Summer In Osaka

We've just past the rainy season here in Japan, which means that summer has finally arrived! Summer in the Kansai region can be pretty intense for visitors and locals alike; many people don't realize that the city sits on the same latitude as Los Angeles.

Although Osaka can get quite chilly in the winter or even springtime, its summers are always hot and humid. The heat feels distinctly tropical in nature, and will rise to around the mid-30's Celsius for many days on end.

There are a few items that you should always have on you during the summer months. These include a folding fan, a small towel, a hat and a bottled drink.

Fortunately, every business, store, and train car will blast their air conditioning for your benefit. So you should never be too far from a place that offers cool relief. Just keep in mind, especially if you're not used to such heat and humidity, that sometimes it's best to stay indoors during the hottest days of summer!

Bunraku Puppet Theatre

Osaka is home to Bunraku, an impressive form of puppet theatre native to the city. Bunraku has been performed for over 300 years and has its roots in the Dotonbori entertainment district around Namba.

The large puppets used in bunraku are usually controlled by three puppeteers who appear onstage with their dolls. The puppets are masterfully controlled, giving them lifelike movements as if they’ve taken on a life of their own.

A bunraku apprentice may spend several decades controlling the feet or left arm of a puppet before they are allowed to become a master puppeteer, controlling the head and right arm.

The National Bunraku Theatre is located in Osaka. Check their website for more information (in English) about bunraku and showtimes.

Osaka Tenjin Matsuri Festival

In Japan there are three major festivals split between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Osaka plays host to Tenjin Matsuri, a summertime event that takes place in the heart of the city.

Tenjin Matsuri is rooted in Shinto rituals and has been celebrated for over 1000 years. The main highlights for this month-long event take place on July 25th.

There are two major events on the 25th, a daytime foot parade consisting of 3,000 traditionally dressed participants, and an evening procession of boats that float down the Okawa River.

The land procession is not to be missed - it’s unmistakeably Osakan. You’ll experience a loud, crowded and sometimes rowdy atmosphere as parade revelers carry heavy portable shrines on their shoulders and make their way thru the city streets.

In the evening you can view an illuminated boat parade, capped off by a fantastic fireworks display near Sakuranomiya Park.

To learn more about Osaka Tenjin Matsuri, visit this website.

Visit Osaka Science Museum

Osaka Science Museum offers four floors of educational exhibits, as well as a planetarium. This museum is geared towards families or for those who just love to learn about science!

The first floor is dedicated to electrical energy. The various displays show how electricity is generated, transmitted and used by everyday appliances.

The second floor features many interactive exhibits and is popular among young children.

The third floor introduces materials science, which helps explain the physical properties of matter.

Finally, the forth floor examines the wonders of deep space and the stars that light up the night sky.

Visit the museum then stick around for a show at the planetarium or Omnimax theatre (like Imax, but with a curved screen).

The Osaka Science Museum is opened between 9:30am and 5:00pm. You can travel there by riding the Yotsubashi Subway Line to Higobashi Station, then walk west to Nakanoshima Island, where the museum is located.

Visit their website to learn more.