This morning we caught a couple of trains to Osaka Castle. Took a few shots as we walked through the park to get there:

Then lots of photos of the castle itself as we got closer:

It’s a great place for photos. Surrounded by a lovely park and gardens, moats, bridges and a pretty impressive stone wall.

We meandered up to the castle itself and it started to rain (lightly) just as we got to the line to buy tickets.

I know – I may have overdone it with the castle photos, but it’s very photogenic! But here’s a photo of something that isn’t the castle:

There are 8 levels and you are encouraged to start at the top and work your way down.

The 8th floor is the observation deck level. You can look out over Osaka and the park around the castle. Unfortunately, the view is impeded somewhat by the bars and wire they have up there – I assume for security reasons? You essentially have to take photos through the gaps:

The remaining floors make up the museum. It begins by telling the story of the man who had the castle built in the 16th century – Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Subsequent floors have exhibits relating to Japanese history since that period. No photos allowed for much of the museum, which was a shame, as they had some wonderful painted screens and armour. We made our way back down to the first floor and out again, and it was still only raining lightly.

Here are some sakura photos for those who are interested (Osaka Castle Park is a great cherry blossom location):

On our way out of the park we got some meat-on-a-stick.

We went back to the hotel after that. Felt a bit strange going back before late afternoon. Every day in Tokyo we left after breakfast and didn’t return till evening. Perhaps we’re flagging?!

The rain had picked up through the day and I’d woken up feeling a bit crook, so Maeve and I stayed back while the boys went out for a wander later in the afternoon.

Dinner was Bikkuri Donkey, because they have an allergen free meal for Maeve (which she really enjoyed). I ordered a horrible Japanese beer which Morgan ended up drinking. Tasted like goblin piss.

Tomorrow it will stop raining and we will go to Nara.