Taking a short holiday this summer made it difficult to decide on where to go and what to do. Living in Busan, I quickly came to the decision that travelling to Osaka and Kyoto was my best option. Both are prime locations in Japan and are easily accessible.
We arrived in Osaka late, taking the train into the city around 8pm. Sadly this meant that the city was too dark to see. Yet, still I marveled at the view. Even in small town Korea, most streets are illuminated with flashing neon signs and bright lights on buildings. However, that was not the case entering Osaka. It was darker, lit with plain streetlights and filled me with a sense of quiet disposition.
I love that feeling.
For the duration of our stay in Osaka, we slept at Bonsai Guesthouse. We selected Bonsai for it’s fair prices and great location. Bonsai is quite literally next to the Momodani JR rail station, and after a long day of travelling it was wonderfully easy to find! The staff was wonderfully friendly, helpful, and kind. We got settled in immediately and enjoyed our stay in our private room. Facilities were clean, comfortable, and fairly spacious for a hostel. I’d highly recommend staying with them!
Given that we really only had a day in Osaka, we had to decide on the main things we wanted to see. We ended up going with Osaka Castle and Dotonbori (and everything else in between).
From Momodani, the nearest JR line to Osaka castle was Osakajokoen. It’s a short ride, though I found myself rubbernecking every time we entered a new station. The JR circle line trains don’t have a screen on the train telling which stops are upcoming. This means you either have to listen carefully (which I am notoriously bad at) or look for a sign at each stop. Thankfully, we didn’t miss it!
The castle park in Osaka is MASSIVE! It was refreshing to escape some of the summer heat in the shade of the many trees along the way through the castle’s defenses.
Well, so much for sneaking in the back door…
The park is great for walking, even in the intense summer sun. We enjoyed finding our way around the moats and across bridges until at last we saw it…
Osaka Castle, by Gokuraku Bridge
According to it’s documents, the original castle began construction on this site in 1583AD. The area had previously been occupied by a temple known as Ishiyama Honganji. However, the castle began construction nearby and over the course of it’s subsequent destruction and reconstructions overtook the monastery. The main tower of Osaka Castle has been rebuilt several times. The current castle began reconstruction in 1931 and today is a museum packed with the history of the site and surrounding region.
Awesome Castle, I approve!
There is no photography allowed inside the castle museum. Though the sutterbug in me is saddened, I was glad to climb through Osaka Castle’s 7 floors (the maps says eight floors, though the sixth floor remains mysteriously at large). The castle museum has genuine artifacts and historical replicas, as well as models of the castle as it expanded over time. I was especially interested to note several artifacts concerning ancient Japanese campaigns into Korea. As a resident of Korea, I found it interesting to see just how ancient the competition between these two cultures has been.
On the “eighth” floor is an observation deck. From here I was excited to see out into the modern city as well as overlook the sprawling castle park. It’s a gorgeous sight, and a must see for anyone visiting Osaka!
After climbing down the steep steps of Osaka Castle and out to the Sakura Gate, passing by this gem along the way.
The Octopus Stone
This is called the Octopus Stone, one of the largest pieces of stone from the ancient walls of Osaka Castle. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to move it!
Facing the Octopus Stone is Sakura Gate and the Dry Moat.
Sakura Gate
According to what I recall reading in the castle museum. The Dry Moat was once full of water. However, after a long siege ended in a draw, part of the moat was filled in as part of the truce. Because with water the castle was too damn hard to get into!
I still think that moat looks tough to traverse, but that’s me.
The last thing we got to explore in the castle park was Hokoku Shrine. A quaint place with surprisingly little foot traffic! Here are a few snapshots of the area!
After seeing all of these incredible things, my girlfriend and I took our weary sunburned selves to Morinomiya JR railway and caught the Loop Line back to Bonsai Guesthouse. After arriving we snagged some much needed break before headed out for the culinary delights of Dotonbori!
But that’s another story…
Octavrian Press 