With only one day in Osaka, it can be overwhelming to choose what to do. This is why planning a tour is essential to make the most of your experience. Overall, my organized tour was fantastic, allowing me time for the famous Osaka Castle and Shitennoji highlights. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Therefore, I recommend these sites for an Osaka itinerary.
Even more, Osaka is one of Japan’s best cities for cherry blossom viewing or “hanami” in early April. However, I just missed the peak, seeing a mix display of full bloom and wabi sabi or decay of cherry blossoms. Nonetheless, everything was gorgeous.
Osaka Castle (Osakajo) Park
One can easily spend a whole day at the Osaka Castle Park. It’s one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and it played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Finally, after many transformations, in 1931 Japan reconstructed the present ferro-concrete castle tower. Overall, its historical significance stems from the original construction to symbolize the unified Japan under Toyotomi rule and the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period.
Today, this regal castle stands on top of a stone foundation with 8 stories inside. It overlooks the beautiful park with other landmarks, such as, a moat, turrets, stone walls and other citadels. In addition, it spreads out over a beautiful park, including the Nishinomaru Garden with 600 cherry trees and an ume (plum) orchard. So, this is a wonderful place to visit during “Sakura” or cherry blossom season in spring.
There’s even a teahouse from which to enjoy the incredible view of the castle. Plus, there’s a shrine dedicating Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a kyudo for Japanese archery and Osaka-jo Hall for music concerts. In other words, there’s a lot to do at Osaka Castle and Park.
Inside Osaka Castle is museums about the history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi unification. Overall, each floor has something unique exhibiting the history through dioramas, films, figures, displays and maps. There is a modern elevator taking you to each floor. Also, I enjoyed a fun photo op, wearing a traditional Japanese green silk kimono with obi (wide belt). And the grand finale was the epic view from the top floor. It overlooks the castle park, moat and beyond to the Osaka cityscape.
Related: MY LIFE-CHANGING CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS IN JAPAN AND CORRESPONDENCES TO BUDDHISM
Shitennoji Buddhist Temple
Located in the Tennoji district Shitennoji Buddhist Temple of southern Osaka, the historic temple is often referred to as the first and oldest temple in Japan. However, even with setbacks, Japan rebuilt it according to its original design. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who was pivotal in introducing Buddhism to Japan. Furthermore, named after the Shitenno, the 4 heavenly kings of Buddhism, the prince built the temple to honor them.
The outer temple grounds are free. However, there is an admission charge to see the inner precinct and Gokuraku-jodo Garden. Overall, the inner precinct includes a five-story red and white pagoda, main hall and courtyard. The main hall (kondo) is where the Prince Shotoku is enshrined as a statue of Kannon (Bodhisattva of Compassion). In addition, there’s a treasure house displaying paintings and scriptures. The many gates at the temple are guarded by wooden statues known as Nio or Benevolent Kings. Furthermore, these interesting temple gates include the Great East Gate, the great West Gate (Gokuraku-mon), and the Great South Gate (Nandai-mon).
Overall, Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Highlights
This day in Osaka left a deep impression on me. Being there in spring, the cherry blossoms were a nice complement to the elegant and ancient architecture. Both these iconic sites are must-see attractions in Osaka and historically important.
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