May 5th is Children's Day

On the fifth day of the fifth month the Japanese celebrate Children’s Day, or Kodomo no hi. This ancient celebration goes back some 1400 years, although it was originally only a celebration for boys. (Girls have their own day on March 3.)

As the 5th of May approaches, giant colorful carp flags (koinobori) are hung alongside riverbanks to prepare for the occasion. Some homes also fly their own carps, with each fish representing a member of their family. As the carps blow wildly in the wind, they symbolize strength and good health.

On this day, it is traditional to eat Kashiwa-mochi – you’ll find them sold everywhere. The snack is comprised of a sticky rice cake with a sweet bean filling. Usually it is wrapped in a non-edible oak leaf.

Visit Osaka Castle

If you're a tourist in the city, there's a pretty good chance you'll be checking out Osaka Jo (Osaka Castle).

The castle's importance in shaping Japan’s history makes it one of the most famous landmarks in the country.

If things like the samurai and bloody siege warfare spike your interest, then Osaka Jo is definitely worth seeing.

The castle lies well protected behind giant stonewalls, moats and turrets. These interesting structures sit on 15 acres of land that are freely accessible to the public. Put on a good pair of walking shoes and prepare to spend a few hours checking out the castle and the castle grounds.

Getting to Osaka Jo is easy – just ride the JR Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station, and follow the signs to the castle grounds. To read more information about Osaka Castle in English, click here.

Eat Takoyaki in Osaka

Takoyaki is one of Osaka’s most famous food inventions.

Tako means octopus and yaki means fried or grilled, so it wouldn’t be inaccurate to also call them battered octopus balls or, the slightly more eloquent, fried octopus dumplings, as I’ve heard some say.

Takoyaki is typically served by street vendors (yatai), or little shops that serve customers out of their front street window.

Most shops offer a bit of variety in their octopus balls, as almost any ingredient can be added to the standard chunk of octopus awaiting inside each blob of batter. As for toppings, the cook with usually ask if you’re OK with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, and dried fish flakes. If you’re a little confused, just nod your head in agreement. It’s all rather harmless and great tasting!

One thing to watch out for is the heat inside each battered ball. It’s almost a given that you'll burn the inside of your mouth if you start eating takoyaki right away. Bite in cautiously rather than popping the whole thing into your mouth. You’ve been warned!

Golden Week 2011

I’ve probably mentioned it a few times before, but the Japanese love holidays!

Right now is the big one – Golden Week. This holiday, as the name implies, lasts for an entire week. It starts on April 29th, to celebrate the former Emperor’s Birthday, and concludes on May 5th with the celebration of Children's Day. Technically, Monday the 2nd isn’t a holiday, but many offices in Japan are closed on this day as well.

If you happen to be in Osaka during this holiday period, don’t worry, the city hardly shuts down for anything. In fact, retail shopping, leisure activities and local tourism spots are on fire during this weeklong period. Expect a slightly more crowded Kansai, especially in and around Umeda.