Kishiwada Castle is one of Japan’s 100 best castles – Introducing recommended tourist spots and access information

This time, I would like to introduce the charm of Kishiwada Castle, which was selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan, as well as recommended spots nearby!

1. What is Kishiwada Castle like?

Kishiwada Castle is said to have been built about 700 years ago in 1334 by a member of Masashige Kusunoki’s family. At that time, the name of the area was “Kishi,” so became known as “Kishi no Wada” and eventually “Kishiwada.” History is interesting, isn’t it?

At that time, it seems that a mountain castle (Kishiwada Kojo) was built about 500m southeast of the current Kishiwada Castle, but it seems that this castle was abandoned and relocated to its current position.

The Kishiwada Castle was refurbished as a base for Hideyoshi Hashiba’s conquest of Kishu, but it was built in 1585 by Hidemasa Koide in full swing. The castle tower was burned down by a lightning strike in 1827, and it was destroyed in 1871 (Meiji 4) without being rebuilt.

The current castle tower was added on the 3rd floor in 1958, designated as a designated historic site in Osaka Prefecture in 1943 (Showa 18), and was selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan in 2017.

Another name for Kishiwada Castle is “Ibuseyama Chikiri Castle”. The reason for that is it’s location on a small hill called Ibuseyama.

2. Castle Tower and Highlights

The current castle tower is three stories and was built in 1954, but it was originally five stories tall.
The promenade is maintained so that you can walk around the castle once, so let’s search for your favorite shooting spot while walking!You’ll probably also see some wildlife in the area.Of course, you must see the castle surrounded by the moat! Kishiwada Castle is about 840m east-west and 940m north-south. The moat at Senkaeri Park, where the main circle is located, has a moat width of 20 m even in narrow places and nearly 40 m in wide places.Ninomaru park is in front of Kishiwada Castle. There are well-maintained lawns, pine trees, and wall clocks. There is also a bench so it’s a good spot to take a break.Let’s also look at the gate to enter the castle! It was reconstructed in 1969. When you go inside, you’re forced to turn left. This must have been part of the castle’s defensive strategy.A huge kettle appears in front of you when you pass the Otemon gate! Its size is 150 cm in diameter. It is so large that a small woman can fit inside. In fact, the “Koshikiyo Oogama” was donated by the nearby Shinki Honke Sake Brewery. Osaka is a good place to see tools for making sake at Kishiwada Castle.There is a garden inside the main castle ground, and the stone garden with the motif of Akira Morozuka’s eight circles is designated as a national scenic spot. However, this Kishiwada castle garden was created by Mirei Shigemori in 1952, and although it did not exist since the Warring States period, it is still worth looking at the garden where you can feel traditional Japanese culture.Looking from the 3rd floor of main castle, it looks like this.On the 3rd floor of castle, there is a diorama of what the area looked like long ago. It certainly looked much different from now.It is a view from the 3rd floor of the castle tower overlooking Mount Kongo and Mount Katsuragi.This is the sea side. When the weather is nice, you can see far to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The breeze is very pleasant and there are no tall buildings around, so it’s a nice view!Airplanes landing on Awaji Island, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Kansai… It’s a bit far, but it’s a good view!

3. Japanese restaurant “Gofuso” where you can eat while feeling history

The new café in the old Kishiwada castle, “Gofuso”, which was built as an old house of the former Terada Zaibatsu family, has modern Japanese style architecture and a strolling Japanese garden, is also designated as Kishiwada City’s tangible cultural property. It was opened in 2019 as a Japanese restaurant!

This is a must-see restaurant for history lovers, but be sure to make a reservation!You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Japanese garden while eating here.
We were shown to a private room with space for 4 to 6 people.This is the view from the large window. You can enjoy the taste of Japanese cuisine with the stream flowing nearby.There are also many private rooms that can be used depending on the number of people. Contact them when making a reservation.I ordered a lunch set.The prawns are large and delicious, and the tempura, sashimi of tuna, simmered with a gentle taste, chawanmushi, and salad are all in good volume. The dessert of the day was with baked pineapple jelly, which is also delicious! Gofuso-san has good food, but it’s the amazing atmosphere which really stands out.

4. Get a red stamp at Kishijo Shrine!

Before you return home, be sure to visit Kishiki Shrine, which is also famous for the Danjiri Festival.Kishiwada Castle was sometimes called “Kichiriri Castle”, and it is said that many people worship as a god of marriage because of Chikiri → Chigi. By connecting two red and white threads, “Tigiri no Yarn,” to the barn, you will be blessed!

You should also get a booklet for collecting stamps.Kishiwada castle is drawn in the red stamp book of this shrine! The photo is the Danjiri Festival. This side is also cool!By the way, the red stamp looks like this. It’s rare that the name of the castle is the name of the shrine, so be sure to get it!

5. Access to Kishiwada Castle

The nearest stations to Kishiwada Castle are Takojizo Station and Kishiwada Station on the Nankai Main Line. It takes about 7 minutes from Takojizo Station and about 13 minutes from Kishiwada Station. Here, we will introduce how to get to Kishiwada Castle from Kishiwada Station.At Kishiwada Station on the Nankai Main Line, exit the ticket gate from the central exit and go to the left, the West Exit.This is the west exit. Go left here. By the way, there is a tourist information center on the right with various pamphlets, so stop by if you’re interested.The Kishiwada Ekimae Shopping Street is right in front of you.Cross this signal to the shopping street.Unlike most shopping streets in Japan, cars drive along this one, so be careful.After a while, you will see the signboard for Jomitibashisuji Shopping Street above. Turn left here.It’s easy to miss, so look out for a covered shopping street like this.Keep going straight.And continue going straight even after the covered arcade street.After a while, you will come to a large intersection with a traffic light. Go straight through here.Even after you cross the signal, keep going straight.When you reach the end of this road, turn right.Keep going straight for a while again.After continuing for a while, turn left at this net, which is the athletics field of a high school.Keep going straight here with the net to your right. Kishijo Shrine is on your left. It would be nice to visit first.After passing Kishijo Shrine, follow the road to the right and you will see Kishiwada Castle!There is a small staircase on the right, so please go down. And if you turn left here, you will find Gofuso.Go down the stairs and turn right. Go along the moat.Turn left at the end and the entrance of Kishiwada Castle will be on your left.Thank you for your hard work! You can go to Kishiwada Castle castle tower for free, so please go through the gate and go inside.

6. Basic information about Kishiwada Castle

7. Summary

What did you think? Kishiwada Castle is a great place to visit if you’re interested in history or want to enjoy Japanese gardens. And it’s not too large of an area ,so it’s easy to tour. Don’t forget to climb up the castle tower to check out the great view!

▼Click here for information on the Danjiri Festival

Welove大阪

2021.11.17

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