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Osaka Castle – by Jakub Ha?un –

Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s many landmarks and arguably Japan’s most famous castle. The Osaka Castle is found in Chūō-Ku, in the City of Osaka, Japan.

Construction of the castle was started in 1583 and finished in the year 1597 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle was constructed strategically on a high stone, supported by rocks, and around a moat to safeguard it from enemies.

From the outside, the main building of the Osaka castle is five stories but from the inside, it has eight stories.

The following is a list of ten interesting facts about the Osaka Castle:

1. The Osaka Castle is the Most Famous Japanese Landmark

The city’s most famous monument is Osaka Castle, which played a key part in Japan’s unification during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the sixteenth century.

The peace that followed centuries of civil war after this period is thanks to the castle. The Osaka castle has served many purposes in its lifetime including being an armory for Japanese forces during World War II.

Due to having survived some of Japan’s lowest moments such as the 1945 bombings, the Osaka Castle is a source of strength for many and a sign of the resilience of Japan as well as its people.

2. The Original Owner Passed Away After Its Completion

Toyotomi Hideyoshi commissioned the construction of the Castle in 1583. After construction was completed in 1597, he officially opened the castle and at the time it was used as a storage room for the military.

Hideyoshi expanded the territory and made it a formidable base to avoid attacks. Later in 1598, Toyotomi passed away and ownership of the castle was passed to his son Toyotomi Hideyori.

3. The Osaka Castle Is Very Resilient

Osaka Castle (left is completed in 1931 / right is under construction in 1930) -by 日本語 –

Toyotomi Hideyoshi envisioned the castle as a symbol of a united Japan. The castle, however, was demolished by Togukawa soldiers some years after Hideyoshi’s death while owned by his son. The castle was restored in the 1620s by Tokugawa Hidetada.

 However, the castle was damaged again in 1655 when it was struck by lightning which ignited the gunpowder stored in the building hence burning it down.

The castle was not rebuilt until 1931, and it miraculously survived many air raids during World War II although some parts of the castle’s parks and the main building needed restoration.

4. The Osaka Castle Is More Than Just A Castle

Nishinomaru Garden of Osaka Castle – by 663highland –

The castle might be the largest and the most famous structure in the Osaka Castle Park but there are several other, fifteen (15) to be exact, structures in this complex including temples, shrines, and gardens all of which have historical significance.

One of the most interesting structures in the castle park is the Miraiza Osaka-jo Shopping Mall. However peculiar it is to have a shopping mall in a castle park, it is as interesting as it is useful. The mall has cafés, restaurants, and several gift shops which visitors use constantly since it takes a long to tour the entire castle.

5. The Castle was Toyotomi Hideshi’s Dream

Toyotomi Hideshi was a Japanese Samurai and General in the Late Sengoku Period. Toyotomi’s Vision was to build a castle that would stand tall and be a representation of a newly unified Japan. He also made sure the castle was the biggest in Japan at its time to show off his power and influence.

It took a few years to complete the castle since there were reports of over 100000 people contributing to its construction. The Osaka Castle was modeled in the image of the Azuchi Castle.

6. The Form of the Castle Today Was Designed in 1620

In 1614, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and his soldiers attacked and destroyed the Osaka Castle. The castle did not survive but was instead burnt to the ground and destroyed in its entirety during the Tokugawa conquest.

In 1620, Tokugawa Hidetada, the second shōgun of the Tokugawa dynasty, completely reconstructed the castle and made several noticeable and long-lasting changes or improvements.

The main building, the castle tower, was elevated more and built with five visible stories from the outside and eight on the inside as it is today. Hidetada also constructed enormous stone walls that were meant to protect the castle. These walls stand to date having survived the bombings and several wars throughout history.

7. The Interior of the Castle Is Significantly Different Compared to the Outside

Inside the Osaka Castle – by 螺钉 –

The Osaka Castle has needed to be reconstructed severally due to damages from attacks or accidents. In 1997, efforts were started to bring back the castle’s glamour. This revamping of the interior design meant that many changes were made to the castle.

At the moment, the interior of the Osaka Castle is modern showcasing the history of the castle as well as various Japanese artifacts. The modern interior also contains elevators, computerized systems, and security cameras.

8. The Osaka Castle Is Open to the Public

A crowd of People at the Osaka Castle – by Laura Inafuko –

Unlike most castles, the Osaka Castle is open to the public for visitations and touring. The castle is a popular spot for many, with its large and beautiful gardens and landscapes. The castle park is especially popular and packed during the Cherry Blossom Bloom locally known as the Hanami.

During these festivals, the castle is filled with food vendors and entertainers such as the Taiko drummers to entertain the massive crowds.

9. The Osaka Castle Is Referenced and Used in Several Popular Culture Literary Works

The castle has been used by writers, directors, and authors in several films and books. For example, in the 1995 film Godzilla Raids Again, the British Novel in 1975 by James Clavell, and more recently the final episode of The Amazing Race 20.

The use of the castle in these films speaks to its popularity and fame in and outside Japan.

10. The Entire Castle Grounds Are Large with Over Thirteen Structures

The Kimmeisui Well Roof to the south of the Osaka Castle Keep Tower – by Ethan Doyle White –

The Osaka Castle complex is large covering over 15 acres (61000 square meters). There are thirteen structures in the complex, all of which are recognized officially by the Japanese government as important cultural assets.

These structures include the Kinzo Storehouse, the Enshogura Gunpowder Magazine, the Kimmeisui Well, Tamon Turret, Sengan Turret, Otemon Gate, Inui-yagura Turret, Rokuban-yagura Turret, Ichiban-yagura Turret, Sakura-mon Gate, three sections of the castle wall, and the Megaliths

The structures in the castle park are connected with scenic pathways and gardens that visitors can use to rest during the long tour around the castle.