7 best events in Kyushu - November 2017

Kyushu is located in the east of Japan and composed of 7 prefectures. In this region there are various events in November such as traditional festivals and contemporary art events. In this issue we introduce 7 selected events. You will understand the deep roots of Kyushu and Japan by participating in them. Let’s check them up!

Traditional Events

1. “Kagoshima” – 14^th “Yosakoi” Festival in “Ichihino Onsen” (a hot spring) : 25^th & 26^th November, 2017

Source: こころ

“Yosakoi” Festival is one of traditional Japanese festivals. There are many “Yosakoi” Festivals all over Japan. In this issue we introduce one of the festivals called “Ichihino Onsen Yosakoi” Festival. More than 70 teams with around 1000 dancers join this festival not only local but also from all over Japan, Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, etc.

It is a real Japanese festival that many dancers are in flamboyant costumes and therefore it is popular among foreign tourists as well. “Ichihino” is a town for hot spring. Why not relax in “Onsen” after the festival? You can surely enjoy a Japanese ambience.

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

25^th & 26^th November, 2017

Access & Address

・Venue

“Ichihino Onsen”

・Direction

Approx. 20 minutes by car from “Sendai” Station, JR Kyushu Shin-Kansen

・Travel time from main station

80 minutes by train & car from “Kagoshima Chuo” Station

・Address

Hiwaki-cho Ichihino, Satsuma Sendai-city, Kagoshima 895-1203

・Map

Admission fee & reservation

Admission free, Reservation not required

Official site

https://satsumasendai.gr.jp/spotlist/39350/

Events to Experience the Traditional Culture and Learn the History

2. The Light-show and Special Events in Commemoration of 1300^th year after Foundation of “Rokugo Manzan”: 28^th October – 9^th December, 2017

Source: 4travel

When you come to Japan, shrines and temples are must-visit places. We recommend an event to visit temples in Kyushu. It is a lightshow and special event to commemorate 1300^th year of foundation of “Rokugo Manzan”. “Rokugo Manzan” means collective temples in the “Kunisaki” Peninsula. The event is to illuminate the main temples and there are some spectacles such as “Kagura” (music to dedicate to God) and live concerts of gospels. You can certainly taste the fantastic atmosphere watching illuminated temples and listening to the music.

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

28^th October – 9^th December, 2017

≪”Reisen-ji” Temple・”Jissoin” Temple・”Rokusho” Shrine≫

12^th November (Sat) from 18:30 : “Takachiho Kagura” & “Ebisusato Kagura”

Admission fee: Yen500

13^th November (Sun): Illumination only

Admission free

≪”Futago-ji” Temple≫

18^th November (Fri): Illumination only

Admission fee: Yen500

19^th November (Sat) from 18:30: “Shomyo” (chanting Buddhist hymns)

Admission fee: Yen1,000

Access & Address

・Venue

At location of the temples in “Kunisaki” Peninsula

・Direction

Take a bus for “Nakatsu” or “Yokkaichi” from “Usa” Station, JR “Nippo” Line and get off at bus stop “Usa Hachiman” (approx.9 minutes). Then 10 minutes walk from the bus stop.

・Travel time from Main station

Approx. 60 minutes by train and bus from “Oita” Station

・Address

“Usa Jingu” Shrine: 2859 Minami Usa, Usa-city, Oita 872-0102

“Unsenji” Temple: 1016 Ebisu, Bungo Takada-city, Oita 872-1201

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Admission fee: Yen 500-1,000 for each temple

Official site

http://www.millennium-roman.jp/rokugou1300/

3. Evenings for Local Performing Arts: 17^th November 2017, 26^th January & 30^th March 2018

Source: じもとたび九州

Local performing arts are called “Kyodo Geino”. We introduce “the evening for local performing art in “Kirishima”, in the south of Kyushuu. You can watch closely traditional local performing arts called “Kirishima Gagaku”, music dedicated to God and “Kirishima Kumen Daiko” played by 9 Japanese drums. They are unique culture in this region which you can’t see in any other regions. You certainly will enjoy them. In the region there are “Onsen” (hot springs) and places for local cuisines so that you can experience the culture of the entire region in one spot. Since no fee is required, you can just pop in and enjoy!

Schedule

・Date & Hours

17^th November 2017, 26^th January & 30^th March 2018

From 20:30 to 21:30

Access and Address

・Venue

The main hall, Kirishima International Concert Hall

・Direction

Approx. 15 minutes by car from “Kirishima Jingu” Station, JR ”Nippo” Line

・Travel time from main station

Approx. 60 minutes by train and car from “Kagoshima Chuo” Station

・Address

3311-29 Takachiho, Makizono-cho, Kirishima-city, Kagoshima 899-6603

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Admission free, Reservation not required (on a first-come-first-served basis)

Official site

none

4. [Fukuoka] “Shin Momoyama Exhibition” – Japanese Art in the Age of Discoveries: 14^th October – 26^th November 2017

Source: 新・桃山展

If you want to learn more about the Japanese history and arts, “Shin Momoyama Exhibition – Japanese Art in the Age of Discoveries” held at the Kyushu National Museum is highly recommended. This exhibition focuses on and explains the Japanese history in the period of 100 years from the middle of the 16^th century to the middle of the 17^th century through arts. It is during that period that new things such as guns and new idea such as Christianity were brought to Japan but at the same time Japanese regime then in power closed the door to rest of the world. The exhibited arts show how people lived during that period. This is a must-see event to learn the history!

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

14^th October – 26^th November 2017

9:30 – 17:00、on Fri. & Sat. till 20:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)

Closed on Mondays

Access & Address

・Venue

Special Gallery (3F), the Kyushu National Museum in Dazai-city, Fukuoka

・Direction

10 minutes walk from “Dazaifu” Station, Nishitesu Dazaifu Line

・Travel time from main station

Approx. 40 minutes by train & walk from “Fuskuoka Tenjin” Station

・Address

4-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu-city, Fukuoka 818-0118

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Reservation not required

Admission fee: Adults: Yen1,600, Students-university and senior high: Yen1,000, Students-Junior high and elementary: Yen600

Official site

http://www.kyuhaku.jp/exhibition/exhibition_s49.html

Event of Modern Art

5. [Saga] DNA of “Tokusatsu” (special effect in the film) – Craftsmanship making “Kaiju” (a monster): 29^th September – 5^th November 2017

Source: GAINAX

Japanese special effect film series such as “Godzilla” are famous in the world. The exhibition of Japanese special effect in the film is held in Kyushu titled “DNA of “Tokusatsu” (special effect in the film) – The Craftsmanship of ‘Kaiju’”. In Japan the technique of “Tokusatu” started in 1954 when “Godzilla” was first released. You will see the hidden art effects of how people made realistic scenes in the films using miniatures and character costumes in those days when “CG” (computer graphics) was not available. There are more than 200 exhibits used for special effects in the film. It is worthwhile knowing the Japanese craftsmanship of that period which still may have influence on the film today!

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

29^th September (Fri) – 5^th November (Sun), 2017

Closed on Mondays

Note: Open on 9^th October (Mon/national holiday) and closed on 10^th October (Tue)

Access & Address

・Venue

The Exhibition Room 2-4, the Saga Prefectural Museum

・Direction

Approx. 15 minutes by bus from “Saga-eki Bus Center” at “Saga” Station

・Travel time from main station

Approx. 15 minutes from “Saga” Station

・Address

1-15-23 Jonai, Saga-city, Saga 840-0041

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Adults and university student: Yen1,200 (advance ticket: Yen1,000)

Senior high school students: Yen700 (advance ticket Yen500)

Junior high school students or under: Yen500 (advance ticket Yen300)

Advance tickets are sold out and only day ticket is available

Reservation not required

Official site

http://tokushu.saga-s.co.jp/tokusatsu_saga/

6. [Nagasaki] Night Illumination at Glover Garden 2017: 18^th November – 31^st December, 2017

Source: 日本新三大夜景

If you want to watch beautiful night views or illuminations in Kyushu, you mustn’t miss “the Glover Night Illumination 2017”. Glover Garden is a tourist spot located in the former premises of Mr. Glover, an English trader who came to Japan in the middle of the 18^th century. In the garden there are historical structures composing the world heritage site. During the event around 300,000 lights are lit creating a fascinating ambience. The garden also commands the wonderful night view of Nagasaki, one of 3 most beautiful night views in the world. Why not spend a night of fantasia in Nagasaki?

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

18^th November – 31^st December, 2017

【Hours】

18^th – 30^th November: 8:00 – 20:00 (last admission: 20 minutes before closing)

1^st – 31^st December: 8:00 – 21:00 ( -do- )

※The illuminations are lit from 17:00

Access & Address

・Venue

Glover Garden

・Direction

Take a bus or tram from “Nagasaki” Station and get off at “Oura Tenshu-do Shita”, then 5 minutes walk from the bus stop.

・Travel time from main station

Approx. 15 minutes by bus from “Nagasaki” Station

・Address

8-1 Minami Yamate-machi, Nagasaki-city, Nagasaki 850-0931

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Admission fee – Adults: Yen610, High school students: Yen300, Students junior high school and elementary: Yen180

Reservation not required

Official site

http://www.glover-garden.jp/

7. [Kagoshima] Space Art Tanegashima 2017: 5^th August – 12^th November, 2017

Source: 宇宙のタネ

The last introduction in this issue is a very interesting event, “Space Art Tanegashima 2017” with the theme of the space. The island “Tanegashima” is famous for the space developments. There are various art projects, exhibitions and events all over the island. You can have a glance of new form of art with space technique. Art works with some astrological elements will intrigue your interests in space. Also you will see remarkable combinations between art works and the beautiful nature of “Tanegashima”. The Japanese experts of space development oversee the exhibition and they are up to high quality. They will satisfy your expectations. Why not extend your journey a little bit further and visit this mysterious art festival?

Schedule

・Date & Hours

5^th August – 12^th November, 2017

Access & Address

・Venue

All over “Tanegashima” island, Minami Tane-cho, Kagoshima

・Direction

Take a bus from “Kagoshima Chuo” JR Station to “Kagoshima Honko – Kita Futo/ Minami Futo”, and take a ferry or high speed boat to “Nishino Omote-ko” (port). Or take a flight from “Kagoshima” Airport to “Tanegashima” Airport.

・Travel time from main station

Approx. 110 minutes by bus and high speed boat from “Kagoshima Chuo” Station

Approx. 35 minutes by flight from “Kagoshima” Airport to “Tanegashima” Airport

・Address

Nishino Omote-city/ Naka Tane-cho/ Minami Tane-cho, Kagoshima 891-3111

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Admission free

Reservation nor required

Official site

http://space-art-tanegashima.jp/