The new year has begun and we’re off to a fresh start.
We would like to thank the guests we have already welcomed this year.
Moreover, we look forward to welcoming those who plan to stay with us in 2020.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! OOKINI!
Let’s take a look into what 2020 has to offer! 👀
While January events have already passed, we still want to include events that are held every year–so you have something to look forward to next year too!
●January: Hatsumode and Ebessan
- What’s Hatsumode…?
Hatsumode is the first shrine or temple visit at the beginning of the year, where you can express gratitude for the previous year & ask for a little bit of luck for the coming year.
Where to go…?
Popular shrines to visit include Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine and Osaka Tenmangu Shrine.
If your looking for love advice for the up coming year, try out Nunose Shrine, which we’ve previously introduced.
http://ookinihotels.com/en/2019/01/23/osaka_temple_shrine/
What’s Ebessan?
Ebessan is the nickname for the god of business in Osaka, Ebisu-sama. Every year from January 9th to January 11th, a festival called Toka Ebisu is held.
Every year people will go to the festival to return their fukuzasa (lucky bamboo branch) and other decorations bought the previous year. Of course new decorations are bought to bring luck for the new year. Of course, the fukuzasa is free but there’s no point having a lucky bamboo branch without the decoration.
Naturally, Ookini Hotels makes sure to visit every year in hopes of receiving some good fortune.
Famous Shrines:
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine
Nishinomiya Ebisu Shrine
If we had to say which is the best or most famous for the Toka Ebisu Festival it would have to be Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. There are festival stalls lined along the 1 kilometer stretch from Nankai Namba Station all the way to Imamiya Ebisu Station. You can try so many foods and play festival games to put your skills to the gest–can you win a prize? ♪♪
●March & April: Cherry Blossoms!
Spring may be the most anticipated season in Japan, because you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossom viewing parties, called “hanami,” are popular with not just Japanese nationals, but many people come from all over the world to see them.
In Japan there is a saying, “hana yori dango” (dango instead of flowers). As dango is a type of sweet dumpling, it implies that you should value practical things over aesthetics. But when the cherry blossoms open up, you’ll find many people still value the beauty as they sit under the cherry blossoms to have a picnic.
How about you try having a hanami party of your own while in Japan this spring? You can enjoy the company of your friends or family while also enjoying the beauty of nature around you.
In Osaka, cherry blossom season is generally from late March to early April.
Where to go…?
- The Mint Bureau
- Osaka Castle Park
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Our top pick would be Kema Sakuranomiya Park. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom on either side of the river. There’s so much space at Kema Sakuranomiya Park, you may be able to spread out and enjoy some more space than other places!
★Bonus: What’s happening in Tokyo?
Every March the Tokyo marathon is held.
Will you be participating?
The day before, on February 29th, there will be an event just for fun to mix and mingle with participants from overseas called the Friendship Run.
Date: March 1st, 2020
Tokyo Marathon HP: https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/
●July & August: Fireworks!
In Japan summer and fireworks go hand in hand!
Many large fireworks festivals are held in Osaka during this time. On top of the fireworks you can enjoy food and game stalls, and maybe even performances!
Where to go…?
- Tenjin Festival – July 25th
-Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival – Usually the 2nd Saturday in August (*subject to change)
The Tenjin Festival is held at Tenmangu Station and is a particularly famous festival in Osaka.
You may remember our blog from last year which introduced fireworks festivals in Osaka for 2019. We wrote about not just the dates for the festivals but also various “Dos and Don’ts” when enjoying fireworks. Be sure to check it out for a refresher~
http://ookinihotels.com/en/2019/07/16/fireworks_in_osaka_2019/
★Bonus: What’s happening in Tokyo?
The biggest event in Japan this year: the 2020 Tokyo Olympics!!
Who are you rooting for? Did you get your tickets?
Whether you’re watching in person or on TV, let’s enjoy the Olympics to their fullest!
Dates: July 24th, 2020~August 9th, 2020
TOKYO 2020 HP: https://tokyo2020.org/en/
●October & November: Halloween & Fall
Halloween is an event that is loved and celebrated in various places all around the world.
While overseas Halloween is mainly geared towards children, in Japan, it has become an event where you can show of your costumes and cosplays, and enjoy a party atmosphere as adults.
What are the hotspots to go to in Osaka? First and foremost the “Minami Area,” which includes Namba, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi. You’ll find people in costumes all over these areas around and on Halloween.
Looking for a more structured event? Try out Universal Studios Japan!
Many rides will be decked out with Halloween themes, there are performances, and even events you can participate in! For the most thrilling experience, it’s hard to beat USJ.
Universal Studios Japan HP: https://www.usj.co.jp/e/
Spring is to sakura as fall is to….. fall foliage of course!
At fall time Japan’s leaves will change and for an unbeatable sight, we recommend the “Star Swing” suspension bridge at Hoshida Park.
For other ideas, check out our blogs for fall foliage for the past two years:
2019：http://ookinihotels.com/en/2019/10/09/best-places-autumn-leaves-osaka-2019/
2018：
http://ookinihotels.com/en/2018/11/20/momiji_maple_in_osaka_2019/
●December: Lights & Illumination
December is Christmas & the end of the year. Once Halloween is over, you can expect many illumination spots to pop up all over!
For starters, every year at Universal Studios Japan there is illumination and a giant Christmas tree to celebrate the season!
Christmas is celebrated in different ways all around the world.
In Japan it is seen as a romantic holiday!
So, how about considering Japan for Christmas this year?
Last year we introduced some Christmas events in Umeda–and we think that you can expect similar or the same events this year too!
Get an idea at our blog here:
http://ookinihotels.com/en/2019/12/10/xmas-in-osaka2019/