Zazen, the Buddhist meditation, are normally practiced by monks as a part of their daily work, but some temples offer an introductory Zazen for anyone who visits the temple. It is mostly held on Sunda [...]

Kyoto’s only one professional soccer club, ‘Kyoto Sanga’ has been in the second division for three seasons, and Gamba Osaka which used to be a very good team in the first, also demot [...]

Yakitori, or grilled chiken, are often served in a small restaurant which specialize in it. They open in the evening to catch people on their way home. Red or yellow illuminations, sweet smell, and wh [...]

I grew up near to the Mukomachi Keirin cycle track racing venue, but had never been there before. None of my family and friends haven’t brought me there. I’ve thought that Keirin was more [...]

Omawari is the common name for a train trip which you take a long way around when a more direct route is available, in the Japan Railway (JR) network. Typically, you buy a ticket for minimal fare and [...]

(Beer garden season has ended)

Hiyashiame is a sweet beverage made from barley malt syrup, flavoured with ginger. Suppose that you heat a ginger ale. It will lose gasses off and probably have a taste similar to Hiyashiame. They are [...]

Baseball is big in Japan. For many, it is the sport which defines the summer. Games are played several times a week from April to September. Kansai, with 2 teams, is well represented. Far and away the [...]

Shinsekai (literally translated ‘New World’）is an entertainment and eat-and-drink district where many restaurants and pubs offer Osaka specialty Kushikatsu at a reasonable price. Kushikats [...]

In a nation obsessed with food, Osaka is known as an excellent place to eat. Indeed the Osakan’s love of food is neatly expressed in local saying kuidaore, or “eat until you drop”! S [...]