29 May 2025

Discovering the Delights of Osaka

Our Eternally Sacred Japan voyage started with a coach to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and a city rich with spiritual legacy. Visiting Todai-ji, we were immediately struck by the sheer scale of the Great Buddha Hall — an immense wooden structure housing one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues. We moved through fragrant swirls of incense smoke as we passed beneath towering wooden gates, stepping back in time to the 8th Century, when Todai-ji stood as a centrepiece of Buddhism in Japan.

Outside, the temple grounds were alive with a rather unique group of residents — over 1,200 Sika deer, which roam freely and are carefully protected by the local people. Regarded as messengers of the gods, these deer added a playful yet sacred energy to the visit, some bowing politely in hopes of receiving special deer crackers from passers-by, while others lounged beneath the pines.

Those of us not travelling to Nara journeyed instead to Minoh National Park - one of Japan’s smallest National Parks – where we saw the protected Minoh Monkeys cavorting in the carpark and the exceptional 33-metre high Minoh Falls. We then made our way to the famous Dotonbori district, enjoying the sights, tastes and smells of Osaka’s most famous street food area. Following on to the Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, we explored the artisanship behind Japanese knives and swords with expert craftsmen on hand to explain the history to us.

From sacred serenity to samurai splendour, our afternoon unfolded with a visit to one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks — Osaka Castle. After transferring by coach, we approached the castle grounds on foot, along the winding stone path that climbs toward the inner citadel. The sheer scale of the surrounding moat and the immense stone walls made for an awe-inspiring welcome.

The castle’s main tower rose proudly above us, with sweeping green tiled roofs and gold accents. Inside, we explored displays that told the story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a key figure of Japan’s Warring States period. Armour, scrolls, and folding screens brought this dramatic era to life. Stepping onto the observation deck, we were treated with panoramic views of Osaka’s skyline, with the moat and stone walls far below. 

Our final stop brought us to the Osaka Museum of History, which brings the city’s past to life through a mix of life-sized reconstructions and detailed miniature models. The creativity and craftsmanship of the displays are remarkable, placing this museum in a class of its own!

Images © C. Perry & T Mulholland, Heritage Expeditions