2024 WORLD CRUISE
2024 WORLD CRUISE – BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS
SILVERSEA Silver Whisperer – January 15 – May 26.
132 Nights. 66 Ports, 15 Countries.
Tag: Osaka Japan
Friday, April 19, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Osaka, Japan
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Osaka, Japan.
OSAKA, JAPAN
EXPLORE THE CULINARY CAPITAL OF JAPAN
An important commercial centre since medieval times, Osaka and its castle played a major role in the history of Japan and its unification in the 16th century. Built in 1583, it towers above the city in the heart of a six-hectare park with ramparts and moats. However, the 5-storey, 8-inside-storey building you can visit today was completed… in 1997, the castle having been rebuilt many times.
But Osaka also stands out for another aspect: its gastronomy, which for some makes it the capital of taste in a country where the delicacy of dishes and the marriage of flavours have been elevated to the rank of a major art.
When it comes to Osaka cuisine, three key elements stand out: takoyaki, okonomiyaki and izakayas. The first two are eaten, while the third is where you can eat.
Let’s start with takoyaki. These little balls, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, contain pieces of tender octopus, green onion and other flavoursome ingredients. Cooked in special moulds, takoyaki are served hot and topped with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, dried bonito (katsuobushi) and seaweed.
Let’s continue with okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese pizza. This thick pancake is made from a dough of flour, eggs and cabbage. You can add your choice of ingredients, such as prawns or squid, or pork or cheese: it all depends on your tastes, and okonomiyaki is a 100% customisable dish. Once cooked, okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonito and seaweed are added for an incomparable explosion of flavour.
These two local specialities can be enjoyed in another essential component of Osaka’s culinary scene: izakayas, small informal bars and restaurants found all over the city. As well as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, they also serve sashimi, yakitori (grilled kebabs) and tempura (fried fritters), among other Japanese delicacies.
TENJINBASHI-SUJI SHOPPING STREET
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street claims to be the longest in Japan. The covered arcade stretches more than two kilometers, starting approximately from Tenjimbashi-suji Rokuchome Subway Station and leading south until close to the Tenjinbashi Bridge. Locals shop for goods such as groceries, clothes, shoes, books, medicine, snacks and sundries. Prices for fashion products are relatively low in return for average quality. There are also many eateries and cafes.
SIGHTS
- Abeno Harukas
- Kuchu Teien Observatory
- Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Osaka Tenmangu
- Hep Five Ferris Wheel
- Shin Sekai “New World”
- Tsūtenkaku
Today’s Excursion – Nara UNESCO World Heritage Sites
We discovered a pair of magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites during this scenic sightseeing excursion to Nara.
The Todaiji Temple famous for its great copper image of Buddha, the symbol of Nara. With a height of 59 feet from the ground, this Buddha image was the largest in the world at the time of its completion in 752 A.D.
The temple building itself is the largest existing wooden structure in the world. Reconstructed in the mid-Edo Period (1603-1867), it measures 187 feet in width and 157 feet in height. While strolling through the temple, we saw hundreds of deer. They are considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion and are allowed to roam freely here.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine, 2,000 Stone Lanterns, Torii Gate, Colourful Halls, Japanese Lunch
Leaving the temple, our next stop was the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Originally constructed in 768 A.D. by the Fujiwaras, a
prominent feudal family, this shrine has been rebuilt over 50 times (every 20 years) in accordance with Shinto custom to purify the site. More than 2,000 stone lanterns line the pathways, and are lit only three times a year on special festival days. We passed through the Torii Gate to experience the unique architectural style of the shrine, including the shape of the roof and brilliant vermilion and green halls.
The KAIYUKAN is an aquarium that faithfully recreates the natural environment of the world’s largest ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and its surrounding waters. Each region of the Pacific Rim that surrounds the Pacific Ocean is recreated in a large water tank. Each tank in the aquarium is arranged in a way that is similar to how they are actually located geologically in the Pacific Ocean. Starting with the “Pacific Ocean” tank that is home to the majestic whale shark, or the “Forest of Japan” tank that is lush in vegetation and flowing waterfalls, to the “Tasman Sea” tank that houses the Pacific white-sided dolphin, each of the tanks in total houses and displays approximately 30,000 creatures with 620 types of species. Other popular tanks include the “Jellyfish Galaxy” that are all about the jellyfishes, or the “North Pole” tank that houses the Ringed seals.
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Thursday, April 18, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Osaka, Japan
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Osaka, Japan.
OSAKA, JAPAN
A CHARMING, RELAXED CITY BEST KNOWN FOR ITS FOOD, FUN AND NIGHTLIFE
Japan’s third-biggest city has thrown off its shackles and stepped out of the shadows to light up the sky with glaring neon signs and a larger-than-life outlook. Giant octopuses cling to buildings, and bustling restaurants pack in the crowds in this tremendous and garish place, Japan at its most friendly, extroverted, and flavorful place.
So dive in headfirst to experience an all-out sensory assault of delicious food, shopping cathedrals, and glittering
temples. Dotombori Bridge bathes in the multicolored, jewel-like lights of signage-plastered buildings, and the
neon lights dance on the canal’s waters below. Osaka is known as the nation’s kitchen, and the Kuromon Ichiba Market
has served as the city’s spot to tuck in for almost 200 years.
Full of street food stalls – try pufferfish, savory Okonomiyaki pancakes, or ginger and onion-flavored octopus
among the endless feast of exotic flavors. Osaka Castle is another of the city’s landmarks, built in the 16th century by
Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A modern museum now waits inside, where you can learn about the country’s history and why
this castle symbolizes Japanese unity.
Take the elevator to the observation deck for a panoramic view of Osaka’s spread. A colorful park encloses the castle and blooms with an ocean of pale pink cherry blossoms during the season – the elegant black tiers rising from the pink haze below is one of Osaka’s most alluring visions.
Kyoto’s peaceful cultural treasures and temples are also just a short jaunt away on Japan’s sleek trains, should you
wish to explore further afield.
DOTONBORI AREA
Osaka’s hotspot for tourists and travelers, Dotonbori, is filled with towering neon signs, clubs, and various bars and restaurants serving local specialties.
The name “Dotonbori” generally refers to both the Dotonbori Canal and Dotonbori Street, which runs parallel to the canal’s southern bank. It is one of the most colorful areas in Osaka and an absolute must-visit location when traveling through the Kansai region.
SIGHTS
- Universal Studios Japan
- Osaka Castle
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
- Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
- Shitennoji Temple
- Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
- Umeda Sky Building
Today’s Excursion – Kyoto Highlights & High-Speed Shinkansen Train
We experience Kyoto on the fast track to this historic city via bullet train.
Osaka, Bullet Train to Kyoto, Golden Pavilion
Depart the pier by bus to the Shin-Osaka Station. Upon arrival, we boarded the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train for a short ride to Kyoto. Upon arrival at the Kyoto Station, board a coach and transfer to the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) for an exterior visit. Built as a villa during the Muromachi Period in 1397, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was later converted into a temple. The temple burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955. It is approximately 41 feet tall, and the second and third stories are covered with approximately two tons of pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still pond in the garden is a marvelous site to behold.
Nijo Castle, Cultural Treasures, Chinese Gate, Ni-no-maru Garden, Pictures on Doors
The Nijo Castle was built in 1626 as the residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The Honmaru (Main Court) burned down in 1788. The only original part remaining is the Ni-no-maru (Second Court). The present ‘Honmaru,’ built in 1827, is a replica of the one that originally stood on the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also renowned for its many cultural treasures dating from the 16th-century Momoyama Era, including the Karamon (Chinese Gate), Ni-no-maru Garden, and pictures on the doors of the building.
Shozan Resort Kyoto, Japanese Lunch, Heian Jingu Shrine
We had a Japanese, set-menu lunch at the Shozan Resort Kyoto.
After lunch, we visited the Heian Shrine (Shrine of Peace), built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary
of the founding of Kyoto (Heian-Kyo capital). The Heian Shrine is dedicated to two emperors: Emperor Kammu, the first
emperor to rule Kyoto, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to live out his reign in the city.
TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH JIM HODSON
INTERNATIONAL MULTI INSTRUMENTAL VIRTUOSO
Jim hails from Melbourne, Australia, a city famous for being far away from most other places. Between drinking copious amounts of pretentious coffee, Jim somehow found the time to study guitar, trumpet, and composition.
He attained a Master’s degree in music from Melbourne University and had his compositions performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. A piece of his won an international composition prize, which thrilled Jim because it allowed him to preface his name with the description “award-winning composer.”
After studying, Jim took off on a voyage of musical discovery, which meant traveling to different countries and pestering interesting musicians into sharing their tricks. He has collaborated with musicians from China, Bulgaria, Finland, Bangladesh, Italy, and the UK, and he has even had the opportunity to perform on the Antarctic continent.
He is lucky to share his love of music worldwide with soaring guitar solos and fancy fretwork. Jim added the ukulele to the mix relatively recently after realizing the potential of this unassuming small instrument. You will be surprised at how the humble ukulele can be transformed by someone we might reluctantly call a professional.
Jim is excited to be able to travel the world performing the music he loves while steadfastly insisting that no one makes coffee as well as they do in his hometown.
When not writing about himself in the third person, Jim is an avid kayaker, kangaroo enthusiast, and whiskey-taster.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.
Dashi Stock, Marinated Tofu, Nori Juliennes
Teriyaki Marinated Grilled Cod served with Stir Fry Vegetable, Yakimeshi Fried Rice and Teriyaki Sauce
Strawberry Compote · White Rum · Baked Meringue · Diplomat Cream · Strawberry Coulis
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