Over to Osaka

On Saturday we took a day trip to the coastal city of Osaka, where we had an eventful outing planned. We first walked from the JR station to Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle went through several iterations before reaching its current configuration, as various fires, attacks, and World War II bombings (during which it was being used as an arsenal for ammunition) destroyed the original structure. The most recent restoration started in 1995 during which the main tower was recreated as a concrete reproduction of the original, with the inside serving as a museum. Our visit brought us through eight floors of exhibits, ending with a balcony on the top floor which afforded a panoramic view of the city. The most interesting exhibit was a series of dioramas showcasing notable episodes in the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which combined traditional miniature scenes with videos of actors projected onto glass panes, creating the illusion of people in each scene.

Lunch was next on the day's menu, and we decided to treat ourselves to some native fare by visiting a Japanese McDonalds, where we ordered "san Big Macs and fries." 

We next took the subway to the Osaka Aquarium where the rest of the day was spent observing all manner of fish, aquatic mammals, and crustaceans swim and crawl through their tanks. The highlight of the exhibit was a massive tank containing many large sea creatures, including various species of rays and two whale sharks. 

-Nathaniel

 

The Author in front of a lion outside Osaka Castle.

Maryrose and The Author in front of the inner moat. The stones encasing the mound date from the 1600s.

 

A closeup of one of the golden fish details.

 

The whole crew in front of the main tower. 

 

Maryrose and Theodore by a small pond on the castle grounds.

 

The Author and Theodore with our traditional 'merican lunch.

 

One of two whale sharks at the aquarium.

  

Crawling forth from your worst nightmares, an aptly named giant spider crab.