On December 22, 2009 in Other cool stuff, Sightseeing
We are planning a visit to the Nagoya Toyota Plant on December 24th. Below is the link to the promotional video of the tour (is not it cool?). If you would like to join, please let me know ASAP 090-6568-3622 ( reservation is required )
The tour is free, but a round trip to Nagoya may cost over 5000yen (Kintetsu+subway)
http://picasaweb.google.com/kansaioutdoor/DIVX_Videos#5416394196065453250
On December 7, 2009 in Other cool stuff, Sightseeing
Kobe Luminarie (神戸ルミナリエ) is a light festival held in Kobe, Japan, every December since 1995 and commemorating the Great Hanshin earthquake of that year. The lights were donated by the Italian Government and the installation itself is produced by Valerio Festi and Hirokazu Imaoka.
Lights are kept up for about two weeks and turned on for a few hours each evening. Each light is individually hand-painted. Major streets in the vicinity are closed to auto traffic during these hours to allow pedestrians to fill the streets and enjoy the lights. It is viewed by about three to five million people each year.
In 2009, Luminarie runs from December 3 - 14. Viewing times are:
18:00 - 21:30 Mon to Thurs
18:00 - 22:00 Fri
17:30 - 22:30 Sat
17:30 - 22:00 Sun.
Directions: Get off at the JR MOTOMACHI ( 元町 ）station. The path is marked with the arrows on the map below, but you don’t need to print it out - you won’t get lost. Just follow the crowds.
On November 27, 2009 in Other cool stuff
Here is the message from the team:
“We play Australian Rules Football (AFL) in Osaka. Currently, we have around 40 members. We have a men’s, women’s and a youth team. Our members come from various backgrounds, including Japanese, Australian, British, American, Canadian, Indonesian and French. Everyone is welcome. We cater for all levels, from experienced players to beginners. Come on down and join us!”
This Sunday you have a chance to experience Australian Football for yourself. It is fun, it is cool, and it is absolutely free! This is the last chance for this season, so why not come to try it !
When: Sunday, November 29th, 2009
Time: 11 am
Place: See on Google Maps below:
View Larger Map
What is going to happen: A lesson and a game.
Weather Policy: It’ll be cancelled only if there is heavy rain.
View team pictures below:
http://www.osakadingoes.com/new_gallery.htm
On November 3, 2009 in Hiking
A Small mountain located near JR Takarazuka-line Dojo, with height of 384m, has a spectacular view from its peak. Rock area, ridges with fine views, forests and moors are some of the various aspects of the nature you can enjoy. And the giant Sengari dam which you can see before walking into the trail is also a highlight of the hike.
Meet in front of Kinokuniya book store, (Co Big Man side) Umeda Osaka at 9:20, November 8th. The group leaves at 9:30 sharp.
Then we will go to JR Osaka station and take the 9:44 train bound for Shinsanda (JR Takarazuka line).
This train will arrive at, Amagasaki 9:51
Takarazuka 10:22
Dojo 10:35
We will get off at Dojo station
The traffic cost is 650 yen - from Osaka to Dojo Stn. (One way).
Course:
JR Dojo station - Sengari dam - Mt.Ooiwa - Maruyama moor - Higashiyama bridge - JR Dojo station (About 9 km)
More information and the pictures of the hiking trail:
On October 5, 2009 in Other cool stuff
“A dragon boat (also dragonboat) is a very long and narrow canoe-style human-powered boat. It is now used in the team paddling sport of dragon boat racing which originated in China over 2000 years ago. While competition has taken place annually for more than 20 centuries as part of folk ritual, it emerged in modern times as an international “sport” in Hong Kong in 1976. Like running, horse racing and marksmanship, the racing of dragon boats is among ma For competition events, dragon boats are generally rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails.”
(from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat)
What: Dragon Boat race and BBQ . Over 100 people are expected to attend. Mostly Japanese.
Where: Osaka Yacht Harbor. We are getting there by cars
http://www.osakahokko-yh.com/access.html
When: Sunday, Oct 18th, 9-5pm
Meeting there at 9:30. Race starts at 10:00. The BBQ is after the race is finished.
More information(Jap) : http://www.dragon.zaq.jp/boat/ODBA/info20091018.html
Price: around 2000 yen
( race participation is around 500 and BBQ is around 1500)
Safety: The boats are relatively safe and stable. The team consists of both guys and girls. Each team is around 22 people.
EARLY RESERVATION IS REQUIRED! The number of car spots is limited
Please let John know if you intend to go ASAP, otherwise you may need to seek your own transportation.
To make reservation: John 090-6568-3622 or email to [ idht (at) yahoo {dot} com ]
Note: pics are kept in the album only for a few weeks. Please download the ones that you like. You can use picasa to download all pictures at once.
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