Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in July 2023
Aug 08, 2023
Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in July 2023
Contrary to popular belief, a trip to Japan during the rainy season can be far from boring. While the rainy season may not be considered a peak tourist season, this period offers many fascinating activities for travelers.
You can admire the breathtaking blooming Hydrangeas, stroll along an old town street devoid of the usual crowds, or even get to greet a baby penguin at an enchanting aquarium.
In “Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in July 2023”, we will take you back to a wonderful journey through the past month, showcasing the wonders of Japan’s rainy season and the delightful stories that unfolded during this time.
Let’s experience the charming beauty of the rainy season in Japan!
Index : Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in July 2023
- 1. Visiting cute sea animals at Toba Aquarium
- 2. Stunned by the blooming Hydrangeas at Yoshinojingu Station
- 3. Experience unforgettable meal with Ama at SATOUMIAN
- 4. Traveling back to the Nara period at Naramachi
- 5. Worshiping a deity beside a cute deer at “Kasuga Taisha Shrine”
- 6. Greeting to a baby Southern Rockhopper Penguin at Osaka Aquarium ‘KAIYUKAN’
1. Visiting cute sea animals at Toba Aquarium [6 July 2023]
The first destination we visited was “Toba Aquarium”, which is located in Mie Prefecture. This aquarium is renowned for being a place where you can find the most diverse marine animals. As soon as you step into this enchanting place, you will meet 1,200 species of sea animals!
Notably, Toba Aquarium is the only destination in Japan where you can meet a manatee. Alongside this unique opportunity, you can enjoy many entertainment activities, including the sea lion show and the otter show.
The closest train station to Toba Aquarium is “Toba Station”. You can access this station conveniently by taking the Sightseeing Limited Express “Shimakaze”, which has Ise-Shima as its destination. This train route includes three main stations: Osaka-Namba Station, Kyoto Station, and Kintetsu-Nagoya Station. Traveling to Toba Aquarium by the Shimakaze Limited Express takes only 2 hours.
Once you arrive at Toba Station, you can reach Toba Aquarium easily because it’s only a 10-minute walk.
How to access Toba Aquarium
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- To get to Toba Aquarium, where is located at Dolphin Island, take a 5-10-minute walk from Kintetsu Railway’s Toba station, then transfer to Toba Ferry at “Toba Marine Terminal” or “Toba Aquarium・Mikimoto Pearl Island”.
Website for checking the ferry schedule (Japanese)
Toba Aquarium’s Map
2. Stunned by the blooming Hydrangeas at Yoshinojingu Station [7 July 2023]
In the past July, the railway of Yoshinojingu Station was decorated with blooming hydrangeas!
In Japan, the rainy season begins in late June and extends throughout July, providing the perfect backdrop to appreciate the stunning beauty of full-bloom hydrangeas.
Immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery of these vibrant flowers can sweep away the gloomy atmosphere of the rainy season.
Yoshinojingu Station’s Map
3. Experience unforgettable meal with Ama at SATOUMIAN [14 July 2023]
Apart from an aquarium, we also had the new experience at Ama Hut “SATOUMIAN” on Kashiko Island, Mie Prefecture. Today, we are excited to introduce this unique local restaurant that offers a truly exceptional and wonderful dining experience!
At SATOUMIAN, you can try the diverse local delicacies of Ise City while listening to Ama’s captivating stories. “Ama” is a fisherwoman who uses a traditional method of freediving to skillfully catch sea animals, offering an unforgettable grilling service of Ise-Shrimp and Abalone.
SATOUMIAN offers a delightful experience with 3 distinct types of the Ama huts, such as a traditional Tatami mat type and a Horigotatsu-type hut (Kotatsu heater table). This diverse hut type ensures that visitors are constantly engaged and never feel bored.
Furthermore, SATOUMIAN provides visitors the chance to engage in Ama cosplay activity through “Ama clothing” service. We highly recommend you to capture this special moment by wearing Ama clothes and taking a photo with the backdrop of Azurihama Beach’s white sand and the breathtaking blue sea.
If you have an opportunity to visit Mie, let’s come to Kashiko Island and have an unforgettable experience at Ama Hut SATOUMIAN!
How to access Ama Hut SATOUMIAN
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- Car
- About 60 minutes from Ise-shi, Ise Jingu (Inner shrine)
- About 60 minutes from Iseshi Station
- About 60 minutes from Toba Station, Toba Aquarium, and Mikimoto Pearl Island
- About 30 minutes from Kashikojima Station
- Taxi
- Taxis are stationed at Ugata Station. It takes about 30 minutes and costs about 7,000 to 8,000 yen.
- Bus
- About 60 minutes from the nearest station Ugata Station. Get on a bus bound for Goza Port and get off at Azurihama bus stop, and take a 3-minute walk.
- Car
Website
Ama Hut SATOUMIAN’s Map
4. Traveling back to the Nara period at Naramachi [18 July 2023]
“Naramachi” is an ancient town district in Nara Prefecture brimming with historic sites, including temples, shrines, and charming old shops. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the Kintetsu-Nara station, Naramachi beckons you to explore its treasures.
During the Nara period, Naramachi was originally established after the capital of Japan was relocated to Heijokyo. Naramachi began as a town of shrines and temples called “Nanto” (南都). After that, it evolved to a town of commerce, and later transformed into a town of tourism. Each era has left its mark, and visitors can immerse themselves in the distinctive atmosphere of various time periods.
Nowadays, all places in Naramachi have been restored into beautiful tourist attractions, including the building offering the new experiential activities and souvenir shops with Nara limited merchandise. With its captivating elements, Naramachi has become a popular sightseeing destination.
If you are finding some enchanting attraction to visit, don’t miss a chance to make your unforgettable memories in Naramachi!
Naramachi’s Map
5. Worshiping a deity beside a cute deer at “Kasuga Taisha Shrine” [21 July 2023]
“Kasuga Taisha Shrine”, Nara Prefecture, was founded 1,300 years ago with the purpose of showcasing Japan’s prosperity and bringing happiness to Japanese people.
As you enter the shrine area, you will be greeted by the main shrine, a revered national treasure. Moreover, the center of the shrine has numerous precious cultural heritages, including the Chumon (a middle gate) and the red Oro (a corridor).
A Nara trip would be incomplete without experiencing the charm of Kasuga Taisha Shrine!
If you are lucky, you may even meet the adorable deer of Nara Park bow down to worship a deity beside you!
How to access Kasuga Taisha Shrine
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- Walk about 25 minutes from Kintetsu-Nara Station (Nara Line)
Website
Kasuga Taisha Shrine’s Map
6. Greeting to a baby Southern Rockhopper Penguin at Osaka Aquarium ‘KAIYUKAN’ [25 July 2023]
At Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN, you will have the wonderful opportunity to visit a cute little Southern Rockhopper Penguin that was born just last June!
The Southern Rockhopper Penguin derives its name from its characteristic posture of jumping from cliffs. Despite reaching full maturity, these penguins have an average height of 50 centimeters. Compared to other penguin species, the Southern Rockhopper is quite small.
If you travel to Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN during this period, be sure not to miss the chance to visit the adorable little Southern Rockhopper Penguin and observe how its parents lovingly care for it in the “Falkland Islands (Malvinas)” Zone. ❤️
- ※ P.S. : You can find the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Zone located at the entrance of the 4th floor.
How to access Osaka aquarium KAIYUKAN
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- Train
- Approx. 35 min. from Shinkansen bullet train Shin-Osaka Station (changing railway lines)
- Approx. 30 min. from Osaka (Umeda) Station
- Approx. 30 min. from Namba (Shinsaibashi) Station
- Approx. 5 min. on foot from Osakako Station of Osaka Metro Chuo Line
- Osaka City Bus
- Approximately 45 minutes from Osaka Station (bus route No. 88) or approximately 40 minutes from Namba Station (bus route No. 60) to Tempozan Stop, adjacent to the KAIYUKAN
- From Universal Studios Japan : Approx. 10 minutes from Universal City Port by Captain Line fast shuttle ferry.
- Train
Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN Official Website
Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN’s Map
Reference : Kintetsu Railway English
Read more article from Kintetsu Railway
- Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in June 2023
- Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in May 2023
- Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in April 2023
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