The Backpack Adventures

Located in 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka Prefecture in Japan , Osaka Castle ( 大坂城 or 大阪城,   Ōsaka-jō  ) is one of Japan's most famous castles. It also played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Osaka Castle Osaka Castle History Under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle was built in 1563 on the site of the Ikko-Ikki Temple of Ishiyama Hogan-ji. Toyotomi wanted the castle to look like that of the Azuchi Castle (Oda Nobunaga's headquarters) but it turned out much better.  Osaka Castle - Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Osaka Castle was completed sometime in 1597, however, Toyotomi Hideyoshi died soon after. The castle was then passed to his son Toyotomi Hideyori. Map of Osaka Castle Park Otemon Gate going to Osaka Castle grounds Eating ice cream at one of the stalls near the gate The Expo '70 Time Capsule Details of the capsule's opening date. Osaka Castle was built on two raised platforms of l...

Located in  1 Chome-2-16 Nanba, Chuo Ward which is  not far from Dotonbori Bridge in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture in Japan , Hozenji   ( 法善寺 )   is a very small temple tucked in the famed  Dotonbori area. Hozenji Hozenji History Hozenji was built sometime in 1637. The temple pays homage to Fudo Myo-o , one of the five Myoo or Wisdom Kings. These kings are said to be the guardians of Buddhism and more specifically the Five Wisdom Buddhas. Fudo Myoo is usually depicted holding a sword that represents the wisdom that can cut through ignorance. He is usually accompanied by two smaller statues named Kongara and Seitako (they are his attendants). Hozenji - Osaka City, Osaka Going through the Hozenji Yokocho In Japan , the swastika is a symbol for temples  You should be patient if you're visiting this place... I wonder what those are... The moss-covered statue of Fudo Myo-o Pilgrim sprinkling water at the moss-covered statue Fudo M...

Located in the Namba District in Osaka City in Osaka Prefecture in Japan ,  D ōtonbori   ( 道頓堀 ,  pronounced  [doːtomboɽi] ) is one of the principal tourist destinations of the city and the prefecture. Dotonbori Dotonbori history The history of  D ōtonbori   (which means D ō ton's canal)  could be traced back to 1612 when a local entrepreneur, Yasui  D ō ton began expanding the tiny Umezu River in hopes of increasing trade in the region. Sadly, his project was interrupted when he died defending Toyotomi Hideyori during the Siege of Osaka. (He was on the losing side though).  Dotonbori - Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture His project was continued and finished by his cousins in 1615. The new lord of Osaka Castle , Tadaki Matsudaira named the canal and avenue beside it  D ō tonbori despite being on the opposing side during the Siege of Osaka. D ō tonbori in the 1930s A marker at the Ebisu bridge D ō tonbori Canal In 1621, D...