Osaka

These pictures are from my visit to Osaka Castle:

A view from the top of Osaka overlooking the rest of the city. The castle sits quite high above the city and is surrounding by many acres of lush greenland, which is quite rare in Japan especially in such a densely populated city such as Osaka (the 2nd largest in Japan).

Another view from a difference angle. Note the construction in the background. There always seems to be construction on huge skyscraper projects in Asian countries. Often more than one happening at the same time.

Another different view. The green surrounding the castle quickly turns into the bustling urban streets of Osaka.

A view looking up at the castle. It is actually 8 stories from bottom to top once you are inside.

Another view. That one building was pretty sleek. You can't see any lines in the glass reflection at all. It is a perfect reflection.

One of the two moats surrounding the castle. It was well protected! Quite a walk to get from the outside to the castle. Where this picture was taken was from an archer's post. The wall was carved out slightly at the bottom so the archer could rest his bow.

This is a picture of Kyoto. It is one of the walking streets with the old style paper lanterns. There is not much space between buildings. You can walk 2-3 people across, but that is all that will fit.

The castle itself was raised up off the ground from the hill it already rested on by another 20 feet so that if it was invaded, the intruders would be forced to enter through one entrance only since the walls surrounding the castle were unclimbable.

Another view of city/moat.
Check out this giant crab! You guessed it, its a seafood restaraunt. The still picture fails to capture the magnifience of this creature. Its limbs moved in an alluring manner drawing you inside (but it didnt work on me!).