[JAPAN] Osaka Castle

15:00 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

The Osaka Castle has a turbulent history since its construction began in 1583. It was destroyed twice and it was not until 1931 that the current castle tower was rebuilt. It miraculously survived the city wide air raid and was used as military base during World War II. Today it houses an informative museum about the history of the castle and its founder, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.



The outer moat and stone walls of Osaka Castle.



The Osaka Museum is open from 9am to 5pm, last admission is 4.30pm. The opening hours is extended during certain periods in spring and summer.



The Osaka Castle can be easily reached by subway, either by Subway Tanimachi line to Tanimachi 4-chome station exit 9 or Temmabashi station exit 3.



If you have Osaka Amazing Pass, you can use the pass for free to these 5 spots in Osaka Castle Park:
Osaka Castle Museum (9-17, last entry 16.30), Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden (9-17, last entry 16.30), Important Cultural Properties The Turrets of Osaka Castle (10-16.30), Osaka Castle “Gozafune” (10-16.30, every 10 minutes) and Aqualiner (10-16, hourly).
The usual entrance fee for Osaka Castle Museum is 600 yen per adult.



This is Otemon Gate (main gate).







Sakuramon Gate is the main gate of Hommaru (Inner Baily) of Osaka Castle. Built during the early Edo period in 1626, this gate was lost in fire during the Meiji Restoration in 1868 and reconstructed by the army in 1887. The name Sakuramon (cherry gate) is considered to come from a line of cherry trees planted near this gate during the Toyotomi period, which preceded the Edo period.



To protect the front entrance to the Inner Bailey, a Masugata Square surrounded by a stone wall was created inside the Sakuramon Gate. The stone in the front is known as Takoishi (octopus stone) and is the largest stone in the Osaka Castle, about 108 tonne in estimated weight.



The main tower of Osaka Castle Museum is finally in sight.





It was the largest castle at the time when it was first built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, mainly because he intended the castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under his rule.



However, after his death, Tokugawa Ieyesu held real power and unified the entire country. Tokugawa troops destroyed the castle and terminated the Toyotomi lineage in 1615.



Thereafter, Tokugawa Hidetada rebuilt Osaka Castle in 1620 but it was struck by lightning and was burned down. The restoration of castle was completed in 1997.



Before entering the castle, you can either choose to wait in the long line to take the elevator or enter straight away to take the staircase. The elevators will usually go directly to the 5th floor without stopping. For physically disabled person, an elevator that goes directly to 8th floor is available.



Beside the main entrance stands an ancient cannon. Beginning with the Meiji 3rd (1870), it had seen its use as a time-signaling gun, at first fired thrice a day, until the Meiji 7th (1874) in and after the year it had been employed as the noon marker. To save gun powder and other reasons, its use seems to have been terminated sometime during the Taisho 12 or 13.



On the 2nd floor, the full-scale replicas of the Shachi (legendary dolphin shaped fish) and Fusetora (crouching tiger) are on display.



Ornamental Fixture in the shape of Chrysanthemum Crest used on the roof of the Main Tower.



On 2nd floor, you can try on a helmet, surcoat and kosode kimono, and have your photograph taken.(500 yen per person per try).



During the 1959 excavation, every surface of over 500 thousand stones making up the walls of Osaka Castle were carefully inspected. As a result, tens of thousands of seals of more than one thousand types were discovered. Other facts and figures about Osaka Castle can be read on the display panels on 2nd floor.



Osaka Castle memorial stamp is available for visitors for free.



The 3rd floor showcase a full-scale replicas of the Golden Tea Room by Toyotomi Hideyoshi who was absolutely fascinated with gold. No photograph is allowed on this floor and 4th floor. This was the only photo I managed to take.



5th floor showcase the Summer War in Osaka with images and miniature figures. The Summer War was the last decisive battle between the Toyotomi and the Tokugawa families. The two sides fought intensely, and a great number of soldiers died in battle. Osaka Castle fell in only three days. However, Tokugawa Ieyasu did not gain victory with ease. He died the year after the Summer War.



7th floor told the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who built Osaka Castle and succeeded in unifying the entire nation. Although he was a son of a poor farmer, he worked his way up from the bottom to become the ruler of a nation. It is fascinating to read his life story which is summarized on the display panels here.



8th floor has a museum shop selling souvenirs.



Miniature of Osaka Castle are being sold here in various design and sizes.



8th floor also is an observation deck, offering view of Osaka city from 50m above the ground.



However, the installed safety net obscures the view.



Back to the ground floor where there is another museum shop.



The souvenirs sold on the ground floor is different from the 8th floor. So it’s worth to see both if you’re looking for something unique related to Osaka Castle.



After visiting the Osaka Castle Museum, I visited Nishinomaru Garden. The admission fee is 200 yen per adult but since I was using Osaka Amazing Pass, it is free but I still need to exchange the ticket at the ticket counter.





Nishinomaru Garden offers a great view of Osaka Castle from another angle. During cherry blossom season, the full bloom of about 600 cherry trees makes it a popular hanami spot and the castle ground will be covered with food vendors. Night cherry blossom viewing event is held during blooming period with a separate fee.



It’s a pity that it wasn’t the sakura season yet in early March when I visited. I’m sure it would be a beautiful sight.

Osaka Castle Museum:
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last admission is 4.30 p.m.
Admission fee: 600 yen, free with Osaka Amazing Pass
Website: https://www.osakacastle.net/english/

Nishinomaru Garden
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last admission is 4.30 p.m. Opens until 9 p.m. during cherry blossom season
Admission fee: 200 yen, free with Osaka Amazing Pass, 350 yen during the extended hours of cherry blossom season