In this second video of my trip to three castles in three days in Japan. I leave the Funtoco Backpackers hostel and explore Osaka during the daytime. The first location taking me to Shittenoji Temple, a temple from 593 AD thought of as the first buddhist temple in Japan. It was founded by Prince Shotoku. Along the way I walked up Tenjinzaka. I also rotated a little 転法輪印, or dharma wheel. I think I spun it the correct way haha.
Then I took a short metro ride to Osaka Castle or 大坂城. It was built in 1583 and since then has been restored. I didn't spend much time there though because it was so crowded.
I then headed to Mos Burger to have lunch. It's a Japanese fast food chain that has your typical fast food fare. I had a Teriyaki burger and a melon soda that was the greenest thing I've ever seen in my life. It was pretty good! And I had a little snack from a Lawson convenience store that was great.
I then got back on at Osakajokoen station to head to Mino Falls. I transferred at Osaka station to get on the Takarazuka line to head to Mino-o station.
Next up was a walk up to the actual falls itself. It turned out this was a fairly popular tourist destination as well. I took some back trails to avoid most of the crowds though. Along the path there were lots of stalls deep frying maple leaves, also known as maple leaf tempura or momiji. I knew I should have tried it so you guys could experience it, but I just could not bring myself to eat a leaf. I'm sure it was fine, but I just wasn't in the mood to eat a leaf.
Along the path I found a Sakura viewing spot, that didn't have any of the cherry blossoms blooming anyway. I found a statue of the dude on the 1000 yen bill. His name is Hideo Noguchi. I didn't realize it at the time though.
Mino falls itself was pretty disappointing all things considered, especially compared to the trail overall. So overall the hike was definitely worth it. After, I took a train back to Osaka station and then rode the shinkansen bullet train to Himeji, my next destination. There really is no feeling quite like taking a long distance train ride gazing out at the scenery of Japan.
After getting to Himeji, I walked down this cool shopping street called Nishi Nikai Machi to get to a Hostel called One Hostel and Standing Bar. Enjoyed a quick shower and then had Tsukemen, a Japanese dish where you dip noodles in a hot soup.
The next morning I headed to Himeji Castle, the largest castle in Japan. It is also known as the White Heron Castle both because of its color and because it looks like a heron sprawled out over the landscape from above. Along the way I saw the Himeji City Zoo and the City Museum of Art from the outside. I went inside Himeji Castle and it was much more impressive from the outside. Just seemed kind of small when you actually went inside.
I then headed to Takeda, which was an hour train ride north to see Takeda Castle. When I got to Takeda Station, it was nearly a ghost town it was so quiet and empty. Until next time...
Once again sorry for the terrible autofocus.
JAPAN 2019 Full Playlist:
• Japan 2019
MUSIC CREDITS:
Brick and Mortar by Nocturnal Spirits
Sun Ray Falls by Roral Ceef
Applied Pressure by Alec Slayne
I Have My Ways by Raymond Grouse
A Night Full of What Ifs by The New Fools
Midair by Ennio Mano
The Farmer by Fabien Tell
Heartbreaker (Instrumental Version) by Gloria Tells
No Summer Without You by Golden Age Radio
EQUIPMENT USED:
Panasonic GH5 - amzn.to/2CfH9YN
Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 - amzn.to/1FRE9kc
Panasonic 8-18mm f2.8 - amzn.to/2FxVIer
Rode Videomic Pro+ - amzn.to/2QBMjbX
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