The Historical Osaka Castle, Osaka - Japan

Hi everyone. Hope you all are well as always.  >*edited by Canva* Lately, I've been addicted to reading facts about Japan, and books by Japanese authors have almost filled my wish list. Not to mention the book I'm reading repeatedly mentions Japan, and this community member's post about Japan reminds me of my vacation in Japan last year. Oh my God, that was almost two years ago, and it feels like just yesterday. Speaking of Japan, the first city I set foot in was Osaka. It was randomly chosen when I was searching for cheaper flights, and flights from Osaka were more affordable than those to Tokyo, so I willingly went to Osaka first. Hmm… This might sound like a repeat. I may have already written about how I arrived in Osaka last year—maybe, but this time I don't want to talk about the behind-the-scenes story. Instead, I want to take you to Osaka Castle, a historic landmark in Osaka. [//]:# (!worldmappin 34.68725 lat 135.52596 long d3scr) Let's get it! ----- **Osaka Castle, Japan** ----- -----  Welcome to Osaka Castle… A Japanese cultural heritage that has become a symbol of Osaka. Yes, Osaka Castle is one of Osaka's iconic landmarks, towering, sturdy, and beautiful. I'll take you on a virtual walk around the Osaka Castle grounds. | https://images.ecency.com/DQmVHc4TCJ6dG3UuvozPq81UAE4aWMwGbafjXDSMsJ784hM/img_1385.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmPfqypc4rAiU1SjFZ4gdX8fQtre6C3sUkmPJesK2rRMAQ/img_1386.jpg | | ---| ----| A light drizzle was falling over Osaka when I arrived at Osaka Castle. Despite not having an umbrella, I continued on to the Osaka gate, as a trip to Osaka couldn't be wasted waiting for the rain to stop. Besides, it wasn't too heavy, so getting a little wet wasn't a problem. I'd already traveled a long way since morning, and my feet were already aching a bit, so the slight drizzle wasn't much of a hindrance. Despite the drizzle, the Osaka sky was still a deep blue, unclouded. It was a truly delightful sight, wasn't it? Seeing a beautiful ancient building under a blue sky is something you rarely find in polluted cities.   But it turns out, I haven't arrived at the actual Osaka Castle yet. The view you just saw was just outside the castle. The area is quite large, but seeing it from where I was before was quite satisfying for me. Fortunately, entry to the Osaka Castle Park area is free, so I had to enjoy what was inside Osaka Castle even though the vastness made my legs hurt even more. As you know, Japanese walking culture has a very fast rhythm, so when you match your steps to its rhythm, it will be a shock therapy. ------- ***Walk straight and don't regret it...*** | https://images.ecency.com/DQmNX2cGLon2rP5LW9eurfdXYgUp4krXbSranTRLMahB9qi/img_1381.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmXFmTexPvoowVT9fMWJiZyDt8Vuv6nJqfPJsWLZY3DLUK/img_1382.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmSoiko1uAujkvssrEzJRBsvFWZmp5HHxX8FJDQwFn8YU6/img_1383.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmSZYiTnch7zi5oaRKJjHLXWXnX8ZGr86XNAHZWvp68Fp2/img_1384.jpg | | ---| ---| ----| ----| This is the street and what you'll see if you follow the flow of visitors. Yes, they're all heading to the same destination, the inner area of Osaka Castle. You'll find plenty of lush trees and dry ones. This area is Osaka Castle Park, which is also a great place for picnicking or just taking a breath of fresh air. | https://images.ecency.com/DQmcE6t78EbJd7njaJGTf8a4FUKj54qaPoWDDWenAUpfhA8/img_1404.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmcHyDTUyykBqChCNfrb2Happ36Ct1onzDdGPvYALAVLBP/img_1406.jpg | | ----| ----| --------- **The Main Gate** ---- | https://images.ecency.com/DQmY1sp6zta1UchqKDn4UTB83j5BNKZj3SfeBwexY89qxbE/img_1414.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmZemHN2UbxrASqPoKzHESfifuCKaW279xvF5TyJCK5R7F/img_1415.jpg | | ----| ----| Main entrance gate. If you've seen this gate, even if you can't see it because of the crowd, it means you're close to the inner arena of Osaka Castle. Yup, this is the main entrance gate arena.  | https://images.ecency.com/DQmYdUfjQ7CgffQ2bDCKQih4ebDM5ndHdRwGQGKuMpGunpY/img_1418.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmeDdzroE61HrkK1cgNTrYHYVycaNo4Q5hsMNyzN18yppc/img_1419.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmQnQnfVRXoKxoSu7DNzz3PDki3ecyepSoDa5RN7bsr3BU/img_1429.jpg | | ----| ----| ----| Everyone passes through this gate, but they stop for a moment to enjoy the stunning views around this entrance gate. So did I, even though the drizzle was getting heavier and wetting my hat, I was busy looking for a good spot for a photo. Look at the reservoir, high walls, bridges, and typical Japanese buildings there; they will impress you. **Sites of Minami-Shikirumon Gate and Taiko-yagura Turret**  *Okay, I'm done with taking photos, let's continue the journey that you will enjoy....* https://images.ecency.com/DQmVGCvLS3TDRMxnytHG26SYGyShyfJZ9Dtburmeh7hf5jr/img_1435.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmaZGJcMrzF3CNNbgPe8x5A7RBLbg9yabhzRRw6SGTzHKG/img_1436.jpg | | ----| ----| | https://images.ecency.com/DQmURjcMvKVsprcS3hv7mEV8gpKFWD5RAyZtQFN7hF4cJtf/img_1440.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmSkaLjiuzQBXTXEwc1gGDE4AYKLQXt3gNkBXFTmyeYkWm/img_1442.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmQJjNmy65wkAEHrjHW6jMFbcKqF9N1bBrNEUv5YxiFF27/img_1443.jpg | | ----| ----| ----| | https://images.ecency.com/DQmZzMKfBhV1VyCWSDxDZhTMvLqfHq7fEoVk8WQRhcLQyXA/img_1444.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmPVCY8BM7cFQq4UAqJCrx7ysZDTXhPvkvxT3mM6ZW7EMJ/img_1445.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmeMNnJUyeh7J3mQrEFs2zsG6UHG13EfdSW4cncAMBwPsn/img_1446.jpg | | ----| ----| ----|  | https://images.ecency.com/DQmf9Zmdx6uyFwga6FwkK2v2RyhMgsz1pmvEjKcxhvzsCtc/img_1466.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmV76otpaMoaE7jqHCUMxLWRYctkPZzJARAThAoXAWt5GB/img_1465.jpg | | ----| ----|  | https://images.ecency.com/DQmaqHyVFjGtc8DGV24hFLb3BGkVLrLXfnDJW97FjPjDYLp/img_1454.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmYD7UG69uKHe1Zk8qeEbqnKd2oAioZ79asQHywara219o/img_1457.jpg | | ---| ----| Passing through the Main Entrance Gate, you'll find a vast and well-maintained garden. The sky is still crystal clear inside. The sturdy, ancient walls will still accompany you, as they surround every corner. The path leading to the main area of Osaka Castle is a slight uphill climb. So where were the crowds? They were taking shelter from the drizzle. I continued my journey despite not having an umbrella. ------- ***... and this is our spotlight... The Osaka Castle...***  What little I knew about Osaka Castle was that it was a palace that also served as a military fort. Before becoming a palace and being managed by the Japanese government as it is today, this area was originally built as the residence of a priest with a large following. He later built a temple near the Yodo River. | https://images.ecency.com/DQmPNCKu6rAv5Dg3fcYXAYnwiJFYm2EMF1pdd337ufKjxc8/img_1512.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmU5MYgV66FzDTsA8yyehFisx8wmi9vu2gpqjgAAr7J6s8/img_1570.jpg | | ---| ----| https://images.ecency.com/DQmNvEiwCjvdJpYBfCYALxETj5uPRH6hKUhVHfYDx8zh2z4/img_1477.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmcND6M3urpHLNHrFJrbymBFyE6H2f9o3znXaCg3fYhoaH/img_1485.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmTpmgUyafHsVvFPTTkAskuVCeBLBJTqqRCbyugJadEkJt/img_1492.jpg | https://images.ecency.com/DQmdbrnT8bkXjzZYHVuBdCeeGpACWwWr7sd4SsHMDWfboxW/img_1575.jpg | | ----| ----| ----| So, this area holds significant historical value. Even though it has become a major tourist destination in Osaka, its historical significance remains very strong. I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit this historic building, a landmark of Japan's history. As I mentioned, I don't know much about Japan, so I didn't have any expectations about the country when I visited. What I did know was that the people there were very organized and orderly. Apparently, everything about Japan is fascinating. Hasta La Vistaa.... ------- *Thanks in advance, to read my blog and hope you like my post!* *See you on the next post...* ------ -----