Osaka

Our trip to Japan finished with two days in Osaka. This was very clearly earmarked as a shopping opportunity for my wife and I spent much of the time trailing around after her as she sought the wide range of gifts required for friends, colleagues and family.

However, we did spend one morning going to Osaka castle. The castle is protected by a twin moat and some extremely thick stone walls.

In spite of that, the castle has been razed to the ground several times over the years and what is left is an external facade.

Inside there is nothing left of the old building, just several floors with exhibits showing the history of the castle. These were surprisingly interesting, especially the samurai outfits which had me yearning to go home and play Shogun Total War immediately. And it was much more enjoyable than shopping.

Once she who must be obeyed had fulfilled most of her gift shopping requirements, I steered her toward Den Den town, and area of Osaka famous for electronics, toys, Cosplay and assorted weird stuff. This gave me a chance to acquire a Gundam robot for The Son, and snap a few shots of a place that is nothing like Bangkok’s Sukhumvit road.

Evening saw us heading for Dotonbori where you can find food, shopping and lights, the most famous of which is the running man:

After food, she who must be obeyed had another shopping urge which left me hanging around on a bridge with a bunch of teenagers and wandering the nearby streets. ISO was up to 5000 for some of the shots, with lighting coming from the garish, flashing neon all around, so B&W conversion seemed appropriate for many of them.

And that was the end of our first trip to Japan. Far too brief and I hope the autumn leaves will arrive on schedule so I can go back next month and shoot in Kyoto for a week.

Can’t end without what I believe young people call a “shout out” to my camera gear. This was not a photo taking holiday, so my camera had to be an easy accessory to carry around and whip out when the opportunity presented itself. The E-M5 served admirably in this regard, but I wish I had brought my Panasonic 14-45mm lens as a default attached lens, I spent too much time swapping between my 7-14mm, 25mm and 75mm lenses. I also took the 45mm but it didn’t see much use.

Comments 🔗

2013-10-21 | Johny says

Great post spike, As long you enjoyed your holiday in Japan that’s all what matters…

2013-10-21 | Spike says

Yes, it was a great holiday. We were both very sad to climb into the plane to come home.

2013-10-21 | The Heavyweight says

Beautiful and interesting pictures. Thanks for posting them.

2013-10-21 | Fimgirl says

Looks a good trip. But why spit in the moat on image #1

2013-10-21 | Spike says

Spit? You are not allowed to spit in moats in Japan. There are some cloud reflections….

2013-10-21 | Fimgirl says

Check ya spelling " in spit of that "

2013-10-21 | Spike says

Oh…..

2013-10-21 | genuinej says

Lest you think I’ve been sleeping on the job, I did spot this omission earlier but decided to let it go. Just like wot I did the ‘y’ unnecessarily attached to the word ’ever’ a few days ago.

2013-10-21 | Clive says

Fabulous pictures, as always… I am curious to know, though, if you’ve ever read James Clavell’s “Shogun”? If only because his description of the defenses of Osaka Castle are extensive and fascinating, and is wondered if reality stands up to the fictional version?

And if you haven’t read it but have the time for a 1,250-page epic, it’s a darn good read…

2013-10-21 | Andrew says

If you get another “castle shooting itch " on the next trip but don’t want to bother with the train to Osaka you could always pop ( not sure that city buses pop, but whatever…) over to Nijo Castle (not quite ) in the heart of Kyoto…might also be a worthwhile “autumn colours” location….

2013-10-22 | Spike says

Now I will have to go back and look for it; please keep up to date and alert me promptly or else I will have to cut your editor’s salary.

2013-10-22 | Spike says

I read it many many years ago so have forgotten everything about it. Perhaps I should stick it on the iPad for reading on my next trip.

2013-10-22 | Spike says

The gardens do look very pleasant, may have to go. Need to put together a detailed itinerary for my visit so I can capture as much as I can in five days.

2013-10-22 | Dennis says

Thanks for the pics. Now I really miss Osaka.

2013-10-23 | Kevin Moore says

Some really good images there Spike, looking forward ( with a hint of envy ) to seeing your images and all thoses lovely autumn colors.