Why is it Famous?
As an international traveler you may come across different castles and historical buildings throughout your journey, but visiting Osaka Castle is a really different experience and which gives you a brief picture about Japanese Cultures and Historical Legacy.
Osaka Castle is an important ancient Japanese castle located in Chuo-ku, Osaka, with a rich historical background from the 16th century. Built by the Feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, as a symbol of Japanese legacy, power and base for the unifying Japan. Today it stands as one of the popular tourist destinations and a symbol of Osaka city.
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History of Osaka Castle
As we discussed earlier, Osaka Castle was built in 1583, by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to unify Japan. Despite of that, Osaka Castle was completed after 3 years of dedicated work by the 1, 00,000 workers. During the Toyotomi period Castle played as a major centre for art and cultures and brought a short period of peace.
Over the years Toyotomi tried to continue its legacy and expand the castle, making it more sustainable and more formidable by the attackers. During 1597, Toyotomi Hideyori took control of Osaka Castle when he died in 1597.
Unfortunately in 1614 Osaka Castle was severely attacked by the Tokugawa Leyasu. Hideyoshi forces were overwhelmingly outnumbered and fought even with 2, 00,000 army forces. But due to this war effects this castle was damaged and went unchanged.
Again during 1615 the castle was attacked by the Tokugawa leyasu forces. This time the castle was fully destroyed and it came to the end of the powerful Toyotomi dynasty. Next 250 years, the castle and Osaka regions were ruled by the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Tokugawa Hidetada a liberal king, decided to rebuild Osaka Castle again in 1620, and he was slightly changed by the new heir to the Shogunate. But in 1655, Osaka Castle was burnt down by lightning. From 1868, Japanese witnessed Meiji restorations against anti shogunate forces which negatively affected Osaka Castle and it led to more damages.
Over a period of its pages of history the castle underwent numerous distractions and damages, but finally in 1931, Osaka Castle’s main tower reconstruction was completed. Made current structure through concrete and designed to resemble the original. Today a history museum is available near to the castle documents which showcasing its history, surrounding parks, and space for relaxation.
Architectures of Osaka Castle
Osaka Temple has a unique architectural style compares to other Japanese ancient buildings such as Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace of Tokyo and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Built on a raised platform with walls and gates to protect from invasions. However the roof is steeply pitched and adorned with gorgeous golden ornaments. Since it is Edo period architecture, therefore visitors can see a 5 story main tower featuring an exterior covered in gold leaf and ornaments, which was primarily designed to impress visitors and confused enemies. Castle also holds eight giant fusetora, a golden tiger and shachi, a mythical creature with the head of a tiger.
Castle is primarily made of bricks and wood, especially its walls and walking paths. These structures create a harmonious balance between strength and nature. Today its perfect stone walls and 5 story main tower impress visitors from all over the world to indulge its tranquil beauty including its gardens.
Entry Fees
Visitors need to pay a certain amount to enter Osaka Castle. 600 Yen (including main tower access) for adults and kids less than 15 years of age or younger than that. If you are a student or children’s probably there are more chances to get discounted entry fees. Click here to get an Osaka Castle ticket.
Osaka Castle Timings
Osaka Castle is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and sometimes closes occasionally. If you wish to access the museum, better to reach before 4:30 pm. Osaka castle is open night-time too, when visitors can encounter a magical lighthouse.
What’s there Inside of the Osaka Castle?
There are things waiting for us to explore, especially its inside. Its interior design actually keeps Japanese significance including the castle facade and interior of Osaka.
1. Osaka Castle Museum
Osaka Castle interior includes a museum which is purely dedicated to the history of the castle and explains more about Japanese Cultures, art and history. It contains different floors and each floor depicts castles with a different history during different eras and the life story of Hideyoshi Toyotomi (founder of castle).
2. Observation Desk
Another prime attraction inside of the castle is the Observation deck. It offers 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding areas, modern skyscrapers and Osaka Castle Park. Since it offers a perfect view, it is considered as the ideal place to capture most breathtaking pictures to your Instagram or Pinterest accounts.
How to Get There?
1. By Train
Most recommended transportation option to visitors. Visitors must take the train at JR Loop Line and get off at Osakajokoen or Morinomiya Station. If you purchase JR Pass and JR West Pass, this route is automatically covered and visitors need not pay any amount.
Not just that, Visitors also take;
- Take the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines, and get off at Tanimachi Yonchome Station.
- Take the JR Tozai Line, get off at Osaka-ji Kitazume Station (21 minutes walking distance).
- Take Keihan Electric Railway, get off at Temmabashi Station (just 19 minutes’ walk to Osaka Castle).
2. By Bus
If you are not comfortable with a Train journey, you can also opt for bus transportations. There are good numbers of bus services available from the Osaka Bus Terminals. Bus numbers are like this, #10, #21, #31, #46 and #62 are going to Osaka-jo koen bus stop. Thereafter visitors need to take just 10 minutes to walk to reach world famous Osaka Castle.
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