Osaka Castle and Osaka Museum of History, Japan
Osaka Castle is a historic landmark surrounded by beautiful grounds, while the Osaka Museum of History showcases the city’s rich past through interactive exhibits.
Osaka Castle: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Hokoku Shrine: 2-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Osaka Museum of History: 4 Chome-1-32 Otemae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0008, Japan
Date Picture Taken: September, 2024
I reached the vicinity of Osaka Castle via the city subway and walked toward the castle from the station.
Hoenzaka Warehouses
NHK TV Station Building. This building also houses the Osaka Museum of History. I will come back to this building after the castle.
The Osaka Castle
The castle is surrounded by imposing stone walls and a wide moat.
Its main tower, standing eight stories tall, is adorned with gold leaf and elaborate details.
The design incorporates both defense and aesthetic elements, making it a fortress and a cultural masterpiece.
Map of Osaka Castle
The gate into the castle’s outer region
The gate into the castle’s inner region
In front of the gate is this small shrine. I will come back after visiting the castle.
Looked back at the gate
A view from within the gate
Miraiza Osaka-Jo. A chic complex in a historic building featuring restaurants, bars & samurai- & ninja-themed stores.
The Osaka Castle
Built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent daimyo, as a symbol of unification during Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku period.
The castle played a pivotal role in the Siege of Osaka (1614–1615), which marked the end of the Toyotomi clan’s reign.
Reconstructed several times after being destroyed during wars, the current structure dates back to 1931, with significant modern renovations.
A line of people waiting to enter the castle.
The interior has been modernized into a museum that showcases the castle’s history, artifacts from the Toyotomi era, and exhibits on samurai culture.
Photography was prohibited inside the castle, except in the observation deck area.
Came back to outside
This small shrine on the outer region of the castle is Hokoku Shrine.
Hokoku Shrine (豊國神社, Hokoku Jinja) is a Shinto shrine. It is dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most famous historical figures, who was known for unifying the country during the Sengoku (Warring States) period.
Back side
I exited the castle and walked over to the Osaka Museum of History.
View of the castle from the museum’s window
Osaka in the ancient period
In the 7th century, the clothing worn in Osaka’s palace reflected a Chinese style.
The Former Naniwa Palace, originally constructed in A.D. 652, was built in the Chinese style. The original buildings no longer exist but have been reconstructed in the model.
It served as an imperial palace and a political center during the Asuka and Nara periods.
First established in A.D. 652 during the reign of Emperor Kotoku, it became Japan’s first permanent capital before the capital moved to Asuka and later to Nara.
It symbolized Japan’s embrace of Chinese-style centralized governance, incorporating Chinese architectural and political principles.
It eventually fell out of use as the capital shifted permanently to Nara in 710.
The present location of the old palace
Artifacts found in the area
The Latter Naniwa Palace. It was also in Chinese style.
The Age of the Osaka Hongan-ji. The Age of the Osaka Hongan-ji refers to the period during the late 15th and 16th centuries when the Osaka Hongan-ji temple served as a central hub of religious, military, and political influence in Japan. This era reflects the dynamic role of religion in feudal Japan, blending spiritual leadership with organized resistance against powerful warlords.
Medieval Street
Osaka Hongan-ji Temple
Osaka in the Middle Ages, around the end of the 15th century
Osaka during the Early Modern Era. During the early modern era (approximately the 17th to 19th centuries, corresponding to the Edo period in Japan), Osaka played a pivotal role in Japan’s economic, cultural, and social development. It became one of the most prosperous and dynamic cities in the country.
Kado Theater
Townscape of Semba
The Age of Greater Osaka. The Age of Greater Osaka refers to the period in the early 20th century, particularly the 1920s and 1930s, when Osaka flourished as Japan’s economic and industrial hub. During this time, the city experienced rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and cultural development, earning it the nickname “The Manchester of the Orient.”
