Well my Osaka plans went bit awry and ended up not seeing much of Osaka. Hadn't counted to arriving so late to Osaka(already dark) nor having to leave so soon(Koyasan lodging requires checkin before 5PM plus takes more time than expected) so as it was this year as well I didn't see much of Osaka...
One funny event from yesterday. I had checked in and left bags and went for search for book off. Running(nice little practice) when suddenly two foreigners asked ME where we are as they had got lost. That was funny. I had arrived to my hotel like 20 minutes ago and was being asked where we were :D Well luckily I had like 5 minutes ago verified from Japanese I was still on right way so was able to actually pin-point fairly accurately current location from which they could figure out where to go.
Heh. Anyway morning I just prepared for departure. I had arranged meeting with Japanese who had also asked if she could bring her friends(boy and girl) and I said sure! We went for quick tour of castle area though we didn't go inside. Time was bit of issue and meeting was more about just chatting in Japanese and English about various subjects about Japan, Finland, my travels, each other hobbies and so on.
Part of my breakfast. Pudding for dessert and...something! Had noodles at the bottom but not quite sure what that IS but looked interesting :D
Around the Osaka castle.
Front gate.
Looks busier than Hanko's main street these days I suspect :D
Museum of some sort.
Rebuilt some 80 years or so ago. Been destroyed twice by fire(there's reason why Japanese have open fire bans everywhere).
That symbol was around everywhere. Osaka castle symbol? Anyway clearly represents Samurai warrior.
Must have been bit of bummer for attackers to try to cross that one.
I'm actually surprised(and commented this) that there was no fence or something. Keep eye on kids. That's a long drop!
We bought lunch from nearby vendors. I opted for 2 things. Okonomiyaki(pizza like pancake with various ingredients according to dictionary).
And these. Nothing inside. Just one solid ball to chew. Not bad taste actually.
From Holland this person. Not sure what he's famous for though.
Part of walk around. Those are seriously big stones.
Anyway after this it was time for me to head to next destination. Koyasan! Originally place of temple the temple grew to town and is now UNESCO world heritage site and popular for temple lodging. They are used to foreigners as such(not sure are there any Japanese lodging right now on this temple I'm at. Several foreigners. Could be Japanese tourists on other temples though) though there's still some language issues(leaflet warned bus drivers don't speak english(though they know at least basic greetings) but before hopping to bus you get from guide map, instructions on how to use bus, target bus stop after you tell your temple name and even price you need to pay. Easy! In the temple they speak basic English for instructions so no need to know Japanese to visit here.
Unfortunately by the time I got here it was already fairly dark so didn't have much of time to explore but did take couple shots of the town around the temple I stay.
On my way toward Koyasan.
In mountains again. And yes it was chilly at the destination though no snow this time.
Small village in mountains.
That's the temple I would be staying this night.
Inside my room.
I like sleeping in futons :) But lack of chairs is bit of bummer!
Hmm this should be 90 degree turned around. Lol. But pretty painting at the door behind which is futons.
There was even snack like this waiting.
Some shots from the town. Quite a difference to Tokyo or other big city :D This is more of rural town feeling. Much more like my home town!
Though at least in my town streets aren't as narrow as here...
Dinner was at 17.30. Unfortunately I forgot camera when I was summoned for the dinner! ARGH! But overall similar to the dinner I had on saturday except no meat whatsoever. But lots of food. Filled 12 plates/pots/etc covering 3 small tables. Rice, lots of different vegetables, tofu, tempura, fruits, green tea. And good! I could get used to dinners like this. Despite not having any meat it was excelent meal. I have eaten worse in bit pricier restaurants. This place isn't cheapest lodging method but you get dinner + breakfast and with this quality it doesn't feel that expensive.
Though lack of locks in room doors is bit odd. But this is actually temple. Doors were put when this was not hotel usage. And there is strongbox for wallets etc
Pathway to bath. Bit of labyrinth this place.
No-one was at the bath when I came so I took opportunity to take couple photos.
You wash there before getting to bath above. Bath itself is just for relaxation. Very nice feeling just soaking there in the very hot water.
Stool and basket for washing.
After bath put on yukata(though belt is 99.99% certainly incorrectly tied. But at least it keeps yukata on) and returned to room for relaxing evening writing this blog and emails. And then some reading.
(and that's seiza sitting I'm doing. At least fairly close though not sure did I execute it correctly. But damn that is TOUGH! Even with the blanket to sit on)
Tomorrow I'll head back to Osaka for quick trip and then to Tokyo as JR pass is over. Sad :( Final stage of holiday begins. 10 more days in Tokyo and then to Finland.
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