2010.07.23 Tenjin Matsuri Gal Mikoshi

The last time I was at Tenjinbashi there were posters everywhere advertising a Gal Mikoshi, so I figured the least I could do was check it out. Not realizing that this was only part of the gigantic annual Tenjin Matsuri that had been going on for hundreds of years in Osaka.

It's somewhere on this line, I think.


In America, Subway is advertised as a healthy fast food place. In Japan, they have ice cream floats at Subway.

Back to Chigusa for a Chigusa-yaki! I started cutting it before I took the picture. Doh!


According to the owner at Chigusa, the Mikoshi was going to be starting around 3 or so so I went down by the KFC where people already started gathering and setting up. I was thinking about blurring out the Colonel since he's in 99.9% of the pics to follow but for that same reason, I didn't do it. Too much trouble for nothing.






I wish I had the ability to have video-ed this since still photos don't really capture the energy of this event. It was at least 15-20 minutes straight of the girls rocking the 3 mikoshi back and forth and chanting "Wasshoi! Wasshoi!" There were people with giant fans, but in that heat it was only moving around hot air.







The girls finally put the mikoshi down on some stands and the closing ceremony began.


This picture reminds me of 20 Century Boys since they're doing the "Tomodachi sign".

Confetti

Then they started tossing people in the air.

The girl went really high!


Anyway, that was pretty much the highlight of the day.  I don't remember if I did anything else after since I'm only finishing this post almost 2 years after it happened! OTL

2010.07.25 Uji Byoudo-in

Had plans to meet Ai and Saki at Uji Station in Kyoto @ 3pm, so I took the Shinkansen over from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto Station for lunch.

Got a Log Kit Sasebo Burger from the food court mysteriously located on the 10th floor of the station.


JR Uji Station


Interesting mailbox


Genji Monogatari-themed decorations?


I misunderstood the plans to meet up so I changed the meeting place to the JR Uji station but things worked out. Sometimes, I should slow down and make sure I understand what people are saying before I say "I got it!" then answer something different.

Saw Ai and Saki arrive at the station, but wasn't completely sure it was them so I waited a little longer before I went over. They were waiting by the gate, so I figured it was them and went over.

At first it seemed like we were wandering aimlessly, but the plan was probably to maximize sightseeing. No sense going straight to Byoudo-in because the scenic route is so much better!

More Genji Monogatari sculptures


I don't know what that pose is all about.


Ai saw some ducks so she ran away. Ornithophobia (fear of birds)?


There is also a service to have birds catch you fish (that you eat). Hmmmmm.


The original Byodo-in was soo much better than the mini-sized Hawaii version!






After Byodo-in the plan was to get something cold to eat and try dispel the heat.

Not only do I take pictures of my food, but I also take pictures of other people taking pictures of their food too!



It was kinda scary since we could hear thunder all day. The sky looked kinda ominous.


On the way back, it was suggested we check out the 'zero yen' store. The concept is that customers can eat as much salad and tea as they want for free. The salad dressings and teas are for sale.



(?) tea, Goya (bittermelon) tea, guava tea, regular green tea

A "free lunch". I ended up buying 3 bags of tea later. 2 bags of the goya tea since it was cheaper that way(?).


Back at JR Uji, it was time to head back to Osaka. I taught Saki and Ai the meaning of crossing one's fingers. I wish I could say they were hoping I'd be back soon, but they were hoping for good test results, instead.


Uji is a great place and I would want to go back, although I'd probably have to see what else there is to do/see there. And obviously, not visit during the summer.

Was kind of tired by the time I got back to Osaka, and because Justin mentioned being free in the evening (but not giving me his contact info) I waited around for a call/text but nothing came. Eventually, I decided to go out to get some dinner. There were lots of people on the train in yukata. Somehow, I had forgotten that the Tenjin Matsuri finale was tonight and was probably over or ending around that time (9-10pm). Went to Dotonburi and ended up at Creo Ru and ordered up a takoyaki x kushi katsu x okonomiyaki set and grape chu hai.



Came here back when I made it out to Osaka in 2008, but somehow the okonomiyaki was nowhere near as good as I recall. Maybe my okonomiyaki sense went up since then? Rode back to the hotel wishing I had gone to the food court in Umeda Station instead.

I should have tried one of these places instead.

2010.07.24 Osaka-jo, Kaiyukan

Post still under construction as I took almost 450 pics this day. Sorry for the delay.

I decided to try and get out and see more than I did the previous day despite the oppressive heat.

First destination was Osaka-jo (Osaka Castle)!

There is is off in the distance!

Part of their defense system was being behind several walls and moats so it's a bit of a walk to say the least.

One of the moats and what might be the Osaka Museum of History in the distance.


Where there's a moat there should be a bridge (hot oil and archers not always included).

Info about the bridge.

Once you get inside you are rewarded with more walking, this time up a steep ramp which may or may not be original.


And once you get up to the top, there is a courtyard where a bunch of samurai would probably cut you down.


Almost inside Osaka-jo!


Yay for random Japanese people wearing Hawaiian words on their shirts! But at least it didn't go too far and have something nonsensical that was obviously thought up by someone who had never been to Hawaii.


A disclaimer to remind people that the elevator was never used by the Shogun who lived there.


Instead of cuckoo clocks they had cannons to mark the time of day.


View from the top floor.

Bling!


Almost caught a ride on the train back to the station but...


Went back to the hotel for a quick shower and change of clothes before heading to Kaiyukan.

Finally got some good pictures of the otters!




Sea Lions!


Seals!



Another turtle; probably not related to the one from Toji Temple.


Monster fish


Capybara

Creepy-looking fish

Penguins!


Some fake-looking dolphin pics.


Reef fish


Fin-less porpoise info

Whale sharks!






Shark petting area; seems like a bad idea to me.

Petted a few; they were slimy and/or rough. Was kinda worried about the possibility of being bitten as well.


Made my way to Umeda & re-discovered the Gourmet Museum. Curry Ome-rice!