Osaka – Japan
Osaka is known throughout Japan for its food, lively neighborhoods, and castle, which has been destroyed and reconstructed several times.
The castle, surrounded by fifteen acres of gardens and two impressive moats (an inner moat and an outer moat), is comprised of eight floors and five tiers.
The stone walls were built using a unique Japanese technique known as Burdock Piling, which entails fitting large rocks together over a heap of earth and filling in the spaces with pebbles known as kuri-ishi (chestnut stones) without using any binding agents such as cement or mortar.

While the exterior of the castle and its grounds are impressive, the interior is a disappointment.
The rooftop café directly opposite the castle provides the best bird’s eye view of the castle.
I say this literally as a blackbird who protested my intrusion on his territory swooped down from his perch and pecked me on the head!
The original castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a feudal warlord and warrior. Construction began in 1585 and was completed approximately five years later. However, the castle that one sees today was rebuilt in 1931. It is revered as being the most monumental and awesome castle in Japan.

On the castle’s South side stands the Hokoku Shinto Shrine, built in honor of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi, who came from a humble family, overcame adversity, rising from being a farmer to a powerful figure who unified Japan.

People visit the shrine to pray for good luck, blessings, and success in their careers and businesses.
The “Sennari Gourd” is a lucky charm sold at the shrine, symbolizing Hideyoshi’s achievements and giving one the courage to believe in oneself and succeed.


Shinshibashi-suji neighborhood is one of the oldest and busiest shopping streets in Japan. It’s a dynamic, lively, not-to-be-missed experience. A quasi-Disneyland with cartoon-like characters decorating the building facades, and streets overflowing with ice cream parlors, restaurants, and stalls selling everything imaginable.




A bridge spans the river where barges ply the water, cafés line the river on either side, and the bridge leads one to an impressive covered shopping alley.

Hozenji Yokocho is said to be one of the most beautiful alleyways in Osaka. Visit at night when throngs of visitors fill the bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, and lanterns cast a soothing romantic light on this magical Edo-period gem.