The first stop on the tour is the Otemon Gate, the main gate of Osaka Castle. Since it was built at the same time as the present Osaka Castle was constructed, it has a history of more than 400 years. The gate itself is a highlight, with tiles in the shape of “peaches” installed on the roof to ward off evil spirits, but the area around the gate is also impressive, with several huge stones used in the stone walls to symbolize the power of the Tokugawa Shoguns who built the castle.

The next shrine we will visit, Toyokuni Shrine, is dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the man who first built Osaka Castle here before the current Osaka Castle was built, and who first unified the samurai world. In Japan, it is customary to enshrine as gods those who have made great achievements during their lifetime, even if they are human beings. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified a turbulent world and laid the foundation for the development of the city of Osaka, is revered as a god.

Come on! We have arrived at the Osaka Castle Keep, the highlight of this tour. Osaka Castle was built 400 years ago, but fell during the war and was rebuilt. From the top floor of the castle, which offers a great view of the city of Osaka, the castle is a history museum, where you can learn about the history of Osaka Castle and the samurai involved in its construction in an easy-to-understand manner. Osaka Castle has watched over the prosperity of the city of Osaka for more than 400 years. Enjoy all that Osaka Castle has to offer, a landmark in the hearts of the people who live in Osaka.

When you have finished touring the keep, head to the opposite side of the main gate. This is the corner called “Yamasatomaru,” meaning “mountain village. The name comes from the fact that Hideyoshi, who first built Osaka Castle, was the son of a farmer, and this corner of the castle was named after the Japanese farming village landscape that he had recreated to remind him of his childhood. In this area, a collection of stone wall stones unearthed through excavations that show evidence of having been transported by various feudal lords are collected and visitors can enjoy looking for patterns on them.

Proceeding in an easterly direction from the Osaka Castle keep, you will cross a bridge called “Gokurakubashi” (Gokurakubashi Bridge). The parapets and fences have been reproduced using wood, and looking in the direction of the castle keep from here is known as a spot where visitors can take charming photos as if they have stepped back in time.