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| Shitennoji Temple, Osaka |
We decided not to bother with the Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, but we did head up that way to one of the markets. We passed a couple of temples along the way - of course, this is Asia after all - and arrived at the Shitennoji Temple, where the market is held.
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| Shitennoji Temple, Osaka |
This is one of the oldest temples in Japan, and its first Buddhist temple, founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku. Like many places, it has been destroyed a few times, but has always been rebuilt faithful to the original.
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| Shitennoji Temple, Osaka |
Now, onto the market, which was really why we were here. It was pretty good. There were plenty of food stalls, which meant Nic could satisfy his new found love of okonomiyaki, and I was pleased to find the promised stalls of old kimono and yukata.
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| Shitennoji Temple, Osaka |
I loved rooting through the piles of beautiful fabrics, and found it hard to limit myself to buying just a couple of bits. As I want the fabric to make bags, and packing space is at a premium, I bought a couple of obi, which are the fabric belts that are worn around the kimono.
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| Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka |
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| Shitennoji Temple, Osaka |
We also visited the castle in Osaka. It was OK, but not that exciting. I was more interested in checking out the cherry trees that were starting to blossom nicely. Of course I had to compete with the locals, who were also admiring the trees and taking lots of selfies.
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| Shonen Knife, Osaka |
Something else that we did in Osaka, albeit as a return trip while we were staying in Kobe, as to go to see Shonen Knife. They are a female Japanese rock/punk/pop band, with Naoko the one original member from 1981 and two others.
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| Shonen Knife, Osaka |
Sometimes, like tonight, they are joined by another original member, Naoko's sister, who is also the band's costume designer and maker.
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| Shonen Knife, Osaka |
They were recommended to me by a friend from my working days, and we saw them once in London. They are great fun, very energetic, and excellent live; Kurt Cobain was a huge fan.
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| Shonen Knife, Osaka |
Their music varies from Ramones covers, an excellent version of The Carpenters' Top Of The World, to their own songs like Ramen Rock, Green Tea and Like a Cat. Great to see them in their home city of Osaka.
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| Shonen Knife, Osaka |
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| Shonen Knife, Osaka |
We also visited the castle in Osaka. It was OK, but not that exciting. I was more interested in checking out the cherry trees that were starting to blossom nicely. Of course I had to compete with the locals, who were also admiring the trees and taking lots of selfies.
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