Experience!! "Kishiwada Danjiri Festival" - Kishiwada Danjiri Hall- Well known nationwide, the Danjiri Festival is held not only in Kishiwada but also in other cities, towns, and villages (mainly in Izumi). But Kishiwada's festival is somehow different. Many Kishiwada people regard the festival as "part of daily life." In particular, "yarimawashi" is spectacular: "danjiri"floats (4 t in weight, 3.8 m in height, 4 m in length, 2.5 m in width) turning corners at full speed. This is an exciting festival indeed with these huge floats dashing through the town. Here at Danjiri Hall, you can experience the Danjiri Festival via the latest audio-visual effects. Entering the door, all of a sudden, you see a giant danjiri float with many red lanterns hanging in place. It is truly amazing that floats like this are pulled through the town. A 27-screen multi-projector beside the float shows images from this dramatically powerful festival. It is exciting to see not only the floats speeding through the streets but also men in happi coats thrust away by the momentum. In the 2nd Exhibition Room, you can stand on the roof of a full-scale danjiri float, play the musical instruments, and watch 3D Danjiri Vision. You will surely want to see the real Danjiri Festival if you have never seen one before. Transportation: 7-minute walk from Nankai Line "Takojizo" Station Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Admission by 16:00) *Closed on Mondays (open when Monday is a national holiday) Admission fee: 600 yen for an adult, 300 yen for a child Telephone: 0724-36-0914     The color of indigo is known as "Japan blue". Awa indigo was so appreciated and widely known to the public that "Awa" is often used as a synonym for "indigo." Feudal lord Hachisuka Iemasa designated the frequently flooding Yoshino River basin as an area suited for growing indigo plants and offered incentives. From the period of feudal administration to Meiji Era, aidama (a dye made from leaves of the indigo plant) produced in Tokushima was shipped to the indigo market all over Japan. Although the indigo- growing industry has declined due to growing popularity of chemical dyestuffs, most of the raw material for deep blue dyeing in Japan is still produced in Tokushima. The basin of Shikoku Saburo or Yoshino River retains residential sites of indigo dealers at "streets of udatsu (fire walls)" in Waki Town and "Ai-no-Yakata" (Museum of Indigo) in Aizumi Town, where you can step back in time. How about a hands-on deep blue dyeing experience to make your original handkerchief by using aidama made in Tokushima? There are many other hands-on deep blue dyeing facilities including Tokushima Craft Village in and around Tokushima City. Speaking of Tokushima, you can't forget Awa folk dance. There are three theories on how the midsummer festival "Awa-odori (Awa folk dance)" (Tokushima's pride) originated. The first theory holds that the dance originated from the Bon festival dance that can be seen everywhere in Japan. The second theory holds that the dance originated from the "Furyu" dance that was performed at Shozui Castle in 1663. According to this theory, the "ren" or hoop (group dancing) that characterizes Awa folk dance reflects "Furyu," the roots of Noh theater. The third theory holds that Awa-odori originated from a freestyle dance performed by castle town people, setting formalities aside, in celebration of completion of Tokushima Castle by Awa feudal lord Hachisuka Iemasa in 1587. The dance turned into "Awa folk dance" for display in the beginning of Showa period (1926-1989). Awa folk dance is performed in every part of the prefecture in August every year. In particular, the "Awa folk dance" that is held from August 12 to 15 in Tokushima City draws about 1.3 million people, turning the city into a dancing town. There is one spot where you can enjoy "Awa folk dance" all the year round. That's "Awaodori-Kaikan" located in the center of Tokushima City. It has the "Awaodori Museum" (where you can learn the history of "Awa folk dance") and "Awaodori Hall" (where you can see and experience authentic Awa folk dance). Become a crazy dancer, or a person who's crazy for only watching? It's up to you. The 5th floor of Awaodori-Kaikan is the submontane station of the ropeway to the mountaintop of Mt. Mayu, which is the symbol of Tokushima City. From the mountaintop, you can see Tokushima City streets. On a fine day, it commands a panoramic view of Awaji Island and Kii peninsula. After experiencing Awa folk dance, why not go to the mountaintop of Mt. Mayu for a tea break. Or how about a tea break with a specialty "yakimochi (toasted rice cake)" at "Arudeyo Tokushima" on the 1st floor of Awaorodi-Kaikan where Tokushima's specialty products are available?     1. Experience of the sea (Happiness Section) Here in Taichi, you can swim with dolphins while snorkeling, and experience scuba diving with dolphins. Beginners are welcome. Dolphins are very amiable creatures. Never seen them before? Can't speak dolphin language? Don't worry. You can make friends with them right away. They'll give you a kiss on the cheek and make you happy. 2. Experience of town (Hot Section) Wakayama's climate is mild, and local citizens believe that they too are warmhearted. Here at Adventure World in Shirahama, a second giant panda baby (a male) was born last year. His name is "Yuhin." He has been on show to the public since March. He is 60 cm tall and cannot even toddle. Cute like a stuffed toy! Just take a look at him, and your heart will be warmed. And don't forget to see the orca (grampus) show. A huge orca dances in the water with a woman trainer to a tune. The music is lovely, and their dance is heartwarming. Let's give them a round of applause!     Osaka is a "city of water" where rivers, large and small, crisscross in the heart of the city. There are facilities where you can experience the history and nature of the Yodo River from various angles. This river has been closely associated with the daily life of the local citizens. First, let's go to the Yodogawa Museum where the history of the Yodo River is introduced. This visitor-friendly museum has three sections: "History of Yodo River," "Life and Yodo River," and "Environment of Yodo River." There are only a handful of museums in Japan that are based on the theme of a river. "History of Yodo River" section houses valuable documents on river improvement. Of particular interest are documents prepared by the foreign engineers who were pioneers of modern river improvement in Japan. These documents testify to the fact that river improvement costs a lot. You can also see collections and images of culture and people on the basin."Life on the Yodo River" section shows the water transportation of the Yodo River (exemplified by "Kurawanka-bune") and the life of the general public using models. You will find that Yodo River basin was busy in the Edo period. "Environment of Yodo River" section introduces the fauna and flora of the Yodo River. Although many species of creatures still inhabit the Yodo River, you'll learn there are also many species that are in danger of extinction. Yodogawa Museum offers a vivid account of this river, one that has provided great blessings to people's lives from ancient times. Make sure to add the museum to your itinerary. Transportation: 7-minute walk from Keihan Line "Hirakatashi" Station Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Admission by 16:00) *Closed on Tuesdays (the following day when Tuesday is a holiday) Admission fee: free of charge Telephone: 072-846-7131 Next, let's ride the AQUA-LINER that allows you to experience "Osaka: city of water." You can enjoy the mood of the sanjikkoku-bune (passenger boats) that served as a means of transportation on the important and busy waterway connecting Kyoto and Osaka in the Edo period. The liner passes under major bridges of happyakuya-bashi (808 bridges) in Osaka. It offers an on-board tour of main sightseeing spots in Osaka City, such as Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima, Sakuranomiya, Osaka Business Park (OBP), and Osaka Amenity Park (OAP). It's also an elegant pastime. The hull is made long, slender, and super-flat in order to pass under the bridges. At most, it extends 1.6 m above the surface of the water. The ceiling is further lowered to 1.3 m in the case of flood tide. Fitted with a glass ceiling and glass sides (the side of the ship), the liner is a modern 21st-century-type passenger boat offering an excellent view. Various night cruising services are also available through the four seasons: nighttime cherry blossom viewing (with a lunchbox) in spring, beer garden in summer, and moon viewing in autumn. The gourmet & music cruiser "Himawari" offers more luxurious services. Transportation: Osaka Castle Dock: 3-minute walk from JR Osaka Loop Line "Osakajokoen" Station OAP Dock: 8-minute walk from JR Osaka Loop Line "Sakuranomiya" Station Hours: 10:00-19:40 (First/last/boarding schedule differs at different ports.) *Subject to change due to season/day of the week Boarding fee: 1,600 yen for an adult/800 yen for a child to Yodoyabashi Port (subject to change depending on the service section) Telephone: 06-6942-5511