A castle that bears a name

After a hearty breakfast (which we would rather call brunch)

we head towards Osaka Castle. It feels like being in a sauna again today. 35 degrees at 10:30 in the morning. We envy you for the 20 degrees back home - but not for the rain.

Facts:

Osaka Castle is more of a fortress than a castle, but it is one of the most significant

historical landmarks of Japan. It symbolizes power, wealth, and Japanese architecture. In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's most powerful warlords, commissioned the construction of the castle.

The goal was to create a power center that would symbolize the unification of Japan under his leadership. The castle was built on a high hill to secure a strategic defensive position, and it was equipped with massive walls, towers, and a moat.

The main tower, also known as Tenshu, is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture. It has five visible floors from the outside and three invisible ones without windows, adorned with golden decorations that shine in the sunlight. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times since its construction, the last time after World War II. Today, there is a museum inside.

We didn't have a museum on our list yet, so we went inside. Although there has been an elevator since 1997, the line was so long that we preferred to train our glutes and circulation instead. 224 steps to the top floor. From here, there is a great view of Osaka. Coupled with a bit of wind, it was bearable. I thought the museum itself was not worth it. We had hoped to see a bit more about the samurais, with extravagant armors and swords. But there was almost nothing.

A few pictures of the former warlords in chronological order and an armor that you were not allowed to photograph.

After 224 steps down and an ice cream, we decided to brave the now 37 degrees in our air-conditioned room. In the evening it becomes more bearable and hunger sets in. Also, we still have 2 points on our agenda. Shopping in the covered shopping street Shinsaibashi-suji

and Dotonbori – the Times Square of Osaka.

Facts:

Dotonbori is the hotspot of Osaka for anyone traveling to Japan, especially for night owls. The streets of the district are filled with towering neon signs, clubs, bars, and Japanese restaurants offering local specialties. In Dotonbori, one experiences a shopping paradise and culinary delights during their journey in Japan. A special experience is to immerse oneself in the nightlife of Osaka.

So let's dive into the fun.

PS: Today we climbed a total of 438 steps up and down with the castle. 🧐 It sounds like a lot, but compared to Cologne Cathedral (with 533 steps), it's not much.