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.
