Osaka

Ultimate Guide to Osaka Castle: 06

Shikiri-mon Gate to Main Tower of Osaka Castle

Takako Sakamoto Jul 05, 2014 - 2 min read

<p>Now you are standing in front of the main tower of Osaka Castle, but you entered from a back entrance and this is the side view of the castle. You have to go around and get to the front of the castle...</p>

<p>...by going through this gate made of stone</p>

<p>The sign explains that the gate you just went through is called, 'Tenshushita-shikirimon Gate'. This gate is made of stone walls, built in staggered positions to prevent enemies from going straight to the main tower of the castle</p>

<p>When you entered the 'Shikirimon Gate' made of stone walls, you can see the side view of the main tower. The passageway is decorated with beautiful pine trees</p>

<p>And here you are, in front of the main tower of Osaka Castle!</p>

<p>This is the open space spreading out in front of the main tower. Tourists are strolling here and there</p>

<p>No way! These are the stones called 'Zannen Ishi', which means 'Bad luck stones' or 'Disappointed Stones'. They were quarried in Shodoshima Island in Kagawa prefecture in 1620 to be used as one of the stones for the walls here, but were never used and then abandoned on the island...thus, 'Disappointed Stones'!</p>

<p>The front view of the main tower of Osaka Castle...how magnificent!</p>

<p>This is the entrance to the main tower</p>

<p>On Saturday, there was some event going on</p>

<p>The mascot character of Osaka Castle, 'Yumemaru-kun' (Dream Boy?!) was welcoming visitors</p>

<p>Many shops are lined up and selling souvenirs or food to visitors</p>

This photo story is to guide you step-by-step as you explore the Osaka Castle and the Osaka Castle Park. The sixth leg of the journey begins at the 'Tenshushita Shikirimon Gate' to the main tower of Osaka Castle. You are right now standing at the back of the main tower. In order to get to the front you'll have to enter the Shikirimon Gate, which is made of stone walls in a staggered position to prevent enemies from going straight to the main tower. When you enter it and go around you'll see the vast open space spreading in front of you bustling with crowds and activities. Tourists are strolling around enjoying themselves by taking pictures, eating, etc. In front of the main tower there are some dark-colored stones displayed. They are called, 'Zannen Ishi', literaly, 'Bad Luck Stones' or 'Disappointed Stones'. They were quarried to be used as part of the stone walls here in 1612, but were never used and ended up being displayed here 400 years later. Bad luck indeed! For further guidance, please refer to the links below.

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Ultimate Guide: Osaka Castle

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...