Kishiwada Castle

In 1334, the first Kishiwada castle was constructed in the coastal city of Kishiwada by Wada Takaie. 

Kishiwada Castle is also known as Chikiri Castle, and was originally built with 5 stories, it was later struck by lighting in the early 1800’s and burnt down. 

The current building was built in 1954 with some slight alterations from the original design, down grading from a 5 storied castle, to a mere 3 stories. 

The castle’s main tower, known as the tenshu, is now a museum, showcasing the castle’s rich history and artifacts from the feudal period. The museum, hosting ancient wall scroll paintings and samurai armor can be found on floors one and two. In the museum, there is strictly no photography in this area as the artworks are of cultural significance to the Osaka City.

The third floor of Kishiwada Castle offers a lovely view of the the Osaka area. 

One of the highlights of Kishiwada Castle is the beautiful garden that surrounds it. This traditional Japanese garden features carefully crafted paths, bridges, and rock formations, creating a peaceful and serene environment. The garden is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

In addition to the castle and its surrounding garden, Kishiwada is also known for its festival, the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival. This festival takes place in September and is a lively celebration of the city’s history and culture. During the festival, large wooden carts known as danjiri are paraded through the streets, accompanied by music and dance. It’s an unforgettable experience that should not be missed if you’re visiting the city during that time.