Japan Day 4 - Osaka by Gordon, Osaka Castle 大阪城

Osaka

- Gordon

Japan Day 4:
Osaka Castle 大阪城

The map of the Osaka Castle

See the Tower of the castle 天守阁？
Walk around the outer bailey of
Osaka Castle 大阪城

Our hotel was close to
Osaka Castle 大阪城

     It was night time when we got to Osaka. We chose our hotel close to Osaka castle. Unlike Kyoto, Osaka Castle's night was really quiet and peaceful. It took us 1 hour to walk a whole round of the outer ring of the castle (along the super long and deep outer moat). We passed by Peach Blossom Garden, Osaka-Jo Hall, and a baseball field, etc. The exercise helped us had a nice sleep. I think Osaka is very awesome!

BBQ 日式串烧

Tea Time

Beef with rice 牛肉饭

Tofu soup
豆腐汤

      We had a good dinner, a bowl of beef and soup. It was actually pretty yummy, especially since we were starving. We were still a little hungry so a few other pieces of meat did the job to satisfied us. We enjoyed the Japanese tea as usual.

The ancient Osaka Castle sitting in the modern Osaka city

Outer Bailey of the Osaka Castle 大阪城外城

Entering inner bailey of Osaka Castle 走进大阪城内城

The deep moat of outer bailey
大阪城外城护城河

     The next morning, we visited to the inner bailey of Osaka Castle and Tenshukaku 天守阁 （the Tower of Osaka Castle）. Built in 1583, Osaka Castle is the most famous landmark and became the Osaka city symbol. It has a device that drops spears on the enemies. I thought it was useful because ladders didn't work. the ladder's fall down because of its deep moat 护城河.

Sakuramon Gate
樱门

Takoishi Stone
樱门巨石,

Huge stone at Sakuramon-

masugata Square

    Sakuramon Gate 樱门 is the main gate of the  inner Bailey of Osaka Castle. The huge stones on both sides of the gate are known as Ryukioshi, which means dragon and tiger stones 龙虎石. There was a legend about the stones. When it rained, it had an image of a dragon on the left and a tiger on the right side respectively. To protect the inner Bailey, the Sakuramon-masugata Square surrounded by a stone wall created inside the Sakuramon. This Takoishi Stone 樱门巨石 in Osaka Castle was built in 1624 with surface area of 59.43 sq. meters, estimated around 108 tons. It was in one whole piece. The tall stones made the foundation strong to protect from occupants exploring Osaka.

Kinmeisui Well and its roof
金明水井

      The Kinmeisui Well 金明水井 and its roof was built in 1624 as well. It still stands in front of the Tower of Osaka Castle, surviving enormous fires.

The Tower of Osaka Castle
大阪城天守阁

City view from the Tower of Osaka Castle
大阪城天守阁

Picture and ornament on the top floor of
the Tower of Osaka Castle 大阪城天守阁
金飞鹤和金鯱鉾

Replica of the ornaments on the top floor of
the Tower of Osaka Castle 大阪城天守阁
金鯱鉾和金伏虎

Samurai hats and dress

the Tower of Osaka Castle
大阪城天守阁

      Now we finally arrived at the tower of Osaka Castle 天守阁. There are 2 ways to get on the 7 floor tower, one by the elevator, and the other by climbing the stairs. Definitely we chose the hard way. Who wants to take the long line, just waiting for the elevator? On the way to the top of the building, it displays the history of Osaka Castle. Their roof ornaments were very fancy. It was made of gold and had many shapes like dragon and tiger. The top floor gives you an amazing view of the whole city of Osaka. Osaka castle is good!

Japanese curry with rice
日式咖喱饭

      It was around noon time already. After a full lunch, we departure to our next stop, Tokyo, the current capital of Japan.

Beautiful city view from Osaka Castle