Today we set off to visit the Osaka Castle which is within walking distance from our ryokan.
We entered via the Morinomiya station entrance. Osaka Castle is within an extensive park, the Osaka Castle Park, with a total area of 105.6 ha, located in the center of Osaka.
In the Osaka Castle Park are several historic structures including the castle tower, in addition to the Nishinomaru Garden with some 600 cherry trees, an ume (plum) orchard boasting 1,270 ume trees in 100 varieties, and other spots where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers.
Here are some images of Osaka Castle Park.
Next we moved on to Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) which is one of Japan's most famous castles. Osaka Castle played a major role in unifying Japan in the sixteenth century. First built in 1583 by one of Japan’s most fabled warlords, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, succeeded in ending century-long wars and using Osaka Castle as his stronghold.
The castle was built on about one square kilometer (less than a mile squared) of land, with two raised platforms supported by sheer walls of cut rock and surrounded by a moat. The central building is five stories outside, and eight stories on the inside. The thirteen structures that make up the castle have be designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government.
Osaka Castle was nearly destroyed during WWII, when used as one of the largest military armories. A full restoration started in 1995, and by 1997, had been completely restored to it's Edo-era days. The current castle is a concrete reproduction of the original castle, with a modern museum within.
A highlight of a visit to the castle is its fine collection of historical displays, its gilt details, and the great views of the city from the observation deck.
The castle is surrounded by parklands, which puts on a fine display at cherry blossom time. Look up to see the castle’s eight roof dolphins, ornamental roof tiles and golden tigers.
A short film on Osaka Castle and the city of Osaka
Here's our 10 day Osaka Kobe Kyoto itinerary.
We entered via the Morinomiya station entrance. Osaka Castle is within an extensive park, the Osaka Castle Park, with a total area of 105.6 ha, located in the center of Osaka.
In the Osaka Castle Park are several historic structures including the castle tower, in addition to the Nishinomaru Garden with some 600 cherry trees, an ume (plum) orchard boasting 1,270 ume trees in 100 varieties, and other spots where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers.
Here are some images of Osaka Castle Park.
Next we moved on to Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) which is one of Japan's most famous castles. Osaka Castle played a major role in unifying Japan in the sixteenth century. First built in 1583 by one of Japan’s most fabled warlords, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, succeeded in ending century-long wars and using Osaka Castle as his stronghold.
The castle was built on about one square kilometer (less than a mile squared) of land, with two raised platforms supported by sheer walls of cut rock and surrounded by a moat. The central building is five stories outside, and eight stories on the inside. The thirteen structures that make up the castle have be designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government.
Osaka Castle was nearly destroyed during WWII, when used as one of the largest military armories. A full restoration started in 1995, and by 1997, had been completely restored to it's Edo-era days. The current castle is a concrete reproduction of the original castle, with a modern museum within.
A highlight of a visit to the castle is its fine collection of historical displays, its gilt details, and the great views of the city from the observation deck.
The castle is surrounded by parklands, which puts on a fine display at cherry blossom time. Look up to see the castle’s eight roof dolphins, ornamental roof tiles and golden tigers.
A short film on Osaka Castle and the city of Osaka
Here's our 10 day Osaka Kobe Kyoto itinerary.
