A Tour of Osaka Castle
The Impressive History of Osakajo and the Medieval Center of Japan
Jan 30, 2009
In the crowded and constantly humming city of Osaka Japan, amongst the skyscrapers and neon signs, nestled into surrounding gardens is the mighty Osaka Castle (Osakajo). Built, as a symbol of opulence and power on the site of a former temple the castle stands strong today after centuries embattled against the destructive forces of war and nature.
Humble Beginnings
The place where Osaka Castle stands had humble beginnings as a small temple site in the late 1400s. Burnt out during a war the temple site became the home to what would be an imposing tower that would weather many storms. In 1583 Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a great warlord of medieval Japan, began construction of the castle with the intention for it to become the center of his unified Japan.
For fifteen years Toyotomi’s castle grew. Adorned in precious metals and standing several stories tall Osaka Castle was an impressive display of wealth. Only two years after Toyotomi’s death in 1598 his armies were defeated during the war that threatened to tear apart unified Japan.
In 1615 Ieyasu Tokugawa, who had defeated Hideyoshi Toyotmi’s men, attacked Osaka Castle. His forces destroyed the Toyotomi lineage and devastated the castle. Tokugawa, after establishing a Shogunate, had Osakajo rebuilt to even greater specifications creating a mightier fortress.
Fiery Endings
In 1660 and 1665 the recently rebuilt Osaka Castle would suffer at the hands of Mother Nature. Lighting struck destroying much of the castle and only a few years later it struck again burning down the main tower. Lighting would strike again in 1783 however Osaka Castle was still in a ruined state.
It wouldn’t be until the mid 19th century that the ruling Shogunate would accumulate enough wealth to rebuild much of Osakajo while the main tower remained incomplete until 1931. During the mid 1900s World War II and a massive typhoon battered Osaka Castle and again the once ornate and firm fortress deteriorated. In 1995 a renovation began to restore Osaka Castle to its former splendor.
A Historic Site
Located at 540-0002 1-1 Chuo-ku, Osaka the stronghold and surrounding area are now a museum and historic site. Inquisitive tourists can learn an in depth history of not only Osakajo but also the early years of Osaka city and the people who influenced Japanese history. Osaka Castle is open for visitors from 9:00 to 17:00 with final admission at 16:30. Admission is 600 Yen or approximately $6 for those 16 and older. For more information phone (81) 06-6941-3044.
The trip to the castle is an adventure in itself as visitors pass through lush parks and wind around kilometers of footpaths and over moats to reach the central buildings. The main tower of Osaka Castle, gleaming with gilt and bright white paint, has eight floors including many exhibits and a theatre. The tour culminates at the observation deck on the top level that allows magnificent views of surrounding Osaka. Tourists of all sorts, from history buffs to light-hearted adventurers, can find features of Osaka Castle to enjoy.
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