Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - Osaka Castle ,

 We breakfasted in our hotel bakery-cafe. French pastriesas well as savory creations. I selected a toasted brioche bun a soft cheese,dill and pearl tomatoes warme alongwiths a latte. Karinhadacoup,e sweet pastries. Kenji joined us with pig in a blanket and another savory crunchy pastry, we three sat at the window and talked as we watched pedestrians and cyclists and traffic. People watching was fun. Leo slept in and had planned a day to remain in The hotel and complete a report of his June internship.

We three parent types headed for the Metro by way of a shop we saw yesterday on our walkabout.  This shop sold items left behind on trains. We had seen several of these fans being used this past week, and today was already hot and humid, even before our trip to the Osaka Castle. Karin guided us through the nearby Metro station to the correct track and to the correct standing location for the correct car. Our fans blew warm air, but at least they created a breeze for our faces as we walked to the castle a few blocks from the metro station and on the grounds to the walkway through what appeared to be two high block walls and moat. We walked a distance past several buildings which were part of the castle community. 

There was a crowd, but Kenji had pre ordered our tickets so that we did not have to wait in a very long line, and  staff inside guided us efficiently yo the elevator which brought us to the fifth floor.  There was an exhibition depicting the history of the  castle from the 1500s. Not having studied Japanese history the creative descriptions in small models, and drawings, animated models in diorama gave a powerful description of battles between clans as well as of one leader. Warrior fighting clothing and weapons were also displayed.

We visited the 8th floor which was an observation area. We looked over the vast  castle complex as well as the city. Tall and broad trees and tall buildings,  many with creative architecture such as the NHK building made the viewing expereience worth the climb up the stairs. Walking down we stopped on a couple floors to visit exhibitions focusing on Japan's history with other nations which began in the 1600s and Osaka and its relationship with water. Displays and artifacts kept my interest.

Walking bsck in the heat I was very glad for the personal fan. Back at the hotel we cooled down and ate some lunch which we picked up next door at the 7-Eleven store.  In the early evening we left by metro with Kenji guiding us to a lively evening of walking Osaka Shinsekai, an outdoor mall-type setting of restaurants and cafes mainly. Buildings were painted large with fantasy scenes, some of which were in three dimensions.  Musdic and people walking made the atmoshere lively. We had supper focused on a local specialty : skewers of fried meal and vegetables.  It was fun watching the Lusters guessing what the shape on the plate held on the skewer. The set appetizer was seaweed cracker with a toasted cheese topping.

As we left and returned to the metro station we noted most of the establishments were closed, and it was only nine pm.  Thanks to Kenji's research we made it to and from our evening's event smoothly.  We turned on the TV in our room to watch the end of a baseball game between the Tigers from another Japanese city and the Hiroshima carps.  It was fun to watch as it was yesterday to watch the soccer game and see the local enthusiasm.

Now, this sports watcher will get some sleep for the International Expo tomorrow.


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