2010.07.17.

First off is the typical historical sight of Osaka, the Osaka castle. Its history stretches back to more than 400 years being the symbol of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Around Osaka-jo, it has become a park where people can rest and refresh.

Just by looking at this wonderful stonewall, we can imagine Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s power as a person to unify the function of Japan.

This is Tamonyagura and is the largest in Japan.

We enter from the Otemon.

It is called Tako Ishi (Octopus stone) since the pattern on the front looks like one. It is one of the largest stone in Osaka.

The bronze statue of Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Toyokuni-jinja
The bronze statue has the height of 5.2m. There were people getting married today.

And finally, the main tower of the castle. In 1931, using the latest technology in the time it has been revived. It is now a History Museum.

In the Osaka-jo Park, there is a distinctive building. It is The 4th Infantry Division constructed in 1931. It is a building designed after European castle and was revived with the money gathered from the people just like main castle of Osaka-jo.

After the war, it was used as Osaka Prefectural Police Office and until 2001 it was Osaka Museum.

Osaka-jo Park is filled with trees and is the place for people to refresh and eat lunch.

Leaving Osaka-jo behind, we will head to The Expo Commemoration Park. But before that, let me introduce the takoyaki.

Right next to south exit of Osaka station is Hanadako. This takoyaki shop uses fresh octopus and has a great taste.

The last stop of this tour is The Expo Commemoration Park. The park is the former site of Expo ’70, a World’s Fair. There are 2 art museums in the park.

As you pass through the gate, you will see the Tower of the Sun by Tarou Okamoto. Very big.

This Japanese garden looks as it did when the Expo was held.

The scale of the garden was amazing.

In July, there were lotuses blooming.

In Osaka city and in the suburbs, there are many museums and shrines that are great to visit. When you visit Osaka, visit many places as you can and enjoy!

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