We've been docked in Osaka Port for two days where the weather has improved dramatically.
Yesterday we went on an excursion first visiting Osaka Castle. The walk through the grounds was under some of the many cherry blossom trees which, unfortunately, due to the recent cold weather, kept their buds tightly closed. It will look stunning in a couple of weeks. We climbed up the 8 floors where we got a good view over the Castle grounds and beyond.
From the Castle we drove to the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine which was built in the third century. There are 4 sanctuaries, 3 dedicated to the gods of the ocean and the 4th to the princess who commissioned them. There was a wedding ceremony being held while we were there; the bride wore a white kimono and a large hood that covered her head and the top half of her face. We were told that this was to hide the horns of an unmarried woman.
This morning's excursion first visited a Buddhist Shitenno-Ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist Temple in Japan, built in the late 6th century when Buddhism was introduced into Japan. We walked around the Temple grounds, the main hall and then Paul chose to climb up inside the five storey pagoda where there was a small urn said to contain some of the ashes of Buddha. Sue didn't go up because she needed to visit the restroom, and we'll tell you more about that in a future update, but suffice to say it's an interesting experience.
We then drove to the Umeda Sky Building; two 40-storey towers connected at the top. Several escalators, a lift from the 3rd to the 35th floor, and then stairs to the observation deck at the top, a circular platform connecting the towers. Great views from the top. We then just about had time to walk round the Japanese garden at the bottom.
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Hey Sue and Paul, I've just caught up on your travel blog - absolutely fascinating and such wonderful pictures and great narrative and a lovely glimpse into your travels. Well done for your wonderful volunteer work with the animals. Continue to enjoy! looking forward to seeing Paul back at Yoga wearing his tuxedo with a glass of champagne!! Suzanne Yiannakouxx
Wow! Sounds like you’ve had an action packed couple of days. Pleased to hear the weather has been a bit warmer for you. What a shame you weren’t able to see the cherry blossom. Stunning photos once again. Love and hugs xx
Just been catching up with interest your travels around Japan. Wonderful photos and descriptions which makes me almost imagine what it must be like to be there. I’m intrigued though about the trip Paul took up the five storey pagoda!
Keep the photos coming and have a wonderful time xxx
What a massive contrast the ancient and the modern? I can’t get over the Sky building!
It would have been a bonus to see the Cherry blossom wouldn’t it?
X x x
Here for the travel blog, staying for the restroom story….