13 March 2012
Osaka Castle
Osaka castle is one of the main attractions of Osaka. Its also listed as the number 1 tourist trap. I figure it cant be that bad since it only costs $5.
The reason its considered a tourist trap is because its largely a fake re creation. Whoevers running it is keen for people to not take photos inside of the 8 floors of gift shops, escalators, lifts and hostpital style linoleum decor.
Still I didnt mind, I knew this in advance and wasnt expecting an ancient castle. On one of the floors they have these cool 3d dioramas that project multiple video images at different depths.
On the way back I had a look in Tokyu Hands, to check on what the latest colors in decorative sands are, the new sizes of camel leather available, and to check out the special prices on coke can shaping tools. Tokyu Hands is a chain of massive hobby shops for Japanese people who didnt get the memo about dedicating themselves to computer gaming.
The castle is surrounded by 2 moats, this is moat 1 of 2.
And this is moat 2 of 2. I guess these parts are genuinely old, the castle was originally built in about 1600, but seems to have been rebuilt every few years.
Outside the main gate theres some sort of old village recreation being almost completely ignored by everyone.
The outside of the castle, there are no pictures of the inside.
Theres quite a nice garden to appreciate, especially since its quite a bit warmer today. My jacket is an annoying me.
More castle.
There are quite a lot of very well fed cats roaming around posing for pictures with visitors.
Here I am hugging a cannon.
Time for some more view photos.
Golden dragon head.
Look at all the blossoms! I must check the hourly blossom schedule.
Another golden dragon head to end my series of landscape photos.