- Address: 1-1 Ōsakajō, Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 540-0002, Japan
- Phone: +81 6-6941-3044
- Official website: www.osakacastle.net
- Year of foundation: 1583
- Area: 1 hectare
- Opening hours: 09: 00-17: 00
In the Japanese city of Osaka is the samurai castle with the same name (Osaka Castle), which consists of 5 floors. He played a crucial role for the whole country in the period from the XVI to XVII centuries.
basic information
The foundation of the structure was laid by the commander Toetomi Hideyoshi in 1583. They built the castle in Osaka from 1585 to 1598. Its prototype was the palace of Azuthi, which belonged to Nobunaga Oda. The building was planned to be made as impregnable, but more ambitious. They built the fortress mainly to protect them from Sword fighters who constantly raided the area.
Osaka Castle in Japan covers an area of 1 square. km and is located on top of a steep mountain, consisting of a stone mound. The base of the fortress was laid large boulders. The largest of them have a width of 14 m and reach a height of 6 m. Construction involved about 30 thousand people at a time. In addition to 5 ground floors, 3 underground levels were also made.
The total height of the stone walls is 20 m, they are covered with gold leaf and are considered to be the largest in the country. The facade of the castle is surrounded by a moat, which has a width of about 90 m, and its length is 12 km.
Historical facts
This structure has a rich history, the main stages of which are the following:
- In 1614, the castle led by Hideyeri was able to withstand the siege of 200,000 troops under the leadership of the powerful shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The enemy buried the surrounding moats, which were the main element in the fortification fortress.
- A year later the ruler of the castle decided to re-dig the outer ravine and fill it with water. Tokugawa once again sent an army that was able to capture the fortress. Hideyery and his parents committed suicide. Today there is a memorial sign on the site of death.
- In 1665, a lightning struck the tower of the castle, which led to a terrible devastating fire. Subsequently, the structure was restored.
- In 1868, during the events connected with the Meiji restoration, a fire broke out here again. After that, almost all the buildings were ruined. In the surviving buildings there were barracks.
- In 1931, local authorities carried out a complete reconstruction, in which reinforced concrete was used. The main tower and the facade of the building acquired a modern look.
What to see in the fortress?
Up to now, such constructions have reached:
- the main gate Otemon,
- barracks;
- at home;
- 5 Yagur towers of the Tokugawa period;
- ditches.
The stones in the structures were laid in a special way, without the addition of mortar, so they were able to withstand earthquakes. On one of the walls is depicted a battle, where about 400,000 samurai took part. The castle in Osaka is made in the form of a museum, where interwoven ancient interior and modern technology (for example, elevators). On all floors there are exhibition halls, which tell about the life and everyday life of the owners. There are also cinematographic films, an observation deck.
The photos taken in the castle of Osaka will take you to the Middle Ages of Japan and impress with its original coloring.
Features of visit
Osaka Castle in Japan is open to visitors daily from 09:00 to 17:00, except public holidays. The building is surrounded by a garden, next to the stadium, where international musicians often perform.
The cost of admission is about $ 4 for children over 15 years and for adults. Children up to the age of 14 inclusive will not have to pay for the ticket. In the institution, the description of the exhibits and brochures are written in Japanese and English.
How to get there?
From the city center of Osaka to the castle, it is most convenient to take the subway lines Chuo and Tanimachi to Osakajokoen station. By car you will reach Tosabori. The distance is about 10 km.