You’re wondering through one of Japan’s biggest cities, amongst tall concrete buildings, bright neon signs, and hundreds of other people. The modern architecture is fascinating but as you turn the corner onto a quieter street you see something entirely different. In pristine condition, as though you have just walked back hundreds of years ago, a shrine gate lays there to greet you. And beyond it a green, tranquil environment invites you in. The Namba Yasaka Shrine's lion's br

When many people picture Osaka, they think of the modern day city; of the bright lights, and neon signs of Dotonbori or the sky scraper metropolis around Umeda and Osaka station. They also think of Osaka Castle. The castle keep looking out over the outer moat of the grounds. Photo: James Rodgers A Glimpse Of Old Amongst The New Unlike Kyoto, Osaka is not as enriched with Japanese history in the form of temples, shrines, and old Japanese buildings. Whilst of course Osaka can s