10 days in Japan - 10/29/2022 to 11/7/2022

Day-1-Tokyo

 


Day-2-Tokyo

Day-3-Yokohama/Tokyo

Day-4-Osaka

 

Day-5-Osaka

Day-6-Kobe

Day-7-Kyoto

Day 8-Hiroshima

Day-9-Hiroshima

Day-10-hiroshima

 

Day 5- Osaka Castle Park-11/2/22

Osaka Castle park is a public urban park and historical site located on the south of the Kyu-Yodo River and occupies a large area in the center of the city Osaka.

  The entire Osaka Castle Park covers about two square kilometers with lots of green space, sport facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osakajo Hall) and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The park is one of Osaka's most popular hanami (flower viewing) spots during the cherry blossom season, which usually takes place in early April.

We are walking to the Osaka Castle Park. Osaka Museum of History on the left.

 

Hoenzaka Warehouse located right at the entrance of the park and near the Osaka Museum o history.

 

Hoenzaka warehouses are large, elevated-floor warehouse built around the later half of the 5th century, were discovered here on the northern edge of the Uemachi Plateau.

 

16 such warehouses were constructed, arranged in an orderly fashion, each warehouse covering and area of 10mx9m and having characteristic multiple supporting posts and "Irimoya" roofing style.

It is believed that they were constructed by the same great king who built the large tumuli in Mozu and Furuichi, in order to make a display of this great power.

 

Grand Hyatt hotel on Uemachi-Suji street

 

We are now entering the Osaka Castle park.

 

Osaka castle is surrounded by a series of moats and defensive fortifications.

 

There are two moats and this one is the external one. Much of this part of the castle grounds remain as they were throughout the Edo period (1603 – 1868).  They were built as part of the work initiated by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1620.  

 

Outer moat

 

Little kids going on a field trip with their teachers.

 

A map of the Osaka Castle park

 

The park was constructed on a site with a long history. In the fifteenth century, a militant temple, Ishiyama Hongan-ji, was built here. In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi destroyed Ishiyama Hongan-ji and built Osaka Castle here. From 1870 to 1945 the Osaka Imperial Arsenal used a large area, and it was destroyed at end of World War II. In 1931, Osaka Castle Park was opened to the public, but most of the area was used by the Imperial Japanese Army. After World War II, most of the military complex was removed and replaced by the public urban park.

 

Walkway leading to the first entrance door to the Osaka Castle

 

Otemon gate is the front gate to the Osaka Castle located on the southwestern corner.

 

Otemon gate was built in 1629 in koraimon style and restored in 1848 and disassemble and repaired in 1967

 

As soon as you get in the gate there is a huge square.

 

A second gate leading to the castle.

 

 

This is a tiny part of the inner moat surrounding the castle.

 

Hokoku shrine in Osaka Castle park.  It is a small Shinto shrine that became popular place for Japanese couples to get married.

 

Sakuramon Gate

 

View of the inner moat from the bridge leading to the Sakuramon Gate.

 

You can see the top of the Osaka castle in the background from the Sakuramon gate.

 

 

 

Built on a conspicuously high plateau in the city, Osaka Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan together with Himeji and Kumamoto castles. The construction started in 1583 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the ruler in those days, and the construction of the donjon was completed two years later. It has been burnt down two times, and in 1931 the donjon was rebuilt as a 5-layer, 8-story tower of 180 ft. high, after 266 years from its last destruction. With a full of decorations shining in gold color including the golden dolphins on the roof and the tigers embellishing the castle, it is a registered tangible cultural property. From the observation deck on the 8th floor, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Osaka city.

 

 

Miraiza building located right next to Osaka Castle on the main square.  It is a historical landmark and in the past it served as the military headquaters of the 4th division of the imperial Japanese army.

The unique exterior of theMiraiza building was based on the majestic cold castle of medieval Europe. Inside it is fairly large souvenirs shops.

 

Students are gathering in the park waiting their turn to get in the castle (left).

Tickets booth at the foot of the castle.

 

Once you buy the ticket you will need to climb the stairs to get to the main entrance.

 

Terrace next to the main entrance with a cannon facing the city.

 

We are now entering the castle which is a Museum

 

NEXT.... Day 5-Inside Osaka castle

 

 

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