Urban safari at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka

Tennoji Zoo is located in the center of Osaka and surrounded by many local restaurants and shops,but you can feel somewhere in African safari there at ￥500.-(entrance fee fpr adult).
If you stay at a backpucker's hotel near the zoo,then it is worth visiting for relaxation.
Tennoji Zoo is just within a stone's throw.

Mountain worship in Japan

Coexistence with nature was way of Japanese life in old times and found deities in natural beings-big trees,rocks and mountains for example.  We especially awed grandiose mountains,because they were inaccessible  in old times and  and therefore people imaged a magical power.  We can say that our mountain worship is based on a kind of animism.

Mpuntain worship is still popular in Japan.  Symbol of mountain worship is Mt.Fuji and some people climb Mt.Fuji as part of mountain worship besides climbing as a hobby.

Nageiredo under attached photo was built in the steep cliff about 900 years ago which is located in Tottori prefecture and still awe-inspiring.

Most popular amusement center in Osaka

Dotonbori is the most popular amusement center in Osaka where people can enjoy eating local foods such as Ramen or Takoyaki( octopus dumpling ) and sleepless night life.  Dotonbori river cruise is also popular for tourists. 

 

 

 

 

 

Kyoto attracts tens of millions tourists every year.

About 1,200 years ago Japanese capital was settled in Kyoto and since then Japanese emperor was living there until moved to Tokyo. During the second world war most of Japanese cities were bombed and many houses were burned down but Kyoto and Nara were not bombed in order to protect Japanese cultural treasures.   That's why there are still many old temples,shrines and emperor's residence are remained.

Most parts of Kyoto are registered in the world cultural heritage that means Kyoto is a treasure of the world.  Three days ago I visited Kyoto and took some pictures there which I showed here.
There are also many festivals throughout the year,so check it before you visit Kyoto.

Night spectacle in Kyoto

Luckily I live near Kyoto it takes about an hour from my house to the center of Kyoto by train.  Yesterday evening I visited Kiyomizudera one of the most famous temples in Kyoto,because it was  specially lighted up till 21:00PM last night.
I didn't enter the temple,because many people formed an endless queue to buy an entrance ticket but I found a good place,from where I could enjoy fantastic night spectacle.

 

 

 

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

Cherry blossom is in full bloom in Osaka now,therefore many people go out to admire it's beauty and make a party under the fully bloomed cherry blossom.  Osaka castle is our favorite place and evry year we hold a cherry blossom viewing party here.

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