As the Skylark Sings - Osaka Part 5

The subway is the most definite easy way to move around in Osaka. However, there are many, many lines that span the city from north to south and east to west. In each subway station there are so many gates and so many lines that interconnect. One hasty move may take you to a destination far off from where you plan to be.

During this trip it was Nissa who was most alert about our subway rides. Both she and her dad worked hand in hand at figuring out which lines to take and which exit head for. After doing the Metro in Paris and London Underground last year, Nissa was more confident at discovering our routes in and out the Osaka Subways. Yeahhh....Mommy wasn't too stress and could rest a bit.

Nissa leading the way...this way Mom :)

Most subway stations are multiple levels as there are many lines that go in different directions

There's the red line and there's also the blue line....can be quite confusing at times

Once you emerge to the street level, the view could be somewhat varied

Fresh flowers for sale

Multiple level open car parks just like this one

Local eateries where Osakans chill out after a long day at work

Yessss....food but not for us

There was a kebab place but it was closed

More flowers....but hurry up...

So...that's where we were heading to

to ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is considered as one of the biggest ferris wheel in the world

It's a 15 mins ride in the wheel

View of Osaka Harbour area from the ferris wheel

Her reaction after the ride

As the Skylark Sings - Osaka Part 4

Hi hi....Skylark is back and she'll continue on with the adventures in Osaka.

From Osaka Castle, we walked some distance to the Osaka Castle Port Peer. For a while I wasn't too sure if we were heading for the right place. There were signages but the walk seemed too long.

We finally found the peer; checked at the ticket counter and the guy told us that the cruise had just left and the next one would arrive in 15 mins. While waiting we "refueled" - lunch was some light sandwiches I packed earlier that morning.

Our seat on the sightseeing Aqua Liner.

Happy faces riding through the water metropolis

Buildings on the banks of the Okawa River

A tea house

More buildings came to view as we rode on the aqua liner

One of the bridges

Our stop Temmobashi Port

In the background - the State Library

Turbulent Core

cold gash becomes
whispers despair
the heart hurts

unruffled flow
glances sparkles
pain withdraws

words hushed
embrace lingers
memories treasured

*I scribbled this haiku during the trip but improved it after I got home.

As the Skylark Sings - Osaka Part 3

When in Japan, castle visit is must do. During this trip, we visited four castles – one in Osaka, the other in Himeji and two in Kyoto. These castles are famous landmarks and popular sightseeing spots.

The castle was an easy find. Located in the city itself and next to the museum, it didn't take us long to get there.

Well kept, well trimmed

We walked pass the castle's outer park.

and came to the outer moat

Passed the outer moat

The steep walls that rise close to 30 meters high are made of huge blocks of stone that were transported to Osaka from quarries over 100 kilometers away.

The castle buildings came into view

Main walkway into the castle

Grand gate of the castle

There's a jogging track in the castle complex

this way in....

one of the buildings in the castle complex

The Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1582 and was his place of rule until he died.

Aim....and blast!!

At the castle entrance...after this no photos allowed.

Little empress wannabe

and one final jump.....

As the Skylark Sings - Osaka Part 2

Exhaustion from our travel knocked us out completely. When my BB alarm rang at 4.30am for Subuh prayers, it startled me that I almost fell off the comfy bed. The unfamiliar surroundings of the hotel room had me thinking hard of my whereabouts. Then it dawned on me that I was on holiday and there was no deadlines chasing me and I didn't have to scramble and rush to beat the early morning traffic.

Yippeeeee!!!

Our hotel - the Hearton Hotel Nishi Umeda is located in the business district in Osaka and is a few minutes walk from Osaka Station – the main railway terminal. The area around the hotel is surrounded by thousands of dining establishments.

When I was screening list of hotels to stay on the Internet months before the trip, my priority was to get one which was close to the rail or subway line. Of course, a little shopping would be okay. But when I later discovered that we were just doors away from Daimaru and Hilton West Plaza, my heart skipped many beats!

Time and time again, I had to remind myself that this trip was not a shopping trip and I wasn't with my BFFs doing RT. However, you know that your prayers are heard and you are in the company of ardent supporters - folks you sent to go get milk returned with report that was music to your ears when they said that there is an LV boutique down the road! Hah....explain that - my apprentice, I have trained her well, have I not? *wink*

After breakfast that Monday morning, we were all set to discover the city. Top on my itinerary was the Osaka Castle and the Osaka Museum of History.

It rained that morning when we were all set to discover sights and scenes of Osaka. And it was cold too....

To get to the nearest subway station, we had to pass the department store located next to our hotel.

Window display of local delicacies.....tempted? Yes...but we were not sure of the Halalness.

The Hilton Plaza....macam-macam adaaaaa di situ :)

Although it was rush hour, the streets were not congested. Most people commute on trains and public transport.

Blooms ready for spring

The subway station we took to get to our destination. The Japanese subway lines are many. One must know which direction to head and which line to take. The best way is to buy the one day pass; fast, easy and cost saving too. It's like doing subway a hop on hop off and you don't need to keep on buying tickets at the ticket machines which instructions are usually in Japanese.

But the Japanese people are really a helpful lot. They will assist you to the very best that they can. Although not many are able to speak in English, they will provide explanations till they are convinced that you would be okay.

Signages have improved - some directions can be found in English.

The underground subway stations are places with lots of hypes. Malls, eateries and convenience stores are everywhere.

We finally got to our stop. Since there are many exits, one must be sure which one leads you to your point of interest. This cardboard signage was a great help!

The street leading to the Osaka Museum of History

The museum fan

The old and the new well preserved and maintained.

Taking a sip from the cold, cold water cooler

Entrance to the museum. If you purchase the one day rail pass, ticket to the museum is inclusive.

The museum explains extensively history of Osaka and the surrounding region.

Used for some religious ritual

Wooden replica of the Osaka Castle and its historical facts.

In the main exhibition area

There were eight floors of exhibits. To go see all was almost impossible in that short time that we had. We had to be selective and only visited the significant exhibition rooms only.

Our next destination.....Osaka Castle