Osaka castle is one of Osakas’s most famous landmarks and lies over an area of almost 15 acres with beautiful landscaped gardens .It houses some of the most important cultural assets of Japan.
History
The construction of the castle was started in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was completed in 1597. He continued expanding it and making it formidable to attackers. However , the castle has seen several sieges with different shogunates taking over at various points in time.
Under the Meiji government, the castle became part of the Osaka Army manufacturing guns, ammunition and explosives for it’s expanding military. In 1945, during WW II, it was one of the largest armouries but was almost completely destroyed in American bombing.
In 1995, a restoration project was undertaken to keep its Edo splendour and was completed in 1997.
The Castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, impressive stone walls and moats.
Our visit
The Nishinomaru garden encompasses a large area and is beautifully landscaped.The garden has many cherry trees on either side of the passage which bloom in spring giving a wonderful ambience. Since we visited in fall, the trees with multi colour leaves provided a different experience.
The landscaped gardens along the pathway.
On one side of the pathway, the moat winds itself and a boat ride on the moat in an added attraction.
A boat ride on the moat
As we walked along, we came across turrets which had played a critical role in defending the castle. With loopholes , rifles were aimed outside at the enemy.
All structures had imposing stone walls, a landmark of the Toyotomi period.
One of the turrets with imposing stone walls.
Walking along, we reach the Sakuromon gate .
The Sakuroman gate is the imposing wooden gate that leads to the inner bailey or Hommaru . The main tower of the castle can also be seen from this gate.
The Sakuramon gate with the part of the Takoishi stone and the main tower inside
As soon as we entered , there was a huge stone wall called the Takoishi stone . This single stone weighs more than 100 tonnes and has a height of more than 5 mts. The pattern on the left resembles an octopus and hence the name.
Takoishi stone
The inner bailey of the castle has the main tower of the castle .The Castle tower is built on a raised landfill. It has eight floors and golden decorations particularly the golden fish on the roof. It offers a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck on the eighth floor.
The interiors of the castle are a modern functioning museum with samurai artefacts.
The main tower of the castle
A closer view with the viewing gallery on top
A flight of stairs leads us on to the main entrance on one side of which is a mounted a canon.
An ancient mounted canon
Entrance to the tower
The top floor of the tower has a viewing gallery that gives a panoramic view of the city.
Panoramic views of Osaka city
The gold fish on the roof of the castle is also visible from here.
The gold fish on the roof
The lower floors are now used as a museum mainly featuring samurai armour, weapons and details of various shogunates that ruled Japan.
Some pictures from inside.
A replica of the legendary fish and crouching tigers.
Miniature battlefield scene
An armour
An exhibit relating to Emperor Toyotomi Hideyoshi who built the castle
Adjacent to the main tower is the Castle is the former headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army which is now a sightseeing complex. Inside the complex are several restaurants, shops and terraces . It is now called Miraiza Osaka-jo
Miraiza Osaka-jo
The Time Capsule
An interesting item in the inner bailey ahead of the tower is a time capsule. Buried there to commemorate the Japan World Exposition 1970, it has two capsules. Its intention is to transmit 1970 culture, technology and life items to future generations.
Interestingly electronic items and seeds were found to be in working condition in the year 2000….30 years after burial.
Time capsule
After the extensive visit to the castle we proceeded to the aquarium . Some pictures for you to enjoy…
Osaka Aquarium
Our group at the Osaka Aquarium
Some views from the aquaruim
After the walk through the aquarium , we were on our way back to the hotel for some rest before heading next day for some more from Osaka.
Hope you enjoyed this episode.
See you next week with more from Osaka.
Till then, do subscribe, like and comment…
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