Any minute a heavy downpour
of rain shall take place considering the overcast skies. The castle grounds foliage were starting to
turn into hues of red, yellow and orange with the sounds of the crow dominantly
heard of. At a distance and on a quite high
elevation, an imposing structure of a white castle reveals itself.
Playing a major role in the
unification of Japan in the 16th century, this white castle –
landmark of Osaka, Japan – is definitely a must destination in every traveler’s
itinerary. Without much hype and thoughts,
it is named the Osaka Castle.
The façade of the castle
appeared to me like traditional artifacts and interiors are on display
and that a wooden grand staircase awaits each guest. A picture of an elegant castle and palace of
the olden times with a spacious banquet, I said to myself. But my imagination was shattered when I saw
the elevator and the commercial spaces built in it. And that was the ground floor of the castle.
Despite the modern
facilities of the castle, its construction and existence has witnessed the rich
ancient history of Japan. The castle is
in fact an informative museum of its history and showcasing the life and works
of Toyotomi Hideyoshi as well in a form of dioramas. Note that taking photos is strictly
prohibited.
But who is Hideyoshi? I’ve made a few readings and this might be of
help for the curious minds and Asian history fanatics:
“Toyotomi Hideyoshi built
Osaka-jo in 1583. Hideyoshi, being the great battle expert he was, designed the most forbidable castle
ever built in Japan. One large moat
surrounded the whole castle with only two ways across it. One of those was a small bridge that could
easily be defended or even destroyed if necessary. The inner grounds which contained the large
main keep were actually built 3 levels above the water level of the moat. Any attacker would have to scale three high
stone walls and climb over 3 sets of turrets to get to the inner grounds.
No castle is invincible and
in 1615 it fell to the Tokugawa forces.
Hideyoshi’s heir, Hideyori, committed suicide before being
captured. Tokugawa completely renovated
the entire castle and built a new main keep making the whole castle even bigger
and grander than Hideyoshi’s original.
In 1665, the main keep was struck by lightning and burned to the
ground. It was never rebuilt.”
The Castle tower opens at
9AM and closes at 530PM with an admission fee of 600 Yen. Apart from the museum housed in the castle,
the rooftop/observation deck is the best vantage to view the city’s skyline and
skyscrapers. Without having to walk for
miles too much or spend for transportation costs, I felt I have seen what Osaka
has to offer (eagles-eye perspective).
at the observatory deck |
roof top details |
the Osaka Museum of History |
skyscrapers of Osaka |
The vast Osaka Castle Park
is perfect for people-watching and holding picnics. Fortunately, before the heavy downpour of
rain, we were given the chance to sit, eat and relax on the benches fronting
the castle, after the castle tower tour.
The cherry blossom season as they say is the best season to visit the
park. But autumn is equally scenic though I might have to revisit for the
said season.
2 comments
Sustainable development at its best. The old and new harmoniously combined in Japan. Awesome photos Atty. :)
ReplyDeleteparang kahit saan ka tumingin png postcard ah
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