Thursday 15th March 2018
Osaka has a population of 2.6 million, it is located on the Southern coast of western Honshu, the largest of the four main Japanese islands.
Osaka first gained prominence when Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a well known warlord, built Japan’s most magnificent castle here in the 16th century. Osaka Castle was destroyed by a series of fires throughout the ages. The present structure dates from 1931, and although not as large as the original, this is still one of Japan’s most famous castles.
The Shinto shrine of Sumiyoshi Taisha is the headquarters of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi-sha Shrines nationwide. Over three million people visit this shrine at the beginning of a new year, and it is widely respected as the home of the guardian deity of sailors.
A very early start again! Osaka is laying on all sorts of events for the benefit of the Queen Elizabeth.
First on is a very pretty coloured water spray by a fire boat tug as we sailed in, this again as the rising sun glowed in a rather murky sky.
Then on the pier where we were berthing, an energetic brass band gave us a welcome show, with a large group of spectators watching our arrival.
Today we are on tour, so joined our group, boarded the bus and set off through the city, by now the sun had come out and so we were blessed with a good day.
First stop at the Sumigashi Taishia Shrine.
A Shinto Shrine area with many shrines designated for the worship of different deities, all sorts of religious rights carried on here requesting blessings and wishes from good luck in all areas of human life and death.
The whole site had a peaceful feel and the buildings, bridges, shrines and grounds all very well kept.
Many colourful banners and strings of origami cranes all around.
The Japanese are pretty much all born into the worshiping of Shintoism, mainly for the happy aspects of life, birth, marriage, etc. Alongside this most are Buddhist, by personal choice, mainly for the less happy aspects such as death and burial.
Back on the bus we set off for Osaka Castle. A large park surrounds the castle, with multiple moats and many defensive walls and gates.
Making our way to the central tower, or Donjon, climbed up to the top floor, a couple of hundred steps, for amazing views over the park and the city.
The floors below each contained museum exhibits relating to the history of the castle.
Not enough time to appreciate as the tour schedule didn’t allow any where near enough.
Back to ship for a short break and a cuppa.
Then out into the town, first stop just by the ship a small shopping centre where a ceremony by the Port Authority welcomed the Queen Elizabeth, in the person of the Captain and her Officers, all involving lots of speeches, gift giving and the opening and drinking of a barrel of Sake, lucky we’re not due to sail till late tonight.
Captain and deputy Captain
Model of Queen Elizabeth made from Lego
Investigated the area near the ship and took a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel for views over the ship and the city, wheel about 100m across.
Back on ship to catch the Shinto Dragon Dance ceremony to bless and to bring good luck to the remainder of the voyage and the passengers.
After it got dark, off ashore again to ride the Ferris Wheel to see the lights.
The Ferris Wheel itself putting on a spectacular light show.
This was best seen from the ground, so spent a long time just being amazed by the clever images produced by the lights and continued to be entertained through a late dinner, with again lots of people watching our departure with waving torches.
Soon time for bed.
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