Bear does Osaka 2014: Post #34 (16.05.14) >> We finally see Osaka Castle

After postponing and putting it off again and again, today was now or never to see Osaka Castle.

The morning was a write off, we didn't mobilise out of the hotel room until 11:30am.

Trevor and I were Osaka Castle bound whereas the other guys went shopping again.

After catching the train from the wrong platform, going in the wrong direction once or twice, we ended up at Temmabashi station.

Some trains have women only carriages for certain times of the day i.e first train to 09:00.

I'm guessing this provides women with a hassle free way of commuting without the fear of being groped.

Groped, man handled or violated like I was last night (unintentionally haha) on the peak hour Umeda train.

The train was so packed, I had my personal space invaded on all fronts because the carriage was crammed like sardines.

For a few minutes I had someones butt (male) rubbing up against mine, the movement of the train made for some very uncomfortable feelings.

There was an awkward silence as stupid thoughts entered my mind. *I watch too much JAV (Japanese porn)* GAH !

Anyways ! onto breakfast !

Cold tea & Orange Juice

Salted Edamame beans fresh ! still with stalks attached.

We were a bit skeptical of our choice as we entered this restaurant amongst the other 7 or so train station subway restaurants.
We had to wait momentarily for a table to free up and we weren't sure if it was going to be any good.
I didn't want to waste a meal opportunity on mundane food.

As soon as we received our bowls, the smell was confirmation that we made the right choice.
So too, was the flurrying rotation of businessmen and women lining up and quickly devouring their lunch here.
Everyone else seemed to order the same dish, the cold udon noodles.

Fried Chicken ! + Tempura prawn curry udon noodles

Trevor's Pork Tonkatsu curry udon noodles

Don't be mistaken by my facial expression, I thoroughly enjoyed this meal.

I think the look on my face was the anticipated fright of the curry broth penetrating the bib and staining my white shirt -_-

Without a curry stain on my pristine white shirt, we continued above ground for the walk to Osaka Castle Park.

Walking towards the park there was a glimpse of the Castle.

This famous historical tourist attraction is located in the central ward of Osaka, only minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the modern city.

Osaka Castle Park opened in 1931.
Throughout history this Castle has seen much drama and many wars.

Covering 107 hectares, the majestic urban oasis is full of cherry trees, moats and stone walls.
The park surrounding the main tower has 13 structures.

New & Old

Wedding photographer at work

Prior to entering the Castle grounds via the main Otemon gate, we let the crowds of tourists and schoolkids disperse so we could take a better photo.

We explored a temple to the side.

Back towards the main Otemon entry gate, I had some ice cream.
The BEST icecream ! It tasted like Hubba Bubba and soft serve !

The first moat approaching the Otemon gate

Don't know what this building was but it looked like a prison

Bit of History:

Construction of Osaka Castle began in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi

For three years 10,000s of men laboured and crafted the eight storey donjon in finest gold leaf decoration.

The donjon was damaged in 1615 during the Summer war of Osaka.

In 1626 the main tower was restored.

The donjon was struck by lighting and destroyed by fire in 1665.

1868 saw outbreak of a fire which burnt most of the structures within the Castle.

In 1931 the donjon of the castle was rebuilt for the third time, this time re-constructed of concrete.

In 1945 during World War II part of the castle park was bombed by American military air raids.

In 1997 a seven billion Yen restoration project was completed.

Entry into the Osaka Castle Park grounds was free but admission into the Castle was 600Yen/A$6.50.

school kids at the well

An admission tickets gives you access to 5 levels of museum, some prohibiting photography (levels 3 & 4).
We weren't sure if the relics here were original or replica but they were very interesting.

The eighth floor of the main tower (donjon) offers a panoramic view of the city and castle grounds.

Shachi Gawara - Legendary Dolphin like fish, casted in bronze and covered in Gold leaf

School kids admiring the view

Bumping into the various groups of school kids resulted in many waves and eager conversations in English

"Hello HELLO hello !", "How are you ?" *Laughter*

"How old are you ?", "Hello", "HaRRo Harro" *Chuckle*

Here is the difference between the first and second moat

After buying some souvenirs, back down we went.

This photo was a bit of a blunder on my behalf.
The sign was correct.
It was just unfortunately positioned, it was meant for the pathway to the right of the photo leading to the elevator for use by the disabled.