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Day 4 Recap: Osaka Castle

    July 6 started with classes. I woke up early and went caught the subway to Nakamozu from where I continued by foot to Osaka Metropolitan University. I picked up a two-liter water bottle and sandwich from a Seven-Eleven along the way for breakfast and then proceeded to spend two hours in linear algebra (which I feel would be meaningless to elaborate on). Afterwords, I picked up lunch (once again from Seven-Eleven) and then met with the other students and the accompanying faculty members to make our way to Osaka Castle.

    Osaka Castle was built in the late 16th century originally with the purpose of helping stabilize and unify the surrounding region. However, in these more modern times it has become a major Japanese landmark as well as a symbol of times gone by. 

    I came to castle on a somewhat warm day and arrived using the Osaka subway system. The approach to the main tower takes one past two moats, an outer as well as an inner moat. The tower itself stands on top of raised land overlooking the city. It is eight stories tall inside and has been converted into museum.

    The museum portion of the tower covers the building of the tower as well as the wars surrounding it. It doesn't take long to go through, and there are many exhibits that are hard to enjoy unless you speak Japanese. However, the view at the top is stunning and makes it worth seeing. 

    The figure museum is a much smaller attraction, but it is worth seeing if you are going to the castle or are interested in the subject. The has an extensive and varied collection making it enjoyable for everyone. Despite having a large collection, it is worth noting that the museum is only a few rooms, so it takes less than thirty minutes to go through. 

  After seeing Osaka Castle and the figure museum, I decided to head back early due to a flight I had the next day. Unfortunately, I got lost and spent several hours struggling to find my way back which I thankfully eventually did ending my day and this blog post.


Osaka Castle

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