Japan Holiday

[Gnomey]

Nice shots Wayne!

 

[Marcel]

Interesting! I was wondering, is the definition of a castle in Japan the same as in Europe? A fortification? Here in the Netherlands we have a couple of castles, but you can always see there were strongholds. Small window and kantelen for shelter for the soldiers. This castle in Japan looks like a temple or palace in my inexperient eyes.

 

[Shinpachi]

Yes, Japanese castles were genuinely fortifications.

Since the civil wars in Japan which lasted more than a hundred years ended in 1615 with the summer campaign of the siege of Osaka, the feudal lords might have been hard to decorate their castles to show their financial power. Good question and good point, Marcel

 

[Marcel]

Thanks Shinpachi. Here of course there also are castles that were decorated after their defensive use had become obsolete. Is that what happened here? Do you have any idea what they looked like during the civil wars?

 

[Shinpachi]

Your curiosity looks same as mine, Marcel
Based on the ancient documents and paints, our historians estimate the original state of Osaka Castle around 1615 like these.

Click the 2nd photo to jump to more photos.

 

[Marcel]

Thanks Sinpachi. Very impressive! Must have been very difficult to attack at the time. Still, the main construction rather looks like a temple, doesn't it? Impressions clearly was important back in that time as well.

As a contradiction, see this dutch castle, still largely the same as it was in the middle ages:

 

[Shinpachi]

A beautiful castle, Marcel.
It reminds me of the bilateral cultural and business relationship between Dutch and Japan for hundreds years

 

[Wayne Little]

great shot Marcel!

and you too Shinpachi.

A series of shots from the top of the castle, the castle grounds are huge as is the Moat area around the castle grounds...

 

[Shinpachi]

Congrats, Wayne and Lynn.
The weather was good

The bridge of the 1st and 2nd photo is Gokuraku Bridge which was built to welcome noble guests who came down the Yodo River from Kyoto.
The far right white building of the 3rd photo is Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters standing beside NHK Osaka in the center.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Gnomey]

Good shots Wayne!

 

[Wayne Little]

Thanks for the info Shinpachi!

As the night begins to close in the Festival fireworks began and Osaka Castle begins to light up as the sun fades...

 

[Shinpachi]

Sorry, Wayne, but this is for my own remembrance though I may be wrong and have forgot details.

July 25: After seeing you at Shin-Osaka Station, we went to Aquarium, Festival and Osaka Castle
July 26: Kyoto (all day)
July 27: Universal Studios, Osaka Station Area and Downtown to my apartment
July 28: Hobby shops and skyscraper/temple in my neighborhood as cancelled Nara tour
July 29: Seeing you off at Shin-Osaka Station

Please go on.
Thanks.

 

[fubar57]

Very nice to all.




Geo

 

[Gnomey]

Nice shots Wayne!

 

[Wayne Little]

Sorry, Wayne, but this is for my own remembrance though I may be wrong and have forgot details.

July 25: After seeing you at Shin-Osaka Station, we went to Aquarium, Festival and Osaka Castle
July 26: Kyoto (all day)
July 27: Universal Studios, Osaka Station Area and Downtown to my apartment
July 28: Hobby shops and skyscraper/temple in my neighborhood as cancelled Nara tour
July 29: Seeing you off at Shin-Osaka Station

Please go on.
Thanks.

Looks like you got it right my friend!

 

[Wayne Little]

and some more fireworks with my ordinary camera...and Osaka Castle lit up in the Night sky.

 

[Gnomey]

Lovely shots Wayne!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Fantastic pictures Wayne and how nice of them to put on the fireworks for you. Very hospitable.

 

[ontos]

Great shots Wayne, really enjoying this trip.

 

[Wayne Little]

Thanks fellas, yes Vic it was most gracious of them...

new day and Shinpachi has us on the train to Kyoto.

Kyoto station is a BIG place, right outside the front door Kyoto Tower....and then we are on a Bus to Kinkaku-ji Temple...The Golden Temple...