Osaka Castle

Wow! Don't ask me how I am doing this - this keyboard is all in Japanese! We went to Osaka Castle today and toured this historic, magnificent 7th century structure. surrounded by a moat. You could feel the samurai spirits around us. All 9 floors housed artifacts and dioramas that were centuries old.

Osaka Castle was originally started in 1583 and was destroyed by Tokugawa troops in 1615. The castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in 1620 and burned down after a lightening strike in 1665. I 1931 the present structure was built and the museum now holds artifacts of Toyotami Hideyoshi and castle history.

We are getting a real history lesson on Buddhism and Shintoism!On August 13th, 14th, and 15th the Obon Festival takes place in Japan when the Obon Festival takes place in Japan when the Japanese pay their respects to their ancestors by lighting lanterns for the spirits, and dancing to entertain the spirits. We then went to watch the bonfires on the mountainside from the roof of the hotel. This represents sending the spirits and ancestors back home at the end of the Obon Festival.

Oh by the way we did all this trekking around in 111 degree heat! No Kidding! There are vending machines all over to purchase water and Gatorade type drinks. We use or umbrellas for shade. It is all so historic and beautiful, and so much to take in! Our tour guide Christian is originally from San Francisco and has been terrific. He is arranging everything for us perfectly.

Osaka

Here we are in Osaka! We had a very long plane ride, crossed the International　Dateline, and Bingo - we went into the next day!　The plane from JFK to San Francisco was very comfortable, with fabulous views of the Rockys and the desert. The ride across the Pacific took 11 hours from San. Francisco with good food.
It is impossible to figure out how to post these messages in English so forgive me for not spell checking. I don't know which link to click for spell check, and this keyboard is so different.

Our hotel is wonderful in the busy city of Osaka, which is noted for its pharmaceuticals and textiles located on the Bay. You can look off into the distance and see the mountains where KOBE is. We are staying at the Best Western Joytel Hotel with great shopping areas on the lower floors. We took a walk for dinner to a local hamburger joint and had a great rice hamburger with a great French dressing. Our guide Christian said that it is a cross between a Japanese and Australian burger!!! I must say it was tasty. Tomorrow we are going to Osaka Castle, and on to the ancient city of Kyoto. to visit more shrines and temples. Sayonara - DonnaSan

Packing for Japan

We are in the last day of preparing and packing for The Land of the Rising Sun!
Japan is called the Land of the Rising Sun because the sun shines first on Japan when
it comes from the East over the Pacific. Japan's flag represents the big red sun on the white background.
Our group has had many meetings to finalize details and trip information and now we are ready to go!
The Yankee trails bus will pick up the Averill Park entourage at Averill Park High School, and then the Tamarac group at 1:15 A.M. at Tamarac School.
We travel to JFK, check in, and fly to San Francisco at 8:00 a.m. on United Airlines Flight 893.
From San Francisco we fly to Osaka on United Airlines Flight 885.
We arrive at Osaka on Wed. Aug. 15th at 4:00p.m. and will be staying at the Best Western Joytel. (phone # 011 81 (0)6 6684-1231)

EF Educational Tours emergency contact number is (617) 619-2913
or 1800-637-8222 (and press 9)

To call Japan - dial 011 (international code) then 81 (Japan Code), then 03 (local area code for Tokyo - other cities would have 0 and another number.) then the 8 digit remaining numbers.
You may have to drop the "0" for the local area code if it doesn't work.
Happy packing!!! Please be on time!

Preparing for our Japan trip

We are busy preparing for our EF Educational Tours trip to Japan
from August 14th to August 23rd, 2007. Many meetings have taken place, and fundraising is continuing. This blog will allow us to journal our trip preparation, and keep all our friends and relatives informed about our trip.During our trip we will blog our adventures and upload pictures of our excursions. Please add to our blog and add your own comments.
Arigato gozaimasu (thank you)