Osaka, Japan

Osaka Ferris Wheel

We landed in Osaka, Japan's 3^rd largest city of 2.7 million and 3^rd busiest port. Right near our dock is a Ferris wheel and their aquarium,  home to 35,000 species. We took an all day tour to Kyoto, which was Japan's capital from 794 to 1869, now home to 1600 Buddhist temples and 300 Shinto shrines. Most Japanese believe in both. Shinto believe in nature and ancestors. The Kiyomizu-dara temple area has both. The key feature was three streams of water: one to become healthier, one to become wiser, and the last to be wealthier. The orange and green buildings have cypress roofs, most of which were being restored. In the distance was a pagoda for easier birth. The Shinto shrine was dedicated to finding your true love. The crowds started arriving as we left, many dressed in kimonos.

The 3 streams at Kiyomizu-dara Temple

We then headed to Mishiki Market street, filled with food and eating places as well as a few tourist shops. Lunch on this tour was traditional Japanese, lots of various types of fish and vegetables with misu soup and hot tofu. For the most part we had no idea of what we were eating, many were gelatinous in texture and virtually tasteless.

The golden palace

After lunch we visited the Kinkaku-ji, the golden palace, a Buddhist hall containing relics of Buddha. This was the former villa of a Shogun in the 14^th century. After his death the villa became a Buddhist temple. The villa is covered with gold foil and reflects nicely in the water from the surrounding gardens. While it is Saturday, we were amazed by how crowded this tourist attraction was in the middle of winter.

With the komono-clad crowds

Our final stop was Nijo castle, built in 1603, built by a Shogun and used as his residence when he was in the imperial city. This castle was where treaties were signed in 1867 opening Japan to the Western world. We only toured the rooms of the palace, which are covered with paintings from 1624 to 1644. The paintings are covered with tigers, trees, flowers, and birds. The audience room of the Shogun was particularly impressive, meant to show his power. The wooden floors are called nightingale floors because of the sound we make as we walk upon them. They were designed to catch possible assassins approaching the Shogun. The castle was very crowded and it was difficult to hear our soft spoken guide.

Niji Castle paintings