It is time for the Spring Seishun Ju Hachi Kippu (March 1 - April 10). This cheap way to travel by local train in Japan is offered by the JR train company three times a year and costs 11,850 yen for five day tickets. Last weekend I used two tickets to travel to and from Osaka and Kyoto on Saturday and Sunday.
First I went to Osaka Castle. This is a very large (8 floors) reconstructed castle that has been made into a museum. Most of the signage is in English as well as Japanese.
There two tickets available - castle museum only for 700 yen or a combined ticket for 1200 yen. I was glad I opted for the combined ticket and was able to see the special area after I visted the main castle.
I like this picture, with everyone looking in the well, except for one boy looking up.
To get into the Castle there were two lines, a very long one waiting for the elevator which takes visitors to the eighth floor, or no line to walk up the stairs. I walked up the stairs, which was much quicker! There was a great view from the top.
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| One side is for up and the other for down |
After visiting each floor, I walked down to the next floor.
Photos were not allowed in much of the castle museum, but it was too crowded anyway. I was glad to get outside again.
I was really glad I decided to buy the combined ticket because the Important Cultural Properties were very interesting and not crowded. I could actually get close enough to the signs to read them.
8 comments:
Interesting - thank you for sharing.
Beautiful photos, my friend, from a gorgeous place. Kisses!!!
Another interesting day out. The view from the top was worth the climb. The castle must have been very imposing in the days before high-rise buildings.
Attractions in many touristic places offer a combined ticket, and it's usually worthy.
I would have climbed the stairs too, despite my advanced age. I dislike elevators.
Osaka castle is great and large, and beautiful!
I want to go, someday.
It is so striking, this castle. And boy -- eight flights but what a view! As always, thanks for taking us on this excursion!
A lot of stairs to get to the top, great exercise.
Such a lot of detail in the noticeboards explaining all about what you were seeing, its one of the things I have noticed about Japan as I have been reading about your travels.
Osaka castle looks awesome! I think we will visit there too, although probably not on a weekend.
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