashi

Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Tenma

bas

Mint Museum

D i sh Kyo

hi Line

Osaka Tenmangu

Osaka Loop Line

Tozai Line

N 0

400m D

Kobe

MAPS & INFORMATION A

Kitano Museum

Kobe YWCA

Kitanoseiryu Shrine

Hotel Piena Kobe

Shiei Yamate subway line

zaka Fudo

Kitano-cho aka terz Hun

Migration Museum ri -do oto am m Ya

Kitanosaka Hosp.

The Rock et tre 2F rl S a Pe Kobe Sansei Hosp. Womens Kobe Junior Grocers St. Michael’s Kobe College 2 International Mosque School n Sun City e ns Hobgoblin 7F Junkudo ka Ikuta Police 7F ate m Station OS Cinemas Midnight Ya Kobe Mint Kobe Ikuta jinja 5F Halal Food Hotel Tower a Mickey’s y Oriental Iznt i Records Tokyu Inn Club om 4F Dental n n 5F a Sa Tokyu Clinic Hotel miy Hotel nno Tor Road Monterey Hands Sa 4F SOGO Dept. Varit 5F Kinokuniya Ali’s Kobe Kokusai Troopcafe Kitchen Kaikan Marui 3F 3 1F HSBC e 2 San Plaza ut do Ro Kobe Kokusai Center u s Center Plaza East et Shochiku Isogami ut Plaza t. ok Park iya ae s West os m m k o i n oke n e a Junkudo Sannomiya b S nad Ko Cine Phoenix Ha Palmore KRAC e lin Hosp. Kowka n Guild hi 4F s n 2F Aoyama Kobe Ikuta Ha ta. Junior High hi Minato hi s c Kobe City c u a School Bank ory ae Hall Kobe tom i ky m ch Mo yu aru a Plaza K R im J tom Cine Libre Kobe Da Hotel Mo Kobe Doll 7F Museum Kobe Legal Mitsui 4 Partners Daimaru Sumitomo Dept. Bank Higashiyuenchi Park

Tor

ine

chi

rt l

San

Soraku Park

Kobe Elementary School

iya

Shinko High School

Sa nn om iya

Kita

noz

aka

ad Ro

1F Bistrot Cafe De Paris

und

Hyogo-ken Prefectural Hall

r ro

nte

i ce

Flo

Hanakuma Park

Nankin-machi Raja Indian Restaurant

way

Kobe Luminarie

an ak u

Sub

Municipal Museum

n li aiga

KIITO

Cafe Fish!

Shinko-Cho

Hotel Okura Kobe Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland

Kobe Maritime Museum Jumbo Ferry Terminal

Meriken park 6

Arthur Murray CULMENI Kobe 3F Harborland umie umie MOSAIC OS Cinema Harborland A

N Kobe Cruise Luminous Kobe 2

Kobe Meriken Park Oriental B

0 C

200m D

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Kyoto MAPS & INFORMATION A

Club Metro

Kiya Cho

Mori Yu Gallery Kyoto

LAB.TRIBE

Nijo-dori

Irish Pub Gnome Kyoto City Hall

H&M

Hankyu Line

Marui

Gion s hijo

World Kawaramachi

Hanamikoji-dori

Yamatoji-dori

ori awa-d Shirakkawa river Shira JAM Hostel Kyoto Gion

OPA

Junkudo

Fuji Daimaru

Sanjo

Maruzen

Gypsy

Tatsumi Bridge

The Gael Irish Pub Shijo-dori

Ryoshoin

Kacho-michi

Gion

4 Genkoin

Gion Kaikan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art

Yasaka Jinja

Maruyama Park

Apa Hotel

Minami-za Theatre

Takashimaya

Higashiyama

Wakamatsu-dori

Butterfly Kitsune Kyoto Kyoto Bal

Hana hotel

Sanjokeihan

Sanjo

Sanjo-dori

Kawaramachi-dori

Kawara Machi

HUB

Keihan Line

Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto

Pig & Whistle

Pontocho

Movix Kyoto Mina

Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

Oike-dori

Kiyamachi-dori

Gokomachi-dori

Fuyacho-dori

National Museum of Modern Art

Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa

Tourist Information Center

Jomo Gas

Okazaki Park

Library

Miyako Messe

Hotel Okura DUBLIN

Honno-ji

Gear

ROHM Theatre Kyoto

Gastro Pub Tadgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Tozai Subway Line Kyotoshiyakusho-mae

Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Annex

Higashi Oji - dori

Aeon Shopping Mall

The Ritz Carlton

Heian Shrine

oga wa

Teramachi Area

Riv er

Kaosan Kyoto

Guest House Rakuza

Kam

Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History

Kyoto bAKpAK Gion hostel

Kenninji

Ebisu Shrine

Nawa Clinic

Kodai-ji

KamibentenCho

The world's smallest Ukiyoe museum

N Ninenzaka

Higashiyama Ward Office

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #217 JUNE 2018 / kansaiscene.com

0 C

200m D

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