{"id":79052,"date":"2021-03-01T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-01T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=79052"},"modified":"2024-02-27T20:10:48","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T11:10:48","slug":"what-to-do-family-trip-senshu-osaka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/what-to-do-family-trip-senshu-osaka\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do on a Family Trip to Senshu, South of Osaka?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you\u2019re traveling with family<\/strong>, it\u2019s not always easy to find activities in the big city that appeals to everyone. But venture just a few kilometers outside the urban centers, and you will find a number of attractions to please all ages<\/strong>. In the south of Kansai<\/a><\/strong>, the Senshu <\/strong>(\u6cc9\u5dde) region<\/strong><\/a> offers plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy. Here are some of my favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover a vibrant festival at Kishiwada Danjiri Kaikan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just a few minutes\u2019 walk from the majestic Kishiwada Castle (\u5cb8\u548c\u7530\u57ce) is Kishiwada Danjiri Kaikan<\/strong> (\u5cb8\u548c\u7530\u3060\u3093\u3058\u308a\u4f1a\u9928). This museum is dedicated to telling the complete story of the region\u2019s most famous festival<\/strong>. After experiencing the live event firsthand in September 2019, I can confirm that the Kaikan very faithfully recreates the vibrant atmosphere of this annual celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Danjiri<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Danjiri<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Kishiwada<\/figure>\n
Lanterns used to decorate the carts during Danjiri Matsuri are exhibited in the museum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri<\/strong> (\u5cb8\u548c\u7530\u3060\u3093\u3058\u308a\u796d) is one of Japan\u2019s most exuberant festivals, where large teams of men swiftly pull elaborate danjiri<\/em><\/strong> (carts in the form of a shrine) through narrow alleys and around sharp curves<\/strong>. But even more impressive are the men who perform acrobatic feats on top of the shrines<\/strong>. Once you get swept up in all the action, your head will be spinning in awe.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Japanese
You can examine every detail of the carved wooden danjiri.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Inside the museum, not only can you see real danjiri carts up close<\/strong>, you will learn all about the long process of creating these hand-carved masterpieces<\/strong>. And their quality is unmatched\u2014a danjiri can be used for decades! Some carts that are still in use today were built more than a hundred years ago. In yet another twist to the Kishiwada festival, danjiri brought out from several different regions confront each other in a spectacular duel. Each year, around 34 danjiri are pulled<\/strong> through the streets.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Happi
Happi (\u6cd5\u88ab): traditional coats worn by Danjiri Matsuri participants.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The museum\u2019s visual presentations will captivate children<\/strong> and adults alike. The many attractions include two films<\/strong>: one that introduces the festival and another in 3D that fully immerses you in its lively atmosphere<\/strong>. Items on display include happi<\/em> coats<\/strong> bearing the symbols of the various participating guilds, and of course, several lavishly ornate danjiri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Roof<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Close<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Kishiwada Danjiri Kaikan Museum \u5cb8\u548c\u7530\u3060\u3093\u3058\u308a\u4f1a\u9928<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Hours:<\/strong> Open daily except Monday, 10:00\u201317:00<\/td><\/tr>
Admission:<\/strong> \u00a5600 for adults and \u00a5300 for children<\/td><\/tr>
Access:<\/strong> 10-minute walk from Kishiwada Station (\u5cb8\u548c\u7530\u99c5) (Nankai line) or 4-minute walk from Kishiwada Castle.<\/td><\/tr>
Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tour a local Japanese textile factory in Senshu: Fukaki Keori<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another interesting place to visit in the region is Fukaki Keori<\/strong> (\u6df1\u559c\u6bdb\u7e54), a textile factory that produces woolen fabrics<\/strong> such as cashmere and others using camel and alpaca hair. Here, you can follow the entire manufacturing process<\/strong>, from receiving the raw materials to the finished product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Factory tours are available for groups of at least five people and must be reserved in advance. For now, the guided tour is only in Japanese, so be prepared to come with a translator if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Spool<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Spools<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Spool<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Fukaki<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During the tour, your guide will explain each step<\/strong> of the textile fabrication process in detail as you observe employees at work<\/strong> on specialized machines. Who knew that making yarn for clothing involved so many different tasks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Raw<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Wool<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Fukaki<\/figure>\n
Several machines are used to treat the raw materials, which will be transformed into yarn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can even purchase finished items straight from the factory at the on-site shop<\/strong>. Fukaki brand garments are reputed to last a long time<\/strong> due to their exceptional quality. The two staff members who guided me on the tour said that they have been wearing their Fukaki sweaters for more than ten years\u2014and they\u2019re still just like new.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Fukaki
Packaging spools of Fukaki wool threads to send off to clients.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The factory offers a fascinating insight<\/strong> behind the scenes of woolen textile manufacturing that children can also follow<\/strong>, although older teenagers are more likely to appreciate the details.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Cashmere
Sample garments made by Fukaki.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Fukaki Keori textile museum\u3000\u6df1\u559c\u6bdb\u7e54\u5de5\u5834<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Hours:<\/strong> Hours vary depending on production, so be sure to call first to reserve your tour (minimum 5 people).<\/td><\/tr>
Admission:<\/strong> Free<\/td><\/tr>
Reservation:<\/strong> By telephone +81 725-22-1151<\/td><\/tr>
Access:<\/strong> 26-minute walk from Izumi\u014dtsu Station (\u6cc9\u5927\u6d25\u99c5) (Nankai line) or 12-minute walk from Ikeura bus stop \u6c60\u6d66 (\u30d0\u30b9).<\/td><\/tr>
Fukaki Website<\/a> (in English and Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Visit a Japanese Fish Market: Izumisano Fishermen\u2019s Cooperative Association Open-air Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The large harbor<\/strong> in Osaka Bay plays an important role in the Senshu region, where fishermen bring in their catches<\/strong> every morning. It\u2019s a great opportunity for both professionals and residents to buy ultra-fresh seafood<\/strong> directly from the source. For this reason, there is a major fish market<\/strong> in Izumisano (\u6cc9\u4f50\u91ce\u5e02) that is open every day (except Wednesdays) to the public<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Fish<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Fish<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Izumisano<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here you can buy fresh fish<\/strong> to bring back and cook later or simply admire the impressive variety of specimens<\/strong> on display. The majority of the day\u2019s catch is laid out by late morning, so that\u2019s the best time to come. Alternatively, every day except Wednesday and Sunday, at 14:30 sharp, you can watch a live auction<\/strong> to see bidders competing for the top-grade pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Izumisano<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you want to know more about the wonderful variety of seafood spread before you, the open market is also a rare chance to chat (in Japanese) directly with the local producers<\/strong> about their specialties.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Fresh
Fresh seafood from the morning catch is displayed at the market.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Just upstairs inside the market<\/strong>, you can taste the fresh-caught fish<\/strong> and other crustaceans, skillfully prepared and served to you ready-to-eat, at several restaurants and barbecue stands. You won\u2019t find a fresher meal on your plate!<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Shellfish
Many other local shellfish are also for sale, many rarely seen in the West.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Izumisano Fish Market \u6cc9\u4f50\u91ce\u6f01\u5354\u9752\u7a7a\u5e02\u5834<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Hours:<\/strong> Open daily except Wednesday, 10:00-17:00<\/td><\/tr>
Auction:<\/strong> Every day except Wednesday and Sunday at 14:30<\/td><\/tr>
Access:<\/strong> 6-minute walk from Kaizuka Station (\u8c9d\u585a\u99c5) (Nankai line)<\/td><\/tr>
Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Taste Murasame, a Senshu sweet made by a local shop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you\u2019re in the region, be sure to taste Murasame<\/strong><\/em> (\u6751\u96e8, literally \u201cvillage rain\u201d), a Japanese confectionery that is native to Senshu<\/strong> (and named after one of the eight views of Izumi). It\u2019s a steamed cake made from red beans, sugar, and rice flour<\/strong>, giving it a distinctively soft and fluffy texture\u2014just imagine biting into a cloud! Murasame is sold in long bars of pre-cut squares for the perfect tea-time treat.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Japanese
Murasame, a Japanese confectionery made from red beans, sugar, and rice flour.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

For an authentic sample of this traditional Senshu sweet, I recommend the shop Okashishi Shiogo<\/strong> (\u5fa1\u83d3\u5b50\u53f8 \u5869\u4e94) in Kaizuka<\/strong> (\u8c9d\u585a). The staff of this Japanese confectionery<\/strong> is passionate about their products; we discussed what goes into making these famous sweets, and they even served me a small cup of green tea. Surprisingly, the manager understands English and speaks fluent Spanish<\/strong>! So if you don\u2019t speak Japanese but happen to know a bit of Spanish and English, she will be more than happy to chat with you.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Manager
The manager warmly welcomes you in Japanese, English, or Spanish!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Okashishi Shiogo \u5fa1\u83d3\u5b50\u53f8 \u5869\u4e94<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Hours:<\/strong> Open daily except Tuesday and 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 9:00\u201318:00<\/td><\/tr>
Access:<\/strong> 6-minute walk from Kaizuka Station (\u8c9d\u585a\u99c5) (Nankai line)<\/td><\/tr>
Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wanpaku Okoku Park: a children\u2019s park in the Senshu region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This last recommended stop<\/strong> is especially for the kids<\/strong>. It\u2019s a little park nestled in the mountains<\/strong> full of activities for children and features a giant dinosaur slide<\/strong>! Of course, adults are also welcomed to test out the installations\u2026 I had a great time sliding down myself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Wanpaku<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Wanpaku<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Wanpaku<\/figure>\n
Map of Wanpaku Okoku Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wanpaku Okoku Park<\/a><\/strong> (\u308f\u3093\u3071\u304f\u738b\u56fd) is open and free to the public, so you can plan a picnic, even barbecue, and spend half a day<\/strong> here. If the family is game for a 15-minute walk up to the very top of the park, you will be rewarded with a splendid view of the surroundings on a clear day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Slide<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Wooden<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Giant<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can also take a scenic walk through the forest for an ambitious hike and more than a few breaths of fresh air. Wanpaku Okoku Park has everything you need to please the entire family on a pleasant afternoon together without breaking the bank. Another advantage is that the park is easily accessible by train on the JR Hanwa Line (also covered by the JR Pass<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Forest<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Forest<\/figure>\n
Take a hike through the surrounding forest to the top of the mountain for an even better view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Wanpaku Okoku Park \u308f\u3093\u3071\u304f\u738b\u56fd<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Hours:<\/strong> Open daily, 9:30\u201316:30 (closed on 3rd Wednesday of each month)<\/td><\/tr>
Admission:<\/strong> Free<\/td><\/tr>
Access:<\/strong> 3-minute walk from Yamanakadani Station (\u5c71\u4e2d\u6e13\u99c5) (JR Hanwa line)<\/td><\/tr>
Parking:<\/strong> \u00a5500 for a compact car or \u00a51500 for a large family vehicle<\/td><\/tr>
Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Practical Information on the Region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take the Nankai train line to travel through the Senshu region from Kansai International Airport (\u95a2\u897f\u56fd\u969b\u7a7a\u6e2f) or Namba Station (\u306a\u3093\u3070\u99c5) in Osaka. Trains stop at many of the stations mentioned in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Kansai International Airport, the ride to Kishiwada Station <\/strong>(\u5cb8\u548c\u7530\u99c5) takes about 15 minutes<\/strong> and costs \u00a5610. From Namba, it takes 25 minutes<\/strong> and costs \u00a5400. For more information, visit the official website of Senshu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n