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.