Rakugo
by tyusen
Rakugo is Japanese comic storytelling. It’s serious art rather than pop culture. It consists of one comic storyteller. He/she sits down on a center stage and talks comic story alone. Osaka is a center of Rakugo (usually called “Kamigata Rakugo”). It’s very hard for foreigners to understand it, but if you want to feel traditional Japanese mass culture, it’s worth watching. The most famous Rakugo family is Katsura Beicho family. Beicho is not only the chairman of the family but also a human national treasure of Japan. Some well-known comedians on TV belong to this family; Katsura Nanko, Katsura Zakoba etc… They have New Year’s recital every January at Sankei Hall, Osaka. It is always sold out, so you need to book tickets in advance (Office Beicho: 06-6365-8281). By the way, Beicho family has been making effort to popularize Rakugo. They made some Rakugo stories in English and they are now trying to make Chinese version. Unfortunately, the pioneer of English Rakugo, Katsura Shijaku, killed himself a few years ago. I hope his pupils will follow after him.
The development of this town...
by o00o
The development of this town dates back to the year 1560. It still holds a variety of old houses and buildings including clinics and stores which sell household Buddhist altars. These old establishments are still operating their businesses, and the whole town reflects historical image of Edo Era. The old house of Sugiyama family was built in the middle of Edo Era. The family operated the business of producing sake wine for many generations. The family members include a noted poet Isonokami Tsuyuko. The house was designated as an important cultural asset.
To Osaka Aquarium
by wathy
If you plan to visit Osaka Aquarium, don't forget to buy a ticket set for entry fee + subway pass.
You can take subway & city bus all day full by this ticket.
Price : 2500 yen (2000 yen entry fee + 500yen subway pass)
There are also same kind ticket for Hankyu, Nankai, Keihan and the others kind of train but a little bit expensive than subway.
Osaka Castle: a Diversion
by AKtravelers
If you are going to stop over in Osaka, the only site worth visiting is the castle and its gardens. The castle is a very attractive classical daimyo period castle with one small problem -- it was built in 1931 (on the site of the 16th-century castle that had been destroyed). I got there too late to go inside, but that didn't really bother me because of the castle's relative youth and the fact that I would be visiting the castle in Himeiji (a real 16th century castle) in a few days. I did get a chance to walk the gardens and ponds, catching glimpses of azaleas aas they shed their last flowers and carp as the begged for food (have you ever seen a fish beg -- pathetic!). There are some great views of the city from above the high walls.
The Osaka-Jo castle is an...
by Francesco-C
The Osaka-Jo castle is an impressive bulding, but it is a concrete reconstruction of the old castle. It worths a visit in ay case, there's an interesting museum inside and from the last floor the view on the surroundings is good (entry 500 yen).
The castle is placed in the middle of a big and nice park, very beautiful in cherry-blossom season.
yum
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