A gateway entrance at Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle dates originally from the late 16th century. Over the centuries it has been repeatedly devastated by wars and by fire. The present tower is a late-20th-century restoration.

Along the trail in Mino Park that leads to Mino Waterfall

The rooftops seen here are from a temple in the park.

Buddhist temple inside the park

Detail of the dragon atop the fountain

The Buddhist goddess Benzaiten, who derives from the Hindu goddess Sarasvati. She is the goddess of music, eloquence, water, and wealth. She holds a lotus blossom in her left hand and a biwa, Japanese lute, in her right.

Stone lanterns at the shrine

In the background at left, Ryuanji Temple, founded in the 7th century. It is a center for the Shugen-do Buddhist sect, which considers mountains to be the most sacred sites on earth.

People write prayers on the little slips of paper and attach them to the branches here.

Ryuanji Temple and its bridge

Back along the trail to the falls again