Day two in Japan was spent visiting Osaka Castle (大阪城) and Southern Osaka's shopping districts Namba (なんば) and Shinsaibashi (心斎橋) in Osaka Prefecture.
It turned out to be a rainy day, but nonetheless a beautiful, warm day. The gray sky gave the sakura blossoms a different feel and color, and despite slight winds and a constant, light drizzle, I was able to walk around all day and night in nothing but pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Heck yes.
As most of my other friends already visited Osaka Castle the day prior to my arrival, one other bro by the name of Kenny, who hadn't visited the castle yet, joined me to visit one of Japan's most historically rich sites.
It turned out to be a rainy day, but nonetheless a beautiful, warm day. The gray sky gave the sakura blossoms a different feel and color, and despite slight winds and a constant, light drizzle, I was able to walk around all day and night in nothing but pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Heck yes.
As most of my other friends already visited Osaka Castle the day prior to my arrival, one other bro by the name of Kenny, who hadn't visited the castle yet, joined me to visit one of Japan's most historically rich sites.
 Delicious. |
During the 15th and 16th century (essentially the Sengoku Period [戦国時代], lit. "Warring States Period"), many castles were built in strategic locations to act as bases and fortresses. Many of these phenomenal structures were destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, as an act to destroy more than 2,000 castles was implemented during the Abolition of the Han System in 1871. As such, very few castles remain in Japan; there are only seven left in the Kansai Region.
Osaka Castle was built in 1583 under Toyotomi Hideyoshi (regarded as Japan's second "great unifier," or simply put, Japan's second version of King Kamehameha) to serve as his base. It was eventually captured by Tokugawa Ieyasu (the eventual Shogun of Japan with a shogunate lineage that lasted until the Meji Restoration in the mid-1800s) in the Seige of Osaka in 1615. Eventually in 1868, the castle was captured by imperial loyalists, who turned the ownership of the castle to the Meiji Government. At this time, much of the castle was sadly burned due to civic conflict. The castle then went through phases of rebuilding and destruction (restoration in 1928, bomb raids during WW2, restoration in 1995-97).
My first thoughts after laying my eyes on it was something like, "B-b-b-b-b-beautiful."
Osaka Castle was built in 1583 under Toyotomi Hideyoshi (regarded as Japan's second "great unifier," or simply put, Japan's second version of King Kamehameha) to serve as his base. It was eventually captured by Tokugawa Ieyasu (the eventual Shogun of Japan with a shogunate lineage that lasted until the Meji Restoration in the mid-1800s) in the Seige of Osaka in 1615. Eventually in 1868, the castle was captured by imperial loyalists, who turned the ownership of the castle to the Meiji Government. At this time, much of the castle was sadly burned due to civic conflict. The castle then went through phases of rebuilding and destruction (restoration in 1928, bomb raids during WW2, restoration in 1995-97).
My first thoughts after laying my eyes on it was something like, "B-b-b-b-b-beautiful."
During the 1995-1997 restoration, the interior of the castle was redesigned to function as a museum. Thus, lighting, elevators, TV screens, displays, and bathrooms with those amazing Japanese toilets were built into the castle.
 Another view of the castle |  600 Yen tickets  Display of the Battle of Sekigahara |
The top floor served as an observatory, where you could experience a 360 degrees skyline of Osaka, albeit not as high as Umeda Sky Building (which we didn't get the chance to visit).
The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, lined by blossoming Sakura trees. An easy morning stroll around the park is a definite must for those who enjoy clean air, peaceful scenery, and the chance to relax. The photo on the top of the blog page was taken in Osaka Castle Park this very day. Nikon J1, baby.
The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, lined by blossoming Sakura trees. An easy morning stroll around the park is a definite must for those who enjoy clean air, peaceful scenery, and the chance to relax. The photo on the top of the blog page was taken in Osaka Castle Park this very day. Nikon J1, baby.
It rained water and petals that day...
 Pink Snow |  Throwing the BEST sign (although incorrectly) with the ladies |
For lunch, we followed the ladies in the BEST sign picture to an underground mall with many restaurants and shops. We went to an "omu-rice" restaurant. (Omu-rice is essentially fried rice, usually cooked with mushrooms, onions, chicken, ketchup, and auxiliary spices and seasonings, wrapped in scrambled eggs, with more ketchup squeezed on top. It's delicious!)
After, in attempt to join our group of friends who spent the day shopping, we headed towards Namba and Shinsaibashi, South Osaka's main shopping districts. There were many stores that sold anything and everything including clothing, accessories, make-up, skincare, and much more. There were grocery stores, bookstores, arcades, and many restaurants as well.
Nearby, there is a place called America-mura (アメリカ村), literally meaning America Town. There were many shops and stores that had the theme of being modeled off of 'America.' Didn't do any shopping, but at least we witnessed a proposal which turned out to be a success.
After, in attempt to join our group of friends who spent the day shopping, we headed towards Namba and Shinsaibashi, South Osaka's main shopping districts. There were many stores that sold anything and everything including clothing, accessories, make-up, skincare, and much more. There were grocery stores, bookstores, arcades, and many restaurants as well.
Nearby, there is a place called America-mura (アメリカ村), literally meaning America Town. There were many shops and stores that had the theme of being modeled off of 'America.' Didn't do any shopping, but at least we witnessed a proposal which turned out to be a success.
 Shinsaibashi |  Mmmmm looks good...  America-mura |
We eventually gave up on meeting up with our friends and decided to head to the hotel and rest up, as we were planning to go out and experience Osaka's night life. However, one of our friends had accidentally used the wrong contact lens fluid; her eyes hurt so bad that she ended up going to the hospital. In the end, she was given medication, and we all went back to the hotel and enjoyed each others company for the night.
We grabbed a late night bite at an Izakaya that was conveniently right next to the hotel. This was my first time experiencing Kansai's sashimi, and BRAH it was 'ono. We feasted on various sashimis, including salmon, mackerel, white trevally, and hamachi to name a few. We also ate various tempuras and enjoyed a serving of karaage. It was a great meal.
We grabbed a late night bite at an Izakaya that was conveniently right next to the hotel. This was my first time experiencing Kansai's sashimi, and BRAH it was 'ono. We feasted on various sashimis, including salmon, mackerel, white trevally, and hamachi to name a few. We also ate various tempuras and enjoyed a serving of karaage. It was a great meal.
 Shake (Salmon) |  Tempura! (Shishamo was the best) |
The next day, Sunday (4/7), I woke up early and caught the train back to KIX, where I boarded my early afternoon flight back to ICN, Seoul. My experiences in Kansai was absolutely magnificent; I will definitely go back to re-experience the beautiful temples and sites, and to explore what else Osaka and Kyoto have to offer. It is a must-go destination for anybody and everybody, as they will not be disappointed by the culture, food, and scenery that Osaka and Kyoto have to offer.
This concludes my blogging on my trip to Japan. Stay tuned for future posts on my experiences in Jeju Island!
This concludes my blogging on my trip to Japan. Stay tuned for future posts on my experiences in Jeju Island!
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