Osaka

Ultimate Guide to Osaka Castle: 12

The 1st, 6th and Taiko turrets to Nishinomaru Garden

Takako Sakamoto Jul 10, 2014 - 1分钟阅读时间

<p>The Rokuban (sixth) Turret and Japanese pine trees</p>

<p>According to the sign, this is called the 'Ichiban-yagura' turret, the first turret of seven turrets built on the stone walls on the south side of the Outer Bailey. It was built in 1628 and only two out of seven turrets remain, which makes it an important cultural property of Japan. The turret has many windows for the purpose of attacking enemies from them. Also, it has a device to drop stones to repel enemies who attempt to climb the stone walls</p>

<p>The Ichiban Turret viewed from below</p>

<p>The view of green plants and trees near the Ichiban Turret</p>

<p>Stone monument of a poem written by a Japanese Senryu poet, Tsuru Akira (1909 - 1938), who was famous for his anti-war poems</p>

<p>Walkway connecting turrets was completely deserted and a bit scary</p>

<p>There was a burnt-down (or a dried-up) tree root along the way and I enjoyed imagining it was burnt-down 400 years ago when Osaka Castle was attacked by the Tokugawa Army!</p>

<p>This is the Rokuban Yagura Turret, which is the sixth turret, one of the two turrets remaining out of seven turrets originally built on the premises. This was also built in 1628 and is designated as an important cultural property of Japan</p>

<p>The sign indicating that the Minami Shikirimon Gate and the Taiko Yagura Turret used to be here</p>

<p>This is the remains of the Minami Shikirimon Gate, which was made of stone</p>

<p>Entrance of the Nishinomaru Garden...but it was under maintenance and I couldn't enter it!</p>

<p>As it was closed for maintenance, I had to enjoy the view from the outside...I should come back again!</p>

This photo story is to guide you step-by-step as you explore the Osaka Castle and the Osaka Castle Park. The twelfth leg of the journey begins at the Ichiban (first) Turret to the Rokuban (sixth) Turret, then to the sites of the Minami Shikirimon Gate and the Taiko (drum) Turret. These two turrets (the first and the sixth) are the only turrets remaining out of seven turrets built in 1628 and they are designated as important cultural properties. Also, there is the Nishinomaru Garden to see and enjoy here, but unfortunately when I visited it was closed for maintenance. Maybe next time!

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...