The Symbol of Osaka
Osaka Castle has a history of more than 400 years. It was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the greatest warlords in the history of Japan, a man who was born the son of a humble farmer. Few on Earth have risen as far and fast as he, or left such a striking monument, which now stands as the symbol of Osaka.
Now, the 8-storey construction is used as a museum, with many visitors from Japan and around the world enjoying its historic exhibitions and the marvelous scenery from the top of the castle.
the spot of Cherry blossoms. Nishinomaru garden in the Osaka castle park is worth visiting, especially during Spring.
Passing through the Mint Bureau under cherry blossoms
The Mint Bureau is a famous place for cherry blossoms with around 130 species and 352 trees in bloom – some call it the best place for cherry blossoms in Osaka. Some trees have just tens of petals, others may have 100-200. The Cherry Blossom of the Year is selected during the season, and introduced for people to familiarise themselves with different species of tree.
Japan Mint
Address: 1-1-79 Temma, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Admission: free / Period: 11-17 April 2014
What’s new in Osaka
The 3rd International Jazz Day Events to take place in Osaka, Japan has been selected to serve as the 2014 Global Host city.
UNESCO designated 30 April as International Jazz Day and intends to bring together communities, schools and other groups the world over to celebrate and learn more about the art of Jazz, its roots and its impact. So far, the International Jazz Day celebration has been taken place twice (Paris/New York in 2012 and Istanbul in 2013).
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
Herbie Hancock.
Osaka has been selected as a global host city for International Jazz Day 2014. The venue of the live event will be at Osaka Castle Garden which is the symbol of Osaka, and participants will have the chance to enjoy Osaka’s culture and hospitality.
On the morning of 30 April, there will be a series of jazz education programs, performances, and community outreach. An evening Concert at Osaka Castle Garden will feature performances by many world famous musicians, such as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Esperanza Spalding, Wayne Shorter, and many more. From Japan, Terumasa Hino and Toshiko Akiyoshi are also scheduled to join.
Osaka POP ”International Cool Japan Awards”
In March 2014, Osaka opened its doors to fans from across the globe to take part in the Osaka POP festival. During this period, numerous events were held throughout the city exposing the many facets of Japanese pop culture, from exclusive cosplay pilgrimage tours to featured kawaii spots, special live concerts, delicious yet affordable gourmet Osaka food, maniac fashion, karaoke, plastic figurines and more. The first official Cool Japan Awards Ceremony took place on 28 March, with the mascot-characters Mio & Tsukushi making their debut to the world. The best cosplayers were crowned in various Cosplay Award categories. More information at http://osaka-pop.com/en
Abeno HARUKAS
Abeno Harukas, the new tallest building in the country, had its grand opening on 7 March, has 60 floors housing the Marriott Miyako Hotel Osaka, viewing deck Harukas 300, a museum and huge department store Kintetsu. Thanks to this department store, the Abeno area (near Tennoji station) is becoming one of the biggest shopping areas in Osaka city, following Umeda and Shinsaibashi. There is a direct train called “HARUKA” from Kansai International Airport operated by JR to Abeno Harukas.
More information; http://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/en/
