Japan: Kansai 8 (Yoshino, Osaka)

As the peak of the blossoms is passing in the cities, it is time to move to a higher altitude. You might say we are chasing the cherry blossom line. Yoshino Mountains located south of Nara is just that place. 

On our last full day in Japan, I pick Yoshino Mountains over Koya, the latter being a revered holy mountain and a pilgrimage site south of Osaka, which will have to wait until our next visit to this region. We pass Asuka, an old capital of Japan, and arrive at the Yoshino train station, from which we walk up a short distance to the cable car station.

Yoshino: a cable car to reach the Yoshino-yama station.

Yoshino: reaching Yoshino-yama, we are joined by a huge crowd, some of whom have walked up from Yoshino instead of taking the cablecar.

Yoshino: Kane no Torii - a large 17th century bronze gate near the entrance to Kinpusen-ji Temple.

Yoshino: Inside Kinpusen-ji Temple is a special seasonal display of Zao Gongen, in front of  which are semi-private booths for praying. There is a long line to enter despite the 1,000 yen admission, which does come with put-your-shoes-here-and-keep-it-as-a-souvenir-afterwards tote bag. Oh, and I saw "no photos" sign, after clicking my camera of course...

Kinpusen-ji Temple, Yoshino: there is some sort of a sakura festival on the day we visit. The main annual festival occurs two days later.

Yoshino: walking toward Yoshimizu Jinja, we get a glimpse of the mountainside ablaze with cherry blossoms.

Yoshimizu Shrine, Yoshino: of course we have to compete to see the classic view.

Yoshino: view from Yoshimizu Shrine

Yoshino

Yoshino

Yoshino

Yoshino: the narrow alleyway in Yoshino-yama is lined with restaurants with viewing terraces. I try the local specialty, saba sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, an old tradition used by monks.

Yoshino: a demonstration for yuba making

Back In Osaka, we celebrate the last dinner on this trip at an oden place near the hotel. A high-end oden restaurant sounds like an oxymoron, but this place certainly is, at least price-wise. Named Man U, but not the bastardization of the name of the famous English soccer team.

No English by the staff here. The Japanese sitting next to us at the counter who now lives in Malaysia states to the effect that all good food comes from Kyoto, then it's all improved in Osaka, then imported to Tokyo. "Only sushi and tempura are the best in Tokyo. Everything else - Osaka!"

Osaka: an oden restaurant with a menu handwritten and pasted on the counter

Osaka: an oden restaurant, Man U

Osaka: a multi-course oden dinner at Man U

Osaka: as expected, Konyakku is included. Bulk, fibers, and no calories - what's not to like? And this version is even tasty!

Osaka: no communication in English but the oden chef is friendly and professional.

Osaka: the oden meal ends with an excellent bowl of udon, although it is not Kitsune Osaka is famous for, which will have to wait until our next visit.