Osaka, Kansai, Japan

The 3rd largest city of Japan with 2.7 mio inhabitants acting as the economical center of the Kansai region. The name used to be Naniwa during the time it was the capital of Japan around 645-655 AC. This time I visited the Doyama entertainment district, was eating amazing Okonomiaki, walked up the tower of the Osaka castle and went to a temple festival watching the Mikoshi rides.

Osaka castle

Hokoku shrine

West of Osaka castle

East of Osaka castle

Martin in front of Osaka castle

best wishes next to Osaka Hokoku shrine

The Mikoshi tradition is seen at Shinto temple festivals and involves the people living in the area around the temple. Groups of men, women or even older children are carrying the mobile shrines over the shoulder. Inside drums are beat and on the top a strong voice directs the path to go.

Mikoshi preparation at Hiraoka shrine	Mikoshi ride at Hiraoka

Hiraoka mitzuri	crowd at Hiraoka mitzuri

Shitennoji Jizoyama	Turtles at Shitennoji

Shitennoji Niomon	Shitennoji Kondo - Golden Hall

Shitennoji 5 story pagoda	Shitennoji lamp