09 May 2024

Enjoying the contrasts of Osaka

Our Sacred Japan & South Korea adventure was underway in the bustling city of Osaka. Joining us today was Taku, one of our local guides accompanying us for the voyage. To connect with Japanese nature, we began with a hike in Minoh Park, a ravine cloaked in forest with a fast-flowing stream. Lush green maples contrasted the towering evergreen cedar and dark camellia, some flowering red. The pathway slowly narrowed as we climbed to the 33-metre-high walkway to the waterfall for which the park is renowned for. The name Minoh, or Minoo, comes from the fall's resemblance to winnowing, a traditional farming technique to separate grains from husks, with the Japanese word for a winnow basket being “mino”. Passing a courtyard we ran into a wedding party, who were mutually surprised by an opportunistic audience and a glimpse into local life for us.

The contrast to Minoh Park could not have been more marked as we explored Dotonbori, the symbolic business and market centre of Osaka. Lined with giant three-dimensional signs such as crabs, lobster and beef, the streets were filled with a variety of restaurants. Navigating the bustling streets, we found our hosts for a delicious Japanese-style lunch before Taku led those who wished through the alleyways, byways and the canal, eventually arriving at the bus which would take us to Sakai. The city of Sakai, which merges with Osaka, is home to traditionally made Sakai knives. French-born Eric Chevallier introduced us to the process of knife making and the unique skills and presentation style including types and usage. A moon over Fuji pattern on the knife blade is a pinnacle of skill which only three people have attained, one lives in the Sakai region and had work with this pattern on display.

Returning to Osaka, we strolled through the outer grounds of Osaka Castle before crossing the filled outer moat, then the dry inner moat and through the gates to stand before the castle. Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by the feudal lord Toyotomi. The original castle tower burnt down in 1655 due to a lightning strike. After being rebuilt, it was again destroyed 200 years later with the third rebuild being what we see today.

The lowering sun cast a golden glow onto the castle, the top storey shining against the white lower levels. A perfect way to end our day in Osaka.

Images © Heritage Expeditions