Osaka

From Amami it took only an hour to reach Osaka, felt a bit sad leaving the comfy tatami-rooms and the calm atmosphere surrounding the village. It was quite a change, stepping out on the busy platform of Osaka station. After some confusion and getting a little lost we found our way to our hotel. Since it's been a sunny, warm spring day it was a enjoyable stroll between the high buildings along the busy street.
Standing in a street corner, looking at the map a Japanese guy approached us and helped us on the way. That's the best thing with this country, there'll always be someone to help you on the way! Just pick up your map and look confused, or even better, try asking in Japanese -  ... wa doko desuka?
He was heading our way, so we got a nice little chat with one of the locals, he recommended us trying out the okonomiyaki, which is a pancake/omelette with the most differing ingredients, and takoyaki, literally octopus "pancake/omelette"-balls. Sounds interesting, probably be good to do as he says. :)

Leaving the heavy suitcase on the hotell made the upcoming sightseeing much easier! Since the weather called for outdoor eating we found us a couple of bento (a box filled with different kinds of dishes, often rice, fish or some sallad, served cold) and went looking for place to sit and eat it. Lucky as we were the Sakura (cherry trees) have started blooming and there was a great path running along one of the riverbanks at Okawa (Big river). After strolling the river looking at the cherry trees we found us a bench in the sun, perfect for Hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Erik surrounded by Sakura.

Bento on a bench! Sakura!

With stomachs well filled and our fair share of sakura viewing we went on with light feet. Over the river and 10 minute walk later we found our selves at the Osaka-ji, the castle. It's replica of the Castle, originally built during the beginning of the 17th century on the site for a former temple, Osaka Honganji. The first version was built under the reign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but was burnt down by Tokugawa Ideasu's forces during the Summer war 1615. It was then reconstructed and stood again 1630. It played a major roll for the shogunate's control over western Japan and when the power fell to the emperor again, many parts of the castle was destroyed in the turbulence. In the beginning of the 20th century the main tower was reconstructed, and today it serves as a historic museum. Amazingly enough, one of the things that survived all turbulence and kaos was the roof of a well. Maybe no one paid it much attention?
The museum wasn't much of a thrill, except for the top floor witch offered great views over Osaka city. But the green areas and the parks surrounding the castle are well worth a visit, free of charge also! Quite a lot of people had found their way to the gardens and enjoyed their lunches under the blooming cherry trees.

Main tower, Osaka castle museum.

The golden well with the surviving roof.

View from top of the castle.

Top view, now over one of the gardens. Osaka skyline.

Shodokan, a budo hall.

The shodokan. Now that would be a good sized dojo!

On the grounds surrounding the castle I found this Shodokan, budo training hall. No class was taking place, but the sign said that judo, kendo, aikido and naginata is teached regularly. I think it has a perfect size for a dojo... No problems with the height of the ceiling... :)