I decided to spend a little more time in Osaka because I spent a good couple months in Kyoto about nine years ago in a study abroad program and saw quite a few temples and sites. While I don’t mind seeing many of them again, the embarassing part is that I have forgotten the history behind most of these temples. So last time I took Beverly and the family out there, I spent most of the time at these sights just kicking myself, trying to remember the significance of each place. Plus, every time I come out to Kansai area, more time is spent in Kyoto and only half a day or so is spent on the outlying cities. Kobe was beautiful, not much history-wise to see other than the Western style homes still around; a lot of the city has been rebuilt thanks to the 1995 quake. Anyway, there is a lot of history in Osaka. But it’s also huge, so we only were able to see a few things, but packed it in tight. Once again, cold. We visited Osaka Castle twice – the night we got there it was too frigid; the second night was better. Evan wanted to ride the road tram there and the first night we got there too late. This time, we got there with a few minutes to spare; Evan was able to ride twice because the first time, the driver said he was done for the day and had just a short way left to go. Evan just wanted to ride it, no matter how short, so he let us on, we rode for two minutes and got off. But thanks to Cherry Blossom season, they decided to add on another trip, and the driver carralled us back on. Score for Evan! Included in this Osaka trip are Shitennoji (one of the oldest temples in Japan), Tennoji Zoo, ride on a “Pirate Ship”, the Santa Maria (who knows why there is a Christopher Columbus ship out here circling Osaka Bay), where Christopher Columbus does his famous point…but he’s pointing to Ikea; Osaka Castle, and Tsutenkaku Tower. Evan’s quite the trooper when it comes to walking. Discovered that McDonalds, stamp searching (pretty much every sight, major train station, or venue/event in Japan will have a stamp), Puccho candy, and iPhone game time credits are good enough motivation for a 4 1/2 year old!
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| 2010-03-30 Kansai Cherry Blossom Rally Day 2 – Osaka |
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