Adventure denied.

Nothing too much to write about last week's adventures. As with the week before, I went into Osaka thinking that I'd found something fun to do, only to be denied by some seemingly random closing. This week's destination was to be the Umeda Sky-Building, located in one of Osaka's two main "downtown" districts (Umeda, the other being Namba.) I arrived in the lobby of the sky-deck, greeted by a sign saying that the top floors would be closed for two days because of [kanji, kanji, knaji, kanji, kanji] (it sucks being illiterate sometimes.) Not being one who would have his fun spoiled by "fun-spoiling 'building closed' signs" I changed plans and wandered over to the Yodo river (Osaka's largest river) and walked along the banks for a while before heading home.

The Umeda Sky-Building.

The interior structure of the Umeda Sky-Building.

A "reverse waterfall" at the base of the Umeda Sky-Building.

Wednesday, desiring a bit of culture, I walked over to the Hyogo Prefectural Art Museum in HAT Kobe. HAT Kobe is a section of reclaimed land in Kobe harbor that was a warehouse district before the 1995 earthquake when fire obliterated the area. Seeking a positive use for the scorched land, the prefectural art museum, red cross hospital, and regional disaster-preparedness-center were moved there and many new high-rise apartments and park areas were constructed. The museum is a large structure mostly made of concrete in the front (giving it a very utilitarian feel) but largely glass in the rear (the side facing the harbor.) I only paid for general admission as I wasn't feeling the "Dutch still-life" special exhibit. As was to be expected the general collection was mostly works done by Japanese artists (though Geoege Segal's "Rush Hour" was on display.) There was also an interesting gallery with works of Japanese artists trying to emulate European styles at the turn of the century (with varying degrees of success.) Comparing the two Kansai area museums I've been to so far: the Hyogo Prefectural way outclasses the Tennoji Museum.

...and that was last week's adventure. It's now Monday morning and I'm pondering what I should do tomorrow. Hmmm. Well, until next time:

Jaa Mata Ne.