Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan and one of the top places to visit in Osaka. This is another place with a lot of rich history, and honestly I felt a little overwhelmed by how much there is to learn about! There are signs scattered all around the park that explain the history in English, so there was a lot of stopping and reading here. It’s really a wonderful place that played in an important role in the unification of Japan in the 16th century. It’s historically significant because the final battle between armies of samurai (also known as the Siege of Osaka) happened here.
Besides the history and important events that took place at the castle, it’s also famous for the massive stone wall that surrounds it. The wall includes 5 colossal stones that weigh over 100 tons and 15 stones that weigh over 50 tons! It’s unknown how these stones were assembled together, but we do know that the builders were able to reduce the weight of the stones by thinning them out. It’s quite impressive, and it was an incredible experience seeing these huge stones in person.
Today, the interior of Osaka Castle is a museum that visitors can pay to enter. The castle has 5 floors and offers a nice view of the city at the very top. Osaka Castle and the surrounding park become extremely popular during Spring, when there’s an abundance of cherry blossoms around every corner.
Brief History
Osaka Castle was constructed by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who was a samurai and the ruler of Japan at the time. The castle became a symbol of power and fortune after Hideyoshi reached his goal of unifying Japan. Due to the contribution of 100,000 workers, the castle was completed in only 3 years. It was said that the castle and surrounding walls were strong and secure, however, everything was destroyed in 1614. This attack is known as the Siege of Osaka and it lasted from 1614 to 1615. There were two stages during this battle known as the summer campaign and the winter campaign.
When Hideyoshi died in 1598, the Council of Five Elders took control of Japan. These people were extremely powerful feudal lords, and Tokugawa Leyasu had the most authority among them. Tokugawa eventually overthrew the council, and him and his clan sought powerful jurisdiction over Japan. The only thing that stood in their way was Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s son. This is what led to the Siege of Osaka.
During the invasion, Osaka Castle was burned down and Tokugawa ultimately won. This was the beginning of the Edo Period, also known as the Tokugawa Period (1615-1868). During this time, Japan was under a military dictatorship known as shogunate. A military ruler from the Tokugawa clan rebuilt Osaka Castle in 1620. Unfortunately, in 1665, lighting struck the gunpowder warehouse in the castle which set off an explosive fire. The castle was once again burned down and wasn’t repaired until 1843. The Meiji Period began in 1868, and the castle was once again burned to the ground by anti-shogunate forces.
The castle that stands today is from 1931 and it had a makeover after WWII. The final restoration was completed in 1997. The heavy and painful history can really be felt while roaming through Osaka Castle Park. However, it’s a great place to learn more about Japan and how it came to be. Not to mention, the castle is beautiful and the sunlight reflecting off the gold accents are mesmerizing. It should be on everyone’s list when visiting Osaka!
