The other day, after working in Osaka, heavy rain from a typhoon disrupted the Shinkansen, preventing my return to Tokyo. I ended up spending an unplanned holiday there.
Fortunately, I had stashed my LUMIX GF10 in my luggage, so I didn’t get bored. More importantly, it gave me material for my blog, which had been suffering from a recent lack of content. Let’s dive right in.
I couldn’t sleep well at the business hotel in Nakanoshima, which I’d hastily booked instead of my usual place. So, I just got up around 6 a.m. and wandered around the area.
Nishiki Bridge over the Tosabori River.
This beautiful arch bridge was built in the early Showa period. Even though it’s early morning, it glistens in the strong sunlight, but thankfully the temperature at this hour isn’t so high it makes walking uncomfortable.
For the locals, this view is probably nothing special, but as an outsider, the orderly high-rise office district of Nakanoshima, which doesn’t feel like typical Naniwa(Old Osaka), is a sight I just can’t resist photographing.
Looking east from Higobashi Bridge, slightly backlit. The air feels almost refreshing enough to call it “crisp” if you stretch it a bit. Even the harsh summer seems to be nearing its end (hopeful thinking).
Since it’s Osaka, you see all sorts of things happening on the streets.
By the way, I can’t help but feel that the office buildings around here are all competing to look “impressively grand.” Is that what Nakanoshima is like?
While wandering around like this, the temperature has definitely started to rise. The metal railings at Higobashi are glistening.
Before I knew it, I found myself slightly sweaty.
Getting drenched in sweat before breakfast isn’t good. I should head back to the inn soon.
By the way, I learned last night that several art museums are scattered around here. I casually scouted them out while walking and discovered they’re surprisingly close. After this, museum-hopping wouldn’t be bad, I thought, as I made my plans – me, the “impromptu traveler.”
