During the second day in Osaka, I decided to explore the bustling tourist area of the city which I started from Namba Station. From Shin-Imamiya Station where my hotel is just beside it, I took Nankai train line and went out at Namba Station where Namba City is connected. My plan was walk around Namba, I told myself, wherever my feet brings me, I will be there. I visited the Information Center in Namba to find out what I can see and do in Osaka. I checked out travel brochures, picked-up some that caught my interest, then asked volunteers about a day pass in the city and I bought one before leaving the tourist centre.
To avoid lengthy post, I divided the travel post into three parts. First, was the walk done in Dotonbori. Next, was Tombori River Cruise and last but not the least was the visit in Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum. There are other stuffs that you can enjoy in Dotonbori and what I did were just the few of them. The following posts below details the simple adventures that I did in Dotonbori.
Notes : Plan to visit Osaka ? Please check latest information here.
Location : Osaka, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Osaka :
1. For official access to Osaka coming from anywhere in Japan, please check here.
Official Website : Osaka Info
Plan to visit Dotonbori ? Please check latest information here.
Location : Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Dotonbori :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Dotonbori.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Dotonbori
3. For official access link please refer here.
Official Website : Dotonbori
Plan to visit Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum? Please check latest information here.
Location : 1-chōme-6-4 Nanba, Chūō-ku, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
1. From different Namba Station, follow the walking path towards Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
2. For official access link, please refer here.
Official Website : Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, Dotonbori
Note: I do apologize for more than 6 months rest from writing my travel adventures, had been busy, but still got a chance to visit some cities in USA and even got a chance to return to Japan for a while. This post is a continuation of my previous post that focusing about Dotonbori.
Before leaving Dotonbori, I visited a museum which included in the Osaka Pass that I bought. Since I love museum, I was curious what to see inside of Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum.
One of the Ukiyoe Prints with the name of museum (sorry as it was blurred one)
Finding the museum was quite a challenge, I used my GPS in my phone and I knew that I was in front of it, but I was not sure since I did not see immediately the English Version name of the building (which can be seen only at one side) as I stand in the corner of it. The museum is a two-storey small and narrow building, because of that I had doubts if it’s the museum. Then, I entered the building and asked someone if it’s the museum that I was looking for, the Japanese lady confirmed to me that it was. Next, I showed my Osaka Pass to the lady in the counter and she exchanged it to a ticket. Then, I took upstairs to see the current exhibit displayed at that time.
Dotombori (Dotonbori)
As part of my learning in the museum, “Kamigata” refers to Kansai region where Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe belong but not used anymore when Emperor Meiji moved to Edo (now Tokyo).
Some of the display that I found describes the old days of Dotombori (Dotonbori). The exhibits displays the entertainment information of the area including theatre descriptions and maps. Here, I understood why Dotombori is called as Japanese Broadway, because the best theatres in the country can be found in the area. Other displays even shows how busy and festive Dotombori area at its earlier times.
Settsu Meisho Zue
Settsu Meisho Zue (illustrated famous-place picture collection which introduced Osaka’s famous place)
Detailed description of Dotombori
Kaomise at Dotombori (Naka-za Theatre)
Kaomise at Kado-za Theatre
Takeda-no-shibashi (Takeda Theatre)
A piece of history every time I discover it made me sad because a piece or part of history has been destroyed because of war. Below mentioned that almost all theatres were gone during the air raid in March 1945.
And the Best Theatres to see in Dotombori during its old days (where some of it still exist as of this time).
Ukiyoe Paintings (Prints)
Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum is a private museum and mainly focused to display traditional Ukiyo-e artwork depicting Kabuki performers. Kamigata Ukiyo-e was produced mainly in Osaka during Edo period. The museum changed their display from time to time. At the time of my visit, they are displaying ukiyo-e paintings with the theme of “Actor’s Make-up in Ukiyo-e paintings”. It means that the exhibits features the make-up of kabuki actors.
About Ukiyoe paintings
Paints Used for Ukiyoe paintings
Different color information used for Ukiyoe paintings
Ukiyo-e is a genre of Japanese art which flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries. Its artists produced woodblock prints and paintings of such subjects as female beauties; kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers; scenes from history and folk tales; travel scenes and landscapes; flora and fauna; and erotica. The term ukiyo-e (浮世絵) translates as “picture[s] of the floating world”.
–Wikipedia
Kokusenya Kassen
One of the display found in the exhibit was Kokusenya Kassen (The Battle of Coxinga) Ukiyoe print. It shows the puppet play created by Chikamatsu Monzaemon which portrays the historical figure named Koxinga or Coxinga (Chinese Ming loyalist resisted Qing) and depicts a jidaimono play (historical episode) restoring the rightful dynasty of China. Utagawa Yoshitaki (also known as Ichiyosai Yoshitaki) is a famous Japanese designer of ukiyoe woodblock prints in Osaka whom created more than 1200 ukiyoe prints during his time and commonly portrays kabuki (classic Japanese dance-drama) actors.
Kokusenya Kassen (The Battle of Coxinga)
Hagi wa Sendai Na wa Matsumoto (Matsumoto and the famous autumn flowers of Sendai)
The story of the play was said to be a rework of another play called “Meiboku sendai hagi” (Bush clover, the famous tree of Sendai) which dramatize the intrigues over the succession within Date clan of Sendai. One of the main character named Nikki Danjo conspired to overthrow Ashikaga (represents the Date Clan) Yorikane which in the end was slain. This was made by Shunkōsai Hokushū whom recognized as the most important artist in Osaka.
The ghostly rodent is actually Nikki in metamorphosis — he possesses magical powers, including the ability to turn himself into a giant rat. Nikki holds his hands in the manner associated with nercromancy as the rat emerges from his human form (note the lighter shading of the tail and hindquarters, indicating that the transformation is still in progress). Nikki is a prime example of an important role type known as jitsuaku (or tategataki) — unrepentant evil samurai who plot to overthrow their lords. They are also referred to as kuni kuzushi (“demolisher of nations”) to signify their intention to usurp an emperor’s throne or a daimyô’s domain.
The rat clenches with his teeth a scroll containing a list of conspirators planning to wrest power from Yorikane. Later, pretending to have reformed, Nikki will substitute another list and offer it as trumped-up evidence of the conspiracy, only to remove a dagger hidden within the scroll and mortally wound a counsel and ally of Yorikane’s son.
–osakaprints.com
Hagi wa Sendai Na wa Matsumoto (Matsumoto and the famous autumn flowers of Sendai)
Arashi Rikan Lineage by Yoshikuni
Arashi Rikan Lineage by Yoshikuni (Portrait of different roles of Arashi Rikan)
Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees)
Sato Tadanobu, Yoshisune’s follower who has accompanied Yoshisune’s lover, Shizuka Gozen, is in fact a fox. It has transformed into Sato Tadanobu because the drum-head of Yoshitsune’s drum was made from the fox’s parent’s skin. Finally. Shizuka Gozen finds it out.
–Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
One of the three most popular and famous in the Kabuki repertoire
— Wikipedia
Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura
Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami (Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy)
Same with Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura (above) ukiyoe, Sugawara Denjun Tenarai Kagami is one of the most popular play in kabuki repertoire. In the act III of this play where it titled as “The Struggle for the Carriage (Kurumabiki)”.
This famous scene, “a classic example of Kabuki’s stylized beauty”,[13] takes place in front of the Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto. The scene opens as Umeōmaru and Sakuramaru try to stop Shihei’s carriage, and are confronted by Matsuōmaru, a member of the entourage. As the pair begin to unlash the oxen and tear apart the carriage, Shihei emerges, his blue face makeup marking him as a villain. He glares at them malevolently, halting their attack.
–Wikipedia
Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami
Shinpan Kikugoro Zukushi
Shinpan Kikugoro Zukushi (created by Kuniyasu)
The memorial performance for Danzuo IV
Is a 9/1824 tsuizen-e depicting Ichikawa Danzo V (1788-1845) on the stage of the Kado Theater commemorating the 17th anniversary of the passing of his celebrated forebear Danzo IV (1745-1808). The 17th anniversary (actually falling in the 16th year, due to the way Japanese count such things) is an important milestone in ancestor worship. Beyond that date the deceased’s generation is understood to seriously drop off in numbers; so does interest, one can assume, even within a family.
Danzo IV (known as Shiko) had the final curtain drawn on him before single sheet Osaka printmaking had reached its flowering.* Perhaps this is one reason why Umetatsu (n.d.), an otherwise unrecorded artist, inserted him so strongly, peering down in ferocious mie from inside the triple black frame — actually the mimasu crest of the Ichikawa acting family.
Also of interest is the jaw line of the kneeling Danzo V. Thanks to regional differences in actor portraiture, the same thespian’s face was usually drawn thin and angular in Edo and soft and pudgy in Osaka.
In this case, though the print lists an Osaka publisher, Danzo V’s visage (pointedly sans make-up) betrays the narrower Edo look.
One possible reason may lie in the first part of Umetatsu’s signature — “Azumaya,” or “Easterner.” If the artist was visiting from Edo, (where he presumably would have used a different name, and where, incidentally, both Danzos were hugely celebrated), that could explain both the obscurity of the signature, and the actor’s severe jaw line.
It might also explain the rarity of this print. True, Danzo V was not performing in Osaka at the time, but one would still expect a special Ichikawa lineage tribute image like this to sell well. Perhaps Osakans reacted particularly negatively to the cut of his jaw.
–OsakaPrints.com
The memorial performance for Danzuo IV
Azumakagami Mikari no Maki
The Ukiyoe print shown below is portion of the play of Azumakagami Mikari no Maki designed by Syunko.
Azuma Kagami is medieval text chronicles events of the Kamakura Shogunate from Minamoto no Yoritomo’s rebellion against Taira clan. It was compiled after 1266 under the directive of the Hojo shikken. It is an enormously detailed record of different activities centering on the shōgun with almost daily entries that include even notes on the weather.
–Wikipedia
Azumakagami Mikari no Maki
Hadekurabe Ise Monogatari
Hadekurabe Ise Monogatari
Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami (Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy)
From the scene IV of the play Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami, a print depicts the scene from Tempaizan (Mount Tempai). The ukiyoe print designed by Syunko
Kan Shojo who is leading his quiet life in exile goes to Anrakuji temple to hear the story that the ume (plum) tree that he loved in Kyoto came flying overnight. Umeomaru arrives at the scene and tells Kan Shojo about Fujiwara no Shihei’s conspiracy in Kyoto. Kan Shojo transforms into a thunder spirit from anger and ascends to heaven.
–Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami by Syunko
Tenmangu Natane no Gokuh (The Rapeseed Offerings at Tenmangu Shrine)
The ukiyoe print was based from pure kabuki play entitled Tenmangu Natane no Gokuh which is one of the play that was written more to exploit the principles of feudal loyalty than to depict court romances.
–Rising from the Flames: The Rebirth of Theater in Occupied Japan, 1945-1952
The print displays the Kabuki actor Nakamura Shikan III is in the role of magician Ki no Haseo in the play, “Tenmangu Natane no Goku” performed at Naka Theater. The print designed by Utagawa Sadaihiro, a Japanese artist that produced portraits from the beginning of his career. He was said to be a student of Kunisada, but then changed his name to Hirosada and became student under Sadamasu. He was active artist from 1830 to 1850.
Nakamuraza Sankai no Zu (The Third Floor of the Nakamura Theater)
Another ukiyoe displayed was made by Utagawa Kunisada, the most popular and most commercially successfully designer of ukiyoe during 19th century in Japan. The print depicts the kabuki actors in the third floor of Nakamura Theater.
Nakamuraza Sankai no Zu (The Third Floor of the Nakamura Theater)
The museum also showcases a display and information of the old Dotonbori. Through exhibits, it can learned that Dotonbori was a large scale entertainment district and the south side of Dotonbori called as “play side”. Dotonbori has not only kabuki theaters, but also as puppet theaters, and even place for acrobatics or sumo matches. “Settsu Meisho Zue” (1796-1798) the picture collection of Osaka’s famous place illustrates famous places, temples, shrines, events, customs, and traditions in the particular area.
Other stuff that found being exhibit in the museum are below:
Notes :
Plan to visit Osaka ? Please check latest information here.
Location : Osaka, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Osaka :
1. For official access to Osaka coming from anywhere in Japan, please check here.
Official Website : Osaka Info
Plan to visit Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum? Please check latest information here.
Location : 1-chōme-6-4 Nanba, Chūō-ku, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Dotonbori.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
3. For official access link, please refer here.
Official Website : Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, Dotonbori
While in Dotonbori, I took the Tombori River Cruise, using Osaka Pass, to see the popular tourist district in another perspective which is from Dotonbori River itself. The boarding point of the river tour is near in Don Quijote Store Dotombori which is under construction at the time of my visit.
I checked if the queue was manageable, when I saw that there were few people waiting, I redeemed my pass to a ticket and got myself on the queue. After few minutes of waiting, we boarded the Tombori River Cruise boat. The cruise was 20 minutes which started from boarding point near Tazaemon Bridge and we moved towards Nihon Bridge. We passed Tazaemon Bridge, Aiai Bridge and Nihon Bridge, before we returned and cruised towards Minatomachi River Place. The cruise gave me another look of Dotonbori.
Don Quijote Store Dotombori
At Tomori River Cruise Boarding Point
Passing Tazaemon Bridge from boarding point
Tazaeomon Bridge coming from Aiai Bridge
On the way to Nihon Bridge
Under Nihon Bridge
Dotonbori from Dotonbori River
Experiencing Tombori River Cruise (Part 2 of 3)
Towards Aiai Bridge
At Tombori River Walk
Tombori River Cruise Boarding Point
On our way to Minatomachi River Place, when we approached Ebisu Bridge, I found lots of people having photo shots in popular bridge. At the left side of Tombori River Walk, there were Japanese entertainment shows being performed and tourist can freely watch and enjoy them. I saw group of women performing like a K-Pop girl group version of Japan while singing and dancing.
The river cruise ended and I did enjoy a quick trip with the boat. Next, I did a few walks from Tazaemon Bridge towards Sinnichimae Street to explore the other parts of shopping area in Dotonbori.
On the way to Ebisu Bridge
People watching entertainment along Tombori River Walk
Performing Entertainment Artist at Tombori River Walk
The famous Glico Sign near Ebisu Bridge
On the way to Daikoku Bridge
Namba Hatch and Daikoku Bridge
On the way to Fukari Bridge
Namba Hatch
Canal Terrace Horie
Ukiniwa Bridge while some of us waves with other people in Canal Terrace Horie
Sumiyoshi Bridge
From Dotonbori River, Ukiniwa Bridge with Canal Terrace Horie and Namba Hatch (Minatomachi River Place)
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Namba Hatch (Minatomachi River Place)
Naniwa Exploration Cruise Boat at Minatomachi Dock
Daikoku Bridge
Shin-Ebisu Bridge
Ebisu Bridge
At Tombori River Cruise Boarding Point
Sennichimae Street
Along Dotonbori
Before completely leaving Dotonbori, I visited Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, a museum that I can use my Osaka Pass to further explore Dotonbori regarding its culture and arts through Ukiyoe prints.
Until then.
Notes :
Plan to visit Osaka ? Please check latest information here.
Location : Osaka, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Osaka :
1. For official access to Osaka coming from anywhere in Japan, please check here.
Official Website : Osaka Info
Plan to visit Dotonbori ? Please check latest information here.
Location : Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Dotonbori :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Dotonbori.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Dotonbori
3. For official access link please refer here.
Official Website : Tombori River Walk, Dotonbori
I left Namba City, walked beside the road where Hanshin Expressway can be seen at the top. I followed my GPS in my phone and crossed multiple roads until I found myself near in Namba Hatch or Minatomachi River Place. It was the first place for the day that I took out my camera and played with it. It was late Saturday morning before lunch time, but the place was still pretty quiet. I walked around Namba Hatch and enjoyed taking photos of the place since it stands beside Dotonbori River. I sensed through different restaurants that surrounds it, that the place is likely busy at night.
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Namba Hatch
From the ground outside Namba Hatch, I took stairs to cross lovely walking bridge (Ukiniwa Bridge). At the bridge I had a 360 degree view and I took photos around the place where I enjoyed scenery of Dotonbori River, Namba Hatch and Minatomachi River Place. It was a relaxing place to see.
Walking bridge (Ukiniwa Bridge) near Namba Hatch
Dotonbori River with Sumiyoshi Bridge (peach bridge) and Naniwa-Suji (blue bridge)
Dotonbori River with Ukiniwa Bridge and Canal Terrace Horie
Dotonbori River, Canal Terrace Horie and Tombori River Cruise Boat
Dotonbori River with Fukari Bridge (blue bridge) and Hanshin Expressway (road at the top)
After enjoying Namba Hatch, Canal Terrace Horie and Minatomachi River Place from Ukiniwa Bridge, I walked towards Dotonbori where majority of people can be found. I crossed Fukari Bridge and stopped in Daikoku Bridge where I had a chance of photo shots of Dotonbori River.
Then, I walked towards Shin-Ebisu Bridge and had couple of photos of famous Dotonbori and Dotonbori River. I explored Dotonbori continuously, the shopping, food and entertainment district of Osaka.
Daikoku Bridge
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Dotonbori River with Shin-Ebisu Bridge and Dotombori Bridge from Daikoku Bridge
Along Dotonbori
Dotombori-bashi
Namba Hatch, Daikoku Bridge, Hanshin Expressway (road at the top) and Dotonbori River from Shin-Ebisu Bridge
Shin-Ebisu Bridge
Namba Hatch, Daikoku Bridge, Hanshin Expressway (road at the top), Shin-Ebisu Bridge and Dotonbori River from Dotombori-bashi
The other end of Dotonbori
Namba Hips
I crossed a major road to reach the other half of Dotonbori, the most populous area of the shopping district. But before crossing, I saw a unique building called Namba Hips. My stroll in Dotonbori continued and my curiosity still with me while taking photos of the streets. At the other side of Dotonbori, the first thing that greeted me was the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre. Then, I passed the famous crab cuisine restaurant called Kani Doraku Dotombori Hoten. Then followed by walking towards Ebisu Bridge where lots of people take their photos as it was the great spot to say to the world that you are in Dotonbori – the popular dining and theatre district in Japan. Dotonbori is the Japanese version of American Broadway.
Osaka Shochikuza Theatre
Along Dotonbori
At Dotonbori near Ebisu Bridge
At Ebisu Bridge looking towards Tombori Walk River with Tazaemon Bridge
From famous Ebisu Bridge, there were shopping avenues to enjoy. The Shansai-Bashi-Suji and Ebisu-Bashi-Suji. I peeked both avenues from Ebisu Bridge and I chose Shansai-Bashi-Suji as it seems it is the most exciting to walk, because of too many people passing on it. I walked partially in Shinsaibashisuji shopping arcade, then, I returned to Ebisu Bridge before walking to Soemoncho Street.
Ebisu-Bashi-Suji
Shin Sai-Bashi Suji
A walk inside Shin saibashi Suji
After walking the shopping and market street in Dotonbori, I tried to see the place via boat.
Until then.
Notes :
Plan to visit Osaka ? Please check latest information here.
Location : Osaka, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Osaka :
1. For official access to Osaka coming from anywhere in Japan, please check here.
Official Website : Osaka Info
Plan to visit Dotonbori ? Please check latest information here.
Location : Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Dotonbori :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Dotonbori.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Dotonbori
3. For official access link please refer here.
Official Website : Dotonbori
Arts and Craft (Post#28) : Kokusenya Kassen By Utagawa Yoshitaki
Photo of the day is all about Kokusenya Kassen (The Battle of Coxinga) Ukiyoe print. It shows the puppet play created by Chikamatsu Monzaemon which portrays the historical figure named Koxinga or Coxinga (Chinese Ming loyalist resisted Qing) and depicts a jidaimono play (historical episode) restoring the rightful dynasty of China. Utagawa Yoshitaki (also known as Ichiyosai Yoshitaki) is a famous Japanese designer of ukiyoe woodblock prints in Osaka whom created more than 1200 ukiyoe prints during his time and commonly portrays kabuki (classic Japanese dance-drama) actors. The photo is part of Osaka Tour last May 2017.
Notes :
Photo : Kokusenya Kassen, Ukiyoe print
Location : 1-chōme-6-4 Nanba, Chūō-ku, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Namba Hatch.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
3. For official access link, please refer here.
Official Website : Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, Dotonbori
Photos of the day are all about Osaka Shochikuza Theatre. During the visit in Dotonbori, I wanted to watch a Kabuki, a classical Japanese dance drama but unfortunately the available shows scheduled at the time of the visit does not have English audio available, I decided not to push because I wanted to understand the show even by just listening to audio translation to be able to relate what’s happening in the drama. Dotonbori is called as Japanese Broadway because it is the place where lots of theaters were born to show kabuki and other entertainment performances. Osaka Shochikuza were built in 1923 and is the first western style theater in Kansai region. A neo-renaissance style architecture characterized by a large arch on the front, designed by Obayashi team Kimura Tokusaburo. These photos are part of Osaka Tour last May 2017.
Notes :
Photo : Dotonbori, Osaka Shochikuza Theatre
Location : 1-chōme-9-１９ Dōtonbori, Chūō-ku, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Namba Hatch.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Dotonbori
3. For official access link, please refer here.
Official Website : Osaka Shochikuza Theatre, Dotonbori
Featuring Our World (Post#23) : Tombori River Walk
Photos of the day are all about Tombori River Walk. In every part of the city that I visited, there is a common place where it’s always charming and where people love to go. Whether the river is natural or man-made, a tourist spot located beside the river (whether its shopping or food district) will be born, it definitely become a hotspot both for locals and visitors. Tombori River Walk is no different. During my walk in Dotonbori, there is one thing that I really like, the walkway beside the river. The famous and most populous Tombori River Walk portion can be found between Ebisu Bridge and Tazaemon Bridge. But I can see that river walk does not only lies between the said two bridges but the city has more plan beyond it. At the time of visit, there are still constructions going on beside the river walk extension. As per my observation, Tombori River Walk idea may starts from Minatomachi River Place up to Nihon Bridge. If all the buildings and structures beside the river between this place will be renovated and converted to commercial spaces such as shopping stores and restaurants, it will be a great place for a complete Tombori River Walk that can be enjoyed while strolling beside Dotonbori River. These photos are part of Osaka Tour last May 2017.
Dotonbori River with Canal Terrace Horie (Left) and Minatomachi River Place (Right)
Canal Terrace Horie
Walkway under Daikoku Bridge
Dotonbori River with Shin-Ebisu Bridge and Dotombori Bridge from Daikoku Bridge
Dotombori-bashi
Namba Hatch, Daikoku Bridge, Hanshin Expressway (road at the top) and Dotonbori River from Shin-Ebisu Bridge
Namba Hatch, Daikoku Bridge, Hanshin Expressway (road at the top), Shin-Ebisu Bridge and Dotonbori River from Dotombori-bashi
At Ebisu Bridge looking towards Tombori Walk River with Tazaemon Bridge
At Tomori River Cruise Boarding Point and Tazaeomon Bridge
Tazaeomon Bridge coming from Aiai Bridge
On the way to Nihon Bridge
Towards Aiai Bridge
At Tombori River Walk
Tombori River Cruise Boarding Point
On the way to Ebisu Bridge
People watching entertainment along Tombori River Walk
Canal Terrace Horie
Canal Terrace Horie and Namba Hatch (Minatomachi River Place)
Shin-Ebisu Bridge
With Ebisu Bridge
At Tombori River Cruise Boarding Point and Tombori River Walk
Notes :
Photo : Dotonbori, Tombori River Walk
Location : Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Namba Hatch.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Dotonbori
3. For official access link, please refer here.
Official Website : Tombori River Walk, Dotonbori
Still Expression (Post#11) : Dotonbori, Osaka – Japanese Pop Singing
Photos of the day are all about Japanese Pop Singing that I witnessed while taking Tombori River Cruise in Dotonbori. A lot of people were watching them, from Ebisu Bridge, from Tombori River Walk and us passing the Dotonbori River. Since they were singing in Japanese language, the way they looked, the way they dance and the sounds of the songs looks to me about japanese girl group. Though I was not sure if they were famous, rising or not known girl group band, seeing a performer within Dotonbori adds colors and life in the famous shopping, food and entertainment district in Osaka. These photos are part of Osaka Tour last May 2017.
Notes :
Photo : Girl Group Singing, Japanese Pop Singer,
Location : Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Namba Hatch.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Dotonbori
3. For official access link, please refer here.
Official Website : Dotonbori
Transportation (Post#20) : Tombori River Cruise Boat
Photos of the day are all about Tombori River Cruise Boat that can be easily seen along Dotonbori River. I took the river cruise during the visit in Osaka since it was included in the Osaka Day Pass that I bought. Even though I already walked beside the river, seeing Dotonbori from a boat or from a river still made a difference the way to see the famous tourist spot of Osaka. These photos are part of Osaka Tour last May 2017.
Notes :
Photo : Dotonbori, Tombori River Cruise Boat
Location : Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Namba Hatch.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Dotonbori
3. For official access link, please refer here.
Official Website : Tombori River Cruise, Dotonbori
Discovery (Post#72) : The Glico Sign – One of the Most Popular Osaka’s Landmark
Photos of the day are all about the famous Glico Sign that both locals and tourist enjoys to take photos to signify that they reached Osaka. The sign became one of the Osaka’s most popular landmark. A marathon runner with arms raised in the air resembling victory design first appeared in red box for Glico’s first nutritious product heart-shaped caramel. It is worthy to know that the marathon runner sign currently displayed in Dotonbori near in Ebisu Bridge is the 6th generation display. The first generation was displayed from 1935 to 1943. The second generation was displayed from 1955 to 1963. Third generation was displayed from 1963 to 1972. The fourth generation was displayed from 1972 to 1996. The fifth generation was displayed from 1998 to 2014. The current sign displayed is an LED billboard. These photos are part of Osaka Tour last May 2017.
Notes :
Photo : Glico sign, Osaka’s Landmark, Dotonbori
Location : Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Namba Hatch.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Dotonbori
3. For official access link, please refer here.
Official Website : Glico Sign, Dotonbori
Photos of the day are all about the name of Dotonbori where its history started from the local entrepreneur named Mr. Yasui Douton which initiated the project of constructing the canal to improve the commerce in the place. But he was died durin”The Seige of Osaka”. But even he died, his project continued by his cousin name Mr. Douboku. The name Dotonbori was came from “Douton” and “bori” which means a canal. These photos are part of Osaka Tour last May 2017.
Notes :
Photo : Dotonbori
Location : Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Namba Hatch.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Dotonbori
3. For official access link, please refer here.
Official Website : Dotonbori
Structure (Post#24) : Namba Hatch – Largest Music Club in Japan
Photos of the day are all about Namba Hatch which is the Largest Music Club in Japan. It is located in Minatomachi River Place and has 1500 standing people as its capacity caters different kinds of music enjoyed by music lovers. What I like about the building is its unique architectural design outside, I bet it is interesting to see its interior design of the hall. Another aspect that fascinated me, was the areas of Namba Hatch where restaurants surrounded the place. These photos are part of Osaka Tour last May 2017.
Notes :
Photo : Music Club Hall, Namba Hatch
Location : Japan, 〒556-0017 Osaka, Naniwa-ku, Minatomachi, 1-chōme−3−1 湊町リバープレイス
Directions / Transportation :
1. For trains, there are four Namba Stations where different train lines stops near Namba Hatch.
a. Take Yamatoji Line for JR Namba Station or
b. Take Hanshin-Namba or Kintetsu Limited Express or Kintetsu-Nara Line for Osaka-Namba Station or
c. Take Modosuji Line or Sen-Nichimae Line or Yotsubashi Line (all subway lines) for Namba Station or
d. Take Nankai Line or Nankai-Koya Line or Nankain Limited Express for Namba Station
2. From different station, follow the walking path towards Namba Hatch
3. For official access link (though its japanese language, the text can be translated to English but the images are not), please refer here.
Official Website : Namba Hatch
My second trip to Japan started from Kansai Region which located at the middle of Honshu Island, the largest island in Japan. My flight was booked 6 months ago prior to travel schedule through Jetstar airline from Manila to Osaka.
Landing at Kansai International Airport
From the time I landed in Kansai International Airport. I knew that I have to plan my day. I had rough plan where to go, but I was not in the mood to be in a busy area where most tourist go, so I checked the other itineraries that I had in my phone while walking inside the airport. After passing immigration area, I picked-up the pocket WiFi I rented together when I bought Japan Rail Pass at JAL ABC counter at Terminal 1. And then I connect to the internet immediately. I withdraw few thousand yen as my initial budget. While sitting in waiting area as I was checking my phone within the Terminal 1, I heard my name was being called. And the call was repeated. I felt nervous that time, I wondered why they calling my name. Then, I went to the information and I told them my name was called. Then, they presented my blue wallet where my old passport was and other stuff. That was the time I realized I was missing of it. Then, they requested me some ID and I presented my current passport. I was very thankful that my stuff was returned to me. It was a relief. It was the second time during my travel in Japan, that a lost item returned to me. I remembered my jacket of my father which also lost in Narita Airport in Tokyo after we passed the immigration area last 2015, which also returned to us. Japan has great credibility in terms of helping someone who lost something.
Nankai Line Limited Express Rapi:t train
Kansai Airport Station
After my wallet incident, I checked everything and when felt settled, I went outside the terminal and walked towards Kansai-airport Station. I bought ticket to reach my hotel first as my week JR Pass is not yet activated. I took Nankai Line Limited Express Rapi:t train from Terminal 1 to Namba Station in Osaka, it stopped at Shin-Imamiya Station where my hotel that I booked for 3 nights in the city was located.
I was able to use my Agoda points to have an affordable single room in the city. The accommodation is quite expensive during my travel in Japan because it’s Spring-Summer season. I arrived to my intended Station and looked for my accommodation which is just few steps from JR Shin-Imamiya Station, the Hotel Shin-Imamiya. At the hotel, I approached the hotel lobby and talked to the customer officers and informed them that I will leave my luggage since it still early for my check-in. Instead of waiting for my check-in time, I started exploring the city.
I left the hotel still thinking what to do for that day. And I go back to my notes of tentative plan while in Osaka in my phone. I have this notes of climbing or hiking which is away from Osaka metropolis. I found the itinerary of climbing a bit to the temple though there are other trekking trails available but I just decided to do a bit of trekking up only to the Buddhist temple. I followed the instructions mentioned in the website how to get there.
I used one of my pasmo cards that I brought which I bought during my first trip in Japan with my family last 2015. I told the gate officer that I wanted to top-up my card and they allowed me to get in so I can top-up my card. Then after topping up, I went back to the gate and started using it. Then, I transferred to the JR gate which was wrong because I entered the first gate is Nankai Line which different from JR Lines, one of the things not to mix with train line. My card alarmed which I don’t understand at first then I approached the gate with officer so they can check my recently topped-up card. And they fix it in just few seconds.
I took JR Osaka Loop Line train and transferred at Osaka station. Next, I took rapid train JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line and get off at Takatsuki Station. I walked from train station to the bus terminal (JR Takatsuki ekikita Bus Stop) just outside the JR station. At first I got a challenge which bus that I should take. Looking at the bus numbers and my google maps, I was quite confused. Even though I don’t speak Japanese, I still tried to asked help while speaking in English. I showed to them the website that I was looking for and showed them the temple photo and they seem to understand, I am telling them the name of the bus stop based on the Google Map information I had. The Japanese seems to understand which place that I wanted to go and the one I was talking to, talked to the bus driver that I got in and I felt he told him where he can drop me off.
While inside the bus, I used Google maps with enabling GPS in my phone. It helped me to track where I am at the moment and I will know if I am near the bus top that I should be getting off. I always check the screen near the driver as it tells me exactly the next bus stop. I got-off at Kabusanguchi Bus Stop. Then, I found myself in a small town which located and surrounded by hills and farms. And the temple that I was looking for is located in one of the hills. I crossed the road and I walked following the tracks using Google Directions in my phone.
At Kabusanguchi Bus Stop
The map I saw after crossing the road
The unknown road that I took towards the mountain
A spot where I found the First Trail (not in the picture) as start of walking / trekking trail to Kabusanji Temple
The shortest walking trail to Kabusanji Temple – First Trail
One of the lasting Azalea flower
Mountain Gate (Torii Gate) towards Kabusanji Temple – Second Trail
There are two walking trails available to reach Kabusanji Temple that I saw. First is walking trail only for people and another one starting from the Mountain Gate or Torii Gate where vehicles can pass through as well. These two trails will combine to the mountain road towards the temple before reaching the parking lot. Since I hesitated to take the shortest trail, I ended up following the longest trail where the Mountain Gate is. Along the way, I saw some people who do regular exercise and coming down from the mountain. Then, some few cars going the same directions that I was which is going up to the temple.
The walk was not arduous since I mostly walk in the road which I can say a gradual climb to the temple. While I was walking, I was wondering, what I was thinking and did the trekking by myself. Then, I answered my own question, I just wanted to go to the place where few people is visiting. But because I wanted to do a trekking, even though my destination is a temple of another faith, I still pushed the plan, not only because I wanted to hike a bit, but to see the place, nature and its surroundings.
Based from official website of Osaka, check here, the temple named Kabusanji Temple has been in the mountain for over 1300 years and there was a belief that the dragons are said to live. Well different faith has different beliefs when it comes to mountains. Even myself has another way to view about mountains.
I passed the parking lot, which means that I was halfway distance to the temple. Before I reached the gate of the temple, I saw a cafeteria just beside it. And there were few people in the cafeteria and looking at me which seems wondering why a foreigner like me was there in the first place.
Niomon (With Koimainu – statue pairs of lion-like creatures guarding the entrance and Gate of Deva – A Deva King image is enshrined in this gate)
Walking in Dotonbori “The Japanese Broadway” (Part 1)
