Wednesday, January 15, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Osaka, Japan

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Osaka, Japan.

OSAKA, JAPAN
The City has thrown off its shackles and stepped out of the shadows
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’s most friendly, extroverted, and flavourful 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-flavoured 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.
SIGHTS
• Osaka Castle
• Universal Studios Japan
• Dotonbori
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• Sumiyoshi Taisha
• Umeda Sky Building
• Shitennō-ji
• Tsutenkaku
• Hozen-ji Temple

SHOPPING
Osaka has several world-class shopping districts and miles of shopping arcades, malls, and streets. Osaka’s shopping combines upscale, brand-name, and designer goods with inexpensive thrift shops and discount chains.
The city’s two largest shopping districts are Umeda in the north and Namba in the south. JR Osaka Station and Umeda Station serve the Umeda area (also known as Kita), while Namba Station serves the Namba area (known as Minami). Both places have large concentrations of department stores, shopping arcades, and some of Japan’s most extensive underground shopping malls.
Between Umeda and Namba is the covered shopping arcade Shinsaibashi-suji, one of Osaka’s oldest and busiest shopping destinations, which runs about 600 meters long.

Today’s Excursion – Introduction to Osaka

During this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion, we explored Osaka’s feudal and religious past.
Osaka, Osaka Castle, Weapons, Armour, Artefacts, Panoramic Viewpoint
Osaka Castle was built in the late 16th century; the castle was burned down in a series of 17th-century battles.

It was later reconstructed, but its donjon was again destroyed by fire. The castle’s final reconstruction
took place in the early 20th century. The first seven floors of the castle display various weapons, armor, and artifacts of a bygone era. The eighth floor features splendid panoramic vistas and photo opportunities of the castle’s surroundings.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Four Sanctuaries, 600 Stone Garden Lanterns, Red, Arched Bridge
Built in the 3rd century, the people of Osaka believed the shrine was the guardian deity for
sailors and a deity to bring prosperity. It also serves as the headquarters of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi
Taisha Shrines throughout Japan. Some three million people visit this shrine at the beginning of
each New Year. The shrine is home to the first-fourth sanctuaries. Each sanctuary is built in the
Sumiyoshi-Zukuri style has straight roofs, is the oldest Shrine architecture style, and is designated National Treasures.

In the precincts surrounded by woods, over 600 stone garden lanterns stand in a row, and a red, arched bridge
spans over the pond.

Tonight’s dinner was at The Alantide Restaurant