Osaka Castle Views

Here are some photos of the Osaka skyline taken from the top of Osaka Castle.

It's an attractive, modern city.

Of course there are lots of tall buildings.

You can see a castle decoration in the foreground of this one.

Our World Tuesday

Osaka Castle Skies

Skywatch Friday

Osaka Castle (2)

Continuing with our visit to Japan last year, here are some more photos taken around the Osaka Castle (大坂城 or 大阪城) grounds, starting with its moat, which didn't have water in this part.

In other places it was full.

The walls were impressive.

And a final fun shot with a very wide-angle fisheye lens.

Our World Tuesday

Osaka Castle (1)

Everywhere we went in Japan we visited castles, and Osaka was no exception, as it includes Osaka Castle (大坂城 or 大阪城). The grounds were beautifully kept.

I could have walked around for hours.

But the castle beckoned!

Restoration (reconstruction) was completed in 1997. Inside it's a museum and photography isn't allowed.

Our World Tuesday

Nijō Castle (2)

Here are more shots of the Nijō Castle (二条城 Nijō-jō) gardens, which include some pretty lakes.

Everything's kept up beautifully.

There's an impressive gate...

or two.

And what would a castle be without a moat?

This is definitely one of Kyoto's must-see sights.

Our World Tuesday

Nijō Castle (1)

Nijō Castle (二条城 Nijō-jō) is one of the main sights in Kyoto. As we approached we saw this tower on the edge of the grounds.

After various disasters, the main building was replaced in 1893 by a prince's residence moved from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, about which I've already posted.

No photos were allowed inside the building but here's the outside.

I also loved this view from the grounds.

Our World Tuesday

Himeji Castle Roof

For this week's Skywatch Friday post, here's a close-up of Himeji Castle's roof. Notice the impressive detail in every aspect of this amazing place, and the more modern lightning rod to keep it safe!

Himeji Castle Views

Finishing my Our World Tuesday series on Himeji Castle, here are some views from within. As you're climbing to the top you see many beautiful sights.

You can see closeups of the rooflines and statues.

At the top there's a commanding view of the city.

Finally, here's a close-up of the embankment on which the castle is built.

Inside Himeji Castle

This week I'll show you the inside of Himeji Castle. It's beautifully kept, though mostly empty.

To help keep it in pristine condition, shoes aren't allowed in the building. That's fine by me as that's how we live anyway.

In a couple of places my ultra-wide fisheye lens was useful.

Next week I'll probably show you views from the top.

Our World Tuesday

HImeji Castle Skies

To answer a couple of questions from Monday's post about Himeji Castle:

1. It's built on such a tall foundation for defensive purposes. This is not just a decorative castle, it was a lord's final defense.
2. You can go inside the castle, and I'll be posting photos of that soon.

While there, I noticed the following skyward view, perfect for Skywatch Friday.

Himeji Castle (Outside)

On our next day in Japan we took the bullet train from Hiroshima to Osaka, but made a stop at the city of Himeji, home of the incredible Himeji Castle.

This may be Japan's most famous castle, and it's like something out of a fairy tale.

This castle was built between 1601 and 1609, and has remained intact through wars and natural disasters.

It's Japan's most visited castle and it's easy to see why.

Our World Tuesday

Hiroshima Castle

One of Hiroshima's must-see sights is the Hiroshima Castle.

Since the original from the 1590s was destroyed in the atomic bombing, this is a replica built in 1958.

Inside is a museum about the area's pre-WW2 history, but no photos are allowed. From the top you can see the modern city skyline.

The locations of the old castle are still visible in the grounds.

Our World Tuesday