Thursday, April 3, 2014

Osaka: Osaka Castle

Monday, 31st March, 2014.

 

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Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous, was commenced in 1583.  It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since then.  (Picture from a poster outside the castle.)

 

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A Japanese bystander insisted on taking this picture.  Apparently this is the spot where everyone stands to have their picture taken in front of the castle.

 

 

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During World War II, the arsenal became a large military armoury, employing 60,000 workers. Bombing raids damaged the main castle tower and in 1945, destroyed 90% of the arsenal and killed 382 people working there.

 

 

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In 1997 the latest restoration was completed. The castle is now a concrete reproduction of the original and the interior is a museum of the history of the castle.

 

 

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Some of the walls built in the 1620s still stand today, and are made out of interlocked granite boulders without mortar.

 

Some pictures taken from the top of the castle:

 

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After a big day, we had dinner at a local restaurant.  Here are Frances and our waiter being silly.

 

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Frances in the Tomato Hostel walk-in wardrobe.

 

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Carol in bed.  Just as well she isn’t any taller.

 

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I was able to take this picture by standing in the walk-in wardrobe, as there was no room left on the floor when our mattresses were unrolled.  Frances must have gone downstairs to brush her teeth.  Our floor didn’t even have a tap.

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