Japan – The Hidden Panorama

Dotonbori (Dotombori) – Osaka’s Famous Historical Entertainment District

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.

Have fun reading while enjoying Osaka photos.

Walking in Dotonbori “The Japanese Broadway” (Part 1)

Experiencing Tombori River Cruise (Part 2)

Visiting Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum (Part 3)

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

Visiting Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum (Part 3 of 3)

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

Experiencing Tombori River Cruise (Part 2 of 3)

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)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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

Walking in Dotonbori “The Japanese Broadway” (Part 1 of 3)

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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 : Kokusenya Kassen By Utagawa Yoshitaki

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

Structure : Osaka Shochikuza Theatre

Structure (Post#25) : Osaka Shochikuza Theatre

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 : Tombori River Walk

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 : Dotonbori, Osaka – Japanese Pop Singing

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 : Tombori River Cruise Boat

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 : The Glico Sign – One of the Most Popular Osaka’s Landmark

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

Name Of The Place : Dotonbori

Name Of The Place (Post#63) : 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 : Namba Hatch – Largest Music Club in Japan

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

Takatsuki Walks : A Trek to Kabusanji Temple

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)

Around the temple gate

Temple Cafeteria

To Honzanji Trail (Right Side Road)

I continued my walk until I found a familiar structure nearby, I knew that I already found the one that I was looking for as I had seen the gate of the temple that I saw in internet. I took a couple of photos of surrounding areas where I had seen a cafeteria not far from Niomon or Main Gate. I entered the gate where a pair of Koinamu displayed at both sides and the Gate of Deva.

King Deva at Niomon (Main Gate)

I explored the surroundings as I entered the Niomon or Main Gate. And in every couple of steps that I made, I took photos. I crossed with few people on my walks whom visited the temple mostly for prayers and not for touristm as what I do. Within the temple I saw sub-temples or buildings.

Jakujo-in Temple (Left) and stairs towards Hondo

Kejyo-in

Hotoin

On the way to Hondo

Mizuko Jizo

Before reaching Hondo

Hondo (Main Hall)

Shakado

Kaisando

Kannondo

Reihoin

I walked around the temple, without knowing if I am doing something bad while I was there. Based on the information I got, from official tourism website of Osaka, the main temple has the Buddha, but because I have to make reservation and pay to enter and see it, I was not able to see it. I am not a Buddhist so I just quietly walk around the garden of the main building.

Jakujo-in Temple

Jakujo-in Temple Garden

While returning to the bus stop. I took sometime to appreciate the farm area. And the mountains that surrounds the small town. For me, the scenery is very relaxing.

Remote town of Takatsuki with farms

My next destination was still around Takatsuki area which is to see Akutagawa River, the famous place during cherry blossom season but because its late spring, no cherry flower can be seen, even though that was the case, I followed the information since I was around the city.

While at Kabu sanguchi, I looked for the bus stop sign, but I cannot find it. I am trying to find the same sign of the bus stop that I got off at the other side, when I went to the Kabusanji Temple. But I was having a hard time to find it. I approached the old Japanese man and asked him if he can help me find the bus stop sign. Then, he looked for it and he cannot find it as well. So he called the younger male and even asked for help to find the bus stop. I was ashamed a bit because I knew that I bothered these people but, they helped me to find the bus stop sign. The reason I cannot find the bus stop sign is because the sign is dusty and stands in not so noticeable spot. That explains why I cannot find it immediately, the young male even told me what time bus will arrive. I was very thankful to them, I just told them “Sumimasen” saying sorry politely as I bothered them by asking for help.

Kabusanguchi Bus Stop towards JR Takatsuki Station

I waited for the bus and after 5-10 minutes, I took the next bus came and then I got off at Hattori bus stop. Like the same thing that I do, I looked for Google Maps and tried to look for the destination that I wanted to be which is Akutagawa River. I walked a lot already so I planned that the Akutagawa River to be my last destination to enjoy in the area even though there are still 2 more suggested places to see in Takatsuki.

I walked from Hattori bus stop and I turned right and follow the directions that Google Maps it telling me. One thing that I enjoyed about the walk even though I started to feel exhausted with my feet were the flowing water that are soothing to the ears. The sound is very natural and that’s what the website tells me as well. Though I still don’t see the river, I can really feel that it’s just nearby. I found the river and there I took some photos and rested a bit.

Akutagawa River

Then, I walked back to the bus stop that I can possibly hopped on that will send me back to Takatsuki Station. When I reached Takatsuki Station, I walked a bit in the nearby station before going back to my hotel and end my day since I haven’t got much sleep as I traveled early in the morning.

Near Al Plaza beside Takatsuki Station

Takatsuki Bus Stop and Takatsuki Station

Tips :

There are two things that I usually used during my trip in Japan, visit Hyperdia.com and Google Maps to see where I am and its Directions to see how I will go to the specific destination that I wanted to be. Google Maps information seems to be reliable when I checked Hyperdia specifically for the next trains that I can hopped-on.

Notes :
Plan to visit Takatsuki City ? Please check latest information here.
Location : Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Takatsuki :
1. Take JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line and get off at Takatsuki Station
Official Website : Takatsuki City

Plan to visit Kabusanji Temple? Please check latest information here.
Location : 3360 Hara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1051, Japan
Directions / Transportation to Kabusanji Temple :
1. Take JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line and get off at Takatsuki Station
2. Take bus Haraohashi 53 and get off at Kabu Sanguchi Bus Stop
3. Follow the walking trails from bus stop to Kabusanji Temple
4. Visit the official access link to reach the temple here.
Official Website : Kabusanji Temple

Bloom : Azalea

Bloom (Post#3) : Azalea

Photo of the day is all about azalea flower that I was able to capture on my way to Kabusanji Temple in Takatsuki City. I never visited Japan during spring season as I wanted to avoid peak season where too many tourist in Japan. That is why, I seldom to see spring flowers. And when I did a trek towards the temple, I guess I was lucky to still find Azalea. These flowers are spring flowers that last longer than others. The photo is part of Walking and Trekking in Takatsuki last May 2017.

Toxicity
In addition to being renowned for its beauty, the azalea is also highly toxic—it contains andromedotoxins in both its leaves and nectar, including honey from the nectar. Bees are deliberately fed on Azalea/Rhododendron nectar in some parts of Turkey, producing a mind-altering, potentially medicinal, and occasionally lethal honey known as “mad honey”. According to the ancient Roman historian Pliny the Elder in his Natural History, an army invading Pontus in Turkey was poisoned with such honey, resulting in their defeat.

–Wikipedia

Notes :
Photo : Flower, Azalea
Location : 3360 Hara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1051, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. Take JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line and get off at Takatsuki Station
2. Take bus Haraohashi 53 and get off at Kabu Sanguchi Bus Stop
3. Follow the walking trails from bus stop to Kabusanji Temple
4. Visit the official access link to reach the temple here.
Official Website : Kabusanji Temple

Discovery : Kabusanji (Mount Kabu) Temple

Discovery (Post#70) : Kabusanji (Mount Kabu) Temple

Photos of the day are all about Kabusanji Temple or Mount Kabu Temple. Learning about something regarding the temple, made it more interesting. I remembered Yasaka Jinja in Kyoto (not really far from Osaka) which more than 1300 years old, Kabusanji Temple is same old as well. From their official site, the temple is Japan’s first Satsumon Tenden Temple Nemurozan Shrine and it is an example of syncretization of Shinto and Buddhism which I understand that it happens while traveling around Japan. Temple inside the mountain probably a challenge but for me, finding them with nature makes it more appealing for me. These photos are part of Walking and Trekking in Takatsuki last May 2017.

Notes :
Photo : Kabusanji Temple, Mount Kabu Temple, temple,
Location : 3360 Hara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1051, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. Take JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line and get off at Takatsuki Station
2. Take bus Haraohashi 53 and get off at Kabu Sanguchi Bus Stop
3. Follow the walking trails from bus stop to Kabusanji Temple
4. Visit the official access link to reach the temple here.
Official Website : Kabusanji Temple

View At My Window : A Bit of Takatsuki

View At My Window (Post#46) : A Bit of Takatsuki

Photos of the day are all about Takatsuki City. The first place that I spent my time the moment I returned to Japan. As I wanted to do trekking and be far from metropolis on first day of my second trip, I came to the city which developed from being a commuter town. Previously it was a town where most people live and then commute either for Kyoto or Osaka. I was able to capture a scenic Takatsuki with farms not far from Kabusanji Temple. These photos are part of Walking and Trekking in Takatsuki last May 2017.

Notes :
Photo : Takatsuki
Location : Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
Take JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line and get off at Takatsuki Station
Official Website : Takatsuki

Kyoto Walks : From Chion-In Temple to Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Fushimi Inari Taisha

The last part of my travel in Japan that was left unpublished during the first tour with my family was all about Kyoto Prefecture. After a day tour in Universal Studios in Osaka, the next day was focused in Kyoto, our second to the last day in Japan. The exploration time that we spent in Kyoto was very limited to a day since the next day, we have to go back to Tokyo. When the adventure was limited to one day, this caused me a bit of sadness because there are lots of places to see and enjoy in Kyoto and we were running out of time again, I wished that we can stay longer but we can’t.

From Kyoto Station, we reserved our JR bullet train ticket for the next day travel to Tokyo as we planned to leave the city early in the morning. Next, we went to the tourist information center inside the station. Information center is one of the places that I really enjoyed and spent some time because it helped me and gave me ideas where to go, it is like a starting point before going anywhere in the city. As usual, I picked a lot of brochures again. I approached one of the personnel at the center and inquired some thoughts where to go in Kyoto for the day. She picked-up a map and showed us some interesting places to see and how to go there. Then, she introduced a day pass since our JR Pass cannot be used in local bus within the old city. After few more minutes of discussion with the volunteer in the visitor center, we started our adventure in Kyoto by following the recommended places that we must visit as starter.

Kyoto Sightseeing Day Pass

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Tower from Kyoto Ekimae Bus Stop

We bought a sightseeing 1 day pass and went outside of the station. We walked towards Kyoto Bus Stop and we looked at each bus stop until we found that goes to Gion. The bus terminal which just beside the train station is strategic and convenient for passengers specifically for visitors that wanted to explore the city on their own. Like my family whom traveling in a budget. The queue to the bus was a bit long which means one thing, there were many tourist coming to Kyoto to see this historical and traditional city of Japan. We waited a bit in the queue until it’s our turn to get on the bus. The bus was full pack of people and there were even standing at the center aisle of the bus. Inside the bus, there were some locals and foreigners wearing kimono, the traditional Japanese clothing, and to be honest I liked seeing people wearing traditional clothes, because it’s just fitting to the place like Kyoto, as the city still has an ambiance of slow life-like an old Japanese time.

We got off at Gion bus stop. And we walked towards Shinbashi Dori. When we were near Shinbashi Dori, we crossed the road to reach Chion-in-michi, the road that led us to reach the first temple we visited in Kyoto – Chion-In Temple.

Chion-In Temple – 17th Century Temple Headquarters of Jodo Shu Buddhism

When we reached the temple gate along the Higashi Oji Dori, I just observed that there were lots of tourist came in bus, as they arrived at the front gate of the temple called Sanmon while my family and I walked to reach the gate. When we were near in Sanmon there were many visitors astray in the ground. We started our walk in the temple ground from Sanmon. We explored the surrounding areas that are free to public as there are locations in the temple that requires payment to be able to access the area like garden, but we decided to take a look at the surroundings that are already available.

After passing Sanmon, which is the main gate of the temple, we took another stairs to reach buildings. Unfortunately, during the visit, the main hall named Mieido is under renovation, which prevented us to see it as it is fully covered by nice and neat metal building. I admired Japanese on how they renovate a temple. For me, it only means one thing, they really take good care of what they considered national treasures of their country. We approached buildings near Mieido, one is called Kyozo where it has a nice garden beside it. We also walked towards a building called Amida-do.

Sanmon

Mieido – Under Renovation

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Kyozo Garden

Amida-do

We took another stairs but its longer and has more steps than the previous one. It looks tiring just thinking how many steps it has to reach the top. But, even that was the case, three of us in the family took challenge except for my mother whom just rested in Mieido area. When we reached the end of the stairs, we saw Seishido Temple at the left. Then, we walked at the right side and explore Isshin-in Temple and beside a cemetery can be found.

Coming from Isshin-In Temple, we descended the stairs until we returned to Mieido area. We walked towards Kyozo Temple and approached Tahoto Pagoda too. When we reached Shuedo, we went inside the building out of curiosity. But because it’s not allowed to take photos inside the temple. We just silently observed people came inside it where most of them rendered their prayers.

Stairs

Isshin-in

Kyozo

Tahoto Pagoda

Shuedo

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Cemetery

After we left Shuedo Temple, we decided to end our tour in Chion-in Temple to see other places within Gion District. While walking along Higashi Oji Dori, we looked for restaurants. Not far from the exit of the Chion-in Temple, we found a local diners where we had our lunch. The experience we had been quite interesting, even the restaurant was just few walk away from tourist spot, their customers were most likely foreigners and not just locals. But surprisingly, a language that is a common barrier between the customer and local diners had found a solution to address it. We never requested our order through talking to a person but we put our orders via machine (like vending machine) where it shows the available menus and corresponding combos in English/Japanese language. I was really amazed with their strategy to solve the communication issues.

We took our time for lunch and when we were full, we left the restaurant to continue our family’s journey around the area. In just few minutes walk from local diner, we reached another temple called Yasaka Shrine.

Yasaka Shrine – 1350 Year Old Shrine

I had visited this Shrine, twice. First, was during my family visit in Kyoto in September 2015 and second, was during my solo trip in the city last May 2017 as part of Night Tour in Gion.

Main Entrance Gate (Ro-mon)

We generally knew that Japan has their own religious belief that originates in their own land and Yasaka Shrine convey this as well. Yasaka Jinja or Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto Shrine. The gate of the shrine cannot be ignored since it has a lively red-orange color which seems to be pretty common to see in most of their shrines or temples. We passed the gate and saw many visitors and tourist a like that came around the shrine. And some people visited the place wears kimono as the place is just perfect for classic photo souvenir.

We explored the area and observed as much as we can. Yasaka Shrine is more than 1300+ years old as it was built in year 656. And a lot of people visited this shrine for Gion Matsuri Festival which celebrated every year for more than a thousand years. The following buildings we saw insinde Yasaka Shrine were : Main Hall or Main Sanctuary, Main Dance Stage, Noh Stage, South Gate (Minami-romon) and Utsukushii Gozen-sha.

Main Hall or Main Sanctuary

Main Hall with People doing their prayer

Main Hall at Night

Main Dance Stage

South Gate (Minami-romon) and Mai Dance Stage

Mai Dance Stage with illuminated lantern

Noh Stage and South Gate (Minami-romon)

South Gate (Minami-romon)

Shinto Shrine and Noh Stage

Utsukushii Gozen-sha

Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Historic Temple with Picturesque Views

The last but not the least temple that the whole family visited in Gion District was Kiyomizu-dera Temple. From Yasaka Shrine, we walked along Higashi Oji Dori, until we reached where we noticed lots of people come and go which is in Matsubara Dori. Following my GPS in the phone, we noticed that we were near in a temple. Though we were unaware what kind of temple we will see, but we were very curious as to why there were so many people come to the temple.

Comparing the number we had seen in Chion-In Temple and Yasaka Shrine, we were overwhelmed because from the time we walked in Matsubara Dori (one of the walking paths to Kiyomizu-dera Temple) until we reached the first gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple called Nio mon, if we will not be careful, we will bumped to lots of people along the way. Everywhere I directed my eyes, there were lots of people, as if there some kind of celebration or rally. I was not sure if there were special events at that time but I thought there was none, it’s just that too many people visiting the temple or it is just that the temple too popular.

At Matsubara Dori

Nio mon

Sai mon (West Gate) at the front and Three Story Pagoda at the back

Nio mon, Sai mon and 3 Story Pagoda

Bell Tower

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Three Story Pagoda

Zuigu-do hall

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hon do (Main Hall)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Lovely Scenery and Koyasu Pagoda from Hon-do (Main Hall)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Kyoto City from Hon do (Main Hall)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

At Hon do (Main Hall)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Around the Hon do (Main Hall)

We followed the walking trails from Hondo to other temple buildings until we reached Koyasu Pagoda where we had a chance to see the pagoda upclose. And from the same area, we followed the walking trail to descend until we returned to the same Niomon. Along the walking trail, we had a chance to see temple buildings like Hondo (Main Hall) from the ground, which gave us a chance to see the wooden pillars that support it. Then, we saw a pond where we found a turtles on it.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Fushimi Inari Taisha – One of the Most Iconic Sights in Kyoto and in Japan

The four of us came back to our accommodation in Kyoto coming from a visit of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. But my parents wanted to rest for the day. My youngest sister and I decided to visit another place before we concluded the day. The last place that we visited was the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto Shrine. But before we pushed our plan, we checked if the shrine still open as it’s almost evening when we thought that we wanted to go there. And we were lucky as it is always open.

Since the shrine is near in train station, we took JR Nara Line train and got off at Inari Station. It’s almost dark when we arrived at the shrine, but to our surprise, there were still lots of people like us exploring the ground at that time. And because it’s famous, we tried to find what we were looking for – the famous “Senbon Torii” or “Thousand Torii” gateways. We followed the walking path where we found Torii Taisha Fushimi Inari, Romon, Worship Hall, Hall of Shinto Music and Dance, Senbon Torii, Okumiya and Tamayama Inarisha.

At first we followed the Senbon Torii tracks as we were excited when we saw the vermilion red color of thousand torii gateways but because it’s getting dark at that time, even I wanted to reached the end or peak of the walking trail, I decided not to push it anymore as first we don’t have headlamp and I was not aware how long it will take to reach the end. Therefore, we decided to return and end the walks in Senbon Torii.

Here were the few things we had a chance to see while exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Torii Taisha Fushimi Inari with Romon

Romon

Worship Hall

Hall of Shinto Music and Dance

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Senbon Torii

Okumiya

Captured along Torii Gates

Tamayama Inarisha

We finished the day exploring the colorful and amazing temples and shrines that can be found in Kyoto. Indeed a day is not enough to see Kyoto but the first travel we had, was very limited as other time we had was also spent in other places. Until next visit again in this old capital of Japan – Kyoto.

Notes :
1. Plan to visit Chion-In Temple? Check here. How about Yasaka Shrine? Here’s their official site. Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple ? Go here. And Fushimi Inari Taisha? Visit here.

2. Directions to Chion-In Temple :
Location : 400 Rinkachō, Higashiyama-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 605-8686, Japan
Transportation :
a. Take Raku Bus #100 from Kyoto Station that goes to Higashiyama Area, then get off at Gion Bus Stop or
b. Take bus #12, 46, 201, 202, 203 or 206
c. Visit the official access link to reach the temple here.
Official Website : Chion-In Temple

3. Directions to Yasaka Shrine :
Location : 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 605-0073, Japan
Transportation :
a. Take Raku Bus #100 from Kyoto Station that goes to Higashiyama Area, then get off at Gion Bus Stop or
b. Take bus #12, 46, 201, 202, 203 or 206
c. Visit the official access link to reach the shrine here.
Official Website : Yasaka Shrine

4. Directions to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Location : Seikanji Kiyomizukamiyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0000, Japan
Transportation :
a. Take Raku Bus #100 from Kyoto Station that goes to Higashiyama Area, then get off at Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop or Gojozaka Bust Stop
b. Take bus #202, 206 or 207
c. Visit the official access link to reach the temple here.
Official Website : Kiyomizu-dera Temple

5. Directions to Fushimi Inari Taisha
Location : 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 612-0882, Japan
Transportation :
a. Take JR Nara Line towards Nara and get off at Inari Station
b. Visit the official access link to reach the shrine here.
Official Website : Fushimi Inari Taisha

Discovery : Fushimi Inari Taisha – Senbon Torii (Thousand Gateways)

Discovery (Post#69) : Fushimi Inari Taisha – Senbon Torii (Thousand Gateways)

Photos of the day are all about Senbon Torii or Thousand Gateways. This is the main reason why we wanted to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha. Because we wanted to walk along the trail with thousand torii or gateways. A discovery to learn why there were thousands of torii gateways in Inari Mountain where Fushimi Inari Taisha is located was because of the reason below :

Torii gateways had become widely used as an offering by the start of the Edo period (1603-1868), to symbolize a wish for or acknowledgement of the “passing” of prayers from people to the deity. Today, there are around 10,000 torii gateways of all sizes along the mountain paths leading to Fushimi Inari Taisha.

— Fushimi Inari Taisha Official Website

These photos are part of First Kyoto Tour last September 2015.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Captured along Senbon Torii

Notes :
Photo : Fushimi Inari Taisha Senbon Torii, Senbon Torii, Thousand Torii, Thousand Gates
Location : 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 612-0882, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. Take JR Nara Line towards Nara and get off at Inari Station
2. Visit the official access link to reach the temple here.
Official Website : Fushimi Inari Taisha

Twilight : Fushimi Inari Taisha – Romon (Main Gate)

Twilight (Post#10) : Fushimi Inari Taisha – Romon (Main Gate)

Photos of the day are all about Fushimi Inari Taisha Romon or Main Gate. I am featuring this gate here because it is another gate that has story behind it. But this time, unlike the Chion-In Sanmon with sad story, this gate is somewhat represents blessings as what mentioned to its official website, below is the summary.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (regarded as second great unifier of Japan) built the gate from his donations, he prayed to Inari Okami and made a pledge that once his ill mother recovered, he will make donations which what happened for real. This story has been proven to be true when they discovered a text in sumi ink at the gate during its maintenance.

–Fushimi Inari Taisha Official Website

These photos are part of First Kyoto Tour last September 2015.

Torii Taisha Fushimi Inari with Romon

Romon (Main Gate)

Notes :
Photo : Fushimi Inari Taisha Romon, Romon Night Shot, Main Gate, Romon
Location : 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 612-0882, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. Take JR Nara Line towards Nara and get off at Inari Station
2. Visit the official access link to reach the temple here.
Official Website : Fushimi Inari Taisha

View At My Window : Kiyomizu-dera Hondo (Main Hall)

View At My Window (Post#45) : Kiyomizu-dera Hondo (Main Hall)

Photos of the day are all about Kiyomizu-dera Hondo or Main Hall. The amazing thing to see after reaching the Koyasu Pagoda area is the Hondo or Main Hall of the temple from a distance with a beautiful backdrop of nature. I will not be surprised why lots of visitors wanted to come in this place. It is because of the way the hall was built which is located in the steep cliff and having a large Hinoki Wooden Stage which said to be supported by over 13-meter high pillars. The 18 pillars that supports the main hall was made from over 400-year-old zelkova trees which reconstructed in 1633 and proves to hold the hall of over the years from lots of natural disasters. A truly wonders of traditional Japanese construction. These photos are part of First Kyoto Tour last September 2015.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Notes :
Photo : Kiyomizu-dera Hondo, Kiyomizu-dera Main Hall, Religious Site, Temple, Hinoki Wooden Stage
Location : Seikanji Kiyomizukamiyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0000, Japan
Directions / Transportation :
1. Take Raku Bus #100 from Kyoto Station that goes to Higashiyama Area, then get off at Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop or Gojozaka Bust Stop
2. Take bus #202, 206 or 207
3. Visit the official access link to reach the temple here.
Official Website : Kiyomizu-dera Temple