Osaka, Japan
Osaka is the 2nd largest city in Japan with a lot to see in a very short time - only 6.5 hours in port so we booked a tour that took us on a drive through the city, and then boarded a day boat for a scenic cruise down Osaka River that was to highlight some of the city's manmade highlights. and we thought we would really get to see the city in a short amount of time. It was a bit disappointing as the views were quite restricted and you got a glimpse, if anything of the sites. Well, you win some and lose some, this is not a tour I would recommend in the morning at all, but the afternoon we visited one of the oldest shrines in Japan and that was lovely.
As we arrived in port...the Aquarium was just outside, and I am sorry we did not have enough time to see it. Only 6.5 hours here today. Friends went and they said it was one of the nicest aquariums they had visited.
It looked promising from the start..the biggest problem is I had little or no angle to take any pictures, bummer but there were a few.
Osaka Castle is a highlight of the city as is the park surrounding it. The structure was originally built in 1583 but burned down just a few years later and was rebuilt. Crazy to think that this elegant building was an arsenal that employed 60,000 workers during World War II and 90% destroyed in firebombing raids. These pictures are courtesy of Matti Chan. I got one off the boat in my collage above.
A few pictures of the ride to our afternoon stop.
One of the oldest shrines in Japan is the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine which has a red arched bridge of purely Japanese design. It is the main Shinto shrine of all the Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan, and within its grounds houses several buildings, each built for a different purpose. The grounds were quite large, and many small shrines were spread out. We were very fortunate that this was a weekday, and the crowds were minimal giving us time to see all of the parts of the shrine. The "Karajishi" or Chinese Lions are in front of the gates to protect the sacred buildings. There are cat and rabbit shrines - rabbits are sign of fertility and cats are revered in Japan. The bridge was stunning I hope you enjoy the pictures.
The rabbit fountain is for visitors to wash their hands before entering the shrine
The picture in the lower right-hand corner is prayers and wishes that visitors buy and leave at the shrine. We have seen this at quite a few temples we have visited.
The Sorihashi bridge is absolutely stunning and so very peaceful. It is believed that crossing the bridge exorcises evil spirits so of course we crossed it. Look at the bottom picture - with the reflection in the water it looks like a drum. Could easily grab a book and relax here all afternoon.
Goshogozen is one of the best power spots in Japan and is the most sacred place in the shrine. It is said that you will be endowed with the 5 great powers: physical strength, intelligence, financial strength, fortune and longevity. In order to obtain these powers, you must search for the pebbles with the words - "five" "large" and "power". I picked up some of the pebbles to bring back to the grand kids.
We ended our day around the port, got lunch at the mall, and walked around a bit before boarding the ship again. These tiles were at the port overlooking the bridge and shared some of Osaka's history.
And of course, a giant Lego giraffe..
Close to the cruise terminal is the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, one of the tallest in the world when it was built and still has great views of Osaka Bay and the surrounding area. it is 403feet tall.
Evening was lovely and we had great views as we left the port.
Daytime and nighttime of our ship, photos courtesy of fellow cruisers...
Osaka is where we say goodbye to Japan. We have thoroughly enjoyed all of our many stops and will close by saying that Japan is a wonderful country with a rich history. Their culture is very important to them, as is their religious beliefs. They are very protective and proud of both. It was very apparent that they teach their children from youth to respect their heritage, their culture and their country. Their children wear uniforms to school (private and public) and have clean cut appearances no matter the age. They don’t have the crime or drug problems that we do in America because their laws and punishments are severe and enforced. It definitely proves that having laws and punishments for crime is a deterrent and the citizens are better off for it. Their streets are clean and without homeless, or addicts, living on the sidewalks. Their suicide rate is extremely low as well. I hope we get to come back someday.
At sea for a few days, then Nha Trang, Vietnam
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