2. Osaka and Himeji

Golden Week

Part 2

First stop was @ the Himeji Castle (@ the suggestion of cyberpal Erin). ;) This was the most serene, picturesque place we visited on the trip. Taking a bad picture was impossible...I will accept absolutely no credit for quality of the pics--really--the place was jus that scenic.
Himeji is the oldest castle in Japan. And despite the hundreds of registered earthquakes each year, the castle 'on the rocks' is still standing!
Next stop was to visit April (another Minnesotan JET down in the Osaka area). She kindly offered us the apartment next door to lay our growingly weary heads and her tour guide expertise. April had a pal in town (another Minnesotan of course)...so the 4 of us ladies set out to show Japan our very best "Minnesota nice". The Osaka Aquarium
In the midst of millions of people, eateries & drink-eries, finding a breath of fresh air is hard going. But we made it to the ocean, typical Minnesotans, we have that water magnetism thing going. Also want to say special thanks to April's friend Shota---he dropped his plans to head out with us for the day and he showed us his favorite neighborhoods in Osaka.....Tennoji, Namba and Dotomobori.
Apparently this is a notorious landmark in Japan...I don't read enough of the travel books and never watch tv, so I'm not at all familiar. But like sheep, we imitated the hundreds of other people striking this pose here. HUGE thanks to April (and your friend for letting us get a piece of you too!) The Minnesotan dose was fab!

Again, I have about a hundred more pics of Osaka nightlife and the castle at the link above. Check 'em out!